Switching from a Traditional to a Self-Directed IRA is a Smart Strategy for Your Retirement Funds | Morris Invest (2024)

Switching from a Traditional to a Self-Directed IRA is a Smart Strategy for Your Retirement Funds | Morris Invest (1)

For many years, individuals have invested their traditional IRAs in mutual funds, stocks, and bonds to build their retirement fund. Although traditional IRAs and these particular investments are still in place and going strong, self-directed IRAs have taken the spotlight and are now considered a game-changer when it comes to retirement saving strategies.

Switching from a traditional IRA to a self-directed IRA can mean the difference between retiring comfortably to just getting by. With that in mind, let’s take a look at two main reasons why moving your funds from a traditional to self-directed IRA may be your best bet for significantly growing your retirement savings.

1. A Self-Directed IRA Lets You Take Control of Your Money to Invest as You See Fit

When dealing with a traditional IRA, you give up some degree of control when it comes to investment decisions. Typically, insurance firms, brokerage houses, or banks are the ones that hold a large amount of control over your IRA. This makes a truly diversified portfolio something that is out of reach. It can limit you to investments that may include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and the like. This can severely impact your retirement funds and keep you from reaching your full savings potential.

This is where the self-directed IRA comes out on top, bringing your retirement funds along with it. A self-directed IRA lets you run the show to a certain extent. You have the option to not only rely on your knowledge and best judgment when it comes to your investments, but you will have the chance to grow your retirement funds beyond what a traditional IRA would have brought in.

Check out a few examples of what you can invest in with a self-directed IRA:

As you can see, switching from a traditional IRA to a self-directed IRA can offer you a well-balanced mix of investment opportunities, making your chances of successfully growing your retirement fund a real possibility.

2. Investing in Real Estate with Your Self-Directed IRA Can Greatly Increase Your Retirement Savings

We would like to place a special emphasis on how switching from a traditional to a self-directed IRA will allow you to invest your retirement funds in real estate, specifically, rental properties. Real estate investments are one of the most secure and lucrative ways of growing your retirement funds, and can be done passively, allowing you to enjoy life while money is pouring into your retirement savings account.

Switching from a Traditional to a Self-Directed IRA is a Smart Strategy for Your Retirement Funds | Morris Invest (2)

If you’re interested in investing in real estate with your self-directed IRA, but want to ensure you make the most profitable investments, take a look at DealCheck’s property analysis software that allows you to quickly analyze a rental property before diving in too deep. Or, if you would like help finding high-quality rental properties to invest in, book a 30-minute call with Morris Invest.

Take a look at these outstanding benefits of using your self-directed IRA to invest in real estate:

  • Investing in rental properties brings with it significant tax write-offs that place more money in your retirement savings.

  • You’re able to keep your self-directed IRA retirement fund at a tax deferral status even when selling and buying properties.

  • Your real estate investment won’t be affected when there is a market crash. This is because everyone still needs a place to live no matter what’s happening on Wall Street.

  • Investing in real estate will boost your retirement funds because rental properties are an extremely profitable investment.

Invest Your Funds Wisely by Seeking Out Professional Advice

When investing with your self-directed IRA, you have to ensure you are playing by the rules. It would be wise to contact a personal accountant for expert advice. We recommend utilizing Tom Wheelwright, CPA. He knows the tax law inside and out and is the personal tax advisor of real estate genius Robert Kiyosaki. He can also guide you through the process of switching from your old IRA to a new self-directed IRA. You may also want to head over to this post to make sure you’re well informed on the rules of the game – .

If you would like to cover all your bases and have even more control over your retirement funds, as well as gain “checkbook control/complete signing authority”, you will want to form a self-directed IRA LLC. We use Garrett Sutton of Corporate Direct when forming a legal entity and highly recommend him.

Power Resources for Real Estate Investors

Here are some exceptional resources for those who would like to gain financial knowledge and increase their wealth in the process:

Make the Change to a Self-Directed IRA and Watch Your Retirement Funds Skyrocket!

You won’t regret transferring your traditional IRA funds over to a self-directed IRA, especially in the future, when it’s time to rely on your retirement savings. A self-directed IRA will give you the control you need to make sound financial decisions regarding your retirement funds, as opposed to giving more control over to a broker.

Morris Invest can transfer your funds over to a self-directed IRA; it’s super simple and actually takes about 15 minutes. Taking this step will open up a world of opportunity for you as an investor and enable you to invest in one of our lucrative investment properties that deliver an 18%+ IRR and feature built-in financing.

We offer new construction properties in prosperous locations that yield high returns that will increase your net worth. If this has sparked your interest, then feel free to schedule a free 30-minute call – we would love to help you get set up with a cash flowing investment property.

Grab a cup of coffee and dive into the following video that details buying hard assets within a self-directed IRA:

Ready To Build Passive Income Through Rental Real Estate?

Ready to talk about your goals? We're here to show you the tools and teach you the process to begin earning legacy wealth for you and your family.

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Switching from a Traditional to a Self-Directed IRA is a Smart Strategy for Your Retirement Funds | Morris Invest (2024)

FAQs

Can I change my Traditional IRA to a Self-Directed IRA? ›

Yes, you can rollover to a self directed IRA. If it is a Traditional 401(k), it will be a self-directed IRA. If it is a Roth 401(k), it will be a self-directed Roth IRA. Yes, you can roll-over to a traditional self-directed IRA.

