The Entrust Learning Center is your resource for articles, ideas and information on self directed IRAs, real estate IRAs and investing your retirement funds into alternative assets. At Entrust, our goal is to create informed, self-directed investors.
Visit the sections below to discover more on how to self direct your IRA funds into alternative investments.
The Entrust Group does not offer investment, tax, financial or legal advice to clients. Individuals who believe they need advice should consult with the appropriate professional(s) licensed in that area. This section of our website is devoted to providing clients and potential client with educational information regarding self-directed accounts and possible investment scenarios. It is in no way intended as investment advice.
8. Newsletter Archive
Find Past Issues IRA Insights, the newsletter on self-directed retirement investing from The Entrust Group.
- Converting to Roth IRA
Recently, two of our clients convert their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs for some rather creative reasons. First, both clients anticipate their Adjusted Gross Income this year for conversion purposes to be less than $100,000. This will allow them to conv - Banking on Your IRA Through Lending
A few years ago, a trio of elderly investors arrived at the reception area of my office unannounced and without an appointmenta relatively rare occurrence. - Distributing Shares of Entities from IRA/Qualified Plans
Use of the Discount for Loss of Marketability for Valuation Purposes - IRA Investment in Denver Commercial Properties Gaining Momentum
Historically, most retirement plans in the United States invest in securities of some sort, but gaining popularity over the last 4 years is the use of self-directed IRA administrators to facilitate real estate and lending deals. - SPECIAL REPORT: Health Savings Accounts Convincing Employees
When it comes to dollar amounts having anything to do with spending, Americans firmly believe that lower is better, higher is worse. In the year and a half since the new IRS acronym HSA emerged on the scene, many American businesses are finding difficul - Self-Directed IRAs - Investing Retirement Funds in Real Estate
Diversification is one of the most important qualities of a successful retirement portfolio. Among the many investment options available, real estate is often overlooked. Few people are aware that opening a Truly Self-Directed IRA or Qualified Plan creat - What is a Coverdell Education Savings Account?
Parents and grandparents take note: saving for a childs college education through at tax-exempt Coverdell account is the most efficient way to optimize an investments rate of return. - Mixed Portfolio Theory Revisited
In the June 2006 Insights I established the basis for a theory I called at the time "Independent Portfolio Theory." I have since honed this idea more and developed it into "Mixed Portfolio Theory." - Eat at Joes IRAs Bar and Grill
The joy of entrepreneurship - Understanding Health Savings Accounts
Changes to the Health Savings Account rules effective January 1, 2007, are generating new interest in the plans. However, there is still a gap in knowledge with regard to the actual usage of the plans. - Is Retirement an Option? Will It be for You?
You will need twenty times your current annual income in investments for maintenance of your lifestyle upon retirement. - To Insure or Not To Insure
We, as administrators, do not require insurance on any property owned by the IRA, nor do we recommend not insuring - it is up to you to make that decision. - Three Questions Realtors Should Ask Every Client
Realtors should look at their clients, not just in terms of buying and selling their personal residences, but also in terms of being real estate investors. You think your clients do not have enough cash to invest in real estate? Think again. - Prohibited Transactions - How Close is Too Close?
The ability to successfully structure self-directed IRA and qualified plans into nontraditional and potentially lucrative investments always depends on understanding the rules for prohibited transaction set forth in IRS Code Section 4975. - Lending to Fund Non-Profit Organizations
How to use your IRA Creatively and Mindfully - The Swanson Decision
The Swanson Decision has been lauded as a “landmark decision” for the “checkbook control IRA”. An entire industry has been built around this decision and the internet has become the platform for launching products designed to give “checkbook co - IRA/401(k) Insights - Past Issues for 2007, 2006 and 2005
IRA & 401(k) Insights is a monthly publication for anyone interested in self-directing their retirement funds and investing in nontradional assets. View past issues here. - How to Use Non-Recourse Loans for Investment Success
So, how do you use your self-directed IRA or 401(k) to buy and rehab real estate and many other assets. Borrowing money is also possible with a non-recourse loan. There are lenders that... - 2008: Is this a Good Time to Self-Direct My IRA?
