Retirement Fund Statistics

According to the Investment Company Institute statistics U.S. retirement assets totaled $15.9 trillion as of September 30, 2008, down from $16.9 trillion on June 30, 2008.  Retirement savings accounted for 35 percent of all household financial assets in the United States. IRAs held $4.1 trillion at the end of the third quarter of 2008. Forty-six percent of IRA assets were
invested in mutual funds.

With 15.9 trillion dollars in retirement funds it is hard not to see the opportunity this opens for alternative investments. Investors have become disillusioned with the stock market and are looking for investment opportunities where they have more control. Self-directed IRAs are growing at a rapid pace because of this.

Real estate investing in today’s buyer’s market is a favorite for smart investors. Senior Life Settlements are also an attractive option using qualified funds. As always, investigate and do your own due diligence, the investment that suits you is your best choice. Its time to take control and make your own decisions.

General Motors to File for Bankruptcy

General Motors is prepared to file for bankruptcy on Monday. Washington has spent billions of dollars in an effort to revive GM’s economy. But things are still not looking good and they are expected to file before the markets open on Monday. If General Motors files for BK on Monday it will be the largest industrial bankruptcy our country has ever seen.

Never did I think I would see the day that General Motors would fall. It has been an essential part of the United States heritage. To have a brand new Chevy in the driveway has been many American’s dream. Being a General Motors fan myself it seems utterly outrageous that this could happen. I prided myself on buying American (always GM) but in the last few years I too have caved and switched to foreign models.

GM did not cut the mustard. Being a business owner I expect no bailouts for any wrong business decisions that I might make.  So please no bailouts for GM. It may be hard to stomach. Many employees have already lost their jobs but there must be accountability and if it has to start with the big boys to show an example then so be it.

Investors becoming disillusioned with the stock market are searching for alternative investments to try to gain back some of their lost money. As retirement looms closer for many baby boomers there is a certain urgency. Let’s use the old American ingenuity and take control over our finances.

Self-Directed IRA: Special Presentation

Self-Directed Alliance is having a special meeting presentation for real estate agents about how to create business in a down market. A self-directed IRA is just the ticket for real estate investors. Real estate agents need to get the word out to investors that their retirement funds, IRAs, 401(k)s etc. can be used to purchase real estate. 

The IRA Academy Platform is a tool all real estate agents need to have in their arsenal. This marketing platform covers the information that a savvy investor needs to know about investing with a self-directed IRA.  Join us Thursday, June 11, 2009.  For more information contact us at 888.454.2922 or 702.463.0977.  You can also email us at info@selfdirectedalliance.com. Limited seating so sign up now. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Memorial Day Weekend

Swimming pools open, barbecues abound and boaters spend the weekend at the lake.  Memorial Day.

This Memorial Day weekend while the sunlight shines and summer begins let’s all remember the soldiers that fought for our freedom to enjoy these activities. The decorated graves of soldiers who fought bravely and suffered for our great country should be honored with the highest regard. Flags at half-mast, the red, white and blue marching in parades are our symbols. Say a prayer for the soldiers at war today, thank a vet, count your blessings, and appreciate the United States of America and the soldiers that died for us.

401(k) – What do I do now?

Today’s changing job market has left many people with an opportunity to rollover their 401(k)s and with today’s changing stock market many questions abound as to where and how to invest. Alternative and non-traditional investments are quickly becoming an option used by many savvy investors. Financial planners are no longer seen as the trusted source. Investors are looking into options they are familiar with and where they have more control. Self-directed IRAs provide a platform for investing into tax liens, real estate, life settlements and more. Be a savvy investor too and take advantage of this great alternative market.

401(k) Basics

A 401(k) plan is a type of tax-qualified deferred compensation plan. An employee can elect to have the employer contribute part of his/her wages to the 401(k) plan. The deferred wages are not subject to income tax withholding at the time of deferral.

Distributions from a 401(k) plan may qualify for lump-sum distribution or rollover as long as they meet the requirements. Many 401(k) plans allow employees to make a hardship withdrawal. However, hardship distributions are not treated as eligible rollover distributions.

In today’s economic times more and more 401(k)s are being rolled over to self-directed IRAs so the investor has more control over their retirement funds.

Life Settlements

An alternative investment with a superior yield potential is a life settlement.  Self-directed IRAs are often used to invest in life settlements. A life  settlement has a superior yield potential not only because the investments are safe from market risks but they have the opportunity to provide exceptional return on investments. The return is impacted primarily by the life expectancy of the insured.  The return is immune to fluctuations in the stock market, bond market, international conflict, cost of energy, commodities market, interest rates, and business cycles.  Learn more!

Baby Boomers and Power Boomers

Which one are you? Plenty of baby boomers out there. But are you a Power Boomer? Power Boomers know the secret of investing with their self-directed IRA. With the current and unstable stock market smart investors are using their retirement accounts to invest in non-traditional assets. These smart Power Boomers realise that investing in what they know has more potential and eases their mind as to investment options. Current layoffs and early retirements have freed 401(k)s for smart investment options.

401(k) Going Down?

Has your 401(k) dwindled down to levels you never thought were possible?  Are you invested in things you know nothing about?  With a self-directed IRA you can invest where your expertise lies.  If you are a real estate investor you can use your retirement funds to purchase real estate.  There are even non-recourse loans available to leverage your IRA.  Typically the downpayment is at least 30% put there are no credit requirements and debt to income is not considered.  Why?  Because you are not purchasing the investment property your IRA is. 

In order to self-direct your IRA or do a 401(k) rollover you must use a custodian to keep your investment in a tax deferred (or tax-free if it is a Roth) status.  Provident Group is a custodian for these self-directed IRA funds.

Non-Traditional Investments

Did you know you can invest in these non-traditional investments with your self-directed IRA?

• REIT (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
• DST (Delaware Statutory Trusts)
• Residential and Commercial Real Estate
• Tax Liens and Tax Deeds
• Mortgage Loans and Notes
• Real Estate Options
• Small Business Franchises
• Private and Publicly listed stock
• Limited Liability Companies
• Limited Partnerships

All these and more can be invested in with your self-directed IRA