Is Self-Directed IRA a good idea? ›

Self-directed IRAs offer more variety in investment options while still providing the tax benefits of an IRA. However, because account holders select and manage investments on their own, SDIRAs are ideal for experienced investors who have the financial experience and knowledge necessary to take on the risk.

What is the difference between a Self-Directed IRA and a Traditional IRA? ›

The “self directed” aspect is in the ability to invest in alternative assets. While a standard IRA is typically limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a Self-Directed IRA enables you to diversify into real estate, promissory notes, private placements, precious metals, and more.

What is the problem with Self-Directed IRA? ›

Failing to properly plan for the disposition of self-directed IRA assets upon the owner's death can result in unintended consequences, such as high taxes, financial penalties, loss of the account's tax deferred status or disputes among heirs.

What are the income limits for self-directed IRAs? ›

The most important details of a self-directed Roth IRA include: An annual contribution limit of $7,000 for 2024 ($8,000 if you're 50 or older) and $6,500 for 2023 ($7,500 if you're 50 or older). Contributions that are not tax-deductible. Qualified withdrawals that are 100% tax-free.

What is the penalty for early withdrawal from a Self-Directed IRA? ›

While you are not forced to start withdrawing at this time, it is the earliest date you can do so without any issues. In the case of Roth IRAs, you need to have the account open for at least five years. If you do take early distributions, each withdrawal will incur a 10% penalty.

Is Self-Directed IRA tax-free? ›

However, because the income received by a Self-Directed IRA is tax-exempt, the Self-Directed IRA has no income to report and no federal income tax return to file. LLC with More Than One Owner and No UBTI and UDFI. The IRS treats a LLC with more than one owner as partnership for tax purposes.

Do you pay capital gains on Self-Directed IRA? ›

Like ordinary IRAs, assets grow tax-free inside a self-directed account, giving a real estate investor, for example, a way to rent properties or buy and sell them using IRA savings while postponing the taxes on any income or capital gains.

Can you own a business with a Self-Directed IRA? ›

The good news is that you can you use a Self-Directed IRA or other self-directed retirement plan (e.g. 401k) and invest it in a new or existing business or franchise. You cannot invest in a business in which you already have an ownership interest, but all other businesses are fair game.

What is allowed in a self-directed IRA? ›

Investments in a self-directed IRA can include a variety of options, such as real estate, precious metals, mortgages, or private equity—provided the investments don't run afoul of tax regulations.

What are the tax advantages of a self-directed IRA? ›

Some advantages of self-directed IRAs include: Tax-deferred or tax-free profits. Investment diversity (it is possible to invest in an array of assets in your retirement account) Potentially building wealth for future beneficiaries.

Who is eligible for a self-directed IRA? ›

Almost anyone can open an IRA account. All you need is a copy of a government issued identification and a credit card to pay for the account establishment fee. You can establish the retirement account yourself. However, to make contributions to your IRA you (or your spouse) must have earned taxable income.

Is Self-Directed IRA FDIC insured? ›

NOTE ON BENEFICIARIES:WHILE SOME SELF-DIRECTED RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, LIKE IRAS, PERMIT THE OWNER TO NAME ONE OR MORE BENEFICIARIES, THE EXISTENCE OF BENEFICIARIES DOES NOT INCREASE THE AVAILABLE INSURANCE COVERAGE. certain retirement accounts at the same bank is less than $250,000, his IRA deposits are fully insured.

What happens to Self-Directed IRA upon death? ›

The beneficiary may choose to keep the assets in the account for five years. On the fifth anniversary of the Self-Directed IRA account holder's death, the recipient must take the entire account as a taxable distribution. If any funds remain in the inherited account, they will incur a 50% “excess accumulation” penalty.

Can a Self-Directed IRA be sued? ›

If you set up an IRA account, you dip it down into investing in short-term rentals or other types of rental real estate, and then you get sued, not only can they sue into the IRA, but if there's more damages than what your retirement account has, they can actually now sue into your individual assets and your bank ...

How to change to Self-Directed IRA? ›

The entire process of setting up a Self-Directed IRA is usually completed within two or three weeks.
  1. Step 1: Create an Account With a Self-Directed IRA Custodian. ...
  2. Step 2: Transfer Funds Into the Self-Directed IRA. ...
  3. Step 3: Instruct the IRA Custodian to Invest Funds Into the Asset of Your Choice.

Can you change IRA types? ›

To recharacterize a regular IRA contribution, you tell the trustee of the financial institution holding your IRA to transfer the amount of the contribution plus earnings to a different type of IRA (either a Roth or traditional) in a trustee-to-trustee transfer or to a different type of IRA with the same trustee.

Can I put my house in a Self-Directed IRA? ›

With a self-directed IRA you can use retirement funds to invest in real estate in a tax-advantaged manner. This is also known as a "Real Estate IRA". Self-directed IRA real estate investing can be carried out through direct purchases, partnered funds, an LLC, or with a non-recourse loan.

How much does it cost to set up a Self-Directed IRA? ›

Set Up Fee

This fee can range from $50 to $300 depending on the custodian or provider. It can also vary depending on your investment types. Providers that create IRA LLCs for checkbook control are usually higher in cost.

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