A self-directed IRA allows the IRA owner to choose where and how their funds are invested, as opposed to a retirement plan administrator. Self-directed IRAs can be vehicles for alternative investments in things like precious metals. privately offered stocks. and real-estate to name a few. Almost anything can be put into an IRA if a fair market value can be readily obtained; there are exceptions such as life insurance, art and other collectibles.

For a list of assets allowed by the IRS, see IRS Publication 590 .

Most investors seeking to diversify a portion of their IRA portfolio with alternative investments will fund a self-directed IRA by rolling over a 401(k) from a previous employer or by transferring a dormant IRA from another firm.

Read a related article from the Wall Street Journal: IRAs Get Sexier

Owning alternative assets in an IRA is easy to do if the custodian you choose specializes in holding the asset you’re interested in. Because different self-directed IRA custodians will accept different types of investments, the key is to find the right company to help you with the process.

GoldsStar Trust Company is a proud member of RITA, the Retirement Industry Trust Association.

GoldStar Self-Directed IRA s

GoldStar Trust Company specializes in IRAs that hold precious metals. church bonds. Swiss annuities. approved bank accounts outside the U.S.. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and other investments. There are some allowable IRA assets that GoldStar chooses not to accept (i.e. limited partnerships, real estate and promissory notes.) See our Investment Options page for a list of acceptable assets.

Available retirement plans:

• Traditional IRA

• SEP (Simplified Employee Pension)
• SIMPLE IRAs (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)

• Tradtional, SEP, and Simple IRAs are tax deductible retirement accounts, meaning they are funded with pretax dollars and grow tax deferred until distribution.

A GoldStar IRA allows for consolidation of diverse investments into a single account. We can help you remain in control while handling the legal aspects of your retirement assets. Let our years of experience and expertise make it easy for you. Call our Investor Services department at 1-800-486-6888 with any questions you may have. As your IRA custodian, GoldStar is concerned only with making investments of your choosing, protecting your assets while they are in the IRA, and performing all the duties of an IRA custodian. We do not offer or sell any investments, nor are we affiliated with any dealer. We do not give tax or legal advice and we do not benefit financially from your investment choices.

FDIC NOTICE: IRA and/or Bond investments represented on this website are not FDIC-insured, are not guaranteed by GoldStar Trust Company, and involve risk including possible loss of principal. If held in a GoldStar IRA or GAMMA account, the un-invested cash portion is FDIC insured up to $250,000.