- Feb IRA Insights: A Financially Sound Retirement Plan Needs Your Attention!
The financial gurus tell us we should save 10% of our annual income in order to have enough cash to last through our retirement. Most of us are not in a position to save this kind of money due the rising cost of everyday living-- just look at the gas pum - Considerations When Selecting An IRA Administrator/Custodian
When you select an IRA custodian to handle your Self Directed IRA account, you have limited choices but need to carefully evaluate their ability to provide you the services that you need. Many IRA owners are unfamiliar with many of the rules related to I - The Difference an IRA Can Make
How does a real estate investment within an IRA compare to the same investment made with personal funds? - What You Need to Know About Foreclosures Crisis and Opportunity
When a borrower defaults on a loan, the bank will foreclose on the property. In a foreclosure, the bank has the right to have the property sold to pay off the loan. This is not a good option for the borrowers and is not something that the bank wants eith - A Financially Sound Retirement Needs Your Attention
If you could start putting away the maximum amount allowed in your IRA or company 401(k)especially if your company matches those fundsthats a start - Joes IRA...The Banker
Joe kept his eyes and ears open for new investment opportunities. He realized that the choice was his and although he considered the stock market as a source, he still remembered the sick feeling over those months of the 35% decline. - Lay the Financial Groundwork for the Second Half of Your Life
- Self Directing into Real Estate
The internet serves as a portal into many of these practices - and a brief surfing session can yield a considerable volume of information. Yet, as real estate investors, who should we be using as a guide, guru, or advisor? - How to Tap Your Retirement Assets to Achieve Real Estate Dreams
How many times have you run into eager real estate investors who had the bulk of their money tied up in retirement plan assets-and believed they had no way to tap those assets? Now you can help those clients and yourself - Finding Opportunity with Private Placements
In 2006, there were 179 new banks chartered in the United States, led by 21 new financial institutions in both California and Florida. Over $1 billion was raised for these banks all from the bank principals, board members and private individuals. - Diversifying Your Portfolio with Land
Purchasing land using your Entrust self-directed IRA is an easy way to diversify your investment portfolio. It also makes investing in real estate available . . . - The State of Real Estate in 2008: An Historical Economics Perspective
The opening of 2008 brings a new and vibrant market in hard asset investments. Following a year in which many real estate investors have seen decreases in their investments. . . - How to Use a Self-Directed IRA to Purchase Real Estate
With a self-directed IRA, you can own property in a variety of ways. - 3 steps to Prepare, Protect and Prosper Your IRA in 2009
Dont let the panic of Wall Street and the uncertainty of the economy stop you from saving and investing with your IRA or 401(k). - The Next Generation of Financial and Real Estate Professionals
No doubt youve seen the headlines. Titles such as Crisis Watch: The New Financial Ice Age, Economic Meltdown and Great Depression 2.0 may be overly dramatic, but they do convey the unpredictable shift in US and global financial markets. - Required Minimum Distributions for 2009. Not this Year!!
As the stock market was taking a nosedive at the end of 2008, Congress was getting an earful from retirement plan account holders about taking their required minimum distributions after losing upwards of 40% of asset value in their portfolios. - Profiting through Partnering
- Unlocking Your Employers Plan for the Power of Self-Direction
Id love to be able to self-direct my IRA but all my money is tied up in my employers 401k Plan. - May IRA Insights: The Tax Free Investing Opportunity
How many of your clients could benefit from tax-free investing? Since we're talking about a one-time only Roth IRA opportunity, the answer depends on several factors and variables. - May IRA Insights: Why Must IRAs Have A Custodian?
The Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was signed into law by President Gerald Ford over 33 years ago and the Individual Retirement Account developed soon after. - May IRA Insights: Worried About Your Financial Future?
