The Basics of Self-Directed IRAs
Self-directed IRA’s are no different from traditional IRA’s. The word ‘self-directed’ is not an official or legal term, but it is simply a term that describes an IRA and how it’s managed. Broadly speaking, the term means that the IRA owner, or someone they appoint, makes all the important investment decisions and choices…
Look No Further For the Gift That Lasts
This time of year everyone is obsessed with thinking of creative, utilitarian gifts that still show love and caring. Interestingly, there is a unique and utilitarian gift we can give the kids in our lives: an IRA contribution. Although this gift may be the least exciting one under the tree this year, in…
The Illusive Foreclosure Tidal Wave and What It Means for Your Real Estate Investment
For several consecutive months there has been a lot of positive news about the state of the U.S. housing market. While there are undeniable signs of growth and the outlook is generally positive, there are still over 1 million houses in foreclosure. In October 2012 the number slimmed to 1.3 million homes in…
Stay Healthy, Stay Wealthy: Why Staying Healthy Pays in Retirement
More likely than not you would like to stay healthy- but what could you do to more actively pursue good health? If you stay healthy you will not only be happier, be able to do more, and feel better, you’ll be wealthier in retirement. Fidelity, one of the nation’s largest brokers, estimates that…
Strike While the Iron is Hot: 4 Tips to Successfully Invest in Real Estate
Right now, low housing prices and rock-bottom interest rates make this the ideal time to buy an investment property- perhaps the best time we’ll see in our lifetimes. The real estate market is finally showing signs of recovery, with home prices growing in some areas and stabilizing in others, and the influx of…
How New Recommendations Can Wreck Your Retirement Savings
Fidelity recently released new rules and recommendations for retirement. Although some of the recommendations are really helpful as a barometer for retirement, there are quite a few assumptions Fidelity makes on your behalf- and you know what assuming does. It is important to remember that these recommendations are generalizations created for a large…
Just Starting Out? 4 Tips to Start Thinking About Retirement
It may seem strange to suggest that young people new to the workforce start planning for retirement- but especially as Social Security, pension plans and employer-match programs continue to dry up, planning early and revisiting your plan often is absolutely necessary. So even if you’re quite young, or have a young person in…
Does an IRA-Owned LLC or Trust Make Sense for Me?
Investors often wonder if an IRA-owned LLC or trust makes sense for their portfolios. Like all other investments, it depends on many factors, the most important of which is your normal custodial account. Is it working well for you? If so, there may be little reason to consider adding an LLC or…
Real Estate Investments Using Solo 401k and Checkbook IRAs Soaring
According to the New York Times, inquiries about self-directed investment plans are up 196 percent. Because of low interest rates and home prices, real estate is a popular and often positive investment choice for both experienced and new self-directed investors. Checkbook IRAs, which are LLCs or trusts owned by a self-directed IRA,…
6 Ways to Protect Your Pension Benefits
Last week we wrote about the pension funding gap. This week we’ll discuss how to protect the pension benefits you’ve accrued already. Many people have come to view pension plans and Social Security as benefits that can’t be relied upon, and retirement programs sponsored by workplaces across the country are disappearing rapidly….