Don’t Let the Market Dictate Your Retirement: Diversify with a Self-Directed IRA

When it comes to planning for retirement, most people think of the stock market and mutual funds, bonds, and index funds neatly tucked inside a traditional IRA or 401(k). But what if we told you that your retirement savings don’t have to ride the same waves of market volatility as everyone else’s?

With a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA), you’re no longer limited to traditional assets. You can take control of your financial future by investing in what you know and trust—whether that’s real estate, promissory notes, private companies, or even cryptocurrency.

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What Is a Self-Directed IRA?

A Self-Directed IRA is a powerful retirement account that enables you to invest in a broad range of alternative assets beyond stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. It follows the same IRS rules as a Traditional or Roth IRA but is administered by a custodian or administrator that allows alternative investments.

This kind of account is especially popular among investors who want to diversify, hedge against inflation, or tap into high-performing industries they understand personally.

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Alternative Assets You Can Hold in a Self-Directed IRA

With a Self-Directed IRA, you can invest in:

• Real Estate – Residential, commercial, land, rental properties, and more
• Private Lending – Promissory notes, private mortgages, and trust deeds
• Private Companies – Startup equity, private stock, and closely held businesses
• Precious Metals – Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet IRS purity standards
• Cryptocurrency – Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other digital assets
• Tax liens and deeds, oil & gas interests, livestock, and more
• And so much more!!

The flexibility is unmatched—but it also means you’re in charge of your due diligence.

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Why Diversify?

Relying solely on Wall Street makes your retirement vulnerable to market downturns. A diversified retirement portfolio can:

• Reduce your exposure to market volatility
• Create multiple income streams (like rental or interest income)
• Hedge against inflation
• Give you more control and insight into where your money is going

And with an SDIRA, you choose the strategy.

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A Word of Caution: Know the Rules

While Self-Directed IRAs offer incredible opportunities, they come with strict IRS rules. Certain transactions, called prohibited transactions, can disqualify your IRA and result in taxes and penalties. For example, you can’t buy property from yourself or lend money to a family member with your IRA funds.

To stay compliant, it’s essential to:

• Work with a knowledgeable Self-Directed IRA custodian or administrator
• Consult with a CPA or financial planner who understands SDIRAs
• Make sure your investment decisions align with your long-term retirement goals and risk tolerance

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Is a Self-Directed IRA Right for You?

If you're an experienced investor or have deep knowledge in a particular asset class, a Self-Directed IRA can be an excellent way to diversify and take charge of your retirement. However, it's not a "set-it-and-forget-it" approach. It requires active involvement, research, and a solid understanding of IRS regulations.

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Final Thoughts

Don’t let the market control your retirement outcome. Take the reins with a Self-Directed IRA and explore alternative investments that align with your knowledge, experience, and goals.

But remember—you don’t have to go it alone. Work closely with a trusted CPA or financial planner to ensure your retirement strategy is sound, compliant, and customized to meet your needs.

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Ready to take control of your retirement strategy?

At Mountain West IRA, we specialize in Self-Directed IRAs that give you the power to invest beyond the stock market, into real estate, private loans, precious metals, cryptocurrency and more. Whether you're considering a pre-tax or post-tax IRA, we can help you understand your options and answer any questions you may have. 

📞 Call us at 866-377-3311 or  
📅 Schedule a free consultation today to get started!