IRA Financial Blog
Insights, strategies, and expert answers on self-directed retirement, taxes, and alternative investing.
Stop Choosing Between Stocks and Alternatives. Your IRA Can Hold Both.
I get this question more than almost any other. Someone calls me, they have been self-directing for a few years, maybe they own a rental property or…
Self-Directed Retirement Providers That Let You Invest in Both Crypto and Private Equity
Can you invest in cryptocurrency and private equity inside the same retirement account? Yes! With the right self-directed retirement plan, you can…
How a Self-Directed IRA LLC Acts as Your Private Family Office
For decades, the term "family office" was reserved for the ultra-wealthy. It represented a private firm dedicated entirely to managing the…
What is a Self-Directed IRA Custodian?
The Self-Directed IRA custodian is one of the most important decisions you will make when starting a plan. Not all custodians are the same. A lot…
How to Minimize the Cost of Your Self-Directed Roth IRA Investment
When most people think about building wealth inside a Self-Directed Roth IRA, they focus on what to invest in. Real estate. Private equity. Startups.…
The New Era of 401(k) Investing: What the DOL’s Alternative Asset Safe Harbor Really Means
For decades, there has been a structural imbalance in how Americans invest for retirement. Large institutional investors, pension funds, endowments,…
How a Self-Directed HSA Can Double as a Stealth Retirement Account
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is widely known for its role in helping people cover medical expenses. But for high earners who are already maxing out…
Top Retirement Accounts for High-Net-Worth Individuals
Choosing the right retirement account isn't just a box to check. For high-net-worth individuals, typically those with $1 million or more in…
Can You Trade Stocks Inside a Self-Directed IRA?
If you invest in alternative assets through a Self-Directed IRA, real estate, cryptocurrency, private equity, you've probably had to maintain a…
The Smartest Thing You Can Do with Your Tax Refund
Every year, millions of Americans receive a tax refund and treat it like a bonus. A vacation. A new piece of furniture. A few months of caught-up…
How to Add Cryptocurrency to Your Retirement Account: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
Cryptocurrency has moved from the fringes of investing to a mainstream asset class. Yet most retirement savers still have no exposure to it, not…
Self-Directed IRA vs. Brokerage Account: Key Differences Explained
Most investors begin with a brokerage account. It is familiar, easy to open, and provides direct access to the financial markets. As your financial…
Why UBIT Isn’t as Bad as It Sounds for Real Estate IRA or 401(k) Investors
For many investors exploring the use of a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) to invest in real estate, one concept tends to create immediate concern:…
Rethinking RMDs: A Self-Directed IRA Strategy for Charitable Giving
For many retirement investors, the shift from saving to withdrawing is not as straightforward as expected. After years of carefully building wealth…
Solo 401(k) Provider Scorecard: 15 Questions to Ask Before You Choose
Why Your Solo 401(k) Provider Choice Affects Taxes, Control, and Flexibility Solo 401(k) plans remain one of the most powerful retirement…
When Is Your Self-Directed IRA Contribution Actually Made?
When it comes to Self-Directed IRAs and Self-Directed Roth IRAs, most investors focus on how much they can contribute and what they should invest…
The “Triple-Threat” Education Strategy: 529, Self-Directed Coverdell, and the Trump Account
Saving for a child’s future is no longer just about safe bonds and slow growth. To keep pace with rising tuition and the evolving digital economy,…
Can I Move Money to IRA Financial Tax-Free?
A Complete Guide to Funding a Self-Directed IRA, Solo 401(k), or ROBS Plan Without Triggering Taxes One of the most common questions I hear from…
Crypto IRA Regulations You Must Know: IRS Rules, Compliance, and Tax Implications
Crypto IRA Regulations You Must Know: IRS Rules, Compliance, and Tax Implications A Crypto IRA lets you hold cryptocurrency inside an individual…
How Do I Move Money to an IRA Financial Self-Directed IRA?
A Complete Guide to Contributions, Transfers, and Rollovers For many investors, the decision to open a Self-Directed IRA comes down to one thing:…
Using a Gift to Fund an IRA: A Smart Tax-Efficient Strategy
When family members want to help loved ones build real financial security, few gifts are more powerful than funding an IRA. In today's environment…
Can I Have a 401(k) and a SDIRA at the Same Time?
One of the most common questions I hear is whether you can have both a 401(k) and a Self-Directed IRA. The answer is simple. Yes. You can have…
Before You Buy Crypto in an IRA: The Key Decisions Most Investors Overlook
Cryptocurrency has evolved from a niche experiment into a widely discussed emerging asset class. Institutional investors, family offices, and…
Property Managers and Self-Directed IRAs
Investing in real estate through a Self-Directed IRA gives investors the ability to move beyond traditional Wall Street assets and truly diversify…
From Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Protect and Grow Your Retirement When You Go Out on Your Own
Across the United States, a quiet financial revolution is underway. Professionals are leaving traditional corporate and government careers at a…
Top Notes Investing Platforms in 2026
Notes investing, including promissory notes, private credit, short-term debt, and structured notes, is one of the fastest-growing areas of…
Top Alternative Investing Platforms in 2026
Alternative investing has grown in popularity as investors look for ways to diversify beyond stocks and bonds. From private equity and real estate…
Top Forex Investing Platforms to Know in 2026
Forex, or foreign exchange, remains the largest and most liquid financial market in the world, with daily trading volume exceeding $7 trillion. For…
Top Hedge Fund Investing Platforms You Should Know
Hedge funds represent one of the most sophisticated segments of the investment world. For decades, they were largely limited to institutions and…
A Smarter Way to Shelter Carried Interest: The Self-Directed Roth 401(k) Strategy
Carried interest has long been one of the most powerful wealth creation tools in real estate investing. When you combine leverage, patient capital,…
3 Important Questions for Your Solo 401(k) Provider
It’s important to ask your Solo 401(k) provider these three questions before establishing the plan with that custodian, as not all Solo 401(k) plans…
Top Crowdfunding Investing Platforms to Know in 2026
Crowdfunding investing has changed the way individuals access private markets. What was once limited to venture capital firms and institutional…
Structured Settlements in a Self-Directed IRA
Structured settlements are a powerful and often overlooked alternative investment opportunity that may appeal to self-directed retirement investors.…
Top Venture Capital Investing Platforms to Consider 2026
Venture capital investing has traditionally been reserved for institutional investors, family offices, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Today,…
Can a 403(b) Be Converted to Roth?
Can a 403(b) Be Converted to Roth? If you are asking whether a 403(b) can be converted to a Roth IRA, the short answer is yes. But how you…
Why a Self-Directed Roth IRA May Be Even More Powerful Than Section 1202 QSBS for Founder Shares
For startup founders and early investors, Section 1202 QSBS, also known as Qualified Small Business Stock, has become one of the most discussed tax…
The Deficit Trap: Why Hard Assets and Self-Directed IRAs are the Ultimate Hedge Against a Weakening Dollar
The fiscal health of the United States is reaching a turning point. A recent investigative report by The Wall Street Journal titled "The Federal…
Top 5 Self-Directed HSA Providers for 2026
A Health Savings Account is one of the most tax-advantaged vehicles available to Americans, offering a triple tax benefit: tax-deductible…
The Gold ETF Trap and the Self-Directed IRA
I have spent my career helping retirement investors who want protection against inflation, dollar devaluation, and systemic risks. Those concerns…
Can I Be an Officer of a Company My Self-Directed IRA Will Invest In?
Investing retirement funds in private businesses can be a powerful strategy. But it also raises important questions about control, prohibited…
The 4% Rule for Retirement and How Self-Directed IRAs May Change the Equation
One of the most widely cited concepts in retirement planning is the 4% rule. For decades, financial advisors have used it as a straightforward…
How to Generate a 6.75% Return from Your 401(k) in 2026
As of March 2026, the prime interest rate stands at 6.75%. That is a very different environment from the ultra-low-interest rate era that defined…
Alternative Investment IRA Options for Diversification
If you are still holding only stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs inside your IRA, you are investing with one hand tied behind your back. Most…
Top Income Property Investing Platforms
Real estate is no longer just about buying a home or an office building. Thanks to online platforms, investors now have access to professionally…
How to Hold a Carried Interest in a Roth IRA: A Self-Directed Guide to Fund Carry, IRS Rules, and UBIT Risk
A carried interest is one of the most powerful wealth creation tools available to investment professionals. When you pair that with a Roth IRA,…
You Could Have Bet on the Super Bowl with Your IRA, Potentially Tax-Free
For most Americans, the idea of putting a bet on the Super Bowl is associated with friendly wagers, office pools, or sportsbook apps. It is rarely,…
The Complete Guide to Using a Self-Directed IRA for Options Trading in 2026
Options are powerful financial instruments that give investors the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a security at a predetermined price…
How to Use a Self-Directed IRA for Foreign Investments, Forex Trading, and Foreign Options
As retirement investors look beyond traditional stock and bond portfolios, foreign investments are becoming an increasingly more important part of…
In-Kind Distributions and Conversions
Understanding the Tax Treatment and Strategic Use of Self-Directed IRA Assets One of the best things about a Self-Directed IRA is the flexibility…
Why I Started a Self-Directed IRA Company: A Tax Lawyer’s Journey to Financial Freedom for Everyday Investors
When people ask me why I started a Self-Directed IRA company, the short answer is simple. I saw a massive disconnect between what the tax code…
How Many Roth IRAs Can I Have?
The Roth IRA remains one of the most powerful retirement planning tools available for investors who want tax-free growth and tax-free income in…
How to Use a Roth IRA to Buy Your Dream House Tax-Free
Most people treat retirement planning and homeownership as two completely separate goals. Retirement accounts are for Wall Street. Homes are…
How to Transfer Your IRA to a Self-Directed IRA at IRA Financial
At some point, many retirement investors realize they’ve outgrown the limitations of a traditional brokerage IRA and start researching how to…
Can I Start a New Business to Open a Solo 401(k)?
