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
self directed
Penalty Free Early Distributions
Probably one of the must unknown facets of retirement planning is that you can distribute before age 59 ½ for any reason without paying the extra 10% early distribution tax. How? Substantially Equal Periodic Payments Set a distribution schedule calculated using IRS tables The schedule must have … [Read more...] about Penalty Free Early Distributions
Borrowing money from your Solo 401(k)
Solo 401(k)'s most touted feature is its uniquely large annual contribution limits ($46k - $102k). A lesser known feature may be just as useful for some: participant loans. What is a participant loan? A Solo 401(k) participant can borrow up to either $50,000 or 50% of their account value with the … [Read more...] about Borrowing money from your Solo 401(k)
Loaning money to your IRA/401(k)
Do you have an IRA/401k-owned investment property that has a mortgage and negative cash flow? Something I've been running into lately is Self Directed plan investors who speculatively bought a house or condo in previously hot markets (think Vegas, Florida, Phoenix, etc). Some of these areas have … [Read more...] about Loaning money to your IRA/401(k)
The Roth Assumption
We all have that friend who is financially irresponsible. You know, they have a new cell phone every time one comes out. They lease a brand new car every 2 years. Their credit cards are maxed out. And they don't really have a game plan on how to pay for the stuff they have. The best I can tell is … [Read more...] about The Roth Assumption
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
LLC Registration – Choosing a state
For many small businesses forming an LLC in your home state is the simplest and most convenient option. An LLC that does business in a state other than where it was initially registered must register as a “foreign LLC” (foreign meaning from a different state, not a different country) with the state … [Read more...] about LLC Registration – Choosing a state