Blog

Plain-English articles on Solo 401(k) plans.

Education for self-employed and 1099 professionals - plan rules, structure, real-estate considerations and administration. Educational only; not legal, tax or investment advice.

Investment Guidance

The Difference Between Owning Real Estate Personally and Through a Solo 401(k)

Should you own investment real estate personally or through a Solo 401(k)? Both approaches offer unique benefits, but the differences in taxes, rental income, financing, property management, and IRS regulations can significantly impact your investment strategy. Discover how each ownership structure works, what restrictions apply, and which approach may better support your long-term financial goals.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

The Real Estate Strategy Most Self-Employed Investors Never Consider

Discover the real estate strategy many self-employed investors overlook. Learn how a properly structured Solo 401(k) can potentially invest in real estate, expand your retirement investment options, and put your retirement funds to work in assets you understand.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

How to Invest in Real Estate With a Solo 401(k) Without Turning Your Retirement Plan Into a Business

Real estate can be one of the most powerful alternative investments available inside a self-directed Solo 401(k). Instead of limiting retirement savings to traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, eligible business owners may be able to use retirement funds to invest in rental properties, land, private real estate investments, and other qualifying assets. However, there is an important distinction every Solo 401(k) real estate investor needs to understand: Your Solo 401(k) should be investing in real estate—not operating your personal real estate business. That distinction becomes especially important when buying, improving, and selling properties. A Solo 401(k) can buy and sell real estate, but investors should be cautious about creating a pattern of activity that begins to resemble a real estate development, construction, or property-flipping business.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

Solo 401(k) vs. IRA LLC for Real Estate Investing

Both a self-directed Solo 401(k) and an IRA LLC may provide access to real estate investments. Compare eligibility, ownership, financing questions, and ongoing responsibilities before choosing a structure.

By Ross Powell

Investment Guidance

Why Custodial Control Makes a Solo 401(k) So Impactful

Custodial control is one of the most powerful advantages of a Solo 401(k), yet it’s often overlooked. This blog breaks down how checkbook control gives you the ability to move faster, invest beyond traditional options, and take a more strategic approach to building long-term, tax-advantaged wealth.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

Why Precious Metals Remain a Smart Investment Opportunity

In uncertain economic times, some assets stand the test of time - and precious metals are at the top of that list. This blog explores why gold and silver remain reliable, long-term investment opportunities, especially in the face of inflation, market volatility, and global uncertainty. We’ll cover the historical stability of metals, their role in portfolio diversification, and how they can be held in tax-advantaged accounts like a Solo 401(k). If you’re looking for a tangible way to protect your wealth, precious metals may be your smartest move yet.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

What It Means to Be the Fiduciary of a Solo 401(k)

Learn what it means to be the fiduciary of a Solo 401(k) and the responsibilities that come with managing a self-directed retirement plan. This blog explores fiduciary duties, compliance considerations, investment flexibility, prohibited transactions, checkbook control, real estate investing, and how Solo 401(k) owners can take a more active role in directing their retirement future while maintaining proper plan oversight.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

What Higher Interest Rates Mean for Solo 401(k) Investors

Interest rates play a significant role in the financial markets, influencing everything from borrowing costs and real estate values to bond yields and stock market performance. In recent years, investors have experienced an environment of elevated interest rates as central banks have worked to combat inflation and stabilize the economy. For Solo 401(k) investors, higher interest rates can create both challenges and opportunities. Understanding how rates affect different investment types can help investors make more informed decisions and potentially position their retirement portfolios for long-term success.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

Unlocking Wealth: Types of Precious Metals You Can Invest in with a Solo 401(k)

In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of precious metals you can invest in through your Solo 401(k), including gold, silver, bullion bars, junk silver, monster boxes, and more - and how each can support your retirement strategy

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

Solo 401(k) Fix and Flip: How Real Estate Investors Can Use a Solo 401(k) to Flip Houses

Learn how real estate investors can use a Solo 401(k) to fund fix-and-flip properties, pay renovation expenses, reinvest profits, and build retirement wealth through real estate. This guide explains the process, key rules, prohibited transactions, financing considerations, and why a properly structured Solo 401(k) can be a powerful tool for house flippers.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

Private Lending Through a Solo 401(k)

Discover how private lending through a self-directed Solo 401(k) can open the door to alternative investment opportunities beyond stocks and mutual funds. In this guide, we explore how private lending works, potential benefits and risks, IRS rules to understand, and best practices for structuring loans within your retirement plan. Whether you're interested in lending to real estate investors, entrepreneurs, or small businesses, learn how a Solo 401(k) can provide the flexibility to potentially generate income while maintaining the tax advantages of a qualified retirement account.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

Non-Recourse Lending in Self-Directed Accounts

Learn how non-recourse lending works inside a Solo 401(k) or Self-Directed IRA and how it can help you scale real estate investments without personal liability. This guide breaks down the structure, tax advantages, key rules, and when this strategy makes sense so you can make informed investment decisions.

By Garrett Clark

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