The Solo 401(k) has become one of the most powerful retirement plans available to entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. It offers high…
Why Family Offices and SDIRA Investors Are Embracing Alternative Investments
Over the past several years, there has been a clear shift in how investors think about building portfolios, protecting against inflation, and…
Secret Ways to Eliminate UBIT for Your Self-Directed IRA Investment
For investors using a Self-Directed IRA, few topics create more confusion or unnecessary fear than unrelated business income tax, also known as UBIT…
Promissory Note Checklist for a Self-Directed IRA
What Investors Need to Know Before Making a Private Loan with Retirement Funds Over the years, I have seen more and more Self-Directed IRA…
Solo 401(k) Plan Documents: What Every Business Owner Needs to Know
A Solo 401(k) plan has become one of the most powerful retirement strategies available to entrepreneurs, consultants, and self-employed…
Why Every American Should Have a Self-Directed IRA
When most Americans think about retirement savings, they picture a simple choice: stocks, bonds, or mutual funds managed by a financial advisor at a…
Key Tax Benefits of a Solo 401(k) in 2026: Contribution Limits, Roth, and Deductions
Key Tax Benefits of a Solo 401(k) A Solo 401(k) is a powerful retirement plan for self-employed individuals and owner-only small businesses. It…
Is a Self-Directed Health Savings Account Worth It vs Maxing Out a 401(k)?
I get this question all the time. Should you focus on your 401(k), or does a Health Savings Account deserve more attention? Here is how I see it.……
Self-Directed IRAs for Doctors: Investing Practice Profits Outside the Stock Market
Self-Directed IRAs for doctors allow physicians to invest retirement dollars, including income from medical practices, into assets outside the stock…
Choosing the Right Crypto IRA Custodian: A Practical Guide
A Crypto IRA custodian is the backbone of your digital retirement account. They hold your crypto assets, make sure your account stays compliant with…
How to Maximize Education Savings With a Self-Directed Coverdell ESA in 2026
While most conversations about education savings in 2026 focus on 529 plans, the IRS still allows Self-Directed Coverdell Education Savings Accounts…
What Precious Metals Are Approved by the IRS for Retirement Account Investing in 2026?
When markets feel uncertain and inflation continues to erode purchasing power, investors naturally look for assets that provide real, tangible…
Buying XRP with a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) in 2026
Understanding XRP, Ripple, Regulation, and How Retirement Accounts Fit into the Future of Crypto Investing Cryptocurrency has evolved dramatically…
Top Farmland Investing Platforms in 2026: A Guide for Investors
Farmland investing is becoming an increasingly popular alternative asset. It offers steady income, long-term growth, and diversification outside of…
Is Real Estate a Good Investment? Gold vs. Property Showdown
Is real estate a good investment compared to gold? For decades, investors have relied on both assets to preserve and grow wealth. Real estate…
Investing in Collectibles with a Self-Directed IRA: What Investors Need to Know in 2026
As alternative investments continue to expand beyond traditional stocks and bonds, more retirement investors are exploring unique asset classes,…
Why I Left Fidelity for a Self-Directed IRA
For years, Fidelity was my go-to institution for retirement investing. Like millions of Americans, I trusted the brand, the polish, and the…
Keep Your Self-Directed IRA LLC in IRS Compliance (2026 Guide)
A Self-Directed IRA LLC, often referred to as a Checkbook IRA, is one of the most powerful retirement structures available to investors today. It…
Valuing Alternative Assets in a Self-Directed IRA: Guide to IRS Form 5498, Annual Valuations, and Compliance
For most retirement investors, annual IRA reporting happens quietly behind the scenes. If you have a traditional brokerage account holding stocks or…
Trump’s 2026 Housing Order Ends Wall Street Housing Dominance
For years, the American dream of homeownership has felt like a losing fight against an invisible opponent with unlimited capital. Families show up…
Invest in AI With an IRA: Why You’ll Likely Need a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to own the next OpenAI before everyone else,” you’re not alone. More investors are looking for ways to invest in AI…
Top Private Lending Platforms to Consider in 2026
Private lending is one of the fastest-growing alternative investments. It gives investors access to debt-based income opportunities outside the…
How the Mega Backdoor Roth Works in 2026
Contribute Up to $72,000 Into a Self-Directed Roth IRA If you are a high earner or serious retirement investor, the Mega Backdoor Roth remains one…
Nonrecourse Loans: How They Work With Self-Directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s
Using financing to acquire real estate inside a retirement account, such as a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) or Solo 401(k), can be an extremely…
Top 5 Precious Metals Investing Platforms for Your Self-Directed IRA
Investing in precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium isn’t just about owning shiny things. These tangible assets have been a…
Top 5 Tax Lien and Deed Investing Platforms
Tax lien and tax deed investing has become one of the most compelling alternative asset classes for investors seeking income, diversification, and…
How Can a Non-U.S. Citizen Open a Self-Directed IRA?
As people move around the globe more frequently, many non-U.S. citizens find themselves working in the United States for a time, participating in…
Top Startup Investing Platforms You Should Know About
Investing in startups is no longer just for venture capital firms or the ultra-wealthy. Today, thanks to online platforms and self-directed…
Self-Directed IRA Allowed Assets: The List, the Reality, and 7 Gray Areas
Key Takeaways The biggest risk of investing in a Self-Directed IRA is not choosing unconventional assets. It's accidentally engaging in a…
How to Use a Self-Directed Roth IRA to Shelter Carried Interest Gains
For fund managers, sponsors, and entrepreneurs, carried interest is one of the most powerful wealth-creation tools available. It is also one of the…
Top Silver Investing Platforms: Fees, Features and How They Fit Into Your Retirement Strategy
Silver investing is not just for collectors or enthusiasts. It has become a serious option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios,…
Why Elon Musk Is Wrong About Retirement: Even in an AGI World, You’ll Still Need Money
In recent interviews and viral social-media clips, Elon Musk has suggested that there may eventually be “no need” to save money because artificial…
The Self-Directed Roth IRA LLC: The Ultimate Guide for Strategic Investors
Retirement planning is not what it used to be. For decades, investors were told to stick to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Today, that mindset is…
How to Complete IRS Form W-9 for a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k)
If you have ever filled out a Form W-9 as an independent contractor, you probably think of it as a simple paperwork exercise. Name. TIN. Signature.…
FBAR and Tax Reporting for Self-Directed IRA Investors
What Every Self-Directed IRA Holder Should Know About Foreign Bank Accounts and Reporting Investing internationally with a Self-Directed IRA or a…
Solo 401(k) Provider Fees Explained: Setup, Annual, 5500-EZ, Loans, Roth
Solo 401(k) provider fees are not standardized. In 2026, the gap between what is “normal” and what is quietly expensive is wider than most…
Top Raw Land Investing Platforms in 2026
Raw land investing has gained momentum as investors look beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and rental properties for long-term growth and portfolio…
Top Energy Investing Platforms to Consider in 2026
Energy investing has quietly become one of the most compelling alternative asset classes available to investors today. As global energy demand grows…
Trump, Alternatives, and the Solo 401(k): The Retirement Plan That Paved the Way for Alts in 401(k)s
For decades, the American retirement system has rested on a simple but increasingly outdated assumption: that 401(k) investors should primarily own…
LLC Annual Report Fees for Self-Directed IRA LLC
Self-Directed IRA LLC Checkbook Control Annual Report Fees Self-Directed IRA LLCs give investors greater control and flexibility over their…
Solo 401(k) Plan Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules Updated for SECURE Act 2.0
Understanding required minimum distributions, or RMDs, for your Solo 401(k) is essential. That is especially true now that SECURE Act 2.0 has…
Mega Backdoor Roth for the Self-Employed: A Step-by-Step Guide Using the Solo 401(k)
The Mega Backdoor Roth is a fantastic retirement savings strategy, especially for self-employed folks looking to maximize their tax-advantaged…
Understanding the Solo 401(k) Employer Profit Sharing Contribution Rules
The Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful retirement plans available to self-employed individuals and small business owners. When structured and…
Top Private Equity Investment Platforms of 2026
Privxate equity has long been one of the most powerful, but least accessible, wealth-building asset classes. In 2026, that is no longer the case.…
How IRA Financial Makes Self-Directed IRAs Simple
Self-directing your retirement account gives you control, flexibility, and access to alternative investments like real estate, private equity,…
Five Years Later: The McNulty v. Commissioner Case Reaffirms Physical Possession Rules
More than five years after McNulty v. Commissioner, the decision remains one of the most important U.S. Tax Court rulings interpreting physical…
Margin, Stock Speculation and the Self-Directed IRA
Margin trading and stock speculation have long attracted investors seeking to magnify returns by using borrowed capital, but when leverage enters…
Checkbook IRA: Unlock Real Estate Investment Freedom
Investing in real estate can be a powerful way to diversify your retirement portfolio, but navigating the rules and logistics through a…
Top Gold Investing Platforms to Consider in 2026
For centuries, gold investing has played a unique role in preserving wealth. While markets, currencies, and economic systems evolve, gold has…
How SECURE Act 2.0 Transformed the Solo 401(k): New Rules, New Opportunities, and What Business Owners Must Know
The passage of the SECURE Act 2.0 marked the most significant expansion and modernization of retirement plan rules in more than a decade. While much…
Cutting-Edge Roth IRA Conversion Strategies (2026 Update)
For many tax professionals and sophisticated investors, the Roth IRA remains the gold standard of tax planning. The ability to legally eliminate…
How to Shelter Your SPAC Founder Shares from Tax (2026 Update)
After an unprecedented boom in 2020 and 2021, the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) market entered a prolonged slowdown through 2023 and…
Companies for Precious Metals IRAs: How to Choose the Right Partner
Investors looking to diversify beyond traditional stocks and bonds often turn to precious metals IRAs. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium can…
How to Invest in Ethereum Using a Self-Directed IRA in 2026: Strategies, Structures, and the Most Efficient Way Forward
Ethereum has firmly established itself as more than just a cryptocurrency. It is the backbone of decentralized finance, smart contracts, tokenized…
Solo 401(k) Employee Deferral Rules for 2026: How Much You Can Contribute and How to Maximize It
For self-employed individuals and small business owners with no full-time employees, the Solo 401(k) remains one of the most powerful retirement…
Hardship 401(k) Withdrawals: Qualifications, Taxes, and Key Rules Explained
When unexpected financial emergencies come up, your retirement savings are often one of the largest pools of money you can tap into. For those…
Top Real Estate Investment Platforms of 2026
Real estate has long been a cornerstone of wealth building. In 2026, technology-driven real estate investment platforms continue to make this…
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for Retirement Accounts
When it comes to retirement planning, how and when you take money out of your retirement accounts can be just as important as how much you put in.…
Are You Leaving Money on the Table? A Solopreneur’s Guide to Maximizing Retirement Contributions (2026)
As a solopreneur, every dollar you earn and invest has to work harder for your future. The IRS gives you powerful opportunities to save for…
How to Start a Roth IRA for my Child
The ability to start a Roth IRA for your child largely hinges on whether he or she has earned income, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code.…
What is a C Corporation?
