Self-Directed IRAs: A Stable Choice in an Uncertain Market

For the last couple years, the U.S. stock markets have been on a fairly consistent upward trend. The bond market has been staggering downward. The unemployment rate is steadily decreasing. The value of the U.S. dollar is up.

With all of these conflicting and volatile economic indicators, where can you find a secure way to invest for retirement?

Self-directed IRAs offer an opportunity for stability in an uncertain market. They give you the freedom to invest in a myriad of assets that are more resistant to economic volatility. The protection alternative investments provide is two-fold:

1. They allow you to diversify your portfolio with assets that are spread out across a number of market sectors. This makes you less vulnerable to downturns in one sector of the market. For example, having real estate in your self-directed IRA protects you if the stock market tumbles.
2. They provide a hedge against inflation. Precious metals such as gold and silver, which are currencies in their own right, are acknowledged as one of the best barriers against inflation. Gold, in particular, also has industrial uses that help it retain value.

IRS rules allow holders of self-directed IRAs to invest in a broad range of alternative investments not available from banks and brokerage firms that only offer more traditional IRA assets. Sure, you can still invest in stock, bonds, mutual funds, and CDs, but you can diversify your portfolio with assets such as:

• Real estate
• Precious metals
• Private placements
• Unsecured notes
• Crowdfunding
• Joint ventures
• LLCs (limited liability companies and LPs (limited partnerships)

Self-directed IRAs now represent 3 to 5% of the $7 trillion Americans hold in IRAs, and that percentage is growing. Administrators and providers of self-directed IRAs are a vital part of the financial industry. The Entrust Group, for example, has been in business for over 33 years—a pioneer in the industry, dedicated to educating investors and professionally delivering personal customer service.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how The Entrust Group can help you create a stable savings foundation for your retirement.