The Complete Guide to IRAs & IRA Investing: Wealth Building Strategies Revealed
Pre-millennial investors were much more inclined to pick up a second home in Aspen than a book on IRAs. But times have changed. More often than not, tax-deferred accounts in the past were seen as an added bonus nice, but not necessary. Now, the special status given to IRAs can mean the difference between having a satisfactory retirement and having any retirement at all. Whether individuals consider themselves investors or not, today s citizens need as much information as possible in order to navigate the world oftentimes, alien world of retirement accounts. There are Roths, SEPs, SIMPLEs, 401(k)s, self-directed IRAs, and many more vehicles to choose from. Just deciding which account to open can be difficult enough, let alone understanding what investments are available to each account, how they work, what fees and taxes may be involved, and what profits could be made. Furthermore, baby boomers leaving the workplace in record numbers will soon have to make a decision about their 401(k)s and other corporate-sponsored retirement accounts: keep them linked to their former employer s plan (if given that option) or roll them into their own IRAs. Most financial experts agree that one of the best ways to aggressively grow a retirement account is to roll one s 401(K) into a personal IRA after terminating employment. However, after investing for years in company stock or simply choosing a conservative, modest, or aggressive  portfolio, most adults are neither prepared to make independent investment decisions nor make them in the wisest way. For these reasons, and many more, Dee Burks The Complete Guide to IRAs and IRA Investing is essential first-aid for any American looking forward to a happy retirement. This, quite frankly, is one of the most thorough books available on Individual Retirement Accounts. Other than a few specialty books on purchasing alternative investments with IRA money, I have been hard-pressed to find a book that addresses both traditional and non-traditional investments available to an IRA. Thankfully, this book does. Surprisingly few people know that they can invest in real estate with their IRA, or that they can build their nest egg by making private loans (even small ones) with the money they have in their account. The fact that the average American is unaware of these kinds of options is what bars most people from realizing their full earning potential within their IRAs. As the CEO of a leading, truly self-directed IRA services provider, I have seen firsthand the significant benefits a truly diversified retirement account can provide. One of my favorite proverbs has always been, Don t put all your eggs in one basket. Along with that, I have also preached, Look before you leap. Ms. Burks sees these two cautionary adages as necessary keys to wisely managing one s IRA, and she offers excellent commentary on the need for both broad diversification and an understanding of one s personal risk tolerance. Having the flexibility to move IRA funds from one investment to another is an absolute necessity in today s fluctuating market. But to do so intelligently requires the kinds of insight and guidance only a strong comprehension of IRAs and IRA investments can provide. From knowing what a stock is to understanding prohibited transactions for IRA investments in real estate, The Complete Guide to IRAs and IRA Investing provides an excellent reference no matter what direction an investor decides to go. There is a familiar saying in the retirement industry: No one cares about your retirement account as much as you do. Judging by her carefully researched and conscientiously written book, however, it would appear that Ms. Burks is running a close second. --David Nilssen