A C Corporation is one of several legal entity types recognized for regulatory, tax, and official purposes under U.S. law. A C Corporation differs…
Silver in a Self-Directed IRA
Precious metals have always held up well in times of economic upheaval. Obviously, there's a finite amount of metal on this planet. Unlike dollar…
Airbnb in an IRA: Will it Trigger UBTI?
An Airbnb in an IRA allows investors to use retirement funds to pursue short-term rental real estate while still benefiting from tax-advantaged…
Investing in Farmland in an IRA
Did you know you can invest in farmland in an IRA? It’s possible to hold farmland as part of a long-term retirement strategy—while staying fully…
Top 5 Private REITs Investing Platforms 2026
If you’re looking to diversify beyond stocks and bonds, private REITs are one of the most powerful tools you can add to your portfolio. Pairing them…
Best Retirement Accounts for Realtors
Realtors have many options when planning for retirement. While some realtors have company-sponsored retirement plans, many realtors are…
Swanson v. Commissioner, 106 T.C. 76 (1996): What It Still Means for IRA Entity Investments
Swanson v. Commissioner remains a landmark Tax Court decision confirming that Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) may form and invest in entities…
What is a Self-Directed Account?
A Self-Directed account in the retirement account world can mean a Self-Directed IRA or a Self-Directed Solo 401(k) plan. This article will…
What is a SIMPLE IRA? A Guide to Your Retirement Plan Options
A SIMPLE IRA, or Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees IRA, is a retirement plan designed for small businesses. It allows both employers and…
What Are the Requirements to Open a Self-Directed IRA?
A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) offers investors the ability to diversify retirement savings beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds by…
The Roth IRA Five-Year Rule Explained
The Roth IRA is one of the most accessible tax‑advantaged retirement accounts available to Americans. However, to fully benefit from the tax-free…
Is a Solo 401(k) Roth Employer Contribution Tax Deductible?
Thanks to the SECURE Act 2.0, which became law in December 2022, Solo 401(k) employer profit-sharing contributions can now be made in pretax or…
The Benefits of Diversification with Real Estate IRA Investments
For decades, most retirement portfolios have been built around traditional investments like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While these products…
Best Small Business Retirement Plans for 2026
If you are self-employed or own a small business, you still have a number of retirement plan options available to you. Below, you’ll find out all…
Solo 401(k) and SEP IRA: Can You Have Both at the Same Time?
The simple answer is yes and no. You may contribute to a Solo 401(k) and SEP IRA in the same year. It all depends on the forms you use, which…
Solo 401(k) Rollover vs Contribution
Solo 401(k) rollovers and contributions are not the same, but it is a common question retirement investors ask. In this article, we look at…
Top Tips to Convert a SEP IRA to a Solo 401(k) for Self-Employed Success
Looking to convert a SEP IRA to Solo 401(k)? This article will show you the main benefits of converting and provide a step-by-step guide to make the…
Solo 401(k) Rules for a C Corporation
There is a common misconception that only a sole proprietor can establish a Solo 401(k) plan. However, the truth is that anyone that is…
SECURE Act 2.0 & New SEP Roth IRA Contributions
On December 29, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, known as the “SECURE Act 2.0." This legislation includes…
Why Choose a Solo 401(k) vs. SIMPLE IRA?
A SIMPLE IRA is similar to a Solo 401(k) plan in that it is funded by employee deferrals and additional employer contributions. However, unlike a…
Maintaining Employer & Employee Deferral Contributions in Your Solo 401(k)
A Solo 401(k) plan is not a new type of retirement plan. It is a traditional 401(k) plan covering only one employee. In general, in order to be…
How to Set Up a Self-Directed IRA with Checkbook Control in 4 Steps
For many investors, traditional IRAs can feel restrictive. Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds may play an important role in long-term planning, but…
Why the Self-Directed IRA UBIT Regime Exists and How It Serves Wall Street
For decades, large brokerage firms and banks have dominated the retirement industry. They built a system where the vast majority of retirement…
Solo 401(k) vs. Keogh: Which Retirement Plan Is Best for the Self-Employed?
When it comes to retirement savings for self-employed individuals and small business owners, choosing the right plan can significantly impact…
How to Invest in Real Estate with a Self-Directed Solo 401(k)
For entrepreneurs, consultants, and small business owners, the Self-Directed Solo 401(k) has become one of the most powerful wealth-building tools…
Top Retirement Plans for LLC Owners: Options You Need to Know
Wondering what the best retirement plans for LLC owners are? This article breaks down top options like SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k) plans, traditional and…
IRA Custodian for Private Investments | Trusted SDIRA Services
Choosing the right IRA custodian is one of the most important decisions an investor will make, especially when private investments are involved.…
Integrating Solo 401(k) Plans and HSAs for Retirement Success
Combining a Solo 401(k) with an Health Savings Account (HSA) can help self-employed individuals maximize tax benefits and plan comprehensively for…
Best Ways to Add Crypto to Your Retirement Portfolio
Over the last decade, cryptocurrency has moved from a fringe experiment to a mainstream asset class. Institutional investors, publicly traded…
Solo 401(k) Alternative Investments: How to Diversify Beyond Stocks
For years, retirement investing has followed one main path: stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While traditional assets still play a role, investors…
Can a W2 Employee Contribute to a SEP IRA? Here’s What You Need to Know
Can a W2 employee contribute to a SEP IRA? Simply put, no. Only employers can contribute to SEP IRAs for their employees. But don’t worry! This…
Investing in Venture Capital Through a Self-Directed IRA: Tax and Legal Guide
Venture capital has fueled nearly every major innovation of the past generation. Long before today’s technology giants became household names, they…
Easy Steps to Calculate Your Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2025 and 2026
A Solo 401(k) is one of the most effective retirement plans available to self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses. It allows you to…
Checkbook 401(k) Plans: How a Solo 401(k) Unlocks Control Over Alternative Investments
Most Americans associate retirement investing with mutual funds, ETFs, and stocks. But for business owners, consultants, and independent…
Unlocking Your Business Dream: A Simple Guide to ROBS Funding Eligibility in 2026
For many entrepreneurs, the biggest obstacle to launching or acquiring a business is not the idea. It is the capital. Banks demand collateral,…
UBTI in a Checkbook IRA: What Investors Must Know About Taxes
A Checkbook Control IRA is one of the most powerful tools for investors seeking fast, flexible access to alternative investments. Like any advanced…
Tax Implications of a Checkbook Control IRA: What Investors Must Know
A Checkbook Control IRA, also known as a Self-Directed IRA LLC, combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the speed, flexibility, and control of an…
Self-Directed IRA Cost of Living Strategies That Protect Your Retirement
For many Americans, Self-Directed IRA cost of living concerns are becoming more pressing as inflation and rising expenses increase financial…
Find a Self-Directed IRA Custodian Near Me for Alternative Investments
With more Americans turning to alternative investments like real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, startups, and precious metals, the search…
Venture Capital in a 401(k): Navigating Risks and Opportunities in 2025
For decades, venture capital was reserved for a very small circle of investors. Venture firms, family offices, pension funds, and high-net-worth…
Prohibited Transactions in Self-Directed IRAs: Rules and Compliance
Prohibited Transactions in Self-Directed IRAs are a critical consideration for retirement investors using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA), which…
Why a Self-Directed IRA Is Still the Best Vehicle for Alternative Investments
The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted a growing tension in retirement policy. President Trump’s administration has pushed to expand the use…
Self-Directed Health Savings Account (HSA)
IRA Financial offers one of the country’s only “Checkbook Control” Self-Directed Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), giving you the freedom to invest in…
Why Some Advisors Tell You to Avoid IRAs and 401(k)s and Why They Are Wrong
Every so often, a financial “guru” or social media advisor makes a bold claim: “Don’t put your money in a 401(k) or IRA. Invest after tax…
How to Invest in Startups with a Self-Directed IRA
Investing in early-stage companies has long been one of the most powerful ways to build wealth. Some of the most successful investors in history,…
Private Equity Investments with a Self-Directed IRA: What You Need to Know
Private equity investing has traditionally been associated with institutions and ultra-high-net-worth investors. However, it has also played a…
What Are the Requirements to Open a Self-Directed IRA?
