IRA Financial Blog
Insights, strategies, and expert answers on self-directed retirement, taxes, and alternative investing.
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…