At Safeguard Financial, we speak with hundreds of investors each month interested in using a self directed IRA to gain more control over their retirement investing.  Whether these clients are seasoned pros or new to the concept of managing their own investment decisions, we are always intrigued by the variety of investment goals and methodologies they employ.  Through this wealth of shared experience, we have identified several key principals to successful investing with a Self Directed IRA or Solo 401(k), and thought it might be beneficial to share.

1 – Invest in What You Know

One of the primary benefits of a truly self directed IRA is that the range of possible investment types and asset classes is huge.  You can invest in real estate and related paper such as mortgages, and tax liens.  There are opportunities to invest in or loan to businesses.  Many investors are drawn to commodities, foreign exchanges, or private investment funds.  We work with a lot of individuals who see the opportunity to start and operate their own business and become their own boss.  But, if you don’t know the ins-and-outs of a particular investment type, you are no better off than trusting the manager of a mutual fund to make decisions for you.  The first step to successful investing is to be educated in the areas that interest you.

2 – Keep Your Eyes Open

Because there are so many types of investments you can make with a Self-Directed IRA, you should always be exploring your sphere of influence and keeping your eyes open for opportunity.  Do you have an associate behind on their mortgage, but with good prospects for recovery?  Is there a business you know of that has a growth opportunity but no access to credit?  Is the house down the street about to go to foreclosure auction?  Often the best deals are the ones you create, not necessarily those being hawked by someone who makes a commission by selling a pre-packaged investment.

3 – Choose the Right Investment Plan

There are several varieties of retirement plans that allow for self direction.  Whether a custodian-managed IRA, a Checkbook IRA or Solo 401(k), or a Business Funding IRA is the most appropriate tool will depend on the type, frequency and nature of the investments you will be making.  At Safeguard Financial, we offer the widest array of self directed IRA investment plans in the industry, and can help you to decide which route will best serve your individual needs.

4 – Be Prepared

By the time an opportunity for a profitable investment arrives, it is likely too late to capitalize if you do not have your investment vehicle in place.  Most plans take between 2 – 5 weeks to implement, by which time the deal may be gone.  Having your self directed IRA established and funded, even with just a minimal amount needed to commit to an investment, will put you in the best position to act quickly and seize the day.

5 – Build the Right Team

Successful investing is not a solo act.  While, ultimately, you are in control of your investment decisions, having the support and guidance of experts in the field is key to any successful venture.  In addition to having the right connections with realtors, business advisors, tax and legal professionals, etc., selecting the right self directed IRA advisor is critical.

With Safeguard Financial, you get much more than just the implementation of an investment vehicle.  Our team of expert advisors and attorneys have years of experience in retirement planning, real estate investment and small business ventures.  we can help you select the right plan for your needs, and guide you in the successful use of that plan.  Because all of our plans are individually authored by highly skilled ERISA attorneys, you can invest with confidence knowing that you will receive good guidance with regards to IRS rules and regulations related to your investment activities.

So, if you are ready to venture into the realms of self directed IRA investing success, contact us today.  We’ll not only point you in the right direction, we’ll continue to support you as you travel down the road to greater retirement wealth.

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