IRA Financial Blog

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

REITs

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

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

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?

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

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…

self-Directed Ira

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…

Roth IRA Five-Year Rule

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?

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…

small business retirement plans

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

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…

contributions

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…

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