Self-Directed IRA
Invest Beyond Wall Street
Your retirement account, expanded
Most IRAs limit you to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. A Self-Directed IRA removes those walls. With Retired.com, you can invest in the assets you actually understand and believe in. Examples can range from asset classes like real estate to crypto to private placements, all with the same tax advantages as a standard IRA.
Alternative Asset Access
Tax-Advantaged
Growth
Enjoy the same tax benefits as a standard IRA. Tax-deferred or tax-free growth, depending on your account type.
Full Investment Flexibility
You choose what to invest in. Retired.com provides the platform, the custody, and the support to make it happen.
Top Benefits of Retired.com’s Self-Directed IRA
More Control
You choose the specific deals and assets yourself. Your account follows your strategy, not a preset menu.
Low, Transparent Fees
We charge $0 to get started with Retired.com's SDIRA accounts and transparent fees after that.
Portfolio Diversification
Alternatives can move differently than public markets. That may reduce your overall portfolio risk.
Expert Support
Real retirement specialists available to guide you through the Self-Directed IRA process. Not bots, not FAQs.
Broader Asset Choice
An SDIRA can hold real estate, precious metals, private loans, tax liens, and private equity. Standard brokerage IRAs mostly limit you to stocks, bonds, and funds.
Start Investing With Your Self-Directed IRA
Strategies
Your retirement blueprint, for free
Ready to see how alternatives fits your retirement strategy? Start here. Check out our resource center for all things retirement and investments. Written by our retirement specialists, built for investors interested in tax-free growth.
Learn Before You Start with Retired.com’s Self-Directed IRA Content
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Self-Directed IRA?
A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) is an individual retirement account that allows you to invest in a broader range of assets beyond traditional stocks and bonds. With Retired.com, your SDIRA can hold real estate, cryptocurrency, private equity, precious metals, promissory notes, and other alternative investments — all with the same tax advantages as a conventional IRA.
What can I invest in with a Self-Directed IRA?
You can invest in a wide range of alternative assets, including real estate, cryptocurrency, precious metals, private equity, promissory notes, startup investments, and more. The IRS does restrict certain investments, such as life insurance and collectibles. Our specialists can walk you through what’s eligible.
How is a Self-Directed IRA different from a regular IRA?
You still receive the same tax advantages. The difference is in the investment choices available to you.
What are the tax advantages of a Self-Directed IRA?
The tax treatment depends on your account type. With a Traditional SDIRA, contributions may be tax-deductible and gains grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. With a Roth SDIRA, contributions are made with after-tax dollars, and qualified withdrawals (including gains) may be completely tax-free.
Can I roll over my 401(k) into a Self-Directed IRA?
Yes. Rolling over a 401(k), 403(b), or another retirement plan into a Retired.com Self-Directed IRA is a straightforward process. When done correctly, it does not trigger taxes or early withdrawal penalties. Our team assists with the entire rollover process.
What fees are associated with a Self-Directed IRA?
Retired.com charges transparent fees for account administration. There are no hidden charges and no fees to roll over an existing retirement account. Full fee details are provided before you commit.
Is my Self-Directed IRA secure?
Yes. Your assets are held with institutional-grade custody and security protocols. Retired.com partners with leading custodians and security providers to keep your retirement investments protected.
*Based on assets under custody across all retired.com consumer brands as of 05/18/2026.
**Review and rating count is aggregated across public review platforms and app stores for all Retired.com consumer brands. Average platform rating is calculated as the average of displayed ratings and not weighted by review or rating count.
¹Security, storage and wallet provider may vary based on asset chosen and custody solution available.
Reviews and media mentions listed on this page include those across all Retired.com consumer brands.
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