Directed IRA Podcast

If you’re self-employed and want to put more money away for retirement, the Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful tools available, but the rules and deadlines matter.

In this live webinar, Mat Sorensen will walk through the Solo 401(k) basics, including who qualifies, how it’s set up, and the special strategies that make it so effective compared to IRAs and SEP IRAs. He’ll also cover the key 2025 contribution limits and deadlines you need to understand before the 2026 tax filing season.

We’ll cover:
- What a Solo 401(k) is and how it differs from IRAs, SEP IRAs, and traditional employer 401(k)s
- Who qualifies (and who doesn’t)
- How a Solo 401(k) is set up and what has to be in place to maximize contributions
- 2025/2026 contribution limits, including employee vs. employer contributions and how they’re calculated
- Key deadlines to know before the 2026 tax filing season
- Special features unique to Solo 401(k)s
- Common mistakes and misconceptions that can create tax or compliance issues

Why Directed IRA?

At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

Click or tap the link below to download the slides from this webinar:
https://directedira.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Solo-401ks-2026.pdf

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Have questions about self-directed IRAs or alternative investing?
In this live, open forum webinar, we answer some of the most common questions people have when starting their self-directing journey, with clear, practical answers. 

Our Senior Account Executive and Relationship Manager, Daniel Tercey, will cover topics such as:
• Common self-directed IRA questions from investors
• Investing in real estate, private funds, startups, precious metals, crypto, and other alternative assets
• IRA rules, prohibited transactions, and compliance pitfalls to avoid
• UBIT, UDFI, and when tax filings may apply
• Custodial processes, account administration, and best practices
• Recent trends and questions we’re seeing from investors

Visit our links Daniel discusses at the end of the webinar:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA
Book a call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Read more about Trump Accounts Here: https://matsorensen.com/trump-retirement-accounts-explained/

If you have kids under age 18, this episode could change how you think about their financial future.

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler dive deep into Trump accounts, a brand-new savings vehicle launching in 2026. Mat explains why he believes Trump accounts can be a powerful long-term wealth-building tool for kids, while Mark pushes back, arguing parents may be overlooking better options already available.

Together, they break down how Trump accounts work, who they are best suited for, and how they compare to Coverdell ESAs, kids Roth IRAs, and 529 plans. The conversation covers college planning, trade schools, retirement savings, Roth conversions, and how families can stack multiple strategies based on income and goals.

They also explain the biggest game changer of all: how Trump accounts convert into traditional IRAs at age 18 and can later be converted into Roth IRAs, potentially creating millions in tax-free retirement wealth for the next generation.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or business owner looking to give kids a financial head start, this episode lays out practical strategies, pros and cons, and real-world planning considerations to help you decide what makes sense for your family.

Chapters:

0:08 – Welcome And Topic Reveal

0:48 – Politics Aside: Use The Law

3:52 – What A Trump Account Is

6:20 – Control Limits And Fee Cautions

6:24 – College Needs vs Long-Term Wealth

9:10 – How Early Withdrawals Actually Work

12:02 – Parent Playbook: Stack The Accounts

18:56 – Pay Your Kids Through Business

21:07 – Rentals As A Small Business

22:06 – The Roth Conversion Strategy

24:20 – 529 To Roth: Sister Strategy

26:18 – Pro Rata Rules And Math

28:20 – The 8.8 Million Illustration

29:55 – Mindset, Access To Education, Closing

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

The start of a new year is one of the best times to reset and realign your retirement strategy. New contribution limits, new rules, and new deadlines in 2026 can all impact how much you’re able to save and how effectively you plan.

In this webinar, Directed IRA COO Aaron Halderman and VP of Sales Nate Hare will host a practical 101-style session focused on retirement account planning for 2026, including an open Q&A to address common questions as the new year begins.

