Directed IRA Podcast

Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler

The Directed IRA Podcast, hosted by attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler, is the leading source for investors navigating the world of self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s. As co-founders of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company (directedira.com), Mat and Mark have helped thousands of clients invest in alternative assets using tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Episodes cover topics related to self-directing retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, real estate, private equity and venture funds, promissory notes, private placements (PPMs), start-ups, IRA/LLCs (Checkbook IRAs), and the UBIT/UDFI tax rules. The podcast also addresses prohibited transactions and shares real-world examples from investors who have successfully self-directed their retirement for decades. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this podcast offers practical, expert-level insights into building wealth through self-directed strategies. Mat Sorensen is an attorney, best-selling author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, and CEO of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian with nearly $3 billion under administration. He is a national expert on self-directed retirement strategies and a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers. Mat also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mark J. Kohler.  Mark J. Kohler is a CPA, attorney, best-selling author of six books, and a nationally recognized authority on small business tax and legal strategies. Mark serves as a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers and Board Member at Directed IRA Trust Company, which manages over $3 billion in assets. As the founder of the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program, Mark has trained thousands of CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide, helping millions of small business owners better navigate tax and legal strategies. Mark also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mat Sorensen.

  1. 12 ENE

    Should I Set Up a Trump Account for My Kid?

    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

    31 min
  2. 18/12/2025

    Year-End Retirement Account Strategies

    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

    59 min
  3. 11/12/2025

    Year-End Roth Strategies

    KKOS Webinar: Solo 401(k) Tax Credit for New and Existing Plans Mark and Mat return to the Directed IRA Podcast with holiday cheer, quick-fire banter, and a stocking stuffed with three Roth strategies that can transform your long-term wealth. This is the year-end roadmap every proactive investor needs. They break down how to time Roth conversions for maximum tax efficiency, how a Kid’s Roth IRA can quietly grow into a seven-figure legacy, and how the mega backdoor Roth lets both employees and small business owners pump serious dollars into the tax-free zone. If you want your money growing tax-free, your strategy dialed in, and your year-end planning wrapped with confidence, settle in for this quick, insightful, and entertaining episode. Chapters:  0:00 - Warm Welcome And Light Banter 1:12 - Roadmap: Three Year-End Roth Strategies 1:54 - Strategy One: Roth Conversions And Chunking 4:20 - Brackets, Deductions, And Timing The Tax 7:16 - Backdoor Roth Clarified For High Earners 8:04 - Strategy Two: Kids Roth IRA Mechanics 11:18 - Paying Kids Legitimately And Funding Options 15:02 - Early Compounding And Grandparent Angle 18:27 - Strategy Three: Mega Backdoor Roth Overview 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

    19 min
  4. 01/12/2025

    Prohibited Transactions in a Self-Directed IRA (You Know It's a Prohibited Transaction When...)

    For more details on prohibited transactions download the Self-Directed IRA Handbook (look for chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7): https://directedira.com/the-self-directed-ira-handbook/ In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J Kohler break down the single most important rule in the world of self-directed IRAs, the prohibited transaction rule. Before your IRA buys real estate, a private company, crypto, or any other alternative asset, you need to understand who your IRA can transact with and how to avoid accidental mistakes that can blow up your entire account. Mat and Mark explain the three core varieties of prohibited transactions in a simple and memorable way, using real client examples along with their usual energy, humor, and clever comedy bits. You will learn why certain family members are off limits, what happens if you try to stay in your IRA owned Airbnb, how sweat equity can accidentally trigger a self dealing violation, and how to safely buy rentals or businesses in your retirement account with confidence. The hosts also sprinkle in a series of fun “you know it is a prohibited transaction when” jokes that make the topic easy to remember and surprisingly entertaining. By the end, you will understand how to stay compliant, make smarter investment decisions, and unlock the real power of a self-directed IRA. Perfect for real estate investors, business owners, and anyone using an IRA for alternative assets, this episode gives you the clarity you need to protect your account and maximize long term gains. Chapters:  0:06-  Welcome And Why This Matters 0:12 - Defining Prohibited Transactions 2:16 - What IRAs Can And Can’t Own 2:54 -It’s About Who And How, Not What 2:59 - Per Se Prohibited Transactions Explained 4:34 - Disqualified Persons And Family Traps 7:25 - After You Buy: Use And Benefit Rules 8:17 - Renting To Family And Self-Dealing 10:26 - Sweat Equity And Fixer Upper Pitfalls 12:49 - Managing Vs. Working: The 50 Percent Line 16:13 - Facts, Circumstances, And Case Law 17:49 - Practical Guardrails And Flexibility 19:36 - Resources, Book, And Professional Help 19:51 - Closing Remarks And Disclaimers 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

