Self-Directed IRA Investment Options That Might Surprise You (Hint: It’s About More Than Just Stocks)

Self-directed IRA investment options

The primary difference between a self-directed retirement account and an IRA or other qualified retirement account is the increased freedom and flexibility to invest in both alternative and traditional asset classes.

Many investors don’t realize they aren’t limited to stocks, bonds and mutual funds. One major area of investment: real estate.

Real estate and self-directed IRAs 101

If you’re making real estate a part of your retirement income strategy, a self-directed IRA is a great vehicle to use for those investments whether you’re interested in condos, private homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings and more.

[For a detailed look at how real estate investments work within a self-directed IRA, visit our Self-Directed Investments page.]

Do well by doing good with a self-directed IRA

One of the most attractive benefits for our civic-minded investors is the fact that self-directed IRAs can serve as an untapped source of investment capital with the potential to positively impact their communities. Yes, it’s about building tax-advantaged wealth for your retirement. But you can do well by doing good.

We’ve seen Equity Trust clients do extraordinary things with their retirement accounts — for themselves and for others — which we showcase on our Your Stories series.

From rehabbing blighted neighborhoods and providing affordable housing opportunities, to financing local businesses, you can use your retirement funds to truly help people in the city where you live.

Alternative investments

Beyond real estate, what else can you invest in? The sky is (nearly) the limit. Some popular alternative options include:

• Private debt, like corporate debt offerings, notes secured by deeds of trust or mortgages, unsecured notes and contracts for deed.
• Private equity. This asset class has enjoyed a period of unprecedented success over the past decade and is continuing to grow. Some common private equity investments include stock of C-corporations, limited partnerships, LLCs and REITs. Do you know of a small business you’d like to support? Your IRA may be able to invest in it.
• Precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium. There are certain restrictions on the types of each category allowable by the IRS in an IRA. Click here for specifics.
• Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin.

A few areas are off-limits, per Uncle Sam. IRS Publication 590 identifies which investments are prohibited in IRAs, including:

• Collectibles (such as artwork, rugs, antiques, gems, stamps, certain coins, etc.)
• Certain precious metals
• Alcoholic beverages
• Life insurance policies

Bottom line: Once investors learn about self-directed retirement accounts, and work with an advisor or financial professional to determine if it’s the right fit, it may be possible to tap into the multi-trillion-dollar IRA market.

At Equity Trust, we can help. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to talk through your options.

For more information, read ‘5 Self-Directed IRA Benefits’