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Insight & Updates

Stay informed with the latest insights, industry trends, and expert perspectives on self-directed retirement investing.

Questions to Ask Before Opening a Self-Directed CESA

If you’re looking for ways to save for a child’s education, you’ve probably noticed one thing: education costs can add up quickly. Whether you’re planning for private school, college, or other qualified educational expenses, finding a tax-advantaged way to save can make a meaningful difference over time. One option some families explore is a Self-Directed …

Can a Precious Metals IRA Help Save For Retirement?

A Precious Metals IRA can help retirement investors diversify their portfolios during changing economic conditions. Economic headlines can be difficult to interpret. Interest rates rise and fall. Housing markets shift. Inflation concerns come and go. Even professional economists often disagree about where the economy is headed next. As a result, many retirement investors focus less …

A Quick Guide to Self-Directed IRA Fees

Fees matter. A lot. When you’re investing in retirement, you need to know that if all goes well and your account jumps in size, fees aren’t going to eat so much into your savings that it makes you question whether the IRA was worth it. And with a Self-Directed IRA, you need to know that …

Self-Directed IRA vs. Solo 401(k): Which Retirement Plan Is Better for Entrepreneurs?

Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals have unique retirement planning opportunities that traditional employees often don’t. Two of the most powerful retirement accounts available are the Self-Directed IRA and the Solo 401(k). Both plans offer valuable tax advantages, flexible investment opportunities, and long-term wealth-building potential. However, the right option depends on your business structure, income level, investment …

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Alternative Assets for Retirement

For many investors, retirement portfolios have traditionally centered around stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. However, growing interest in diversification and alternative investment opportunities has led more retirement savers to explore alternative assets inside retirement accounts. From real estate and private lending to cryptocurrency and precious metals, alternative investments can provide opportunities beyond traditional Wall Street …

What Is a Self-Directed Roth IRA and How Does It Work?

For investors seeking greater control over their retirement assets and the potential for tax-free retirement income, a Self-Directed Roth IRA can be an attractive option. Unlike traditional retirement accounts that limit investments to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a Self-Directed Roth IRA allows investors to hold alternative assets such as real estate, cryptocurrency, private lending, …

Prohibited Transactions in a Self-Directed IRA: What Investors Need to Know

A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) can provide investors with expanded retirement investment opportunities beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. From real estate and private lending to cryptocurrency and private equity, Self-Directed IRAs allow investors to diversify retirement portfolios with alternative assets. However, with greater investment flexibility comes greater responsibility. The IRS imposes strict rules on Self-Directed …

Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA: Which Retirement Plan Offers Better Tax Advantages?

Choosing the right retirement plan is one of the most important financial decisions for self-employed individuals and small business owners. Two of the most popular options are the Solo 401(k) and the SEP IRA — both offering valuable tax benefits and retirement savings opportunities. However, the tax advantages of each plan differ in several important …

Self-Directed IRA Rules Every Investor Should Know

A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) can provide investors with powerful opportunities to diversify retirement portfolios beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. From real estate and private lending to cryptocurrency and precious metals, Self-Directed IRAs offer access to a wide range of alternative investments. However, with greater investment flexibility comes greater responsibility. The IRS imposes strict rules …

How to Diversify Your Retirement Portfolio Beyond Stocks and Bonds

For many investors, traditional retirement portfolios have historically relied heavily on stocks and bonds. While these assets continue to play an important role in long-term investing, growing market volatility and inflation concerns have led many retirement savers to explore broader diversification strategies. Diversifying beyond traditional investments may help reduce portfolio concentration risk, create additional income …