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.

Schedule a consultation

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

FAQs

Is self-directed IRA a good idea? ›

Beyond investment flexibility, a self-directed IRA offers several benefits. For example, investors can take more control over their retirement savings, potentially leading to higher returns.

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's the difference between a traditional IRA and a self-directed IRA? ›

The main difference between traditional IRAs and SDIRAs is that SDIRAs allow you to invest in a broader array of assets, providing access to real estate, precious metals and cryptocurrencies. However, the fees can be higher for SDIRAs and, crucially, so can the risk.

Can I convert 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.

What is the loophole for self-directed IRAs? ›

You may be able to take advantage of a rollover rule loophole, which gives you 60 days to use the money as a short-term loan. If you don't pay it back on time or trigger other restrictions, you will lose the tax-favored status of the account and be subject to a penalty, too.

Is self-directed investing worth it? ›

Self-directed investment accounts have the lowest fees and give you the most freedom, but the risks are higher. A safer choice is to hire a financial advisor and let them guide your investment strategy.

Is it a bad idea to have a traditional IRA? ›

Consider a Traditional IRA

If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, a traditional IRA might make the most financial sense. You'll reap tax benefits today while you're in the higher bracket and pay taxes later at a lower rate.

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 a traditional IRA best for? ›

The traditional IRA is a better choice when you're older or earning more, because you can avoid income taxes at higher rates on today's income.

Can you sell property from self-directed IRA to yourself? ›

The answer is always no. IRS regulations don't allow transactions that are considered “self-dealing,” and they don't allow your self-directed IRA to buy property from or sell property to any disqualified person, including yourself, certain family members, and others.

Can you pull money out of a self-directed IRA? ›

Whether you've just made it to retirement or you are drawing up your long-term goals, eventually, you will be able to take distributions from your self-directed IRA. After years of saving, you may be eager to start reaping the benefits; on the other hand, you may want your assets to continue to grow beyond retirement.

How long does it take to convert to self-directed IRA? ›

Let your IRA custodian know that you wish to have your funds sent to the new IRA LLC bank account. It will move over tax-free in exchange for 100% interest in the limited liability company. Setting up a Self-Directed IRA usually takes approximately 10 days.

What is better a self-directed IRA or Roth IRA? ›

A Roth IRA might be a great fit if you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during retirement and want tax-free distributions. If you're interested in alternative investments and the freedom to shape your portfolio, a Self-Directed could align with your strategy.

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.

What are the pitfalls of owning real estate in an IRA? ›

As your IRA doesn't pay taxes, you can't take advantage of the deductions that come with owning real estate. Because you've paid cash, there are no mortgage interest payments to deduct. Nor do you get the benefits of property tax deductions or depreciation.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rubie Ullrich

Last Updated:

Views: 5612

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rubie Ullrich

Birthday: 1998-02-02

Address: 743 Stoltenberg Center, Genovevaville, NJ 59925-3119

Phone: +2202978377583

Job: Administration Engineer

Hobby: Surfing, Sailing, Listening to music, Web surfing, Kitesurfing, Geocaching, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Rubie Ullrich, I am a enthusiastic, perfect, tender, vivacious, talented, famous, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.