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. 6d ago ·  Video

    New Legislation Targets Self-Directed IRAs

    Looking to take more control of your retirement investments? Directed IRA helps investors diversify beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds by investing retirement funds into alternative assets like real estate, private funds, private lending, startups, crypto, and more. Schedule a call to get started: https://directedira.com/appointment/ We've also published a detailed breakdown of the proposed legislation and what it could mean for self-directed IRA investors: https://directedira.com/new-legislation-targeting-self-directed-iras/ Self-directed IRAs have helped investors build wealth by investing in alternative assets like real estate, private companies, private lending, crypto, and more. Now, a newly proposed bill in Washington, D.C. has sparked concerns about the future of retirement accounts. In this video, we break down the proposed legislation, why it was introduced, who it targets, and what it could mean for self-directed IRA investors. We also discuss what the proposal does not change, including the ability to continue self-directing your retirement account under current law. Whether you're already investing with a self-directed IRA or just exploring your options, this episode will help you understand the facts behind the headlines and what to watch as the proposal moves through Congress. In this video, you'll learn: • What the proposed legislation aims to change • Who could be affected by the bill • Why retirement accounts over $10 million are being targeted • What remains unchanged for most self-directed IRA investors • What to keep an eye on as the proposal develops Follow for more education on self-directed IRAs, alternative investments, and retirement strategies to help you invest with confidence. For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/  KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

  2. Jul 23 ·  Video

    Trump Accounts and How To Optimize Them

    If you're a business owner looking to give your child a head start with their retirement, book a call with Directed IRA to learn more about the Kid's Roth!: https://directedira.com/appointment/  Open a Trump Account here: https://trumpaccounts.gov/ In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down one of the newest retirement savings vehicles available to families: the Trump Account. They explain who qualifies, how the account works, and why they believe it has the potential to become a powerful long-term wealth-building tool for children. The discussion goes beyond the basics, covering tax strategies, Roth conversion opportunities, employer contribution rules, and how parents can use these accounts to teach their children the importance of investing from an early age. Main Topics Covered What a Trump Account is and who is eligible to open one.How the government's $1,000 contribution works for qualifying children.Annual contribution limits and who can contribute to the account.Why starting to invest early can lead to significant long-term growth through compounding.The tax treatment of Trump Accounts and why Roth conversions can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.How to navigate the "kiddie tax" and strategies for minimizing taxes during Roth conversions.Employer contribution opportunities and how business owners can potentially create tax deductions while funding a child's account.How Trump Accounts compare to the Kids Roth IRA strategy and when each may make sense.Why investment flexibility after age 18 can create even greater wealth-building opportunities through self-directed IRAs.The importance of teaching children about investing so they understand how to preserve and grow their retirement savings for the future.Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or business owner, this episode provides practical strategies for helping the next generation build wealth while taking advantage of new tax-advantaged opportunities. For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/  KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

  3. Jul 18

    Investing in Physical Gold & Silver with Your IRA

    If you're ready to invest in precious metals with your IRA or have additional questions about getting started, book a call with our team at Directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us at the Alternative Asset Summit, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Gold and silver have become some of the most talked-about investment assets, but how do they fit into a self-directed IRA? In this webinar, Mat Sorensen is joined by special guest David McAlvany, CEO of McAlvany Precious Metals, to discuss why investors are increasingly turning to precious metals, how gold and silver can help diversify a retirement portfolio, and the strategies experienced investors use to build long-term wealth. Throughout the conversation, Mat and David cover the current outlook for precious metals, the impact of inflation, interest rates, central bank buying, and market volatility, as well as how investors can own physical gold and silver inside a self-directed IRA. They also discuss precious metals trading strategies, storage requirements, common mistakes to avoid, Roth conversions, and answer live audience questions about investing in precious metals with retirement accounts. Want to learn more about investing in gold and silver? Connect with the experts at McAlvany Precious Metals to explore your options: https://mcalvany.com/metals/ For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/  KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

