What is a self-directed IRA, and how does it actually work?

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the most foundational concepts in self-directed investing. If you have ever felt limited by traditional retirement accounts or wondered if you can invest your IRA in assets outside of Wall Street, this episode is for you.

As part of our Self-Directing 101 series, this conversation is designed to simplify the concept, clear up common misconceptions, and help you understand how to take control of your retirement strategy.

In this episode, you will learn:
• What a self-directed IRA is and how it differs from a typical IRA
• The types of investments you can make, including real estate, crypto, and private deals
• How to use existing retirement funds to get started
• Why contribution limits do not limit your growth potential
• The key rules to understand before you begin

Self-directing is not about complexity. It is about expanding your options and investing in what you know best.

🎧 Listen now to start your self-directing journey.

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Self-directed IRAs allow investors to go beyond traditional markets, but using them properly requires understanding the rules, structure, and process involved.

In this live session, Directed IRA Vice President of Sales Nate Hare, along with co-host Daniel Tercey, start with a brief overview of how self-directed IRAs work before opening the discussion to a live Q&A.

This format gives attendees the opportunity to ask practical questions and get straightforward answers about using retirement accounts to invest in alternative assets.

This is not intended to be a deep legal or tax presentation. Instead, the goal is to help investors better understand the fundamentals – what self-directed IRAs allow, how the process works, and what to consider before making your first investment.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore self-directed retirement accounts or already investing in real estate, private funds, startups, crypto, precious metals, or other alternative assets, this open forum is a chance to get clarity on the questions many investors encounter along the way.

This session is ideal if you’re newer to self-directed investing, exploring alternatives for the first time, or want a clearer understanding of the basics before going deeper.

Bring your questions – we’ll handle the fundamentals and point you in the right direction

Still have questions? Book a new account call here: https://directedira.com/appointment/
Visit our website: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

What if your retirement account could invest in anything you believe in?

Welcome to Directed IRA's new podcast series, Self-Directing 101. In this series, Mat and Mark will be covering everything you need to know to get started when it comes to self-directed investing. 

Today's Episode: The 5 Golden Rules of Self-Directing

From finding your own deals to avoiding costly mistakes, Mat and Mark cover what actually separates successful investors from the ones who fall off the “magic carpet ride."

If you’re serious about building wealth with a self-directed IRA, this episode is your playbook.

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your retirement.

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down how investors can use a self-directed IRA, HSA, or solo 401(k) to invest in real estate and private lending. They cover the core strategies—rental properties, flips, land deals, and hard money loans—and explain how these accounts can be used to build wealth in a tax-advantaged way.

Mat and Mark also share real-world examples from their own investing experience, including buying rental properties inside retirement accounts, structuring private loans secured by real estate, and using Roth funds for high-growth opportunities. Along the way, they walk through the basic steps to get started, when an IRA/LLC may make sense, and the key prohibited transaction rules every investor needs to understand.

Whether you are brand new to self-direction or looking for a simple episode to share with someone who wants the big-picture overview, this is a practical introduction to investing retirement funds in assets you know and believe in.

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

After every major run-up comes a correction – and after every correction, serious investors ask the same question:

What should I be doing now?

Directed IRA founder Mat Sorensen will host Tillman Holloway, Founder & CEO of Arch Public, and Arch Public co-founder Andrew Parish for a practical conversation on the current state of crypto markets and how disciplined investors are thinking about portfolio positioning after recent volatility.

In this session, we’ll cover:
- What historically happens after major crypto market corrections
- How algorithmic trading strategies respond to volatility
- Risk management considerations for digital asset portfolios
- Portfolio allocation between BTC, ETH, and other assets
- Using IRAs and Solo 401(k)s for tax-advantaged crypto exposure
- Common mistakes investors make after sharp pullbacks

This will be a focused, data-driven discussion about structure, discipline, and long-term strategy.

If you currently hold crypto, or are evaluating your allocation, this is a timely conversation you won’t want to miss.

Arch Public Home: https://archpublic.com/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Directed IRA's Crypto IRA: https://directedira.com/cryptocurrency/

SDIRA Summit: https://sdirasummit.com/

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

If you’re self-employed and want to put more money away for retirement, the Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful tools available, but the rules and deadlines matter.

In this live webinar, Mat Sorensen will walk through the Solo 401(k) basics, including who qualifies, how it’s set up, and the special strategies that make it so effective compared to IRAs and SEP IRAs. He’ll also cover the key 2025 contribution limits and deadlines you need to understand before the 2026 tax filing season.

We’ll cover:
- What a Solo 401(k) is and how it differs from IRAs, SEP IRAs, and traditional employer 401(k)s
- Who qualifies (and who doesn’t)
- How a Solo 401(k) is set up and what has to be in place to maximize contributions
- 2025/2026 contribution limits, including employee vs. employer contributions and how they’re calculated
- Key deadlines to know before the 2026 tax filing season
- Special features unique to Solo 401(k)s
- Common mistakes and misconceptions that can create tax or compliance issues

Why Directed IRA?

