Invest in Everything the IRS Allows

IRA Financial gives you true investment freedom—from real estate and private equity to stocks and crypto—all inside one tax-advantaged account.
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Alternative Asset Investments

Unlike traditional brokerage IRAs, a Self-Directed IRA from IRA Financial lets you tap into the same institutional-quality alternative investments once reserved for hedge funds and ultra-high-net-worth investors—all tax-free or tax-deferred.

Invest in residential rentals, commercial properties, raw land, fix-and-flip projects, and international real estate—all inside your IRA. Income and appreciation grow tax-advantaged.

Buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and hundreds of altcoins with no capital gains tax until distribution. IRA Financial offers one of the broadest crypto IRA platforms available, with true checkbook control.

Hold IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion inside your IRA. A classic inflation hedge with real, tangible asset backing.

Access hedge funds, private equity funds, interval funds, and other pooled investment vehicles inside your IRA. Invest in institutional-grade fund structures that are typically unavailable through traditional retirement accounts, with full tax-advantaged treatment.

Purchase government-issued tax liens secured by real property. Earn government-mandated interest rates—often 8–36%—inside your tax-advantaged retirement account.

Invest in Reg D offerings, startup equity, LLC interests, and private company shares inside your IRA. Access deals outside public markets with the full tax advantages of a self-directed retirement account.

Purchase government-issued tax liens secured by real property. Earn government-mandated interest rates—often 8–36%—inside your tax-advantaged retirement account.

Invest in early-stage companies, private placements, and venture funds. Fund the next big startup tax-free and capture upside inside your retirement account.

Hedge Funds

Hold interests in hedge funds and alternative investment vehicles directly inside your IRA. Access institutional strategies — long/short equity, arbitrage, and multi-asset funds — with the tax advantages of a self-directed retirement account.

Learn More About Alternative Assets

Traditional Investments

Your Self-Directed IRA isn’t just for alternatives. Maintain a diversified portfolio by also accessing the full range of publicly traded securities—all in the same account with the same tax advantages.

Stocks and Equities

Buy individual shares of publicly traded companies on any U.S. or international exchange. Dividends and capital gains accumulate tax-free or tax-deferred.

ETFs

Access broad market exposure with low-cost ETFs—including index funds, sector ETFs, bond ETFs, and commodity ETFs—inside your retirement account.

Mutual Funds

Invest in actively and passively managed mutual funds across equity, bond, and balanced strategies. Professionally managed diversification in a single fund.

Bonds

Hold U.S. Treasuries, municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and international bonds. Generate steady interest income while sheltering it from annual taxation.

Options Trading

Trade covered calls, protective puts, and approved options strategies inside your Self-Directed IRA. All premiums and gains grow without annual tax drag.

Futures

Trade commodity, index, and financial futures inside your retirement account. Futures are supported as a core asset class with the same account controls available across the platform.

Learn More About Traditional Assets

Why Invest with a Self-Directed Account?

True Diversification

Spread retirement assets across uncorrelated markets—real estate, crypto, private deals, and public equities all in one account.

Tax-Deferred or Tax-Free Growth

Traditional self-directed IRAs defer taxes; Roth self-directed IRAs grow 100% tax-free. Every dollar earned inside stays working for you.

Checkbook Control

IRA Financial’s LLC structure gives you investment-speed decision-making—no waiting on custodian approval for each deal.

Expert Guidance and Compliance

Our in-house tax and ERISA attorneys ensure every investment is properly structured and IRS-compliant.

No Transaction Fees

IRA Financial charges a flat annual fee—not per-transaction fees—so you keep more of your investment returns.

Built-In Asset Protection

Structure investments to reduce liability risks and safeguard your wealth for long-term financial security.

See What Our Clients Have to Say

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Average rating on 2,000

I have been a client of IRA Financial for several years and I really love them. I've worked with other companies, and they just were not as easy to work with. I appreciate being able to get somebody on the phone and getting help with taxes. Just everything has been so easy to work with. I have, and do, recommend them to anyone thinking about self-directed investing.

Paul S.

I researched several companies before deciding to go with IRA Financial. I am completely happy with my choice. I appreciate that I can ask questions about rules prior to making an investment to make sure I am compliant. I like that I can invest in traditional investments, but also real estate. I have invested in land, rentals, and home flips. Whenever I am speaking with self-employed individuals, I bring up IRA Financial and the idea of opening a Solo 401(k). I think it is a no-brainer for someone who is self-employed and wish I had opened mine up sooner.

Alicia G.

I've looked at all of the participants in this space and IRA Financial was the clear choice. They were the easiest to work with, answered all my questions and concerns prior to me taking the steps to open the account. The process is straight forward and there are no surprises. My investments in Real Estate have been largely successful. IRA Financial is professional, has great support, and put the customer in the driver's seat.

Dean F.

FAQ

With an IRA Financial Self-Directed IRA, you can invest in virtually any asset class the IRS permits. This includes real estate, private equity, startups, cryptocurrency, precious metals, tax liens, promissory notes, private loans, hedge funds, as well as stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, and options. The only prohibited investments are life insurance, S-corporation stock, and most collectibles.

A traditional or Roth IRA at a bank or brokerage is limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds on that platform. A Self-Directed IRA has the same IRS rules and tax advantages, but it allows you to invest in the full universe of IRS-permitted assets—including alternative investments like real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency—giving you far greater control over your retirement portfolio.

Yes—real estate is one of the most popular investments inside a Self-Directed IRA. You can purchase residential rentals, commercial properties, raw land, fix-and-flip projects, foreign real estate, and more. All rental income and appreciation flow back into your IRA tax-deferred (Traditional) or tax-free (Roth).

Yes. IRA Financial was one of the first providers to offer cryptocurrency investing inside a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k). You can invest in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies. All gains accumulate without annual capital gains tax until you take a distribution.

Checkbook control means your IRA owns an LLC, and that LLC has a bank account with a checkbook. As the manager of the LLC, you can invest immediately—writing checks or wiring funds directly—without waiting for custodian approval on each transaction. This is especially valuable for time-sensitive real estate and private lending deals.

The IRS prohibits three main categories: (1) life insurance contracts, (2) most collectibles such as artwork, antiques, rugs, stamps, alcoholic beverages, and most coins, and (3) S-corporation stock. Additionally, certain transactions with “disqualified persons” (you, your spouse, lineal family) are prohibited. IRA Financial’s tax attorneys can help you navigate these rules.

Absolutely. There is no rule that requires you to pick one or the other. Many IRA Financial clients maintain diversified portfolios that include real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency alongside publicly traded stocks, ETFs, and bonds—all within the same Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k).

IRA Financial (IRAF) is not a law firm and does not provide legal, financial, or investment advice. No attorney-client relationship exists between the Client and IRAF, its staff, or in-house counsel. IRAF offers retirement account facilitation and document services only. Clients should consult qualified legal, tax, or financial professionals before making investment decisions. IRAF does not render legal, accounting, or professional services. If such services are needed, seek a qualified professional. Custodian-related service costs are not included in IRAF’s professional services.

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