In recent years, the SECURE 2.0 Act has introduced important updates to retirement savings laws, aimed at helping Americans prepare for a financially secure retirement. With 2025 on the horizon, the latest adjustments focus on 401(k) contribution limits, new age-based provisions, and tax planning for high-income earners. These changes offer benefits to individuals of various […]
Financial Planning for Your 30s
Many 20-somethings are graduating from college, entering the workforce for the first time and learning how to navigate the financial responsibilities of adult life. When it comes to building toward and meeting your financial goals, your 30s is a great time to get started. If you will soon be entering your 30s, now is the time to […]
Non-Recourse Loans in an IRA: What You Need to Know
If you want to invest in assets with your self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you may have encountered the term non-recourse loan. While beneficial, this lending arrangement confuses many people. Thus, we have prepared this blog post explaining non-recourse loans and how they differ from recourse loans. You will also learn the eligibility requirements, the process for getting a recourse loan, the […]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan Pros and Cons
Nearly 6,500 U.S. corporations have an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), making it a popular retirement option. If you’re considering implementing this structure, you must know what to expect. Knowing the pros and cons and how it compares to other options can help you decide whether it’s right for your organization and employees. Understanding ESOPs ESOPs are business […]
Should I Invest in Crypto or Stocks?
Are you considering adding crypto or stocks to your investment portfolio? If so, you must understand what factors influence their success. To make an informed decision, weigh the risks and rewards involved. Understanding each market, its trends and performance can help you analyze and mitigate the risks you might encounter. Once you know the pros […]
Exploring Industrial and Agricultural Real Estate
The world of real estate is vast and varied. From residential properties to commercial spaces, the options are numerous. Yet, two sectors often overlooked are industrial and agricultural real estate. These sectors offer unique opportunities for investors and industry professionals alike. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of these property types. We […]
Bitcoin in IRAs: FAQs
If you’ve considered investing in Bitcoin through your 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA), this step-by-step guide will help you. We answer some common questions and discuss the benefits, risks and tax implications associated with this process. Understanding Bitcoin and IRAs First, let’s look at some basic FAQs on cryptocurrency and IRAs: 1. What Is Bitcoin? […]
Investing in Farmland Through Your Self-Directed IRA
One of the best ways to invest in farmland is through a self-directed individual retirement account (SDIRA). This type of account gives investors more control over their retirement savings by allowing them to invest in alternative assets, such as real estate. This guide explains more about real estate and farmland investments, including tax advantages and […]
Penalty-Free IRA Withdrawal
An individual retirement account (IRA) is an alternative to traditional employer retirement benefits like a 401(k) that isn’t employer-sponsored. The purpose of an IRA is to provide supplemental income to retirees. After the age of 59.5, individuals can begin withdrawing from their IRAs without penalties but may need to pay income taxes depending on the […]
How to Financially Prepare for a Job Transition
Securing a new job is an exciting time. It represents an opportunity to learn new skills, advance your career and find greater job satisfaction. A new job also has significant implications for your finances — ranging from your daily earnings to your retirement savings. To make this transition as smooth as possible, you must prepare for your new role on […]
How and When a Hardship Withdrawal Is Allowed in an IRA or 401(k)
During immediate financial emergencies where other financial sources are challenging to leverage, hardship withdrawals from IRAs and 401(k)s can be a worthwhile option. Still, these have specific requirements you need to meet to leverage them without incurring a penalty or tax. This guide explores what qualifies for a hardship withdrawal, the process for approving it […]
Ounce Silver Coins: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing
The realm of precious metals can appear daunting to novices, particularly in relation to investing in ounce silver coins. This guide provides the basic information needed to invest in silver coins and explains how to do it through a self-directed IRA. Understanding Ounce Silver Coins Ounce silver coins are a popular investment choice due to […]