Making the decision to self-direct your own retirement account is simple. Selecting the right self-directed IRA custodian is fairly straightforward — at least on the surface. But not every self-directed IRA custodian or administrator is right for every self-directed investor, even if that custodian is a great service provider. With that in mind, there are […]
Four Investing Rules the Super Rich Always Follow (updated)
Today, there is more money in circulation than ever before, which means there’s more money to be made. Who makes this money isn’t about luck or having a “secret formula”. It’s all about being clever, and knowing how to make your money work for you. Whether you’re new to the investing game, or you’re a […]
Self-Directed IRA Rollover Terminology Broken Down
Rollovers are the most common way to transfer funds within retirement accounts. Transfers and rollovers are transactions that allows for the movement of assets between IRAs and 401K plans. Let’s go over the basic terminology. Direct Rollover A Direct Rollover is generally used when moving funds from an employer plan (like a former employer 401K) […]
What Changes are Coming in 2020 for Social Security?
A new year often brings slight changes to some of America’s most popular programs, and Social Security is no exception. The amount each beneficiary should expect to receive in 2020 will be slightly higher (like many years), after inflation adjustments. And taxes may affect different swaths of the population. The program is an important piece […]
Qualified for Both? SEP IRA vs Solo 401K
Both the SEP IRA and the Solo 401K are self-employed retirement plans. They can be established by legal entities (in this context, often S corporations) or they can be established by individuals that have self-employed income. That self-employment income generally must come through a sole proprietorship or through a limited liability company (LLC) that is […]
How a RMD Can Negatively Impact Your Retirement Accounts
If you saved well for your senior years by consistently funding an IRA or 401K, you’re probably quite appreciative of that money now that you’re actually retired and using it. But the last thing you want to do is give up a huge chunk of your savings for no good reason. And if you neglect […]
Understanding Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Get a better understanding of what REITs are and how you can incorporate them into your trading or investing strategy. What are REITs? A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a security that trades like a stock on the major exchanges and owns—and in most cases operates—income-producing real estate or related assets. Many REITs are […]
Inflation Can and Will Deplete Your Self-Directed IRA Income – How to Fight it
Inflation is something most Americans don’t think about much, but it has a significant influence on all of our financial lives. Not only does inflation impact the prices of consumer goods; but the federal government also uses it as a benchmark in determining whether to increase contribution limits to qualified retirement plans or to raise […]
Using a Self-Directed IRA to Invest in a Private Company
The Internal Revenue Service puts few restrictions on what assets you can own in an individual retirement arrangement. You can’t use your self-directed IRA to buy life insurance, collectibles, jewelry, alcoholic beverages or some forms of precious metals. But there’s nothing in the law that says you can’t buy an interest in a closely held […]
The IRS Has Released IRA Contributions Limits for 2020
Each year, the IRS announces IRA contributions and their limits, Traditional IRA deduction income limits, and Roth IRA contribution income limits. Not only is there a maximum amount that Americans can contribute to their IRAs each year, but not everyone is eligible for both types of IRAs. The 2020 IRA Contribution Limit While there are […]