Directed IRA Podcast

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler dive into the Top 10 Mistakes in Self-Directing Your IRA—and how to avoid them. Whether you're just getting started or already managing self-directed investments, this episode outlines the most common pitfalls that can derail your retirement strategy, including prohibited transactions, improper deal structuring, and UBIT traps. Mat and Mark not only break down each mistake but also provide practical guidance on how to structure deals the right way to stay compliant and protect your tax-advantaged account. They also highlight a critical bonus topic on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for illiquid assets that every older investor must understand. If you’re looking to confidently navigate self-directed retirement investing, this episode is for you. * 00:00:08 – 00:01:50 – Intro, Past Events, & Empowering You to Self-Direct Your IRA * 00:01:50 – 00:04:15 – Breaking Out of the Brokerage Box (Disney Analogy): Investment Freedom Explained * 00:04:15 – 00:04:18 – Top 10 Mistakes in Self-Directing Your IRA * 00:04:18 – 00:06:30 – Mistake 1: Early Commitment to Deals * 00:06:30 – 00:07:54 – Mistake 2: Buying Assets You Already Own * 00:07:54 – 00:08:36 – Mistake 3: Transacting with Disqualified Persons * 00:08:36 – 00:11:30 – Mistake 4: Violating the 50% Rule in Business Ownership * 00:11:30 – 00:13:12 – Mistake 5: Providing Services to IRA-Owned Assets * 00:13:40 – 00:16:50 – Mistake 6: Personally Profiting from IRA Transactions * 00:16:50 – 00:21:30 – Mistake 7: Using IRA-Owned Assets Personally * 00:21:30 – 00:23:04 – Mistake 8: Improper Flow of Funds with IRA LLCs * 00:22:55 – 00:24:20 – Mistake 9: Underfunding Investments and the Need for Capital Planning * 00:24:20 – 00:31:04 – Mistake 10: Ignoring UBIT and UDFI Tax Traps * 00:31:04 – 00:32:30 – Bonus: RMD Pitfalls with Illiquid IRA Assets * 00:32:30 – 00:34:15 – Conclusion: Knowledge is Power—Avoiding Pitfalls with Confidence Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ [https://directedira.com/] Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA [https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA] Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ [https://directedira.com/appointment/] Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com [https://matsorensen.com/] & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen [https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen] KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com [https://kkoslawyers.com] Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com [https://mainstreetbusiness.com]

Ready to get started? Book a call with one of our IRA specialists!: https://directedira.com/appointment/ If you’ve got an old 401(k) or IRA collecting dust, it’s time to take control. In this episode, Mat and Mark explain how to move your account into a self-directed IRA—without triggering taxes or penalties—and why it matters. You’ll learn what you can invest in, from real estate to startups, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Mat and Mark also share real examples and walk you through the steps to get started. Don’t let your retirement account sit idle—put it to work. * 00:00:10 – Why Your Old 401(k) or Sleepy IRA Needs Attention * 00:02:04 – Understanding the Power of Self-Directed IRAs * 00:03:17 – Common Myths and Misconceptions * 00:04:37 – What You Can Invest In with a Self-Directed IRA * 00:05:13 – How to Move Your IRA Without Tax or Penalty * 00:08:50 – Real Investment Examples: Real Estate, Crypto, and More * 00:17:00 – Prohibited Transactions and Restrictions * 00:20:32 – How to Get Started with Directed IRA Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ [https://directedira.com/] Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA [https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA] Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ [https://directedira.com/appointment/] Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com [https://matsorensen.com/] & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen [https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen] KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com [https://kkoslawyers.com] Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com [https://mainstreetbusiness.com]

Ready to get started? Book a call with one of our IRA specialists!: https://directedira.com/appointment/ In this episode, Mat Sorensen and special guest David McAlvany explore how to buy gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in your IRA. They explain the rules, benefits, risks, and strategies—whether you’re seeking portfolio diversification, inflation protection, or long-term growth. Learn how precious metals can fit into your retirement plan and what mistakes to avoid. 📌 Key Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background 02:30 – History of Precious Metals in IRAs 04:15 – Why Invest in Metals: Diversification & “Wealth Insurance” 11:00 – Tax Benefits of Using an IRA for Metals 13:00 – Storage Rules for Precious Metals in an IRA 14:00 – Gold vs. Other Precious Metals: What to Buy 26:00 – Gold vs. Crypto vs. Stocks 34:00 – Rebalancing Strategies for Long-Term Growth 47:00 – Due Diligence & Avoiding Overpriced Metals 🔗 Useful Links:  Learn more from McAlvany: https://mcalvany.com/directed David McAlvany's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmcalvany/ Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ [https://directedira.com/] Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA [https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA] Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ [https://directedira.com/appointment/] Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com [https://matsorensen.com/] & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen [https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen] KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com [https://kkoslawyers.com] Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com [https://mainstreetbusiness.com]

