Message From the CEO
Rapid changes and increased unpredictability in the stock market measure volatility and are associated with higher risk.
The first quarter of 2022 was a turbulent ride as indexes fell and rebounded in the double digits. The S&P 500 saw a decline of 13% but began its recovery, finishing the quarter down 4.9%. Bonds (with an inverse relationship to interest rates) saw even more significant declines as the 10-Year Treasury ended the first quarter up 81 basis points.
In addition to market volatility, in March, the two-year Treasury briefly rose above the 10-year. Inversions preceded six of the last seven recessions, giving many shareholders a reason to question whether a recession is looming in the background, as indicators suggest.
Between the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, record-high inflation, and the threat of rapidly rising interest rates, you may be looking for safe harbors that reduce the volatility of your portfolio.
With these concerns top of mind, we created a series of posts discussing self-directed IRAs, which increases investment opportunities without sacrificing the tax benefits of your IRA. You can rollover an existing IRA or move a portion of your 401k or company-sponsored balances into a self-directed IRA. This move could increase diversification, provide stability in the event of a recession, and create a hedge against inflation and rising interest rates.
Regards,
Jeff McKee
P.S. 2022 is the last year the IRS allows 100% bonus depreciation, which could reduce taxable income. In 2023, the maximum bonus permitted depreciation is 80%. Then it drops to 60% in 2024.
How to Transfer a 401k or Company-Sponsored Account to an IRA
Changing jobs includes a long list of to-dos. Transferring the company 401k to your new employer or an IRA should make the list. But did you know that you can transfer retirement dollars to an IRA in many cases, even if you are not switching jobs or retiring?
Learn more about why, when, and how you might want to move money from your company-sponsored plan, even if you aren’t upgrading your employer, here.
How Self Directed IRAs Work
The IRS does not limit IRA investments to the stock market. In fact, the IRS only lists a few prohibited transactions, giving you a wide range of assets you can choose from without compromising the tax benefits offered through an IRA.
Learn more about how to redirect IRA funds allowing you to participate in investment options that could improve your diversification and, in some cases, reduce volatility.
What You Need to Understand About Self-Directed IRAs
Do you have large retirement balances sitting in a 401k or IRA? If so, you may be interested in identifying more lucrative ways to invest these funds outside the stock market.
Many investors don’t realize the IRS allows you to participate in non-stock market ventures, including real estate, without giving up tax benefits. Read about the key features you need to consider before using funds earmarked for retirement to fund alternative investments here.
Guide to Setting Up a Self-Directed IRA
Every day people are beginning to understand that “alternative investments” do not always translate into higher risk and options too complicated for the average person to understand. But when you have the bulk of your retirement money tied up in IRAs, what are your options?
We explore how self-directed IRAs can be the answer to lackluster returns and increased volatility seen in the stock market. If you are interested in expanding your portfolio with a self-directed IRA, we have created a step-by-step guide to help.