Understanding the requirements to open a Self-Directed IRA is the first step toward gaining full control over how your retirement dollars are…
Self-Directed IRA vs. Traditional IRA: Key Differences Explained
The debate over a Self-Directed IRA vs. Traditional IRA often creates confusion, especially since both accounts follow the same IRS rules but offer…
How the Prime Interest Rate Impacts a Solo 401(k) Loan
For self-employed business owners, consultants, real estate investors, and side-gig entrepreneurs, the Solo 401(k) remains one of the most powerful…
Federal Bankruptcy Exemption for IRAs: What You Need to Know
When individuals file for bankruptcy under federal law, such as under the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) ,…
What Pearl Jam and Self-Directed IRAs Have in Common
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, alternative rock really was alternative. Bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains were…
Top Solo 401(k) Providers of 2026
Top Solo 401(k) providers are especially important to evaluate if you’re a self-employed professional or small business owner looking to…
Using a Self-Directed Retirement Account for Business Funding in 2026
For entrepreneurs and business owners in 2026, traditional financing is no longer the only path to starting, buying, or expanding a business. Higher…
ROBS vs SBA Loans: How Entrepreneurs Fund Businesses the Smart Way in 2026
Introduction: The Two Funding Tools Every Business Buyer Should Understand For most aspiring business owners, the biggest barrier between ambition…
Using a ROBS Account to Buy a Business: A Smarter Way to Become a Business Owner in 2026
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the best path to business ownership is not launching a brand‑new startup. It is using a ROBS account to buy a…
How to Use a Self‑Directed IRA to Invest in a Hedge Fund
Using a Self-Directed IRA to invest in a hedge fund can open the door to sophisticated strategies once reserved for only the wealthiest investors.…
The New 2026 Solo 401(k) Roth Catch-Up Rule: What High-Income Owners Need to Know
The New 2026 Solo 401(k) Roth Catch-Up Rule: What High-Income Owners Need to Know If you are over age 50, self-employed, and using (or…
Self-Directed IRA to Flip Homes Tax-Free
House flipping is one of the most heavily taxed real estate strategies. Short-term profits are often subject to ordinary income tax, capital gains…
5 Solo 401(k) Investment Options Smart Business Owners Use in 2026
Are you tired of watching your Solo 401(k) sit idle in the same mutual funds and ETFs year after year? Many business owners do not realize their…
Are Self-Directed IRAs Subject to ERISA? What Investors Need to Know
Are Self-Directed IRAs Subject to ERISA? Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs) have grown in popularity as investors look for ways to move beyond traditional…
Purchasing a Franchise with a ROBS Account: A Complete Guide for 2026 Entrepreneurs
Buying a franchise is one of the most popular ways to start a business in the United States. It offers a proven business model, brand recognition,…
Checkbook IRA Compliance: Rules, Risks, and How to Stay IRS-Compliant
The Self‑Directed IRA (SDIRA) has given retirement investors the ability to move beyond traditional Wall Street assets and into alternative…
7 Tips on How to Choose an IRA Custodian for a Checkbook IRA
As alternative investments continue to grow in popularity, more retirement investors are turning to the Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA), especially when…
How to Invest in Private Companies with a Self-Directed IRA
Many of today’s most promising investment opportunities aren’t listed on the stock exchange—which is why more individuals are choosing to invest in…
Private Credit in 401(k)s: Why It Matters for Investors and Fiduciaries
Private Credit in 401(k)s has quickly moved from a niche corner of finance to one of the most significant pillars of institutional investing.…
Roth IRA Distribution Rules
The Roth IRA distribution rules should be pretty simple. Make sure the Roth IRA is open at least five years and wait until you are over the…
Pros and Cons of a Self Directed IRA: What to Know
What are the pros and cons of a Self Directed IRA? For decades, retirement investing has centered on a single idea: place your savings into Wall…
Holding Gold in an IRA or 401(k)
What Precious Metals Are Approved by the IRS for Retirement Account Investing in 2026? As inflation persists and global markets remain volatile,…
What the INVEST Act Would Change: Accredited Investor Definition
Expansion Beyond Wealth and Income Under current law, to qualify as an “accredited investor”, the threshold for many private offerings under…
Trump Accounts vs Roth IRAs: What Parents Should Know
In 2025, the U.S. government passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which created a brand-new kind of savings and investment account for…
How to Use a Roth IRA to Invest in Real Estate Tax-Free
For many investors, real estate represents stability, income, and long-term wealth creation. It is tangible, understandable, and often outperforms…
Crowdfunding IRA Investments: How to Use a Self‑Directed IRA to Access Private Deals
Crowdfunding IRA investments has changed investing forever. What once required private connections, venture capital relationships, and high minimums…
IRA Real Estate Investing: Due Diligence Guide for Self Directed Investors
IRA real estate investing has become one of the most popular alternatives for retirement savers seeking to diversify beyond the stock market.…
IRA Financial vs American IRA
When it comes to self-directed retirement investing, IRA Financial and American IRA take very different approaches. American IRA operates as a…
Steer Clear of These 7 Common Solo 401(k) Blunders for Seamless Compliance and Peak Benefits
A Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful retirement planning tools available to self-employed individuals and owner-only businesses. When…
10 Best Self-Directed IRA Companies of 2026
Comparing the Best Self-Directed IRA Providers If you're ready to take control of your retirement savings and diversify beyond traditional stocks…
IRS Announces 2026 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits
A, 401(k), and similar plans. Because of inflation over the last few years, limits, including how much you can save, and income restrictions that…
Borrow from an IRA – Is it Possible?
Can I Borrow from an IRA? The short answer is still no, you cannot truly borrow money from any type of IRA. This includes: Traditional IRA…
Benefits of Rolling Over a Defined Benefit Plan to a Self-Directed IRA
Rolling Over a Defined Benefit Plan is an increasingly attractive strategy for retirement investors seeking more control over their assets. The main…
Can You Perform a Backdoor Roth Every Year?
The “Backdoor Roth IRA” is a popular Roth conversion strategy that allows high-income earners to make Roth IRA contributions. Can you perform a…
Can I Have Multiple Solo 401(k) Plans?
A Solo 401(k) plan is an IRS-approved retirement plan, which is designed for self-employed and small business owners without full-time employees,…
Beyond the SEP IRA: A High-Earner’s Guide to the Solo 401(k) in 2026
As a successful self-employed professional, you've mastered your craft. Whether you're an IT consultant, a marketing guru, or a freelance designer,…
Pension Plan Rollovers to a Solo 401(k) Plan
Can I use my pension to fund a Solo 401(k)? Yes, you can fund a Solo 401(k) with your pension through a rollover. This transfer offers tax-deferred…
Can I Invest My IRA in a Business I Work For? IRS Rules You Must Know
Working at a company you believe in is truly important. Being able to go to work every day and feel like you are contributing to a growing business…
How Does ROBS Work?
A Rollover Business Startup (ROBS) arrangement allows you to use retirement funds, tax and penalty free, to finance a new or existing business. If…
IRA Financial vs Inspira Financial
When it comes to self-directed retirement investing, IRA Financial and Inspira Financial (formerly Millennium Trust Company) take very different…
Self-Directed IRA Contribution Limits
If you’re looking to take control of your retirement investments, understanding Self-Directed IRA contribution limits is essential. A Self-Directed…
How to Handle Repairs and Maintenance on Your IRA-Owned Property Without Breaking the Rules
Managing repairs and maintenance for properties held in a Self-Directed IRA is crucial, not just for keeping things compliant but also for boosting…
Crypto IRA Comparison 2026: Top Providers, Fees & Control
If you’re thinking about adding cryptocurrency to your retirement strategy, choosing the right Crypto IRA provider can make or break your returns.…
IRA Financial vs Advanta IRA
If you’re looking to take control of your retirement investments, both IRA Financial and Advanta IRA offer self-directed options that open the door…
IRA Financial vs STRATA Trust Company
When choosing a self-directed retirement provider, investors often compare IRA Financial and Strata Trust Company—two industry leaders offering…
IRA Financial vs uDirect IRA
Both IRA Financial and uDirect IRA help investors take control of their retirement savings through self-directed IRAs and Solo 401(k) plans. Each…
7 Side Gigs Anyone Can do to Establish Solo 401(k)
Anyone who earns some form of self-employment income can establish a Solo 401(k) plan. In other words, even if you have a regular 9-5 job but do…
The ROBS Process Deconstructed: From C-Corp to Capital in 4 Simple Stages
Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS) is a fantastic way for entrepreneurs to tap into their retirement savings to fund a new or existing business.…
How to Take a Loan From Your Solo 401(k): Rules, Repayment, and Best Practices
If you're a solopreneur or self-employed, Solo 401(k) loans can be a fantastic resource. These loans give you access to your retirement savings for…
How to Invest in a Pre-IPO Startup with Your IRA: A Guide to Private Placements
With pre-IPO investing gaining traction, many savvy investors are diving into new strategies to boost their portfolios. One option that's catching…
IRA Financial vs Directed IRA
When it comes to investing in alternative assets with your retirement funds, both IRA Financial and Directed IRA give investors more control and…
Custodian-Managed SDIRA vs. Checkbook IRA: Which Is Right for Your Real Estate Strategy?
Understanding Your Options for Real Estate Investing Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs) have gained a lot of traction among real estate investors who…
Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA: Which is Better?
When self-employed, you have many retirement options to pick from, including the Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. For many years, self-employed…
IRA Financial vs The Entrust Group
For investors seeking greater control over their retirement portfolios with alternative assets—such as real estate, private equity, precious…
Is a ROBS Plan Safe? Debunking the Myths and Understanding the Compliance Requirements
When it comes to entrepreneurship, thinking outside the box for funding is often necessary. One option that’s gained traction among aspiring…
Investing in Gold with Retirement Funds: How to Protect and Grow Your Wealth in Uncertain Times
Investing in gold has long been viewed as a timeless store of value, a tangible asset that holds its worth when paper markets fluctuate. In October…
IRA Financial vs Rocket Dollar
For investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets—such as real estate, precious metals, private companies, and…
IRA Financial vs Alto IRA
When you want to invest your retirement funds in alternative assets, such as real estate, private equity, or cryptocurrency, Self-Directed IRAs…
IRA Financial vs Columbia Private Trust
For investors looking to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets—such as real estate, private equity, or cryptocurrency,…
Solo 401(k) Plan Distribution Rules: What You Need to Know Before Withdrawing Funds
A Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful retirement plans available for the self-employed and small business owners. It allows high contributions,…
UBIT and UDFI Explained: Understanding Taxes on Leveraged Real Estate Within an IRA
Getting to Know UBIT and UDFI Investing in real estate through an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a powerful way to grow wealth and…
Beyond Coinbase — Why Sophisticated Crypto Investors Use a Self‑Directed IRA
Retail exchange accounts (like Coinbase) sit in taxable space—every trade can create a reportable event. A Self‑Directed IRA moves those same…
IRA Financial vs Broad Financial
For investors who want more control over their retirement savings, a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) makes it possible to go beyond Wall Street and…
The Entrepreneur’s Dilemma: Should You Use Retirement Savings to Fund Your Dream?
