Articles Categorized in: Blog

Can I Create an IRA for Myself?

IRAs provide investors with a range of investment options, including mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and individual stocks. The best IRA providers also feature low fees including management and trading charges. Opening an Individual Retirement Account can be done at most banks and brokerage firms quickly and easily, providing you with instantaneous investments options and fees. Before choosing one of them, compare opening fees, minimums, investment minimums and investment options available before making your selection. Self-directed IRAs Self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) offer...
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Limitations on IRA to IRA Transfers

Many individuals still hold onto old IRAs from former employers that they never use despite incurring fees over time. While these accounts may have lost some value over time, they could still provide funds for retirement purposes in the form of future withdrawals. Rollovers are the primary way of moving IRA funds between custodians. A rollover must be completed within 60 days or risk paying income tax and an early withdrawal penalty of 10% (if under 59.5). There is no...
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Can You Short Stocks in an IRA?

If the equity in your IRA drops below a specified level (typically $25,000 but this may differ depending on your broker), a margin call may be issued and to satisfy it you will need to deposit more cash or marginable securities into your IRA account. Under IRA regulations, assets held within an IRA cannot be used as security for loans, making popular options strategies which rely on margin impossible to execute within an IRA. Some brokerages provide limited margin trading...
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Can You Put Gold in an IRA?

Gold IRAs require special custodians and brokers, and have higher account fees compared to traditional retirement accounts – these may include markups, shipping costs and storage expenses. Gold IRAs provide investors with an investment vehicle that enables them to put pretax dollars directly into physical gold assets such as coins or bars for greater diversification and protection from inflation. Tax-deferred growth Gold has long been seen as an investment safe haven, yet it can also make an excellent addition to...
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Can I Invest in Gold With My 401k?

Many 401(k) plans provide the option of investing in precious metals like gold as part of your retirement portfolio diversification and protection from economic instability. Before making your purchase decision, however, it is wise to carefully research all available options first. Investment of physical gold requires creating a self-directed IRA and finding a reputable precious metal dealer, while adhering to IRS storage and security rules. How to invest in gold with your 401k Investment in precious metals through a 401(k)...
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