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
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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
The Collapse of the Dollar & How to Profit From It
I just got done interviewing John Rubino, co-author of The Collapse of the Dollar - Make a Fortune by Investing in Gold & Other Hard Assets, and it was quite interesting. Rubino stated that: Over the last 7 years the stock market has dropped [as significantly] as it did during the Great … [Read more...] about The Collapse of the Dollar & How to Profit From It
Solo 401(k) Nonrecourse Loans Now Available
For many real estate investors, leverage is a key factor to their plans for profits - leverage in the form of mortgage financing. When you introduce mortgage financing into Self Directed IRA ownership of real estate, a special tax called Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) is triggered. The tax … [Read more...] about Solo 401(k) Nonrecourse Loans Now Available
Hot Topic – Checkbook Control / IRA LLC
I work in the field of Self Directed IRAs & 401(k)s. Based on the phone calls and emails we receive, by far the most discussed topic is checkbook control. Some people want it; others don't. Some service providers support it; others discourage it. What is it? What most people are referring to … [Read more...] about Hot Topic – Checkbook Control / IRA LLC
Precious Metals for Keeps
With gas prices and virtually every other cost of living rising, responding to the declining dollar is something we all have probably thought about by now. One option available to us all is precious metals: namely gold, silver, and platinum. The trick with getting metals into a retirement plan is … [Read more...] about Precious Metals for Keeps
Green from Green
In case you haven't heard about the latest buzzword, it's "green". Green living, green cars, green houses, green lifestyle, and now - green investing. The mutual fund market has been quick to provide a push button conscience cleaner - SRI (Socially Responsible Investing) index funds. Let's take a … [Read more...] about Green from Green
Real Estate in the Wild West
"Buying foreign real estate is kind of like buying real estate in the Wild West. 150 years ago they probably didn't have an MLS, local board of Realtors, or disclosure laws," says foreign investment specialist Tom Phelan. I had the chance to catch up with him today and pick his brain. As described … [Read more...] about Real Estate in the Wild West