Starting or buying a business often comes with a big question: Where will the money come from? For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the largest pool of…
Why the Fed’s Rate Cut Strengthens the Case for Self-Directed IRAs
On September 17, 2025, the Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point interest rate cut, with projections for two additional cuts before year’s end.…
Why Thousands Trust IRA Financial with Their Self-Directed Retirement Account
The idea of controlling your retirement savings more directly appeals to many investors. But when you hear about IRA Financial, a frequent question…
The History of the Solo 401(k) Plan
When Did the 401(k) Start? – Key Historical Milestones Before we dig deeper, here's a quick timeline of the Solo 401(k) history: Year…
How to Hold Crypto, NFTs, and Private Equity in a Self-Directed IRA (and Stay Compliant): a 2025 Guide
Most retirement accounts stick to the basics: stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. But today’s investors want more control—and more opportunity.…
The Tax‑Free Landlord: The Hidden Benefits of Owning Real Estate in a Retirement Account
Real estate is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth, yet many investors limit themselves by holding property in taxable…
Understanding the Affiliated Service Group Rules
The affiliated service group (ASG) rules are some of the most complex tax regulations business owners face when establishing a Solo 401(k). If you…
Why Ellen’s House Flipping Strategy Matters for Retirement Investors
Ellen DeGeneres has turned house flipping into a $190 million passion project. According to a Wall Street Journal feature, Ellen and Portia de Rossi…
How to Turn Your Biggest Expense (Taxes) into Your Biggest Asset (Retirement Savings) in 2025
Taxes are often a solopreneur’s single largest expense, but with the right retirement plan, you can redirect a big portion of those dollars into…
Start a Business or Franchise Debt‑Free
Thinking about how you can start a business but want to avoid traditional bank loans? You can leverage your retirement savings to fund your venture,…
Sharia-Compliant Investing – Use a Self-Directed IRA
For Muslim investors, retirement planning carries unique considerations. Beyond the usual goals of growing wealth, preserving assets, and preparing…
Yes, You Can Buy a Rental Property With Your IRA: A 2025 Guide
As a savvy real estate investor, you know how to identify value and generate returns from tangible assets. You've built a portfolio, managed a…
How Do Self-Directed IRAs Work?
Why Retirement Accounts Matter Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. It’s not simply about…
IRA Financial vs Madison Trust
Choosing the right Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) provider isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a foundational step in building the future you envision.…
How to Set Up a Solo 401(k) For Free!
A Solo 401(k) plan is designed for self-employed individuals or small business owners with no full-time employees (other than a spouse). It offers a…
ROBS vs. SBA Loan vs. Angel Investors: A Side-by-Side Comparison for Startup Funding
When launching a business, how you secure funding does more than just get your idea off the ground; it can influence your ownership structure, cash…
How to Invest in IRA-Eligible Gold: Diversify, Protect, and Grow Your Retirement
IRA-eligible gold refers to specific types of gold that meet IRS standards, making them suitable for inclusion in a retirement account. This gold…
Why Choose IRA Financial for Your Solo 401(k)?
A Transparent Look at Our Fees and Services When you're a self-employed professional or small business owner, your retirement strategy should give…
The Prohibited Transaction Minefield: Rules to Keep Your Real Estate IRA Compliant
What Constitutes a Prohibited Transaction? A prohibited transaction is any improper use of your IRA by you (the IRA owner) or a disqualified…
Tired of Loan Rejections? How to Use ROBS to Start Your Business Debt-Free in 2025
You have the industry expertise, a solid business plan, and the drive to build something of your own. You also have a substantial nest egg from your…
How to Use the Roth IRA First-Time Home Buyer Strategy to Fund Your New Home
For many Americans, saving for a first home feels like running a marathon in heavy shoes. Between rising home prices and student loan debt, finding…
Disqualified Persons and Retirement Accounts: Rules & Restrictions
When it comes to self-directed retirement accounts—whether an IRA, Solo 401(k), or other plan, few topics are more critical (or more misunderstood)…
Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA
Real estate investing with a Self-Directed IRA allows you to diversify your retirement and invest in something you know and love. However, to invest…
Turn Your Crypto Gains into Tax-Free Retirement Wealth with a Roth IRA in 2026
As a tech-forward investor, you see the world differently. You’re not following the herd into index funds or the next trendy ETF. Instead, you're…
JP Morgan vs. IRA Financial: Choosing the Right Solo 401(k) for Self-Employed Investors
In the world of self-employment, planning for retirement isn’t just a good idea, it’s a necessity. For sole proprietors, freelancers, and small…
IRA Financial vs Equity Trust
If you're looking to diversify your retirement portfolio beyond stocks and bonds, you’ve probably come across two major players in the…
Can an Inherited IRA Be Split Between Siblings?
The quick answer is, yes, an Inherited IRA can be split between siblings! The process involves creating individual Inherited IRA accounts for each…
Investing with a Gold IRA: The Ultimate Guide
Investing in gold through an IRA can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here, we explain the fundamental steps on how to put gold in an…
Tax Requirements for a Self-Directed IRA
We get asked a lot, “Does a Self-Directed IRA file a tax return?” In most cases, no, your IRA does not file a tax return. But that doesn’t mean you…
Understanding The UDFI Exception for Solo 401(k) Real Estate Investors
If you're a real estate investor using retirement funds, avoiding unnecessary taxes is key. While Self-Directed IRAs can face the UBTI tax when…
Top Strategies for Investing with a Real Estate IRA LLC
Want to invest your IRA in real estate? A Real Estate IRA LLC, also known as a Checkbook IRA for Real Estate, lets you use your retirement funds for…
How to Shelter Gains from Stock Warrants
warrants to bridge the gap to close capital raise investments. In most cases, stock warrants are granted for either zero value or below market value…
Top Self-Directed IRA Benefits for Maximizing Your Retirement
Curious about the benefits of a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)? This guide will explain how greater control, more investment options, and tax advantages…
How to Use ROBS to Invest in Real Estate and Cut Taxes
How can you use ROBS to invest in real estate and cut taxes? If you're a retirement investor who wants more control over your money and a smarter…
How to Invest in a Credit Fund with an IRA Using a Foreign Blocker
With interest rates on the rise and traditional income sources under pressure, many savvy investors are turning to private credit as a compelling…
Can I Use My 401(k) to Buy a House?
Technically, you can use your 401(k) to buy a house! Generally, there are two options when using a 401(k) to buy a house: taking a loan (if the plan…
7 Reasons Why Private Equity is a Natural Fit for Your Retirement
When planning for retirement, most people think of traditional vehicles like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. However, as the investment landscape…
Mastering Crypto Volatility: Your Self-Directed IRA Risk Management Strategies
Cryptocurrencies offer high returns but come with significant volatility, posing risks for Self-Directed IRAs. How can you navigate these risks…
U.S. Credit Downgrade 2025: How a Self-Directed IRA Can Protect and Grow Your Retirement
On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded the U.S. long-term issuer and government bond credit rating from Aaa (negative) to Aa1 (stable), citing…
Are Coverdell ESA Contributions Tax Deductible? Everything You Need to Know
Are Coverdell ESA contributions tax deductible? The straightforward answer is no; contributions to a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) are…
Can I Buy I Bonds with a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k)?
I Bonds have quickly become a powerful way for millions of Americans to generate strong guaranteed returns in a volatile investment…
Alternative Investments to Consider for Your Portfolio
Looking for good alternative investments? This article covers options like real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrencies. These can offer higher…
The Complete Guide to the Self-Directed Coverdell ESA
Investing in education is one of the most important financial decisions a family can make. The rising cost of tuition, books, and other educational…
Private Placement Investments and the Self-Directed IRA Rules
In general, a traditional financial institution will not allow investors to use their IRA to invest in private placement investments. The…
Best Long-Term Investment Strategy – Traditional vs. Alternatives?
When it comes to building a robust portfolio for the future for your retirement account, the argument between investing in traditional investments,…
How is UBTI Applied to an IRA that Invests in a Real Estate Syndicate?
Investing in real estate through Self-Directed IRAs (SDIRAs) has gained popularity, especially with the growth of alternative investments like real…
Can You Gift an IRA?
Sometimes, situations arise where a family member, friend or charity needs cash and the question arises can I use my IRA to gift someone…
What is a K-1 and How Does it Affect my IRA?
Pass-through entities, such as LLCs and business partnerships, have become the most popular investment vehicles for both individuals and IRA…
Can You Rollover Savings Bonds – I Bonds – into an IRA?
At IRA Financial, we are frequently asked, can you roll over savings bonds – I Bonds – into an IRA? One of the more popular ways to fund an IRA is…
Why Real Estate May Outshine the S&P 500 for the Next Decade
When considering where to allocate your hard-earned money, the debate between real estate and stock market investments, such as the S&P 500, is…
How to Purchase Real Estate with Roth IRA
Did you know that you can purchase real estate with a Roth IRA? Many banks lead you to believe that you can only use your Roth IRA to invest in…
Smart Ways to Avoid UBTI with Your Self-Directed IRA Investment
The primary advantage of using an IRA account, specifically a Self-Directed IRA, to make investments, including both traditional and nontraditional,…
Why Hard Money Loans are the Most Tax Advantageous Investment
Hard money loans are one of the most popular passive investments out there. Whether the loan is to an individual, a business, a real estate…
IRA Asset and Creditor Protection by State
IRA asset and creditor protection is a form of guarding your wealth. This is why it’s valuable for your IRA. Retirement accounts have become most…
Inherited IRA Transfer Guidelines
In an important private letter ruling, the IRS denied a claim to have IRA funds that were moved to a non-IRA account back into an IRA. While this…
Roth SEP IRA: Game-Changing Retirement Plan Every Self-Employed Person Must Know
What is a Roth SEP IRA? The Roth SEP IRA is a retirement savings option made possible by recent changes under the SECURE Act 2.0. It combines the…
How Self-Directed Roth IRAs Can Help You Build Generational Wealth
Self-Directed Roth IRAs offer a powerful way to build generational wealth. Unlike traditional IRAs, they provide more investment flexibility and…
How Increased Tariffs Are Impacting the Stock Market, and Retirement Accounts, and Why a Self-Directed IRA Might Be the Solution
In recent years, the global economy has seen its fair share of turbulence. One of the most significant factors contributing to this instability has…
Top 10 Retirement Account Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Jobs
Switching jobs is a significant milestone in anyone's career, often accompanied by excitement for new opportunities and challenges. However, amid…
Essential Self-Directed IRA Rules: Dos and Don’ts
Navigating Self-Directed IRA rules is key to avoiding penalties and optimizing your retirement portfolio. This guide covers prohibited transactions,…
Do I need an EIN for my Solo 401(k)?