At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

Click or tap the link below to download the slides from this webinar:
https://directedira.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Solo-401ks-2026.pdf

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

If you’re looking to generate passive income and steady returns from your retirement account, this is a strategy you need to understand.

Join Directed IRA’s VP of Sales, Nate Hare, along with co-host Daniel Tercey, for a live training on Private Lending in a Self-Directed IRA.

Private money lending has become one of the most popular strategies among self-directed investors, but it must be structured correctly to stay compliant.

We’ll cover:
- How to structure loans using promissory notes and trust deeds
- Which borrowers and assets your IRA can (and cannot) lend to
- The prohibited transaction rules that can disqualify your IRA
- How interest income flows back to your IRA tax-deferred or tax-free
- 10 key considerations before deploying retirement funds
- What happens in the event of foreclosure
- Real client case studies showing how note terms can be structured creatively and predictably
 
At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Have questions about self-directed IRAs or alternative investing?
In this live, open forum webinar, we answer some of the most common questions people have when starting their self-directing journey, with clear, practical answers. 

Our Senior Account Executive and Relationship Manager, Daniel Tercey, will cover topics such as:
• Common self-directed IRA questions from investors
• Investing in real estate, private funds, startups, precious metals, crypto, and other alternative assets
• IRA rules, prohibited transactions, and compliance pitfalls to avoid
• UBIT, UDFI, and when tax filings may apply
• Custodial processes, account administration, and best practices
• Recent trends and questions we’re seeing from investors

Visit our links Daniel discusses at the end of the webinar:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA
Book a call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Read more about Trump Accounts Here: https://matsorensen.com/trump-retirement-accounts-explained/

If you have kids under age 18, this episode could change how you think about their financial future.

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler dive deep into Trump accounts, a brand-new savings vehicle launching in 2026. Mat explains why he believes Trump accounts can be a powerful long-term wealth-building tool for kids, while Mark pushes back, arguing parents may be overlooking better options already available.

Together, they break down how Trump accounts work, who they are best suited for, and how they compare to Coverdell ESAs, kids Roth IRAs, and 529 plans. The conversation covers college planning, trade schools, retirement savings, Roth conversions, and how families can stack multiple strategies based on income and goals.

They also explain the biggest game changer of all: how Trump accounts convert into traditional IRAs at age 18 and can later be converted into Roth IRAs, potentially creating millions in tax-free retirement wealth for the next generation.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or business owner looking to give kids a financial head start, this episode lays out practical strategies, pros and cons, and real-world planning considerations to help you decide what makes sense for your family.

Chapters:

0:08 – Welcome And Topic Reveal

0:48 – Politics Aside: Use The Law

3:52 – What A Trump Account Is

6:20 – Control Limits And Fee Cautions

6:24 – College Needs vs Long-Term Wealth

9:10 – How Early Withdrawals Actually Work

12:02 – Parent Playbook: Stack The Accounts

18:56 – Pay Your Kids Through Business

21:07 – Rentals As A Small Business

22:06 – The Roth Conversion Strategy

24:20 – 529 To Roth: Sister Strategy

26:18 – Pro Rata Rules And Math

28:20 – The 8.8 Million Illustration

29:55 – Mindset, Access To Education, Closing

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

The start of a new year is one of the best times to reset and realign your retirement strategy. New contribution limits, new rules, and new deadlines in 2026 can all impact how much you’re able to save and how effectively you plan.

In this webinar, Directed IRA COO Aaron Halderman and VP of Sales Nate Hare will host a practical 101-style session focused on retirement account planning for 2026, including an open Q&A to address common questions as the new year begins.

We cover:
- 2026 retirement account contribution limits and what changed
- Key tax deadlines to know in 2026 for IRAs and retirement plans
- Core planning strategies for IRAs, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s
- Common mistakes to avoid as you start the new year
- Open Q&A to help you set clear retirement account goals for 2026

This session is designed to help you start the year with clarity, avoid early missteps, and build a smarter retirement plan going forward.

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

To learn more on year-end retirement account strategies read our new article: https://directedira.com/year-end-retirement-account-strategies/?utm_source_youtube_socialmedia&utm_year_end_strategies_webinar

Year-end is one of the most important windows for retirement planning. Some moves must be completed by December 31, while others can wait until the tax filing deadline – and new rules coming in 2026 will change how much you can save and whether certain contributions must be Roth.In this live webinar, Directed IRA’s CEO, Mat Sorensen, will walk through the most important retirement account strategies to understand before year-end and how to position yourself for 2026.
     
You’ll Learn
- Which retirement account moves must be done by December 31…and which can wait
- How to optimize 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, HSA, and Solo 401(k) strategies at year-end
- When Roth conversions make sense now vs. pushing them into 2026
- Backdoor Roth and mega backdoor Roth strategies to know before year-end
- Key 2026 rule changes that may impact contribution limits and Roth requirements

his session is designed to help you avoid missed opportunities, reduce taxes, and make informed decisions before the year closes.

Why Directed IRA?
At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com