Most of us utilize a company 401(k) plan or depend on major financial institutions to invest our retirement dollars and pray for double digit growth. With the downturn in the markets, the economy in general and the continued slide in real estate, does th - June IRA Insights: The Successful Realtor's Retirement Plan
It is difficult today, with all the choices, to determine which retirement plan is best suited for each individual. However, it is now easier for the realtor to enjoy the same tax favored plans large - June IRA Insights: Joes IRA Hits a (Rental) Home Run
Joe's retirement plans were coming back into focus as the result of his newly found investments for his IRA. - June IRA Insights: Tax Lien Certificates
Whether you invest with your self-directed IRA or personal funds, tax lien certificates can make sense for slow and steady growth in your portfolio. Tax liens are booming in states where homeowners are missing mortgage payments. - June IRA Insights: Women and Retirement
Jill was a stay-at-home mom with two active children under the age of 6. Although Jill had a degree in education, she had only worked two years before starting her family with her husband Steve. - Things to Avoid with Rollovers
Over the past several months, our office has had several instances of clients or potential clients not understanding the IRS rollover provisions. Generally speaking, if you have your current custodian directly transfer your fundsto your new custodian - Investments Support You During Tough Times
The stock market is volatile. The sub prime mess has wreaked havoc on the economy. Gas prices are over $4.00 a gallon. And good companies are in financial trouble. I don't have a crystal ball but could safely guess the state of the economy is not plannin - July IRA Insights - Interesting Insights - Tax Relief for Military
On June 17, 2008, President Bush, signed H.R. 6081, the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act of 2008. The bill was passed by the - Building Greater Flexibility Into Your Individual(k) Plan
One of the biggest decisions a business owner can make is what retirement plan to create. - July IRA Insights: Start Up Bank Stock in IRAs
In many small towns across the country, large banks have moved in and gobbled up smaller competitors to expand their presence. As this occurs, the one size fits all' approach used by these larger banks creates voids in what many people consider . . . - July IRA Insights: Investments to Support You During Tough Times
The stock market is volatile. The sub prime mess has wreaked havoc on the economy. Gas prices are over $4.00 a gallon. And good companies are in financial trouble. I don't have a crystal ball but could safely guess the state of the economy is not plannin - July IRA Insights: Interesting Trend in 1031 Exchanges
While the numbers of 1031 Exchanges are down, they are not out. A 1031 Exchange is a tax code section that allows a taxpayer to sell investment real estate and defer some or all of the taxes if they follow the guidelines when purchasing replacement prope - The Cost of Kids
As the father of three kids - one teenager and two soon-to-be teenagers - you never really think about how much your children cost you - August IRA Insights: The Case - No Support in the Stock Market
Lately, many investors feel that sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach as they look at their 401(k) and IRA statements. Since an all time high on October 9th of 2007 of 14,164, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has steadily - Top Ten Things You Need to Know When Investing in Real Estate Notes in Your IRA
- August IRA Insights: Funding Your New Business with Retirement Funds
John recently retired from the fire department and is ready to move on to the next phase of his life. At 54 years young, John knew he wasn't ready for - August IRA Insights: Uncle IRA, the Venture Capitalist
While the average IRA holder trades public stock and mutual funds, it's the sophisticated, self-directed investor who also keeps an eye open for growing, private companies. Every public company started out as a private business and almost all used . . . - How To Be an Informed Self-Directed IRA Holder A Primer
Chances are that you are reading this publication because you want more information on Self Directed Retirement Plans. Thats great! Retirement Plan Self Direction has some wonderful benefits, including diversification of your retirement funds, greater p - What Can You Do with A Small IRA?