  4. Jul 8

    Investing with your Self-directed HSA

    To learn more about opening a self-directed HSA and how you can use an HSA to invest in what you know, click the link to connect with my team at Directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/ In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen explains how a self-directed Health Savings Account (HSA) can become one of the most powerful long-term wealth-building tools available. Instead of treating an HSA as simply a place to save for current medical expenses, Mat discusses how investors can use a self-directed HSA to invest in alternative assets like real estate, private companies, cryptocurrency, private lending, and more—all while taking advantage of the HSA's unique triple tax benefits. Mat walks through how to open and fund a self-directed HSA, the investment rules, prohibited transaction rules you MUST know, and strategies like using an HSA LLC for greater investment control. He also explains why allowing your HSA investments to compound over time can help cover one of retirement's largest expenses...healthcare. For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/  KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

  5. Jul 2

    Why You Shouldn't Buy Real Estate in Your IRA

    To invest in real estate using your IRA, book a call with our team at Directed IRA to get started!: https://directedira.com/appointment/ In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler take on one of the most common misconceptions surrounding self-directed retirement accounts. They break down why many financial influencers discourage investing in real estate through an IRA, examine the role depreciation actually plays in real estate investing, and explain why maximizing long-term, tax-advantaged growth should be the primary objective. The conversation explores when real estate does and doesn't make sense inside an IRA, the advantages of using a Roth IRA for real estate investments, and why your investment strategy should be based on your knowledge, experience, and long-term retirement goals rather than common myths. Whether you're considering your first investment property or looking to diversify your retirement portfolio, this episode provides practical insights to help you make a more informed decision. Download our Beginner's Guide: Investing in Real Estate with Your IRA - https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-investing-in-real-estate-with-your-ira/ Buy your tickets to the Alternative Asset Summit: https://altassetsummit.com/ For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/  KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

  6. Jun 23

    When Should You Use an IRA/LLC or Checkbook IRA?

    To establish an IRA/LLC, schedule a call with our team at Directed IRA to get started!: https://directedira.com/ira-llc/ Get a consult with a tax attorney at KKOS Lawyers to see if an IRA/LLC is right for your situation: https://kkoslawyers.com/services/irallc/ One of the most common questions we receive from self-directed investors is: Do I need an IRA LLC? The answer depends entirely on what you’re investing in and how you plan to invest. For some investors, an IRA LLC can provide speed, flexibility, and greater control over investment activity. For others, it may add unnecessary complexity and cost. In this special Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Ashley Burr (Senior Attorney at KKOS Lawyers) will discuss when an IRA/LLC makes sense, when it doesn’t, and the key legal and compliance considerations investors should understand before setting one up. we’ll cover: What an IRA LLC is and how checkbook control worksThe types of investors and investments that commonly use IRA LLCsSituations where a standard self-directed IRA may be the better optionReal estate, lending, private funds, and other common IRA LLC use casesHow IRA LLCs are formed and fundedProhibited transaction risks and common compliance mistakesQuestions investors should ask before creating an IRA LLCWhether you’re considering your first IRA LLC or trying to determine whether one fits your investment strategy, this session will provide the framework for making the decision. Download the IRA/LLC slide deck here!: https://directedira.com/when-should-you-use-an-ira-llc-or-checkbook-ira/ For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/  KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

  7. May 22

    Investing in Real Estate with your Self-Directed IRA: Step-by-Step

    To begin investing in real estate with a self-directed IRA, schedule a call with our team at Directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/ In this special episode of the Directed IRA Podcast,  we had Nate Hare (Vice President at Directed IRA) walk through the step-by-step process of buying real estate inside a self-directed IRA. This episode covers how self-directed IRAs work, funding your account, purchasing property correctly, handling expenses and rental income, avoiding prohibited transactions, using non-recourse financing, and when an IRA/LLC or Checkbook Control IRA may make sense. Whether you’re new to self-directed investing or looking to expand your retirement strategy into real estate, this episode provides practical guidance and real-world examples to help you get started. Directed IRA Resource Directory: https://directedira.com/resource-directory/ For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/ Other: Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/  KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

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About

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.