Mat and Mark cover how to move your money from an old IRA and 401(k) to a Self-Directed Account. They cover some game-changing strategies including the In-Kind Rollover strategy, which will help you maximize the returns in your retirement.

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Mat Sorensen’s book, The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, is the number one book on self-directed IRAs and has sold over 30,000 copies. You can purchase the book and follow important updates at …(read more)

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Are you considering moving your old IRA or 401k to a self-directed IRA? This can be a great way to take control of your retirement savings and invest in assets that you may not be able to access through a traditional IRA or 401k. Here are 21 strategies for making the transition as smooth as possible.

1. Talk to your current plan administrator. Find out what your current plan allows and what the process is for transferring funds to a self-directed IRA.

2. Research the fees associated with a self-directed IRA. Make sure you understand all of the fees associated with the account, including setup fees, annual fees, and transaction fees.

3. Choose an IRA custodian. Make sure the custodian you choose is reputable and has experience with self-directed IRAs.

4. Compare the investment options offered by different IRA custodians. Make sure you understand the types of investments you can make with a self-directed IRA and that the custodian you choose offers the investments you’re interested in.

5. Consider a rollover IRA. If you have money in a 401k, you can roll it over into a self-directed IRA.

6. Take advantage of tax benefits. A self-directed IRA offers tax advantages, such as the ability to defer taxes on capital gains and income.

7. Consider the risks of investing in alternative assets. Investing in alternative assets, such as real estate or private companies, can be risky. Make sure you understand the risks before investing.

8. Understand the rules and regulations of self-directed IRAs. Make sure you understand the rules and regulations of self-directed IRAs, such as the prohibited transaction rules.

9. Use a qualified intermediary. If you’re rolling over funds from a 401k to a self-directed IRA, you may need to use a qualified intermediary.

10. Consider using a trust. A trust can be used to hold assets in a self-directed IRA.

11. Understand the contribution limits. Self-directed IRAs have contribution limits, so make sure you understand them before making contributions.

12. Take advantage of the spousal contribution rules. If you’re married, you may be able to take advantage of the spousal contribution rules to make larger contributions to a self-directed IRA.

13. Consider a Roth IRA. A Roth IRA can be a great way to save for retirement and may offer more flexibility than a traditional IRA.

14. Take advantage of catch-up contributions. If you’re over 50, you may be able to make catch-up contributions to a self-directed IRA.

15. Make sure you understand the withdrawal rules. Make sure you understand the rules for taking money out of a self-directed IRA, such as the required minimum distribution rules.

16. Consider a self-directed SEP IRA. A SEP IRA is a great way to save for retirement and can be self-directed.

17. Use a checkbook control account. A checkbook control account can be used to make investments from a self-directed IRA.

18. Don’t forget about estate planning. Make sure you have a plan in place for your self-directed IRA in the event of your death.

19. Make sure you understand the investment restrictions. Make sure you understand the investment restrictions of a self-directed IRA, such as the rules regarding collectibles and life insurance.

20. Understand the reporting requirements. Make sure you understand the reporting requirements of a self-directed IRA, such as the required annual filing of Form 5498.

21. Don’t forget about the fees. Make sure you understand the fees associated with a self-directed IRA, such as the custodian fees, setup fees, and transaction fees.

Moving your old IRA or 401k to a self-directed IRA can be a great way to take control of your retirement savings and invest in assets that you may not be able to access through a traditional IRA or 401k. By following these 21 strategies, you can make the transition as smooth as possible.