Self-Directed IRA Blog | Investment and Retirement News from Entrust

A Balanced Breakfast of Retirement Investments

Written by The Entrust Group | Jul 14, 2015

The guidelines for a balanced breakfast are simple: five grams of fiber and five grams of protein. The rules for a balanced investment portfolio used to be simple too: 60% stocks, 40% bonds.

Not any more.


Increasingly, investors and financial professionals are seeking greater investment diversification. “Dynamic” or ”tactical” asset allocation is the new approach, referring to investments that protect you from, or take advantage of, changes in the market.

Self-directed IRAs are the perfect vehicle for a diverse portfolio because you can choose from a wide range of assets. Even better, those assets grow tax-deferred. If you’re looking to diversify your portfolio, here are three of the most popular assets:

Real estate: By far the most popular choice among self-directed investors, real estate offers several advantages. Experts agree that the cyclical nature of the housing market makes real estate a good long-term investment. It also offers the opportunity for both current rental income and growth in value over time. Real estate investment options within a self-directed IRA go beyond physical property to include notes and tax liens.

Precious Metals: Gold, silver, and platinum are considered wealth protectors in unstable markets. Historically, when the stock markets go down, the prices of precious metals go up. Investing in precious metals can also offer a safe haven and a hedge against inflation.

Private Placements: These investments give you exposure to companies in ways other than stocks and bonds. Types of alternative retirement investments include LLCs, secured and unsecured notes, and land trusts. You can even invest through crowdfunding and joint ventures.

So instead of grabbing a cup of coffee and a donut on the run, sit down with some whole-grain toast and a three-minute egg. And while you’re eating and mulling over investing options, skim The Entrust Group’s due diligence report. You’ll get your day—and your retirement savings—off to a better start.