The Solo 401(k) plan, also known as an Individual 401(k) plan, has become the most popular retirement plan for the self-employed or small business…
Capital Gains Tax in an IRA: Understanding Tax and the Self-Directed IRA
Capital gains taxes have been a notable contributor for the growth of the U.S. economy over the last several decades. By providing investors with…
Solo 401(k) Rules for a Single Member LLC
The single member LLC is one of the most popular vehicles for establishing a business. Assuming you qualify, the Solo 401(k) plan is the best option…
Top Tips for Accurate Self-Directed IRA Tax Reporting
Confused about Self-Directed IRA tax reporting? This article breaks down what you need to know, including key IRS forms, how to report different…
IRA Rollover – How to Perform One Properly
Did you know that IRA rollovers are one of the most common ways to fund your Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Further, the most common type of…
What Can You Use a Health Savings Account For? | Best Uses for Your Health Savings Account (HSA)
Curious about “what can you use a health savings account for?" HSAs are versatile and can cover medical, dental, vision, and even some surprising…
Discount Valuations for Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs)
Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs) have long been a favored tool in estate planning, offering a way to transfer wealth between family members while…
College Students and the Roth IRA
Why should college students open and contribute to a Roth IRA? Key Takeaways A Roth IRA lets students start saving early with tax-free growth.…
ROBS 401(k) Pros and Cons: A Clear Guide to Business Financing
Thinking about using your 401(k) to fund a new business? Before you dive in, it’s crucial to understand the ROBS 401(k) pros and cons of using…
Coverdell ESA vs. 529 Plan – Which One is Better?
Choosing between a Coverdell ESA vs. 529 plan comes down to a few different factors. Both plans allow you to put aside money in a tax advantageous…
Asset and Creditor Protection for the Self-Directed IRA
Asset and creditor protection is an essential part of safeguarding the wealth in your Self-Directed IRA. Lawsuits, creditors, and unexpected…
Coverdell Withdrawal Rules: What You Need to Know
The Coverdell withdrawal rules can be confusing but understanding them is crucial for using your education savings effectively. This article covers…
Self-Directed IRA Benefits
Regular IRA, Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, Self-Directed IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA. There are many different options out there for Individual Retirement…
Gold IRA Buyers Guide: Investing in Precious Metals with a Self-Directed IRA
Investing in gold and other precious metals with a Self-Directed IRA is a strategic way to protect your retirement savings against economic…
Solo 401(k) Rules & Multiple Member LLC (Partnership)
The IRS allows any entity type, including an LLC, to establish a Solo 401(k) plan. The Solo 401(k) plan is essentially a regular 401(k) plan…
How to Fund a New or Existing Business with a Self-Directed IRA
Data from the US Census Bureau shows that an average of 4.4 million businesses are started every year. That average is from the past five years of…
Is a Backdoor Roth IRA Worth It?
A Backdoor Roth IRA is a strategy that allows high-income earners to contribute to a Roth IRA even if they exceed the income limits set by the IRS.…
Types of Self-Directed IRAs
A Self-Directed IRA is not a term you will find anywhere in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), meaning the IRS does not define what a Self-Directed…
Maximizing Your Retirement Balance: A Comprehensive Guide
Retirement is a major milestone, symbolizing the culmination of decades of hard work and financial planning. The key to enjoying a secure and…
Five Ways to Boost Your Roth IRA for Maximum Growth
A Roth IRA is one of the most powerful tools for building tax-free wealth in retirement. Since your contributions are made with after-tax dollars,…
The Self-Directed Defined Benefit Plan
The defined benefit plan is probably the most underrated small business retirement plan. One of the reasons it is so underrated is because of…
The Prohibited Transaction Rules: Key Lessons from Landmark Cases
When you open a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k), the IRS gives you the freedom to invest in almost any asset — from real estate to private…
How SECURE Act 2.0 Changed the 401(k) Controlled Group Rules
The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law in December 2022, brought significant reforms to retirement savings, building on the foundation of the original…
Annuities Explained: Are They a Good Fit for Today’s Retirees?
As you approach retirement, ensuring a steady stream of income becomes one of the most critical aspects of financial planning. Among the tools…
What is the UBTI Tax Rate?
The UBTI tax rate is in existence to prevent tax-exempt entities from competing unfairly with taxable entities. Tax-exempt companies are subject to…
Understanding ERISA: The Law That Shapes American Retirement and Health Benefits
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, commonly known as ERISA, is a landmark piece of legislation that significantly impacts the…
Inherited IRAs – Everything You Need to Know in 2025 & Beyond
Inherited IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) are a crucial aspect of estate planning and financial management. Whether you’ve recently inherited…
Making Sense of the Inherited IRA Rules: A Clear Guide for Beneficiaries After the SECURE Act 2.0
Inheriting an IRA can feel like both a gift and a burden. On one hand, it represents years, and sometimes decades, of disciplined saving. On the…
2026 Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits
For self-employed individuals and small business owners, a Solo 401(k) is a powerful tool to maximize retirement savings while enjoying significant…
Socially Responsible Investing with an IRA
In recent years, socially responsible investing (SRI) has grown from a niche concept to a mainstream strategy embraced by individuals and…
Solo 401(k) and the UBIT Rules: What Investors Need to Know
One of the biggest advantages of using retirement funds—such as a Solo 401(k), 401(k), or IRA—to make investments is that, in most cases, all income…
Can a Solo 401(k) Reduce Self-Employment Tax?
One of the more common questions we receive from self-employed business owners seeking to establish a Solo 401(k) plan is whether it can reduce…
The Rollins Case & The Self-Directed IRA Prohibited Transaction Lesson
Rollins v. Commissioner is an important case in the Self Directed IRA LLC context because it illustrates how one can engage in a prohibited…
Using a Self-Directed IRA for Promissory Notes
IRA Financial's Self-Directed IRA allows you to use your retirement funds to invest in promissory notes and loans directly from your mobile device…
3 Tips to Protect Your IRA From Creditors
Protect Your IRA For many Americans, their retirement account is often their most valuable asset. There are approximately $65 million IRAs…
IRA Transfer and Rollover Rules
IRAs are very flexible retirement plans, far more than defined contribution plans, such as a 401(k). An IRA owner can transfer funds directly…
Qualified Purchaser, Accredited Investor & the Self-Directed IRA
In the case of some of the more popular Self-Directed IRA investments, such as private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, real estate, private…
Why Self-Directed IRA Fees Really Matter
Self-Directed IRA custodian fees matter and could cost you tens of thousands of dollars for your retirement by making the wrong custodian choice…
Carried Interest in Your Roth IRA
For any private equity, hedge fund, or venture capital general partners or managers, the carried interest is the key financial tool used to reap the…
The Self-Directed IRA Trust
Over the years there has been interest by Self-Directed IRA investors to gain checkbook control without the cost of using an LLC. Most states charge…
Solo 401(k) Asset & Credit Protection Benefits
Retirement accounts have become many Americans' most valuable assets. That means it is vital that you have the ability to protect them from…
How Are Real Estate Titles Held in a Self-Directed IRA?
Real estate is the most popular alternative asset investment for Self-Directed IRA investors. Real estate is a hard asset that is viewed by…
Airbnb in Your IRA – Will it Trigger UBTI?
As you are probably aware by now, you can use retirement funds to invest in real estate. Of course, you must adhere to all the IRS rules, especially…
Flipping a Home in a Self-Directed IRA – A Case Study
Flipping homes in a Self-Directed IRA has quickly become one of the most popular investment concepts. The primary advantage of signing a retirement…
Hedge Fund with a Self-Directed IRA LLC
You can purchase a hedge fund with a Self-Directed IRA. Although the IRC doesn't describe what the Self-Directed IRA can invest in, it describes…
What is a Non-Recourse Loan and How does it Work?
Since the creation of IRAs in 1974, real estate has become a popular investment category for millions of retirement account investors. Many…
The Self-Directed IRA Rollover Rules
Self-Directed IRA Rollover Rollovers are the most common way to transfer funds to a self-directed IRA. A transfer and rollover are two…
ROBS Prohibited Transaction Rules
What are the ROBS Prohibited Transaction Rules? The IRS-prohibited transaction rules are not triggered in a rollover business start-up (ROBS)…
Using a Self-Directed IRA for Hard Money Lending
IRA Financial, the leading provider of Self-Directed IRA LLC and Solo 401(k) Plan solutions, announces a specially designed Self-Directed IRA LLC…
Flip Homes Tax-Free with a Solo 401(k)
Since the creation of the Solo 401(k) Plan back in the early 1980s, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has always permitted a Solo 401(k) to…
Beginner’s Guide to Alternative Investments
Key Points Alternative investments are assets outside of traditional markets, like stocks and equities. They are less liquid than traditional…
What Is the Minimum Amount to Invest in Real Estate?