Learn how to take control of your retirement - https://directedira.com/ [https://directedira.com/] In this episode, Mat and Mark dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of retirement and estate planning—who should be the beneficiary of your IRA? Should it be your spouse? Your kids? Or your trust? They break down the tax implications, legal requirements, and best practices to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently and securely. With real-life stories and clear action steps, this episode is a must-listen for anyone with a retirement account.  * 00:00 – Welcome & Why This Topic Matters * 00:25 – The Common Mistake Most People Make * 01:02 – Why Trusts Often Get Left Out * 01:58 – The Life Insurance Horror Story * 03:19 – Why Beneficiary Designations Rule All * 04:04 – Tips for Married Couples: Spouse First, Trust Second * 05:08 – Why a Trust Helps with Minor or At-Risk Children * 06:08 – Asset Protection & Special Needs Planning * 06:50 – What Is a See-Through Trust? * 08:06 – The IRS Rules & Structural Requirements * 09:40 – Action Items: Audit, Update, Organize * 11:00 – Wrapping Up: The Power of Being Organized To get a comprehensive tax and legal plan get to my law firm KKOS Lawyers, https://kkoslawyers.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFRScTY1SU5aOWRROFl4NUhUV19HWGNGM0dCZ3xBQ3Jtc0trcUhpbmRfLXk4TVNYSXpfZ1A4TW1PMXFnOFZMcW9CR3I4aHhDLXVPTmhGSUh0ZnFjQldJdlNRbGN3SGpET3ZuRjNsVU5lUklFel9NbXBxakJ1WG1Tb29KX2Z5Y1dmSnRJTW5KVTBKMnk2SUtEbkNsWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fkkoslawyers.com%2F&v=cPmFy-92j-o].  Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ [https://directedira.com/] Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA [https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA] Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ [https://directedira.com/appointment/] Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com [https://matsorensen.com/] & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen [https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen] KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com [https://kkoslawyers.com] Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com [https://mainstreetbusiness.com]

To book a call with an IRA specialist!: https://directedira.com/appointment/ In this episode, Mat and Mark break down the powerful strategy of using a Self-Directed IRA for private money lending. Learn how your retirement account can act like a bank—lending money to real estate investors or businesses, earning interest and points, all while growing tax-free or tax-deferred.  0:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag] - Introduction to Private Lending with a Self-Directed IRA  1:20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=80s] - What is a Self-Directed IRA and How It Works  3:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=180s] - Retirement Accounts You Can Use for Private Lending  4:26 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=266s] - Secured vs. Unsecured Loans – What the Bank Would Do  6:23 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=383s] - Debunking Private Lending Myths and Managing Risk  9:25 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=565s] - Key Legal Docs: Promissory Note, Deed of Trust, UCC Liens  11:48 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=708s] - Should You Lend Through Your IRA or an LLC?  14:30 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=870s] - Lending Criteria: Property, Borrower, and Strategy  18:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=1080s] - Common Mistakes in Private Lending and How to Avoid Them  21:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=1306s] - Understanding Loan Terms: Interest, Points, and Payment Structures  28:26 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=1706s] - Tax-Free and Tax-Deferred Growth in Your Retirement Account  34:06 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=2046s] - How to Find Private Lending Opportunities and Deal Flow  36:32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=2192s] - Balancing Action vs. Analysis – Know Thyself as an Investor  37:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO6UyFLi8ag&t=2279s] - Final Thoughts and Legal Disclaimer   Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ [https://directedira.com/] Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA [https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA] Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ [https://directedira.com/appointment/] Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com [https://matsorensen.com/] & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen [https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen] KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com [https://kkoslawyers.com] Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com [https://mainstreetbusiness.com]