- Managing Risk: Common Sense Investing
The US Treasury Secretary asks for $700 Billion to buy "toxic assets" from the banks - then says, "oops - let's buy bank stock instead." - The Savers Tax Credit
How to get up to $2,000 FREE from the U.S. Government - October IRA Insights: Overcoming Obstacles Finding the Money
If you need investment capital, why not tap the more than $4 billion in IRA money, held collectively by over 50 million people? Through a self-directed IRA, those individuals can provide loans to your project, secured with a mortgage or other collatera - October IRA Insights: Forty Eight Hours, Seven Closings
I realized how amazingly creative our clients are, not just in structuring their investments, but also in the way they solve problems. - October IRA Insights: The Value in Your Land May Be Beneath You
As energy prices rise, there has been renewed interest (and opportunity) in alternatives to oil-namely coal and natural gas. - October IRA Insights: Does Retirement Equal Happiness?
- October IRA Insights: Inherited IRA & Now 401(k) Assets
Beginning in 2008, there is new ability for non-spouse beneficiaries - November IRA Insights: The Great Depression
Within two years we should see a stabilization of the banking and lending scandals. - November IRA Insights: Can You Live in Your IRA Owned House?
You CANNOT buy a piece of property with your IRA and live in it. However, lets figure out a way that this can be done legally. - November IRA Insights: Tough Choices in Tough Times
The Decision to Fund Retirement or Childs College - Using Real Estate as Diversification in Asset Allocation
- IRA Opportunities with Tenants in Common
Many clients get their IRA involved in larger real estate investments along with other investors through tenants in common arrangements - Retirement Planning - You Owe it to Your Family
Retirement planning is more important than ever before in American history. Studies have shown that only one third of affluent families have been able to transfer and grow the family fortune into the next generation. - Tax Strategies for IRA Owners Affected by the Stock Market Decline.
Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA - How to Stretch a Roth IRA to Last More than 150 Years
I have a philosophy: if you can create a win-win situations you should always do so. - Rebuilding Your Retirement with Alternative Investments
It has not been uncommon for a future retiree's stock portfolio(s) or 401(k) to have been reduced by as much as 50% in the first ten months of 2008. - Creating Capital with Notes
One of the greatest challenges faced by people who are directing their own retirement investments is how to step around the maximum contribution limitations imposed by the federal government. - How to Outlive your Retirement Savings in Seven Easy Steps
We at the Entrust Group have the privilege of working with clients that are well into their retirement years as well as those just starting to save. One common trait can be found - Using Retirement Funds to Start Your Own Business
We routinely have clients and prospective clients ask us how they can start or buy their own business using retirement plans. - Conducting an Effective Due Diligence
Due diligence is probably the most critical stage in the buying process. - Strapped for Cash? Borrowing from Your 401(k) May Cause Further Problems
If you need money, one option you could be considering is borrowing against the value of your 401(k) account. Before you take that step, however, consider the pros as well as the cons. - Interesting Insights
Many folks try to save money for retirement, but make little financial mistakes along the way that can hit hard when they least expect it. - A real wake up call
As these investors told me in the money show, if I had done the investing on my own I would have become much more responsible and have a lot more money today. How about you? Are you ready for your wake up call? - Entrust Administration, Inc. Continues its Company Expansion in California
- Stimulation - More Economic Caffeine?
$700B in Stimulus in 2008, an additional $750B in 2009 and still no end to declining stock markets, real estate, and escalating unemployment. - What Now? I'm Running Out of Time
As IRA administrators we hear this every day from our new clients who are leaving the safety of securities behind. - Rescue Your Retirement
These are not normal times and anyone who is not afraid after seeing the volatility in todays market is nuts! - Deducting Tax Losses from "Ponzi" Schemes
Now that Bernie is in the poky and we all feel a lot safer, how do investors treat their losses for tax purposes? The IRS has recently released two Revenue Rulings to help. This ruling applies to all ponzi losses, not just Bernies mess. - Who is to blame?
Who is to blame for this mess in the financial services sector? As one of four panelists last week at the Miami Finance Forum, I had the pleasure of fielding this loaded question in front of 125 rather disenchanted Attorneys, CPAs, hedge fund managers - Entrust Administration, Inc. Launches New Educational Website for IRA Investors
- 2008 Ford F250 vs. Dow Jones Industrial Average
In June of 2007, I purchased a brand new 2008 Ford F250 Super Duty from a dealership in Boulder that has since gone out of business. I would never have guessed that a year and half later my trucks value would have out-performed the Dow Jones. If I were - Lay the financial groundwork for the second half of your life!