Key Points Real estate investing is the most popular one for Self-Directed IRAs Knowing how much you need makes for easier decisions IRA Financial…
Self-Directed SEP IRA
The Self-Directed SEP IRA A Self-Directed SEP IRA is a great way for individuals who are self-employed to establish a retirement account.…
Can My Spouse and I Use Our IRAs for a Joint Venture?
With real estate prices rising over the last several years, a growing number of spouses are looking to figure out a way they can combine their IRA…
Do IRAs Get Audited?
Yes, your IRA can get audited by the Internal Revenue Service, and yes, you need the best audit protection for your Self-Directed IRA. So, do IRAs…
Who can become a Self-Directed IRA Trustee?
An individual retirement account is defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 408 as a trust created or organized in the United States for the…
Solo 401(k) Tax Filing Rules
The major question to address when it comes to Solo 401(k) tax filing is: Are there any annual tax filing requirements for the plan? Since a Solo…
Can My Self-Directed IRA be an Accredited Investor?
Many of the more popular investments available to Self-Directed IRA investors, in many cases, require the investor to be an accredited investor. In…
Private Equity Investments with a Solo 401k
Investing in private equity investments with a Solo 401(k) will give you the freedom to make investment decisions on your own without custodian…
Forex Trading with Your Solo 401k
You can investment in FOREX trading with a Solo 401k if you are eligible for the retirement plan. Eligibility requirements are the lack of full-time…
Self-Directed Gold IRA
Benefits of Investing in Gold a Self-Directed IRA Since the Gold Rush of 1849, people have clamored to get their hands on the precious metal.…
Does a Solo 401(k) Have the Same UBTI Rules as a Self-Directed IRA LLC?
Yes and No. Like an IRA, the tax advantage of a Solo 401(k) Plan is that income is tax-free until distributed. In general, an exempt organization is…
Solo 401k Plan Controlled Group Rules
Solo 401k Plan Controlled Group Some of our Solo 401k clients ask whether a business or individual can adopt a separate Solo 401k plan for another…
Using a Loan with the Solo 401k Plan
Retirement investors often wonder if they can use a Solo 401k plan loan to make investments that require leverage, such as real estate. How does it…
The Self-Directed IRA LLC Operating Agreement
The LLC Operating Agreement is the core document that is referred to when issues concerning the LLC need to be resolved. The LLC Operating Agreement…
Venture Capital Investments with a Solo 401(k)
The advantage of purchasing venture capital funds with retirement funds is the ability to gain tax advantages, such as tax-deferral or tax-free…
What is a Checkbook Control IRA?
Checkbook Control IRA - Checkbook Control Self-Directed IRA A "Checkbook Control" IRA refers to a Self-Directed IRA LLC. A Self-Directed IRA LLC…
Are IRA Custodian Fees Tax Deductible?
What are IRA Custodian Fees? If you have an IRA, you may see IRA custodial fees. Essentially, an IRA custodial fee is an administrative fee you…
Invest in an S Corp with a Self-Directed IRA
The most popular reason millions of American IRA holders have turned to the Self-Directed IRA is to gain more control and investment options. …
Correcting a Prohibited Transaction
When using a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) plan to make alternative investments, you must pay attention to all the rules set forth by the IRS.…
How to Use a Self-Directed IRA to Invest in Forex
One of the primary reasons millions of Americans have turned to a Self-Directed IRA as the investment vehicle of choice for their retirement funds…
Cryptocurrency IRA (Crypto IRA)
The IRA Financial Crypto IRA allows you to use your retirement funds to invest in all types of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin directly from your…
Solo 401(k) And SEP IRA: Can You Have Both at the Same Time?
The simple answer is yes and no, you may contribute to a Solo 401(k) and SEP IRA in the same year. It all depends on the forms you use, which we'll…
Do I need an EIN for my Solo 401(k)?
The Solo 401(k) plan, also known as an Individual 401(k) plan, has quickly become the most popular retirement plan for the self-employed or small…
Is ERISA Testing Required for a Solo 401(k) Plan?
A business owner with no common-law employees, who adopts a Solo 401(k) plan, is generally not required to perform ERISA nondiscrimination testing…
Buy Tax Liens with Your Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k)
Few IRA holders realize they can use their retirement account funds to invest in tax liens. When you self-direct your IRA or Solo 401(k) Plan, your…
How to Transfer a Roth IRA to a Self-Directed Roth IRA
Individuals may generally transfer Roth IRA or rollover eligible qualified retirement plan assets into a Self-Directed Roth IRA structure.…
Investing in Precious Metals with Your Retirement Account
It has been almost 50 years since the establishment of IRAs. Yet most retirement account holders are still not aware that they can buy real…
How to Buy Mortgage Notes with a Self-Directed IRA
Over the last few months, with skyrocketing interest rates and a slowdown in the real estate market, a growing number of home buyers turned to…
Buying Stocks in a Self-Directed IRA
As you probably know, you can invest in just about anything with a Self-Directed IRA. Here at IRA Financial, we stress the importance of properly…
Can a Self-Directed IRA Invest into a Company I Serve as a Director?
One of the more popular questions from first-time Self-Directed IRA investors is can I invest in a business or company that I am personally involved…
Do I need an LLC for my Self-Directed IRA Investment?
Over the last several years, there has been a growing trend to use LLCs to start businesses and for investment ventures. There are over 22 million…
Hard Money Loans with a Self-Directed IRA in 5 Steps
Hard Money Loans with a Self-Directed IRA Hard money loans with the use of a Self-Directed IRA have become a popular investment option for many…
Buying T-Bills with a Retirement Plan
With higher interest rates, many retirement investors have turned to investing in Treasury Bills to hedge against inflation. T-Bills provide a…
How to Transfer Your TD Ameritrade Solo 401(k) Plan Tax Free
Over the last several years, many traditional financial institutions and brokerage firms, such as Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade, have moved away…
ROBS Exit Strategy
The Rollover for Business Startups, or ROBS, is a popular method that uses retirement funds to start your own business. What happens when you…
What is a Self-Directed IRA Custodian?
Most people who open an IRA never think much about the custodian holding it. The account is set up through a bank or brokerage, the funds go in, and…
Using a Loan with a Self-Directed IRA to Make an Investment
A Self-Directed IRA is a unique retirement solution that can be used to unlock a vast universe of investment opportunities unavailable to most…
How to Choose the Best Self-Directed IRA Custodian
Choosing the Best Self-Directed IRA Custodian When considering Self-Directing your retirement account, many people wonder, how to choose the best…
Crypto Private Key Options for Your Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k)
If 2022 taught crypto investors anything, it's that having control of crypto private keys is a fundamental way to protect your cryptos from…
Can I Use My IRA to Buy an Investment Property?
Many ponder whether they can or should cash out their IRA or 401(k) to buy an investment property. After all, real estate is one of the top assets…
Investing in Options Using a Self-Directed IRA
Trading in short-term options has become a popular investment strategy for many investors using personal funds. However, a growing number of…
Self-Directed IRA Real Estate vs. Capital Gains
One of the most common arguments against the use of a Self-Directed IRA to purchase real estate is that IRA distributions are subject to ordinary…
Can I Buy a Business with my Retirement Account?
Buy a Business with Your Retirement Account IRA Financial has two great solutions that allow you to buy a business with your retirement account.…
Bitcoin Investing with a Self-Directed IRA
Bitcoin investing with a Self-Directed IRA has become increasingly popular over the last few years. Bitcoin was the first and perhaps most…
IRS Form 5500-EZ: Solo 401(k) Filing & Reporting Requirements
Please note, the most recent IRS updates about IRS Form 5500-EZ will be found at the top of this article. Beginning January 1, 2024, the IRS is…
401(k) In-House Tax Filing, IRS Reporting, and BOI Reporting
IRA Financial is the only Self-Directed Solo 401(k) provider that offers its 401(k) clients an in-house tax filing, IRS tax reporting, and annual…
IRA In-House Tax Filing, IRS Reporting, and BOI Reporting
IRA Financial is the only Self-Directed IRA provider that offers its clients an in-house tax filing, IRS tax reporting, and annual tax consulting…
Have a Side Hustle? Establish A Solo 401k
Key Points Your side hustle can do more than provide additional income. If you have a side hustle, you become eligible to establish the Solo 401k.…
Convertible Note Investments & Your Self-Directed IRA
Investing in convertible notes has become a popular note-structuring transaction. As a result of the banking crisis and the reluctance of many banks…
Direct Register GameStop (GME) Stock Using an IRA
For retirement investors of GameStop (GME) and other meme-type stocks looking to learn how they can direct register their shares, you will want to…
Crypto IRA – Do I Have Access to My Private Keys?
Key Points Crypto IRAs are legal Private v Public Key is an important distinction IRA Financial can help you There is a well-known saying…
How to Complete a Self-Directed IRA Rollover
In general, a Self-Directed IRA may be funded by a transfer from another IRA account or through a Self-Directed IRA Rollover from an eligible…
Solo 401(k) Loan
A Solo 401(k) loan can be a viable option if you need money fast and you are out of options. Generally, it’s not usually advised to take money out…
What is Fair Market Value in a Self-Directed IRA?
Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 408, an IRA must be established by a “trustee.” A trustee is defined as either a bank, financial…
Beneficiary Forms: Self-Directed IRA & Solo 401(k)
IRA Financial is recognized as the leading facilitator of Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401(k) plans. As a result, we have come across many scenarios…
Rollover as Business Startup Compliance Rules
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (otherwise known as ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code clearly allow for the use of…
Romney vs. Thiel – Who is the King of the Self-Directed IRA?
The two most popular Self-Directed IRA investors are probably Mitt Romney and Peter Thiel. It is believed that Peter Thiel has a Roth IRA worth more…
Self-Directed Coverdell ESA vs. the 529 Plan
With the price of education soaring in this country, it is more important than ever for parents and family members to think about saving for…
How to Lower Your Bitcoin IRA Custodial Fees
As a tax attorney and author of the leading book on Bitcoin IRA, How to Use Retirement Funds to Purchase Cryptocurrencies, I am often asked about…
Excess Roth IRA Contributions – Are They Worth the Risk?
