Self-directed IRAs have become increasingly popular. Investors who use these accounts feel they gain more stability and control over their own retirement futures. In today’s world, having adequate (much less desired) funds upon retirement is a chief concern for the average American, and it seems as if this may be the case for years to come.
Enter self-direction. When you choose to self-direct your retirement plan, you break away from the mainstream
brokers and firms who choose investments for you. You free yourself from the restrictions of your retirement fund primarily being invested in traditional assets like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—and you open the door to an entirely new world of alternative investments that you alone choose to add to your portfolio to build income.
Many who give themselves this freedom are happy they did. Here are the top five reasons why you, too, should consider a self-directed IRA.
1. Control your own retirement funds
Self-directed retirement plans give account owners total control of their retirement funds. You call the shots. You consider the odds. And, you place the bets. After all, who is better qualified to decide what to do with your hard-earned money–than you?
2. Choose your own investments
As the owner of a self-directed account, you can consider an incredibly large number of alternative investments. The key to self-direction to invest in what you know best—in things that you personally know and understand. But, don’t let your own knowledge (or lack thereof) restrict you. You can still draw on professionals for advice, and you should. You can also learn about the astronomical number of assets your account can hold; find something that interests you and educate yourself to discover if that option is for you or not.
3. Diversify your portfolio
While self-directed IRAs can certainly hold the typical stock, bond and mutual fund, true diversity can only be reached when you step off Wall Street and explore the potential beyond that city block. Alternative investments include real estate, precious metals, private equity, notes and mortgages, crowdfunding opportunities, and so much more.
4. Leverage your bets on the stock market
We’re not suggesting you never consider another stock or bond again. These assets do have their place in your portfolio. We’re only urging you to consider supplementing those assets with a number of investments that also have the potential to earn income—at a pace that allows you to sleep at night.
5. Because the sky becomes your limit
The number of alternative investments permissible in self-directed plans is nearly infinite. In fact, the only assets not allowed in these plans are life insurance contracts and collectibles as defined by the IRS. Above we mentioned a few well-known alternatives, like real estate. However, don’t stop there! Instead, let your imagination run wild.
You can earn tax-sheltered income toward retirement in lots of ways you’ve never thought of, we bet. Do you think a fishing charter business in some tropical locale would be successful? How about breeding horses or raising cattle? Do you have an interest in gold, or are oil and gas options more attractive? You can invest in start-up companies, take on wind and solar projects, and even space exploration technology.
In other words, the sky can truly be your limit when you use self-directed retirement plans. If you can dream it, chances are you can build retirement income from it—if you know how.
Advanta IRA does not give investing advice, and we don’t sell assets. We do provide our clients with the superior knowledge, unparalleled administrative support, and top-notch educational tools needed for them to confidently identify investments for their self-directed plans.
To learn more about self-directed investing, contact Advanta IRA today at (800) 425-0653.
Visit our event calendar to find a free seminar or webinar designed to empower individuals who want control of their own successful retirement futures.
