Are Self Directed IRAs for Everyone?

As the economic concerns that have gripped America start to level out

, both the savvy investor and traditional IRA holders are looking for new ways to invest. Even though the economy continues to bounce along the bottom, things should level out soon according to common knowledge among economist. The opportunities to diversify your portfolio with a self directed (SD) IRA are vast.

During October of 2008, Congress' budget analyst reported a $2 trillion dollar loss in traditional IRAs. Some investors are looking for a method to get away from mutual fund managers and take their investments into their own hands with the help of a passive custodian. Many of these investors are still suffering from a loss in their traditional IRA, but they aren't sure how to roll over to an SD IRA.

The big question is exactly what kind of retirement accounts transfer over and what don't? If you have invested in any of the following methods, you can roll over to a self directed IRA.

Roth IRA

Traditional IRA

401(k) or individual (k)

Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA)

SEP-IRA

Simple IRA

Defined Benefit Plan

Health Savings Account

What You Should Know When You Take Your Retirement into Your Own Hands

Few people realize that self directed IRAs have been available since the birth of the traditional retirement account in the '70s. Setting the account up is simple. You are required to have a custodian oversee your retirement funds. Once you have determined your investments, the custodian will be in charge of the documents for safe-keeping. So what can you invest in?

TICs (Tenants in Common)

Real Estate Options

Tax Deeds and Tax Liens

Notes, Loans, Mortgages

Commercial and Residential Real Estate

Life Settlements

Limited Liability Companies

Limited Partnerships

Small Franchises and Businesses

Publicly and Privately Listed Stocks

What are the Restrictions of a Self Directed IRA?

When it comes to self directed investment retirement accounts, the big question should be what can't you do? When you take control of your investments, some may tell you the most important thing to keep in mind is what you shouldn't invest in. If you can stay away from these things, you should be in the green.

Artwork

Collectibles

Rugs and Antiques

Alcoholic Beverages

Metal, Stamps, and Gems

Alcoholic Beverages

Life Insurance for Yourself

Sub Chapter S Corporations

Coins

The Truly Self Directed Investment Retirement Account

When you open this type of account, your custodian will act as the passive partner in your transaction. Other than the restrictions mentioned above, the only other restrictions that you may encounter will be determined by self-interest on your custodian's part.

Your custodian should be able to answer any of your legal and administrative questions about your self directed IRA. But when it comes to your investments, the decisions should be left in your hands. With that being said, you can achieve more financial security when your investment portfolio is sensibly carried out with a well-managed strategy.

Are Self Directed IRAs for Everyone?

By: Equity Trust Company

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