IRA Financial Blog

Insights, strategies, and expert answers on self-directed retirement, taxes, and alternative investing.

IRA Financial vs Broad Financial

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…

Self-Directed HSA Investment Rules by Asset Type

Self-Directed HSA Investment Rules by Asset Type

Most people think of an HSA as a healthcare spending account that earns a little interest. That significantly undersells what a Self-Directed HSA can…

4 Ways to Fund a Self-Directed Roth IRA in 2026

4 Ways to Fund a Self-Directed Roth IRA in 2026

The Self-Directed Roth IRA has become one of the most sought-after retirement structures available to investors who want both tax-free growth and…

Close-up of a hand holding a trading card at a table with additional cards blurred in the background

Can You Invest in Trading Cards With Your Retirement Funds in 2026? A Tax Lawyer’s Analysis of Whether a ROBS Structure May Provide the Answer

Key Takeaways: IRA rules generally block retirement accounts from buying trading cards directly and treat any such purchase as a taxable…

IRA Financial vs. Pango Financial: Best ROBS Provider

IRA Financial vs. Pango Financial

Pango Financial markets its DreamSpark plan as the most cost-effective ROBS option in the industry, and their setup fee is competitive. But pricing…

SEP IRA Contribution Calculation Guide: Examples for Different Net Incomes in 2026

SEP IRA Contribution Calculation Guide: Examples for Different Net Incomes in 2026

SEP IRAs look simple from the outside. One account, one contribution rate, no employee elections to manage. But the contribution calculation itself…

IRA Financial vs Madison Trust

IRA Financial vs Madison Trust Company

Choosing the right Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) provider isn't just a financial decision, it's a foundational step in building the future you…

The Real Estate Investor’s Tax-Free Retirement Bundled Solution

The Real Estate Investor’s Tax-Free Retirement Bundled Solution

For the real estate investor, the goal is straightforward: cash flow, appreciation, and tax shelter. But while most investors focus on the physical…

Self-Directed HSA Investment Options: Ranked by Tax Efficiency

Self-Directed HSA Investment Options: Ranked by Tax Efficiency

Most HSA holders leave their contributions sitting in a low-yield cash account, unaware that a Self-Directed HSA can invest in everything from…

Gold Is Down. Should Retirement Investors Buy the Dip?

Gold Is Down. Should Retirement Investors Buy the Dip?

Gold has had a rough few months. After reaching an all-time high of $5,500 per ounce in January 2026, gold prices have fallen roughly 20% to around…

IRA Financial vs American IRA

IRA Financial vs American IRA 

When it comes to self-directed retirement investing, IRA Financial and American IRA take different approaches. American IRA is a Third Party…

Why the New Housing Law Could Create the Best Real Estate Buying Opportunity in Years

Why the New Housing Law Could Create the Best Real Estate Buying Opportunity in Years

For the past several years, real estate investors have had to compete against one of the largest buyers the housing market has ever seen: Wall…

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.