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 […]
Tax-Deferred vs. Tax-Exempt Retirement Accounts
When choosing the best type of retirement account for your financial goals, you may want to minimize your tax obligations. Tax-deferred and tax-exempt accounts can help you retain more wealth over your lifetime. However, each of these retirement accounts handles taxes differently and has advantages at different times. Understanding the differences between these accounts helps you make the best decision for your retirement funds. What […]
Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in an IRA
If you’re considering investing in real estate through your IRA, you may wonder if a REIT is the right choice. This blog post will discuss the benefits and risks of investing in a REIT and help you decide if it’s the right move for your IRA. […]
Borrowing and Lending from a Self-Directed IRA
Opening a self-directed IRA (SDIRA) unlocks multiple retirement investment options for you beyond the basic stocks, mutual funds and bonds. SDIRAs offer the same tax advantages as standard IRAs, with the added benefit of greater portfolio diversification. One of the ways your self-directed IRA can help you build a nest egg is through loans because you can […]