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Top Ten Frequently Asked Self-Directed IRA Questions (and Answers)
Self-Directed IRA Basics: What is a Self-Directed IRA, What Can a Self-Directed IRA Invest Into, and What is an IRA/LLC?
Self Directed IRA Blog
Stuck With a 401K Loan and Leaving Your Job
Have you taken a loan from your employer 401(k) plan and plan on leaving? Unfortunately, most company plans will require you to repay the loan within 60 days, or they will distribute the amount outstanding on the loan from your 401(k) account. Its one of the ways they...
Self-Directed Beneficiary IRAs: RMD and Investing Tips
If you've inherited an IRA from a parent or another loved one, it is likely that you have a Beneficiary IRA. These can be powerful accounts, but you need to understand the Required Minimum Distribution ("RMD") rules for your Beneficiary IRA to properly utilize it. The...
College Savings Accounts: Coverdell Versus 529
Kids are going back to school and it's a great time to think about college and to make financial plans for your children or grandchildren's education. As you consider the different plan options, you'll want to make sure you know the two most common tax favored college...
New 2019 U.S. GAO Report on IRA Prohibited Transaction Exemptions
The Government Accountability Office ("GAO") issued their most recent report on self-directed IRAs and concluded that the IRS and DOL should do more to collaborate on prohibited transactions in IRAs. The report and the GAO's work was an excellent analysis of some of...
Properly Completing IRS Form W-9 for Your IRA/LLC or Checkbook Control IRA
Many self-directed IRA investors use an IRA/LLC (aka "checkbook-controlled IRA") to hold their self-directed IRA investments. For an overview, see my video here. When using the IRA/LLC structure, the name of the LLC is on title to the assets, and the LLC’s bank...
Three Unique Benefits of Health Savings Accounts You Never Knew
HSAs (“Health Savings Accounts”) are growing in popularity as Americans are discovering significant tax savings with these accounts. Why are they popular? There are many reasons why; some well known and others not so well known. Let's start with the primary benefits...
Critical Beneficiary Designation Rules for Your IRA or Other Retirement Accounts
When you establish an IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account you are required to designate the beneficiary of that account so that the institution/custodian holding the account knows who will receive the account upon your death. You will die one day (sorry for the...
Buying a Retirement Home With Your Self-Directed IRA
A common self-directed IRA question is, “Can I buy a future retirement home with my IRA?” Yes, you can buy a future retirement home with your IRA, but you need to understand the rules and drawbacks before doing so. First, keep in mind that IRAs can only hold...
Solo K Form 5500 Tax Filing and Five-Point Compliance Checklist
Solo 401(k)s have become a popular retirement plan option for self-employed persons. Unfortunately, many plans are not properly maintained and are at the risk of significant penalty and/or plan termination. If you have a Solo 401(k), you need to ensure that the 401(k)...