In this episode, REBL Risty sits down with Brian Davis, President of Independent IRA, to explore how investors can use self-directed retirement accounts to invest beyond stocks and mutual funds. Brian breaks down, in simple terms, how self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k)s work, what you can invest in, and the key rules to avoid costly mistakes. This conversation opens the door to a more proactive and diversified approach to retirement investing.
Key Takeaways
- Self-directed IRAs allow retirement funds to be invested in real estate, private companies, cryptocurrency, precious metals, and more
- You cannot invest retirement funds into your own business or certain family members due to IRS self-dealing rules
- Many people use old 401(k)s from previous employers to fund self-directed accounts
- Real estate lending and private investments are among the most popular use cases
- Education and proper setup with a CPA and advisor are critical before investing
