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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 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

How To Choose a Financial Advisor for Your Self-Directed IRA

If there is any one line that is ubiquitous in the investing literature, it is: “Speak with a financial advisor.” Your Self-Directed IRA custodian may be great at optimizing transactions, but they can’t give you financial advice. This is because a custodian is designated as a passive service and does not act as a fiduciary. Consequently, they cannot direct the Self-Directed IRA investment, offer a legal opinion about the viability of a specific asset, […]
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November 5, 2021

How To Invest in a Foreign Property with a Self Directed IRA - Part 3

Which countries are amenable to retirement investing?  Many have their Self Directed IRA explore international property because they want a new home after they retire. If that’s the case for you, then it pays to research beforehand the countries that may be your best destination. When you look into these countries, you actually have to pay attention to two very different aspects.  Affordable Locations to Retire  Here is a sampling of foreign locales to […]
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October 13, 2021

How To Invest in a Foreign Property with a Self-Directed IRA - Part 2

Caution tips for small investors  In Part 1 of this series we discussed two important questions:  In this installment, we’ll focus on caution points in the foreign real estate arena. If you’re looking to invest in an international property with a Self-Directed IRA, chances are this may be your first time on the market. That means you’ll be facing a learning curve as you get comfortable […]
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October 11, 2021

How To Invest in a Foreign Property with a Self-Directed IRA - Part 1

Why do investors choose international assets? Why do Self Directed IRA custodians not hold foreign properties?   Thinking about international property  One of the key advantages of utilizing a Self Directed IRA is the ability to diversify better. In a classic IRA, the account holder can diversify within the asset class of market products (e.g. mutual funds.) With a Self Directed IRA, the […]
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October 8, 2021

How To Fund Your Self-Directed IRA

Congratulations! You have decided to open a Self-Directed IRA and begin your journey to a richer retirement. You have already filled out an account application and are ready to start investing in the alternative asset of your choice. The next step is to fund your Self-Directed IRA account, which can be done in a variety of ways. […]
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September 29, 2021

How To Protect Your IRA From Scams

IRAs, and especially Self Directed IRAs, require account holders to be vigilant in investment choice. This is because these kinds of retirement plans are choice destinations for scammers and con men. IRA accounts possess a sizable amount of funds and the account holder is actually looking to entrust those funds with somebody else. This is a gilded invitation for unscrupulous individuals who are looking to […]
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September 27, 2021
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