In order to continue to have the lifestyle we want in our retirement, we must take control of our financial future today. Investing in a self-directed IRA or 401(k) will help compound the dollars you need to live the lifestyle you want. In essence, you - If Youve Been Laid Off, There is a Silver Lining!
The distribution of a 401(k) plan resulting from the termination of employment presents an opportunity to gain control of the funds while still maintaining the tax-deferred status of the money. - The Case for the Self-Directed IRA
He told me he was planning on retiring this year but his retirement plan lost so much money that he can no longer afford to retire. - Still Planning at 27
Im 27 now, and still actively planning my retirement. - Wise Women Self-Direct
No surprise here Hartford Financial Services Group reports that women are more worried than men (64% of women and 46% of men) about outliving their retirement assets. More women (83%) than men (69%) are worried about inflations effect on their retire - Recalibrate Your Retirement
Do you have plans of financial freedom? Or are they now just wishful thinking? - What Can I Do With My Small IRA?
One of the most common questions I get is I only have a small IRA what are my choices for self-direction and how could I get started? - Roth Conversions for High-Income Earners
How would you like to have tax-free income when you retire? - How Do I Invest My Retirement Funds in Real Estate?
Using your IRA, SEP, or 401(k) plan, is a great way to grow your retirement funds. Heres an overview of whats involved in purchasing real estate within your IRA. - For Sophisticated Investors OnlySelf-Directed IRAs
The power and flexibility of a self-directed IRA is not for everyone. With flexibility comes choices, and choices require more detailed investment knowledge. Less active investors find that the time required to find and make investment choices is not wor - Have You Outgrown Your Financial Advisor?
Five questions every investor should ask an advisor before hiring them! - What Is Going to Happen to Capital Gains?
- Quick Guide to Portfolio Diversity
- The Buck Stops with You
- Go Back to School with a Coverdell!
Now that were getting back to school, its the perfect chance to take the opportunity to establish a Coverdell, a tax-advantaged education savings plan you can self-direct! - Stop Being the Victim
The banks were over-leveraged and your deposits, along with the entire financial system, are in jeopardy. - Who Is Managing Your Retirement?
When the judge slammed down his gavel during the recent sentencing of Mr. Madoff to the maximum sentence of 150 years, it provided the thousands of aggrieved investors a Pyrrhic victoryone that does nothing to address the financial devastation left in h - Anyone Want to Buy a Checkbook control IRA?
The problem with doing research on the Internet is that theres a lot of information and its difficult to figure out whats true and whats not. - Make double digit returns without getting out of your bathrobe!
- Self-Directed Retirement Administrator is Ready to Respond
I was recently in a meeting with a group of attorneys forming a new business and need to understand the benefits or wealth building through a truly self-directed IRA or Individual (k). - Self-Directed IRAs Heading Back Into Real Estate? The View From Florida
Investment real estate has turned into a dirty word for some. Investors are blamed for the quick run up of prices, and once they stopped buying, the eventual crash of the housing markets. This crash has caused economic repercussions that still are bein - Exchange Away the Debt-Financed Tax Consequences of a Leveraged Real Estate IRA
- The Rule of 72 What the Heck is it!
How do we make our financial decisions? Why do we invest the way we do and what is the benefit? I think the current economy has put a cold dose of reality in every type of investor. Many of us now realize that when our parents were harping on hard work - Self-Directed Retirement Administrator Is Ready to Respond
I was recently in a meeting with a group of attorneys who are forming a new business, and they wanted to understand the benefits of wealth building through a truly self-directed IRA or Individual(k) plan. - Choosing an IRA Custodian or Administrator for Self-Directed IRAs
- Leaving a Job? Take Your Money with You
- Foreign Exchange Trading
- Is the Recession Over in Your World?
