Self directed IRA options

Americans today have several different options when it comes to retirement investments. From the stock market to 401K plans Americans can literally have their pick of the litter for investing. With the economy however in so much turmoil, most Americans are beginning to worry about their retirement savings and feeling a need to supplement it with something else. IRAs or self directed IRA options can prove to be an excellent addition to any retirement portfolio.

IRAs have given individuals the flexibility to place money into a trust or retirement account since 1974. A self directed IRA account is one that the tax payer has greater control over in terms of investment decisions. You are basically in charge of where your money goes and how much you want to invest, however you don't ever really get to touch it. Self directed IRAs are also sometimes called "real estate IRAs." There are however some rules that apply to self directed IRA funds. For example, under sec. 408 you can invest in real estate notes, private placements, and investment partnerships. You cannot however make investments on collectibles or insurance contracts. It's important to understand all the red tape before you buy into a self directed IRA fund. Self directed IRAs are ideal for individuals that are not completely comfortable with the ups and downs of the stock market and who want a little more control over their own money. Therefore the traditional and Roth IRAs are typically invested in bonds and mutual funds, because they are a little less risky and don't have as much up and down as the stock market.

Self directed IRA options
As with every other investment option, self directed IRAs come with many advantages, disadvantages, and challenges. There are however several options to choose from in order to overcome the risks and challenges. Here are a few self directed IRA options:

Transfer a portion of your original IRA fund into the self directed IRA. By doing this you are limiting the risk exposure to your funds. You need to set up this type of account very carefully and make careful considerations about how you want the investment run.

Real Estate. Most self directed IRAs are known as real estate IRAs because it is very common for the owner to invest in real estate.

Stock

Mortgages

Franchises

Partnerships

Private Equity

Tax liens.

Because self directed IRAs allow for a wide range of investment options and choices for the owner, they can help diversify your IRA portfolio.

Be aware of challenges
While there are several advantages to a self directed IRA like flexibility in choosing from a variety of investment options and a possible tax free growth of your investment asset there are also several challenges you need to know about.

The potential for prohibited transactions and investment growth opportunity for each asset inside the IRA must be considered.

In order for it to be a self directed IRA the custodian is not allowed to give any type of advice about the investments.

The plan asset needs to generate enough income to pay the expenses of that asset.

You generally have to go outside your trusted relationships with bankers and financial planners to set up your account.

So there you have it, some self directed IRA options and a little more background and information to help you get started. Whatever you decide to invest in just make sure you know what you're getting into and you have done your research on the advantages and disadvantages to your specific self directed IRA plan.

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