Retirement Dollars Can Fund a Business

Did you ever want to go back in time and relive a part of your life? Change how you did or didn't do something? We've all had times in the past that we'd love to go back and change.Unfortunately, for many, their retirement savings have "gone back in time." Those retirement plans have losses significant enough that their accounts are now at early 1990s levels. They truly have "gone back in time."The question that keeps coming is "now what?" How should you plan for the future? Some will leave everything as is, hoping that the old buy and hold strategy still works. Maybe it does, but for some near retirement, or in it, time has run out - and so have their savings.Some have moved into cash and out of the markets believing that that is the safe thing to do. If inflation kicks in, in any significant way, cash loses value quickly. Nothing is 100% safe.An alternative that many have overlooked is to utilize a self-directed IRA. The term self-directed simply means that you, as an individual, have complete control over selecting and directing your own IRA or 401(k) investments. Once established, your account can buy real estate, notes, businesses, limited partnerships, LLCs, or other investments.With a self-directed IRA, you make all the decisions regarding your investments. The self-directed IRA custodian or administrator completes the documents required to establish your account and purchase your investment.The biggest advantage of a self-directed IRA is that you can invest in what you know and in areas where you live. You are not limited to stock, bond, and mutual fund investments. It's not for everyone, but it might be for you. I always recommend that you invest in things you know. This is one way to do it. Visit with your investment advisor or contact me to see if it makes sense for you. by Steven Schlagel