Directed IRA Podcast

Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler
  • 4.7 (166)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

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. 2d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. May 29

    Getting Started with a Self-Directed IRA

    To begin investing in real estate, small business, crypto, precious metals, & other alternative assets with a self-directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/ In this episode, I break down self-directed IRAs and how investors can use retirement funds to build wealth beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. You’ll learn the basics of SDIRAs, the types of alternative assets you can invest in, key IRS rules to avoid costly mistakes, and strategies for using retirement accounts to invest in real estate, private deals, and more. Whether you’re new to self-directed investing or looking to expand your retirement strategy, this episode gives you everything to get started. 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. 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

  7. May 14

    Roth IRA v. HSA: Which is Better?

    To open a self-directed Roth IRA, book a call with our team at https://directedira.com/roth-ira-account/ To open a self-directed HSA? Book a call with our team at https://directedira.com/hsa-accounts/ On today's episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat and Mark step into the ring for a debate over two of the most powerful tax-advantaged accounts for building wealth: the Roth IRA vs. the HSA. Throughout the episode, they go punch-for-punch breaking down the key differences, tax benefits, contribution strategies, inheritance rules, and real-world investing opportunities inside each account. Whether you’re deciding which account to fund first or looking to maximize both, this episode delivers practical strategies and actionable retirement planning insights for investors and entrepreneurs alike. 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

  8. May 7

    What is an IRA LLC (or Checkbook Control IRA)?

    Download our getting started guide to learn more about IRA LLCs: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-ira-llc/ In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the Self-Directed IRA LLC, also known as the “Checkbook IRA LLC,” and explain how investors use it to buy real estate and alternative assets with greater control and flexibility. They cover how the structure works, what you can and can’t do as manager of the LLC, common mistakes investors make, and why proper setup matters for staying compliant with IRS rules and protecting your retirement assets. If you want to understand how experienced self-directed investors use IRA LLCs to simplify investing and protect their retirement wealth, this episode is a must-listen. 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

See All (225)

4.7
out of 5
166 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Directed IRA Podcast
  • Show Website
    Directed IRA Podcast

You Might Also Like