Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans are a common benefit for employees to encourage long-term savings, but these plans have drawbacks. Chief among them are the options you have for the funds during employment and what you can do with them if status changes occur. When you don’t want the potential financial consequences of withdrawing funds from your plan, there is […]
What SDIRA Owners Need to Know About Trust Deed Investing
If you are an investor looking to make a relatively safe and secure real estate investment that adds diversity to your portfolio and offers a generous return on investment (ROI), trust deed investing might be for you. We are breaking down everything you need to know about this type of investment and how you can […]
SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k)
SEP IRAs and solo 401(k)s are both retirement plans for small business owners. However, there are differences in terms of their eligibility requirements, contributions and tax benefits. Before deciding which option is best suited for your business, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each. This guide examines the difference between solo 401(k) […]
Private Equity Investment with Self-Directed IRAs
Can self-directed IRAs invest in private equity funds? The answer is yes, but you need to know some essential things. Combining private equity investments and self-directed IRAs provides a unique investment opportunity for individuals seeking comprehensive investment options with a high degree of control. However, there are rules. In this guide, you’ll learn about private equity investment […]
What You Need to Know About 2024 IRA Contribution Limits
Almost every year, the IRS updates the contribution limits allowed for individual retirement accounts (IRAs). As someone who contributes to an IRA, you should be aware of how much you can contribute annually. This way, you can maximize your contributions without going over the limit. In 2024, contributions increase for all IRA types. Are IRA […]
What Is an Easement and How Can I Invest in One?
Real estate is a popular investment option for investors. Some real estate includes easements that give another party the right to use a part of the property. While some property owners may see easements as a deal-breaker, they can be a great investment opportunity if you have a self-directed IRA. This article explains everything you […]
401(k) Withdrawal Rules
A 401(k) plan is a retirement account that employers offer employees. It allows workers to save a portion of their salary each month before IRS tax withholding. Many companies calculate contributions as a percentage of the employee’s salary and put the amount in a 401(k) account for the worker before paying them. After reaching a […]
How to Know When You’re Financially Ready for Retirement
As retirement approaches, it’s normal to ask yourself, “Am I financially ready to retire?” The answer is different for everyone. Many Americans estimate they will need $1.8 million to retire — reaching a precise number can be tricky, but ensuring financial readiness, stability and security is key. In terms of the importance of retirement planning, there are […]
Retiring Before 50: Pros and Cons of Early Retirement
The enduring popularity of the F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement has revealed an intense interest in the idea of early retirement. There’s no doubt that the desire to retire years or even decades before passing the 60-years-old mark is alive and well in the 21st century. While retiring young is a hot topic, it does raise the question: […]
Using Your 401(k) to Buy Real Estate
One of the biggest challenges of finding a mortgage lender and buying real estate is saving enough money for the down payment. In some cases, you might find it beneficial to use your self-directed 401(k) to complete the purchase. Like any financing option, buying a property with your 401(k) comes with various pros and cons. In this […]
4 Reasons to Open a Health Savings Account
Health savings accounts allow people on high-deductible health plans to easily cover out-of-pocket medical costs. An HSA is a federally insured savings account offered by institutions such as banks, credit unions and financial benefits companies. Contributions to your health savings account are tax-free, and you can also make tax-free withdrawals and payments for your eligible medical expenses. Additionally, an HSA is […]
Benefits and Risks of Precious Metal Investments
Precious metals are just as valuable as assets today as they were in ancient civilizations, which is why they are still a wise investment choice. There are good reasons precious metals attract investors to diversify their portfolios, even when the economy goes through turbulent times. Precious metals’ value stays consistent, even against inflation and currency […]