You have done your homework. You have read up on the Self-Directed IRAs available to you. You have learned what self-directing means, and you may even have a plan for investing your money once you have a Self-Directed IRA open. But there’s still that first barrier to cross: the all-important first step. What is the …

When using a Self-Directed IRA, retirement investors can easily put investment real estate into their retirement portfolio. That means that investors will have access to more than simply stocks or bonds when they try to fund their retirement. But what kinds of real estate investments specifically will fit into a retirement portfolio, and which types …

When you think about the Self-Directed Checkbook IRA, be honest: you imagine that it is part of the complicated wealth mechanics that only the very rich can use. And while it is true that the Self-Directed Checkbook IRA comes with upfront fees, you would be surprised to learn that once a Self-Directed Checkbook IRA is established, it is very easy …

When you switch to a self-direction strategy for your retirement, you know that you will have one powerful thing working in your favor: control. One way to achieve this kind of control is by using a Single Member IRA LLC to manage your investments. But what exactly is this sort of arrangement, and how might …

A Self-Directed Checkbook IRA is a key retirement strategy for many investors. But who is most likely to benefit from this type of arrangement, and why is that the case? In this article, we’ll explore the types of investors who often benefit from a Checkbook IRA. Although a Self-Directed Checkbook IRA is a highly independent …

If you’ve ever invested in real estate, you’re well aware of the amount of homework involved. You have to know the area. You have to know the location, the taxes, and all of the subtle details that go into identifying a strong investment. And, like many real estate investors, you might sometimes get frustrated by …

The Self-Directed Checkbook IRA is not the most traditional method for investing. As such, there are quite a few myths that can spring up around Self-Directed Checkbook IRAs — how they work, how complicated they are, and what sorts of investments one can make with them. The important thing for anyone considering a Checkbook IRA is …

Thinking about a Self-Directed Checkbook IRA to help you build a substantial retirement portfolio? That’s great. But it does not mean that it’s a decision you will want to make overnight. Preparing for a Checkbook IRA should require taking stock of your retirement goals, understanding the process of creating a Single Member LLC, as well …

Occasionally, we get asked if limited liability companies (LLCs) are allowable investments for Self-Directed IRAs. The answer is yes – and they are frequently excellent vehicles for Self-Directed IRAs, depending on the circumstances. They allow for more direct control of IRA assets, and it is even possible to set up a checking account in the …

It’s easy to automate your finances when you receive a regular paycheck from an employer with an HR department and you have a 401(k) plan provided by them. And it’s great. You automatically put money that you never see away, and it builds in your retirement account. But what if you are more independent than …

Holding a Self-Directed Checkbook IRA can be a convenient, flexible way to invest in retirement. But if you are new to the concept, it can be hard to make sense of it. Is a Checkbook IRA a special account? Who can have one? And where does this “checkbook” come from, anyway? Below, you will find …

If you were born between 1981 and 1996, they call you a millennial. Many of you are working at your first job, while others may already have had more than one career. Either way, there is a good chance you are not worrying about retirement just yet. To your thinking, that’s too far down the …