What is the “power” of self-directing with an IRA? With a Self-Directed IRA, investors have greater control over their retirement investments. This means you can invest in alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, and precious metals. In this blog post, we’ll explore the power of Self-Directed IRAs. We will discuss their benefits and key points to consider before investing in one. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, this post will provide valuable insights into Self-Directed IRAs and their potential role in your retirement savings plan.

Why Self-Directed IRAs?

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a popular way for people to save for their retirement. A Self-Directed IRA is a type of IRA that allows account holders to invest in a much broader range of assets beyond the traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds typical with a traditional approach. With a Self-Directed IRA, investors can invest in alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, precious metals, and more.

Self-Directed IRAs are an excellent tool for people who are looking for greater control over their retirement investments. With a Self-Directed IRA, investors can make investment decisions based on their personal interests, knowledge, and expertise. Investors can choose to invest in assets they feel confident in, such as rental properties or private equity in company stock, instead of being limited to the public stock market.

The Benefits of a Self-Directed IRA

Diversification

Self-Directed IRAs provide an opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolio beyond traditional investments. By investing in alternative assets, investors are not as vulnerable to stock market fluctuations, which can be a benefit during market downturns.

Tax Advantages

Like traditional approaches to IRAs, Self-Directed IRAs also offer tax benefits. Depending on the type of account, investors can either make tax-deductible contributions or receive tax-free withdrawals upon retirement. For example, a Self-Directed Roth IRA allows investors to make after-tax contributions, but their withdrawals during retirement are tax-free.

Control

With a Self-Directed IRA, investors have greater control over their retirement investments. They can choose which assets to invest in and can make decisions based on their personal interests and expertise. This level of control can provide peace of mind for investors, as they can make investment decisions that align with their personal goals.

Investment Flexibility

Self-Directed IRAs provide investment flexibility, as investors can invest in a wide range of assets, choosing them as they deem appropriate. This flexibility allows investors to diversify their portfolio beyond traditional investments, which can provide some additional stability during market fluctuations or turmoil.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Self-Directed IRA

While Self-Directed IRAs offer greater investment flexibility and control, they often come with higher fees if you’re not working with the right Self-Directed IRA custodian. Investors should be aware of the fees associated with opening and maintaining a Self-Directed IRA, as well as any fees associated with the account. For example, dynamic fees—or fees that grow with the size of the account—can eat into retirement savings.

Self-Directed IRAs always require a custodian to hold and administer the account. Custodians are responsible for ensuring that investments comply with IRS regulations and that the account is managed appropriately. Investors should be aware of the requirements associated with their custodian and ensure they’re comfortable with their custodian before opening a Self-Directed IRA.

Self-Directed IRAs offer a powerful tool for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and take greater control over their retirement investments. While they do come with certain risks and fees, the benefits of a Self-Directed IRA can make them a valuable addition to an investor’s retirement savings plan. Want to learn more about how it all works with Self-Directed IRAs? Reach out to us here at American IRA by dialing 866-4500-IRA.

Want to learn about diversifying you portfolio? Visit: Diversification with a Self-Directed IRA | American IRA