In almost all cases, the penalties for violating IRS rules end up overriding any potential value derived from the transaction. The one exception may…
What is a Solo 401(k) Prohibited Transaction?
The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) & ERISA does not describe what a Solo 401(k) Plan can invest in, only what it cannot invest in. Internal Revenue…
Self-Directed IRA Disqualified Persons
A Self-Directed IRA allows you to make alternative asset investments with your retirement funds. In other words, it gives you more options than just…
How to Correctly Achieve Retirement Portfolio Diversity
Asset allocation has been a proven investment strategy for half a century. You can choose from several retirement plans, including the popular…
Solo 401k & ERISA – The Law
What is ERISA? The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), enacted September 2, 1974, is an American federal statute that…
Solo 401(k) vs. Self-Directed IRA
In terms of choosing the Solo 401(k) vs. Self-Directed IRA LLC, participants should choose the Solo 401(k) plan if eligible. The robust features of…
Can I Open a Solo 401(k) if I Have Job?
If you have a full-time job, but have a side business that earns self-employment income, then you will likely be able to adopt a Solo 401(k) Plan.…
What is the UBTI Tax Rate?
The UBTI tax rate is in existence to prevent tax-exempt entities from competing unfairly with taxable entities. Tax-exempt companies are subject to…
Is my Solo 401(k) Plan Subject to the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)?
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which was established in 2021 and is set to become law on January 1, 2024, is the most far reaching set of…
Self-Directed IRA for Investment Funds
IRA Financial’s Self-Directed IRA allows you to use your retirement funds to invest in all types of investment funds, such as private equity, hedge…
Does UBTI Apply to Margin Use for Option Trading?
In general, almost all retirement account investments generating passive income will not be subject to Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI),…
What is Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI)?
The tax advantage of an IRA is that income is tax-free until distributed. In general, an exempt organization is not taxed on its income from an…
401(k) Rollovers & Possible Tax Consequences
One of the major differences between an IRA and a 401(k) plan, from the perspective of the individual retirement account holder, is that an IRA…
How Much Do I Need to Start a Self-Directed IRA?
Over the last several years, as a result of technology and more industry efficiency, opening a Self-Directed IRA is now easier and more…
What is the Rollover Business Startup Solution?
ROBS Solution, or the Rollover Business Start-up (aka Rollover as Business Startups), is an IRS and ERISA approved structure. It allows you to…
Top 10 Startups Using ROBS
Recently, IRA Financial's Adam Bergman published an article on Forbes about the Gig Economy and the Solo 401(k). This got me thinking about another…
Using a Solo 401(k) to Avoid UBIT for a Real Estate Investment Fund
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 514 requires debt-financed income to be included in Unrelated Business Taxable Income, also known as UBIT or…
Year-End Tax Planning for ROBS Users
If you utilize the ROBS structure for your business, there are several things you need to do before the end of the year. ROBS tax planning is an…
Backdoor Roth vs. Mega Backdoor Roth
Many retirement savers are not aware that that a massive Roth contribution option for the self-employed or small business owner known as the “Mega…
Tax-Deferral vs. Tax-Free – Which is Better?
Tax-Deferral vs. Tax-Free When it comes to saving for retirement, there are two ways to fund the account(s). You either use pretax (traditional…
How to Make Crowdfunding Investments with Retirement Funds
Crowdfunding is an approach for entrepreneurs and small businesses to raise capital from a number of investors in order to fund their business.…
The Corporate Transparency Act & Impact on Your Self-Directed IRA LLC
The government wants to learn more about your business or entity. This article will explore the new Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its…
How to Shelter a Profits Interest from Taxation
The IRS and Internal Revenue Code (IRC) offer IRA owners a wide latitude in the types of assets in which they can invest. The Code allows IRA owners…
Solo 401k Eligibility & Plan Setup
Solo 401(k) Eligibility If you’re a business owner with no full-time employees, or you earn self-employment income, you can establish a Solo…
ROBS Solution: How to Determine a Reasonable Salary
You are now working in a business funded by the Rollover Business Startups (ROBS) structure and it's up to you to determine a reasonable salary for…
Can I Use the Real Estate Owned by a Self-Directed IRA?
Unlike stocks and other passive investments, real estate is a tangible asset that can provide real value to an investor. This article will explore…
Capital Gains Tax and the Self-Directed IRA
The capital gains tax regime has been one of the key factors for the growth of the U.S. economy. By providing investors with the ability to…
Can I Contribute to a Traditional IRA and Roth IRA in the Same Year?
One of the most common dilemmas facing Self-Directed IRA investors is whether they should make annual contributions in pretax or Roth. This…
Taking RMDs from Retirement Accounts
As we approach the end of the year, it's time to start getting your retirement accounts in order. There are certain things you must do,…
Navigating the Plan Asset Rules for a Self-Directed IRA Investment
For Self-Directed IRA investors seeking to make alternative asset investments, there are a set of rules known as the “Plan Asset Rules” that must be…
Solo 401(k) Paperwork – What You Need to Know
The amazing thing about technology is that you do not have handle any of the paperwork for your Solo 401(k) plan. IRA Financial has an app…
Safe Harbor 401(k) – The Best Small Business 401(k) Plan
Employers start a 401(k) plan for many reasons. A well-designed 401(k) plan can help attract and keep talented employees and allows participants to…
Use a Solo 401(k) to Buy Cryptocurrency
If you are self-employed, you can use the Solo 401(k) to buy cryptocurrency. The Solo 401(k) is a unique retirement plan designed for self-employed…
Options for Reducing California Franchise Fee for a Self-Directed IRA LLC
One of the most common questions for any potential Self-Directed IRA LLC investor who is a resident of the state of California, or is seeking to…
What Is the 4% Rule for Retirement?
Planning for retirement can be daunting. Questions about how much to save, when to start withdrawing, and how to ensure your money lasts throughout…
Using a Gift to Fund an IRA
For many grandparents or parents seeking to help family members pay for college, buy a home, or just have extra money for retirement, gifting funds…
Can I be an Officer of a Company my IRA will Invest In?
One of the most misunderstood facets about the IRS prohibited transaction rules involves using a Self-Directed IRA to invest in a business where one…
Can a 403(b) be Converted to Roth?
A 403(b) plan, sometimes called a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA), is a retirement plan offered by public schools, churches, and certain 501(c)(3)…
How to Generate a Guaranteed 7.5% Rate of Return from your 401(k)
In 2025, earning a guaranteed 7.5% on your 401(k) plan investment with no risk seems almost too good to be true. Here is the thing – it is…
Keep Your Self-Directed IRA LLC in IRS Compliance
A Self-Directed IRA LLC is a type of IRA that allows the IRA holder (you) to gain control over your retirement funds, so you can self-direct the…
Key Solo 401(k) Rules Under SECURE Act 2.0
SECURE Act 2.0 is the most significant piece of retirement legislation since the original SECURE Act of 2019. The latest version is part of…
Can I Contribute to a 401(k) and IRA in the Same Year?
The short answer is yes! However, the type of IRA you can contribute to and the ability to receive a tax deduction is dependent on a number of…
The Backdoor Roth IRA
Key Points The Backdoor Roth IRA can help you save for retirement IRA and Solo 401k plans are the best for retirement savings Be aware of UBTI……
Tax Treatment of Self-Directed IRA LLCs
The use of a limited liability company (LLC), that is wholly owned by an IRA, has become increasingly popular over the last 25 years. The…
How to Transfer my IRA to IRA Financial?
One of the main advantages of having an IRA over a 401(k) plan is that the transfer rules between IRAs are so flexible. In general, one can transfer…
Gold IRA Rollover
With inflation peaking, supply side challenges, and a sputtering stock market, many IRA investors are looking for a safe landing spot for their IRA…
Identifying UBTI for a Self-Directed IRA on Form K-1
For most Self-Directed IRA investors, the term, Unrelated Business Taxable Income, also known as UBTI, is not something that they would have to…
Staking Crypto IRAs – What You Need to Know
For many crypto investors, including Crypto IRA investors, staking has become a term that is often discussed. In essence, staking is the manner in…
Invest in a Company the Peter Thiel Way with a Self-Directed Roth IRA
In June 2021, ProPublica released an article focusing on how Peter Thiel was able to amass a $5 billion Roth IRA over the years. The article…
The Solo 401(k) Plan – Ultimate Retirement Plan for Truckers
According to the Americas Trucking Association, America's trucking industry is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. In fact, nearly every good…
Solo 401(k) Contribution Limits and How to Maximize Your Savings
Solo 401k Contributions for 2026 Starting a Solo 401(k) plan in 2026 has even more benefits than it did in years prior. The Solo 401(k) plan is…
Using 401k Funds to Start a Business
Many entrepreneurs are shocked to learn that the IRS allows you to use your former employer 401(k) funds or even your IRA funds to buy or start a…
McNulty Case Reaffirms Physical Possession Rules
The recent court case, McNulty v. Commissioner has reaffirmed the physical possession rule. Although there hasn't been much guidance in the past,…
How to Choose the Best Solo 401(k) Provider
When it comes to choosing the best Solo 401k provider, not all companies are the same. In a perfect world, all providers would offer all the same…
How to Transfer a SIMPLE IRA to a Self-Directed IRA
Self-Directed SIMPLE IRA Individuals generally transfer IRA (individual retirement account) or rollover eligible qualified retirement plan assets…
Solo 401k Contributions After 70 1/2
Solo 401k contributions after 70 1/2 are different than contributions at this age with an individual retirement account (IRA). With a traditional…
Using an IRA to Buy a Home
In general, one is not able to purchase a home with a retirement account that they or a “disqualified person” will use. A retirement account,…
Buying Dogecoin with a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k)
Why Use Retirement Funds to Buy Dogecoin? There are three main reasons to consider investing in Dogecoin with your retirement funds: taxes,…
Real Estate UBTI – When Does it Apply?
What is UBTI? UBTI is defined as “gross income derived by any organization from any unrelated trade or business regularly carried on by it”…