If there is one conversation central to society right now... it's energy. More specifically oil. With gasoline passing the $4 per gallon mark in many parts of the country, it's hard not to wonder what are our alternatives to the internal combustion engine automobile. In the mid 90s, GM came out … [Read more...] about Investing in Electric Cars
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Checkbook Control 2.0 (for the self employed)
With tens of thousands of self directed IRA investors utilizing LLC structures to enjoy "checkbook control" authority of their self directed IRA investments, this post may serve as great news for those who aim to follow suit. Solo 401(k) retirement plans can grant direct checkbook control without … [Read more...] about Checkbook Control 2.0 (for the self employed)
Beating the Bubble Mentality
I recently talked to a real estate investor friend online who I have known for about 4 years. He started investing in the height of the housing bubble, and now I think he's finding it difficult to shed the "bubble mentality". In our conversation I did my best to cause him to question his perspective … [Read more...] about Beating the Bubble Mentality
Consumer confidence falling & the $600 checks to save the day
Did you get your $600 check yet? What will you do with it? Surveys are saying that most Americans will use their "Economic Stimulus" check to deal with gas, food, and catching up on bills. This doesn't stimulate the economy. Consumer spending stimulates the economy. In other words, the Department … [Read more...] about Consumer confidence falling & the $600 checks to save the day
Grading Promoters – Fairpointe… B
I ran across a site advertised on Google today - www.coloradodeedsoftrust.com - run by a company called Fairpointe. This post is just my initial opinion from reviewing their web site. I haven't spoken with or met these people or anyone who has done business with them. Once I have I will post an … [Read more...] about Grading Promoters – Fairpointe… B
What is the Plan Asset Rule?
The plan asset rule, among other things, is used to determine whether or not a retirement plan is involved in a prohibited transaction. A PT happens when a plan enters into a transaction with a disqualified person. In our previous post, we covered how to make a list of disqualified persons for a … [Read more...] about What is the Plan Asset Rule?
Prohibited Transaction Basics
The most notable difference between endeavors down the path of using a self directed IRA versus traditional investing is the unique rules that apply to the former. The extremely simple rule is that an IRA (specifically) cannot buy life insurance or collectibles (such as rugs, works of art, alcohol, … [Read more...] about Prohibited Transaction Basics
Trust Yourself
In a world where we see stories unfold such as: Enron WorldCom Tyco Subprime mortgage crisis Mutual fund mortgage overexposure and misreporting Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac accounting scandals Insolvency of Investment Bank Bear Stearns ...most Americans are running low on trust when it … [Read more...] about Trust Yourself