Alternative IRA is good deal for some Houston TX

provided by: Gatehouse News Service

Say the words “Individual Retirement Account,” and most people automatically think in terms of an IRA where investments are made in the stock market or mutual funds. But if you're on the lookout for a more creative approach to building retirement funds, the self-directed IRA may be one to consider.   Before we go any further, a few words of caution. While most types of IRAs can be converted into self-directed IRAs, the process of setting up one can be cumbersome. Believe me -- you'll want the assistance of a professional adviser to help with the paperwork and thoroughly explain this investment mechanism's guidelines. Once done, however, you may find that a self-directed IRA provides opportunities for investment that you thought were forbidden in IRAs.   Considered nontraditional retirement accounts, self-directed IRAs are used by investors for a number of investments, with real estate at the top of the list.   By creating a self-directed IRA, you can choose whatever you want to invest your money into -- from single-family residences to condominiums, apartment complexes or undeveloped land.   There are several advantages to calling the shots, and since you control and handle all transactions, the custodian of your account is paid an annual fixed flat fee, not a per-transaction fee.   On the flip side of the coin, the negative consequences could be great if your self-directed IRA is not structured correctly. It's wise to choose an adviser and a custodian who is knowledgeable in real estate investment and related tax laws. Should you decide to buy into apartment/condominium units or raw property, or become involved in other complex real estate investments, you'll want the counsel of a savvy adviser with a strong background in real estate transactions.   Also, investing your self-directed IRA into real estate just bought you another job. While historically real estate has built significant wealth for many, it is a job that needs management and attention. That's far different from buying a mutual fund and letting the manager of the fund do the heavy lifting.   You must avoid any self dealing with your self-directed IRA. That means that you can not buy a residence from yourself or a spouse to put in the IRA. Also, you can not buy a vacation house in your IRA.   You can invest in more than real estate in a self-directed IRA. It is possible to invest in a small, privately-held business with these funds also. This could be a great way to get involved in the ground floor or to capitalize a family business that is looking to grow.   By thinking ''out of the box'' with a self-directed IRA, your foundation of wealth for those fast-approaching retirement years could become something a bit more to your liking.   John P. Napolitano is the CEO of U.S. Wealth Management in Braintree. Do you have a financial issue you want him to answer? E-mail him at biznews@ledger.com or call him at 617-786-7073.   The Patriot Ledger

author: John P. Napolitano

Fitzgerald Financial Partners, LLC

Wealth Management & Investment Advisory Services for Real Estate Investors.

1-866-437-7769
2500 City West Boulevard
Houston, TX
www.fitzfp-llc.com

Take 15 minutes this long weekend to consider how to...

* Raise the value of your retirement income so you get top dollar on the day you decide to retire.


* Take the time to figure out what is important to you, what you would still like to accomplish.


* Stop the hit-or-miss retirement investing that too often leaves you mentally exhausted and financially drained.


* Find greater satisfaction with your retirement income replacement progress and more freedom and autonomy to enjoy the fruits of your labors.

(Start your 10-minute strategy session by reading our special prospecting report. Just continue here to get your free report:

"Maybe its Time For A Better Plan and Process!"


Good Afternoon, you contacted me about getting some real retirement planning advice:

Before We Begin, You Need To Ask Yourself, Do You Really Want To Retire?

It's Thanksgiving, again. That busy time of the year when we meet with family and friends, celebrate life, and begin to look ahead to the Holidays and the big opportunities we face in upcoming New Year, these times a year are why we plan and prepare to make sure that the ones we care about are taken care, this is the reason why we plan and invest not only for our futures, but for theirs.

As you think about 2008 and what could be the year that transformed your life, what specific steps are you going to take that ensure that your personal and financial growth is solid and steady regardless of the economy and the markets?


I'd like to suggest that you'll find your answer to that question in our special retirement income replacement report:

"Maybe Its Time For A Better Plan and Process!"


In nearly 8 years of analyzing the best practices, taxes and business & personal retirement strategies of many successful retirees including, (Professional Football Players, Golfers, Doctors, Real Estate Developers, Washington, DC Elite, Real Estate Investors, and Business Owners), I've never seen such compelling evidence for a specific retirement income replacement strategy.

So, before you plan for 2008, I urge you to look closely at what I consider one of the Biggest Missed Retirement Income Replacement Opportunities in America and download your copy of "Maybe Its Time For A Better Plan and Process!"

Among the things you'll learn in less than 20 minutes:

* How to really plan for your retirement
* How to use more than just the 3 asset classes your broker or financial advisor is pushing you into
* 10 Retirement Planning Myths That Cripple Your Earning Potential
* How to Plan and Train Yourself to Retire Within 5 Year Into Your 2008 Prospecting Strategy

Continue by reading "Maybe It's Time For A Better Plan and Process!"

Regardless of how the "Maybe Its Time For A Better Plan and Process!" a

– www.fitzfp-llc.com