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Self-Directed IRA Blog

Welcome to the Madison Trust Self-Directed IRA blog! Here, you will find posts about a wide variety of topics related to Self-Directed IRAs. Whether you're interested in learning about what you can invest in or you need a guide to help set up your account, you can find all the help and information you need right here.

Whether you're looking for information about account maintenance, investing in real estate, or setting up a checkbook IRA, we can help! New posts are always being added, so be sure to check back regularly to stay up-to-date on all of the information you need to know about investing with a Self-Directed IRA.

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If you can't find information on the specific topic you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out: We place a high value on transparency and clarity here at Madison Trust Company, and you're always welcome to contact us via email, phone, or online chat. Our CISP-trained team members are ready to answer your questions or assist you with setting up your new Self-Directed IRA.

Our dedication to client support is one of the main reasons why so many people rely on Madison Trust, along with our flat fee structure that never includes hidden or unexpected costs. No matter how much your Self-Directed IRA grows, your fees remain the same. Sign up for a Self-Directed IRA today and discover the Madison Trust advantage for yourself!

How To Set Up a Self Directed Roth IRA

What is a Self Directed Roth IRA?  A Self Directed Roth IRA combines two functions. First, it allows investors to place retirement funds in almost any asset. Second, it does so within a Roth framework. That means the money invested comes from post-tax dollars and can now grow tax-free.  Investors generally open a Self Directed […]
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The Self Directed IRA Rollover – A Complete How-To Guide

What Does a Self-Directed IRA Rollover Accomplish? Let’s start with the basics. A Self Directed IRA rollover is the process where funds are transferred from an existing retirement account into a self-directed account. The purpose of the Self Directed IRA rollover is to maintain the tax-advantaged status of the retirement funds. Without the concept of a rollover, […]
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What To Do If Your Self-Directed IRA Falls Victim to a Scam

Nobody wants it to happen. Being the victim of a scam is a lousy feeling, especially if the scam targeted your Self-Directed IRA. However, in the unfortunate event that it happened, what should you do? Is there any way to report the scam? What about recovering the funds that were stolen? There is no one right answer for every situation, but there is a series […]
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December 27, 2021

The 8 Commandments of Protecting Your Self-Directed IRA from Scams

Now that we’ve explored the red flags associated with scams and specific scams that can target a Self-Directed IRA, it’s time to turn to protection. What follows are practical suggestions that can help minimize the chances of you falling victim to a scam. There are never any guarantees in life, but by observing a few simple rules, you should be able to keep your Self-Directed IRA safe. 
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December 20, 2021

Avoiding Scams in a Self-Directed IRA Part 2 – Your Self-Directed IRA Should Watch Out For These Scams

Now that we have discussed educational resources and scam red flags, let’s get specific. There are a number of different kinds of scams that can target a Self-Directed IRA, but they all share the same basic structure. They offer some kind of alternative asset or system that is hard to find elsewhere, they make an extremely enticing claim regarding returns, and often there will be some kind of time-based push to get going. Let’s examine a few of the more […]
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December 13, 2021

Avoiding Scams in a Self-Directed IRA Part 1 – Education and Red Flags

Growing your Self-Directed IRA can be challenging even in the best of conditions. You have to evaluate potential investments, manage existing assets, and make sure that all the legal paperwork is maintained. What you don’t want to worry about is immoral scammers who are looking to make a fast score. Unfortunately, this kind of crime is a reality and it’s pervasive enough that investors need to […]
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December 6, 2021

How To Avoid Paying Extra Taxes and Penalties in a Self Directed IRA Part 4 – Prohibited Transactions

If there is one topic that dominates a lot of the Self-Directed IRA content, it’s prohibited transactions. The concept has become something of a bogeyman for Self-Directed IRA investors with articles warning in capital letters about its inherent dangers. There is no denying that in the context of a retirement account, committing a prohibited transaction is a bad idea. It can rack up […]
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November 29, 2021

How To Avoid Paying Extra Taxes and Penalties in a Self-Directed IRA Part 3 – Excess Accumulations

Self-Directed IRA account holders have a greater obligation to be aware of the IRS rules. Since they take a more active role in their retirement investing, they don’t always have the safety net which comes with an institutionalized platform. Usually this required awareness pertains to the improper use of Self-Directed IRA funds. The account holder could potentially take the funds out too early or invest them in a way deemed prohibited. But what about the opposite case? Can […]
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November 22, 2021

How To Avoid Paying Extra Taxes and Penalties in a Self-Directed IRA Part 2 – Early Distributions

When the government drafted ERISA, it was with the intent to incentivize Americans to save for retirement. It worked by giving them a tax break to keep their money in a special account and not touch it until retirement age. Well, what happens if you don't play by the rules? Specifically, what happens when you feel a need for cash and take funds out of […]
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November 15, 2021

How To Avoid Taxes with a Self-Directed IRA Part 1: Collectibles

Retirement plans have a built-in incentive: tax savings. This could be a tax deferral with a Traditional Self-Directed IRA or full tax freedom on growth with a Self-Directed Roth IRA. In either case, you don't want to ruin your economic gain by doing something that the IRS will charge you for. This is especially true […]
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November 12, 2021
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