- Where Does the Economy Go from Here?
The past year has been quite a roller coaster ride. - Never Let a Crisis Go to Waste
In the midst of the recent financial meltdown, Rahm Emanuel, the White House Chief of Staff, said, You never want a serious crisis to go to waste. - Leaving a Legacy of Saving
As a father of four, Im well aware of the cost of parenthood from diapers to college, and the uncomfortable teen years between. - Converting Assets in Your Self-Directed IRA
- Does Converting to a Roth IRA Make Sense for You?
The question of whether to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA periodically arises. - 2010 IRA Rules! Roth or No Roth
In 2010, investors who earn over $100,000 per year in adjusted gross income will be able to convert their tax-deferred Traditional IRA or dormant 401(k) plan to a Roth IRA, which is a tax-free (after-tax dollars) account. - New Perspectives on Your Investments: Self-Directed Style
Unlike the weather outside, many of the attendees and some of the conference speakers forecast continued unsettled conditions into 2011, with a slogging stock market, higher unemployment, and continued choppiness in the bond markets. - The 2010 Solution
Many successful investors have long lamented that they have not been able to take advantage of the Roth IRA. Many are sitting on significant traditional IRA funds that they have built up over the years or acquired as a rollover from a previous employers - Hard Money Loans
- Five and a half No Brainers to make your IRA Better
- Converting to a Roth IRA
- Howdy Partner!
The benefits of partnering your retirement plan with others. - Self-Directed IRAs Explained
What you need to know if you're considering a self-directed IRA. - The Real Estate Investor's Secret Weapon
A 1031 Exchange can help you keep your money and reinvest it so you can continue to grow your real estate portfolio. - Going For the Gold
There are many different ways to invest in gold, as part of your retirement portfolio, and you should know about all of them before you decide where to invest. - Who Will Inherit My IRA?
Don't leave unfinished business for your family after you pass away. It's very important to update your beneficiary designation, even in your retirement plan. - The Number One Question to Ask Before You Buy
Letting your emotions rule your investment decisions can get you in trouble. Always make sure you can truly afford the money, sweat equity, and hassles before you invest in real estate. - Social Networking...For the Middle Aged
The social media phenomenon has taken over the internet, and is now used by many companies as a powerful business tool. But does it replace good, old-fashioned networking? - Interested in Commercial Real Estate, But Don't Have a Million Dollar IRA?
Investing on commerical real estate isn't out of reach. You can learn step by step how to make commercial real estate a passive investment in your self-directed retirement plan portfolio. - Entity Investments in Your IRA: Advantages, Cautions, and Legal Considerations
There are special considerations when you invest your self-directed IRA in an entity such as a corporation, LLC, or trust. Find out what you need to know, before you invest. - Make Money Off of Taxes
Many invesotrs are choosing to invest their self-directed IRA into tax liens because they offer a set rate of return due to the fixed interest rate, which will not change with fluctuations in the economy. - Don't Mess with the IRS
Making a prohibited transaction in your self-directed IRA can have some unpleasant consequences. Don't let a little 'creative' investing with your retirement plan get you in trouble with the IRS. - Swanson v. Commissioner and the Checkbook Control IRA-Owned LLC
This article explores the celebrated case of Swanson v. Commissioner, on which the idea of checkbook control in a self-directed IRA is based. - Did You Know That You Could Do a Lease Option with Your Self-Directed IRA?
Investors don't need to have the entire price of a property in cash in their IRA to invest in real estate. Lease options are yet another alternative you can invest in with your self-directed IRA. - Investing in Tax Deeds with Your Self-Directed IRA
A Great Inflation Hedge - How Using an LLC Can Make Self-Directed Investing Easier
- Four Things to Know About Getting Audited
- Self-Directed IRAs: An Estate Planner's Primer on Some of the Rules
Note: This article is published with permission from the Oakland County Bar Association of Michigan
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