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Friday, January 16, 2026

How Self-Directed IRAs Can Boost Retirement Income

Most people dream of a retirement where money worries vanish, but achieving that level of financial security often requires looking beyond traditional savings accounts. 

While stocks and bonds play a role, many investors overlook a powerful tool that offers greater control and potentially higher returns. 

Self-Directed IRAs open the door to alternative assets, allowing savvy investors to build a diverse portfolio tailored to their specific financial goals. 

Here’s how Self-Directed IRAs can boost retirement income.

What Is a Self-Directed IRA?


A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) functions much like a standard IRA but provides significantly more investment freedom. Instead of limiting choices to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, an SDIRA allows account holders to invest in a broad range of alternative assets. The custodian holds the assets, but the investor makes all the decisions.

Investing in Real Estate


Real estate remains one of the most popular choices for SDIRA investors. You can purchase rental properties, commercial buildings, or raw land within the account. All rental income flows directly back into the IRA, compounding tax-free or tax-deferred, depending on the account type.

Investing in Precious Metals


Gold, silver, and platinum offer a hedge against inflation and economic volatility. SDIRAs allow you to hold physical precious metals, provided they meet specific purity standards and reside in an approved depository. This tangible asset class adds a layer of security to a portfolio.

Investing in Private Equity


Private equity involves investing in private companies not listed on public stock exchanges. SDIRAs enable you to fund startups or established private businesses. If the company succeeds, the returns can significantly outpace the stock market, helping you toward the goal of living on a $1 million retirement nest egg.



The Benefits of Diversification


Holding a mix of traditional and alternative assets spreads risk. When the stock market dips, real estate or precious metals might hold their value or even appreciate. Diversification helps protect retirement savings from market downturns and smooths out volatility over time.


Tax Advantages of Self-Directed IRAs


SDIRAs retain the same tax benefits as traditional IRAs. Contributions may be tax-deductible, and investment gains grow tax-deferred. With a Self-Directed Roth IRA, qualified distributions in retirement are completely tax-free, maximizing the income available for daily living expenses.

Setting Up a Self-Directed IRA


Establishing an SDIRA requires finding a custodian that specializes in alternative assets. Once you open the account, you fund it by transferring or rolling over money from an existing IRA or 401(k). From there, you direct the custodian to execute investments on your behalf.

Maximizing Retirement Income


By leveraging the flexibility of an SDIRA, investors can tap into high-yield opportunities unavailable in standard retirement accounts. Whether through rental income, business profits, or asset appreciation, these alternative investments can generate the substantial cash flow needed for a comfortable and secure retirement.



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