Welcome back to another insightful episode of the IRA Cafe podcast! In this conversation, Kyle Moody, Business Development Manager at American IRA, sits down with Denise Appleby, owner and operator of Appleby Retirement Consulting, LLC, and widely recognized as the “IRA whisperer.” Denise brings over two decades of experience in the retirement industry, having started her career at one of the largest IRA custodians and eventually launching her own highly regarded consulting firm. 

In this episode, Kyle and Denise explore the nuances of self-directed IRAs, dig into common mistakes investors make with their retirement accounts, and clarify misunderstood rules around rollovers and transfers. They also break down recent legislative developments, including the “Big Beautiful Bill” and its implications for kids’ retirement savings, as well as practical guidance for solo 401(k) entrepreneurs. Denise’s practical wisdom and straightforward advice shine throughout as she helps listeners understand how to make the most of their retirement vehicles while avoiding costly missteps.

Key takeaways:

1. The Importance of Proper Guidance: Denise stresses that before engaging in self-directed IRA transactions, investors must consult with qualified CPAs, tax attorneys, or ERISA attorneys to navigate complex IRS rules and avoid prohibited transactions that could inadvertently disqualify an entire IRA.
2. Rollover Rules and Costly Mistakes: One of the most common—and expensive—mistakes in the IRA world is misunderstanding the difference between rollovers and transfers, especially the once-per-12-month rule for IRA-to-IRA rollovers and eligibility criteria for moving employer plan assets into IRAs.
3. Working with Employer Plans: Whether funds can be moved from an employer-sponsored plan into a self-directed IRA depends on eligibility for in-service rollovers, which is ultimately determined by plan administrators—not IRA custodians or administrators.
4. The “Big Beautiful Bill” and Trump Accounts: While the bill didn’t directly impact IRAs, it introduced “Trump accounts”—new opportunities beginning in 2026 for parents and grandparents to start retirement savings for children from birth, even before children have earned income.
5. Solo 401(k) Insights for Entrepreneurs: Denise highlights that solo 401(k)s can be a powerful retirement savings tool for business owners with no full-time employees, offering high contribution limits and flexibility, but warns that operational steps—like proper plan adoption and employee coverage—must be completed before year-end to maximize benefits.

Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, this episode offers indispensable insight into the evolving landscape of self-directed retirement accounts, the pitfalls to avoid, and the proactive steps to take so you can secure your financial future with confidence. Tune in to benefit from Denise Appleby’s expertise and learn how to make smarter decisions with your IRA!