More and more people are recognizing the benefits of rolling over their third-party-run investment platform to one where they call the shots. Imagine that: you can be in charge of your own money. You can decide what assets in which to invest—and when.

Why Consider Rolling Over Your Retirement Investment Account?

There are many reasons to consider rolling over your retirement investment account into a self-directed IRA. Chief among those reasons is the variety of assets available to you. Plus, there is the diversification that such variety can offer your portfolio. You no longer need to be confined to stocks, bonds and mutual funds. And those haven’t exactly been known for dynamic returns over the past decade.

Investments you can make

Here’s just a sampling of the types of investments you can make with a checkbook-controlled self-directed IRA:

• Undeveloped land
• Single-family homes
• Multifamily residences
• Commercial properties
• Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
• Trust deeds
• Mineral and water rights
• Precious metals
• Private equity
• Other alternative assets

Investments you cannot make

In fact, it’s easier to list what you cannot invest in:

• Collectibles (such as art, stamps, antiques, some coins)
• Life insurance
• S-corporation stock
• Certain transactions prohibited by the IRS

Having such a variety of options allows you to put your investment dollars into assets that are familiar to you. In short, you can invest in what you know.

Do your due diligence

Still, be sure to do your due diligence before making any investment. Your own tax or legal adviser can help you determine such important matters as:

• Your preferred investment is something your IRA can own.
• It adheres to tax laws.
• It does not involve any disqualified persons.

Now, can you roll over your current retirement funds into a self-directed account? In most cases, but not all. If your existing IRA is with a brokerage or bank, you can transfer it to a Custodian that allows you to self-direct. If you have a 401(k) account with a former employer, you also can roll it over to a self-directed account. However, if your retirement account is with your current employer, it may not be eligible to be moved, depending on that employer’s rules governing its plan.

Again, it’s best to consult your own adviser to make sure you don’t inadvertently incur major tax penalties.

We can help

Once you determine that rolling over your retirement account is in your best interests, we can help. Investment Resource of AZ, LLC is your Arizona rollover specialist. Our team has successfully rolled over millions of dollars in IRA funds for clients, educating them, streamlining the process and supervising each step of the way for them. Call us at 602-885-6122 or email evelyn@azirarealestate.com.