Every day we talk to retirement investors who are desperate to get out of the stock market and have the option to invest into alternative assets.  Through online research, a newspaper or magazine article, or talking with a friend or co-worker, they discover the world of Self Directed IRAs.

Some people we speak with have a particular investment in mind, others simply want to learn more about their options and what the possibilities are.  We receive calls from seasoned real estate investors and entrepreneurs, as well as from people new to the concept of managing their own investment decisions.  In the same day, we’ll help investors who want to hold rental real estate in Texas, purchase tax liens in Florida, open a franchise in New York or take an equity stake in a California start up.

As a result, we are constantly reminded that Self Directed IRA investing is not any one thing, but rather encompasses a broad range of retirement plan structures.  Finding the best plan for a particular investor’s needs is one of the most important services we provide as IRA advisors and facilitators.

Most all self directed IRA plans provide the investor with access to a wider range of possible investments than have traditionally been available from brokerage firms – such as real estate, stock of closely held companies, private loans or mortgage notes, tax liens, and a host of other options.

There are, however, distinct differences between plans held by an IRA custodian and those that provide the investor with Checkbook Control.  There are also self directed plans based on various retirement plans such as IRA’s, Roth IRA’s and 401(k) plans – each with different contribution rules and tax treatment.

The type of self directed investment plan best suited to one investor may not be the right vehicle for another – even when the asset class they want to invest in is similar.  Factors such as investment experience, risk tolerance, funding levels, asset protection, and contribution/distribution goals need to be considered.

At Safeguard Financial, we provide the widest variety of truly self directed retirement investment plans in the industry; including a Checkbook IRA, Real Estate IRA, Business Funding IRA and Solo 401(k).  All of the plans we offer give the investor “Checkbook Control” over investment funds and decisions.  Because we offer a choice of attorney-authored plans, we are uniquely qualified to help our clients find the investment platform that is the best tool for their particular needs and investment goals.

Many of the investors we speak with are well-suited to establish a self directed IRA plan with checkbook control, which affords ultimate control over retirement funds.  Other investors may be better served with a custodian-managed account.

So, what type of retirement investor should consider a Self-Directed IRA with checkbook control? Generally speaking, if you can answer one or more of the following questions in the affirmative, you may benefit from setting up one of Safeguard Financial’s Self Directed IRA plan structures.

1. Are you willing to become educated about, and involved in, investment opportunities outside the stock market?

2. Have you been successful with investing in non-traditional assets with personal funds?

3. Do you ever come across an investment opportunity that causes you to say to yourself “if I had the money, I wouldn’t hesitate to jump right in”?

4. Are you comfortable taking on the responsibility for managing your own investment account, with the help of competent professional advisors?

Remember…the “self” in Self Directed IRA means that YOU are the one that is both “in charge” and “responsible” for making investment decisions for your retirement funds.

When speaking with one of our advisors, you will quickly discover that we realize not all retirement investors (and not all investments) are “qualified” for a Self Directed IRA with “checkbook control”.  Unlike some other firms that may be inclined to “sell the plan they offer”, our focus is always to direct an investor towards the best plan for their needs – even if that means referring them elsewhere.

Contact us today to speak with an Advisor to determine whether a Safeguard Financial Self Directed IRA that will give you ultimate and final checkbook control over your own retirement funds is the best tool for you needs.

Safeguard Financial
877-229-9763
www.IRA123.com