Self Directed IRA Articles

Fair market valuations (FMVs) are required by the IRS for the assets in your retirement plan. The valuations must be assessed as of the end of the income tax reporting year. You’re not allowed to complete these valuations yourself—you must request a qualified, independent third party to provide them. So, now is the time to start making moves to get it done.

Investing in Bitcoin is at the forefront of news in the financial world because of its recent record-breaking rise. You may be considering investing yourself if you haven't already. If you're on the fence, these top 10 Bitcoin facts may help you determine if this asset belongs in your retirement portfolio.

Investments in gold have been popular for hundreds of years. Although you can invest in gold futures, ETFs, and mutual funds—the hard asset itself is favored by many investors in the form of coins and bullion. For individuals who want to secure these assets to enhance retirement planning efforts, they can do so using self-directed IRAs.

You have until April 18, 2017 to make the deadline (or file an extension) for submitting your income taxes to the IRS. You also have until that date to open and/or contribute to a few retirement plans if you want those contributions to count on 2016’s tax returns.

Self-directed IRAs are able to use a plethora of alternative investments to build retirement income. Alternative assets include real estate, private equity, futures and forex trading, farm land, timberland, private mortgages, and much more. However, traditional assets, like stocks, are also permissible in these accounts.

One of the most recent (and controversial) directives President Trump has issued regards reforming large chunks of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (more simply called Dodd-Frank). One aspect that’s under his radar is the fiduciary rule that would more strictly govern investment advisors and Wall Street in regards to retirement plan investors. However, if you already self-direct your IRA, you have nothing to worry about.

The Dow Jones hitting 20K on January 25 was quite a moment. Not only was it the first time in its history (and that would be since 1896) that the Dow has been so high, its ascent during today’s rough political climate signifies hope and confidence in our economy. You could almost hear the collective roar of cheers across the nation—from the floors of the exchange and throughout the living rooms and work places of many Americans.

As of December 12, 2016, the Dow is up almost eight percent since the election and facing yet another record close. What does this mean for you in terms of your investing practices and goals? Are you hoping to jump in the fray and take advantage of the Trump Bump or are you already reaping the benefits? The future certainly looks bright from many directions—but make sure you keep that in perspective when considering investment options.

Have you ever wondered why there is so much speculation revolving around the stock market and investing during presidential election years? Not only do people reconsider their current investments before the election takes place, they prepare themselves for the affects of post-presidential election investing—because these elections can and often do cause Wall Street to stall.

Most of us are well aware that not only are our federal tax returns due on April 15 every year, but that is also the deadline for contributions to be made in our individual retirement accounts for that tax-filing year. However, this year, these deadlines have been extended.