    20 min
  5. 26/11/2025

    Opening a Self-Directed IRA And Understanding Prohibited Transactions

    For the full video webinar visit: https://directedira.com/opening-a-self-directed-ira/ For more details on prohibited transactions download the Self-Directed IRA Handbook (look for chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7): https://directedira.com/the-self-directed-ira-handbook/ Most Self-Directed IRA investors worry about choosing the right asset, but the real danger is accidentally breaking an IRS rule you didn’t even know existed. Watch Mat Sorensen (CEO, Directed IRA) and Lindsay Mersino (Executive Director of Operations) host a brand-new session that breaks these rules down clearly, simply, and with real examples you won’t find anywhere else.       You’ll Learn - What a Self-Directed IRA can invest in - The three investments IRAs cannot hold - How IRS prohibited transaction rules actually work and the real mistakes that cause penalties - Who counts as a “disqualified person” and why this matters for every deal you structure - The three types of prohibited transactions - Deal examples that stay compliant vs. deals that disqualify an IRA - How to safely structure alternative investments through your SDIRA 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

    58 min
  6. 20/11/2025

    Tax-Free Crypto Investing With a Roth IRA

    Crypto continues to be one of the fastest-moving asset classes — and when you combine it with the tax-free power of a Roth IRA, it becomes one of the most compelling long-term wealth strategies available. Join Mat Sorensen (CEO, Directed IRA) and Aaron Halderman (COO, Directed IRA) for a live training session where they break down everything you need to know about investing in crypto inside a Self-Directed Roth IRA. You’ll learn how the structure works, how to access 60+ supported assets, when conversions make sense, when an IRA/LLC is appropriate, and how to stay compliant while maximizing tax-free upside. Whether you’re an active crypto investor or just exploring tax-efficient strategies, this session will give you the tools to build a smarter, long-term plan for 2026 and beyond. You’ll Learn - How crypto investing works inside a Self-Directed IRA - Why a Roth IRA can generate entirely tax-free crypto gains - How Traditional-to-Roth conversions work (and what actually triggers tax) - When an IRA/LLC “exchange account” becomes the right structure - How to access 60+ supported cryptocurrencies inside your IRA - How an HSA can also be used for crypto investing 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

    55 min

Acerca de

The Directed IRA Podcast, hosted by attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler, is the leading source for investors navigating the world of self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s. As co-founders of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company (directedira.com), Mat and Mark have helped thousands of clients invest in alternative assets using tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Episodes cover topics related to self-directing retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, real estate, private equity and venture funds, promissory notes, private placements (PPMs), start-ups, IRA/LLCs (Checkbook IRAs), and the UBIT/UDFI tax rules. The podcast also addresses prohibited transactions and shares real-world examples from investors who have successfully self-directed their retirement for decades. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this podcast offers practical, expert-level insights into building wealth through self-directed strategies. Mat Sorensen is an attorney, best-selling author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, and CEO of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian with nearly $3 billion under administration. He is a national expert on self-directed retirement strategies and a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers. Mat also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mark J. Kohler.  Mark J. Kohler is a CPA, attorney, best-selling author of six books, and a nationally recognized authority on small business tax and legal strategies. Mark serves as a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers and Board Member at Directed IRA Trust Company, which manages over $3 billion in assets. As the founder of the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program, Mark has trained thousands of CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide, helping millions of small business owners better navigate tax and legal strategies. Mark also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mat Sorensen.

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