We cover:
- 2026 retirement account contribution limits and what changed
- Key tax deadlines to know in 2026 for IRAs and retirement plans
- Core planning strategies for IRAs, Roth IRAs, HSAs, and Solo 401(k)s
- Common mistakes to avoid as you start the new year
- Open Q&A to help you set clear retirement account goals for 2026

This session is designed to help you start the year with clarity, avoid early missteps, and build a smarter retirement plan going forward.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

To learn more on year-end retirement account strategies read our new article: https://directedira.com/year-end-retirement-account-strategies/?utm_source_youtube_socialmedia&utm_year_end_strategies_webinar

Year-end is one of the most important windows for retirement planning. Some moves must be completed by December 31, while others can wait until the tax filing deadline – and new rules coming in 2026 will change how much you can save and whether certain contributions must be Roth.In this live webinar, Directed IRA’s CEO, Mat Sorensen, will walk through the most important retirement account strategies to understand before year-end and how to position yourself for 2026.
     
You’ll Learn
- Which retirement account moves must be done by December 31…and which can wait
- How to optimize 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, HSA, and Solo 401(k) strategies at year-end
- When Roth conversions make sense now vs. pushing them into 2026
- Backdoor Roth and mega backdoor Roth strategies to know before year-end
- Key 2026 rule changes that may impact contribution limits and Roth requirements

his session is designed to help you avoid missed opportunities, reduce taxes, and make informed decisions before the year closes.

Why Directed IRA?
At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

KKOS Webinar: Solo 401(k) Tax Credit for New and Existing Plans

Mark and Mat return to the Directed IRA Podcast with holiday cheer, quick-fire banter, and a stocking stuffed with three Roth strategies that can transform your long-term wealth. This is the year-end roadmap every proactive investor needs.

They break down how to time Roth conversions for maximum tax efficiency, how a Kid’s Roth IRA can quietly grow into a seven-figure legacy, and how the mega backdoor Roth lets both employees and small business owners pump serious dollars into the tax-free zone.

If you want your money growing tax-free, your strategy dialed in, and your year-end planning wrapped with confidence, settle in for this quick, insightful, and entertaining episode.

Chapters: 
0:00 - Warm Welcome And Light Banter
1:12 - Roadmap: Three Year-End Roth Strategies
1:54 - Strategy One: Roth Conversions And Chunking
4:20 - Brackets, Deductions, And Timing The Tax
7:16 - Backdoor Roth Clarified For High Earners
8:04 - Strategy Two: Kids Roth IRA Mechanics
11:18 - Paying Kids Legitimately And Funding Options
15:02 - Early Compounding And Grandparent Angle
18:27 - Strategy Three: Mega Backdoor Roth Overview

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

For more details on prohibited transactions download the Self-Directed IRA Handbook (look for chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7): https://directedira.com/the-self-directed-ira-handbook/

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J Kohler break down the single most important rule in the world of self-directed IRAs, the prohibited transaction rule. Before your IRA buys real estate, a private company, crypto, or any other alternative asset, you need to understand who your IRA can transact with and how to avoid accidental mistakes that can blow up your entire account.

Mat and Mark explain the three core varieties of prohibited transactions in a simple and memorable way, using real client examples along with their usual energy, humor, and clever comedy bits. You will learn why certain family members are off limits, what happens if you try to stay in your IRA owned Airbnb, how sweat equity can accidentally trigger a self dealing violation, and how to safely buy rentals or businesses in your retirement account with confidence.

The hosts also sprinkle in a series of fun “you know it is a prohibited transaction when” jokes that make the topic easy to remember and surprisingly entertaining. By the end, you will understand how to stay compliant, make smarter investment decisions, and unlock the real power of a self-directed IRA.

Perfect for real estate investors, business owners, and anyone using an IRA for alternative assets, this episode gives you the clarity you need to protect your account and maximize long term gains.

Chapters: 
0:06-  Welcome And Why This Matters
0:12 - Defining Prohibited Transactions
2:16 - What IRAs Can And Can’t Own
2:54 -It’s About Who And How, Not What
2:59 - Per Se Prohibited Transactions Explained
4:34 - Disqualified Persons And Family Traps
7:25 - After You Buy: Use And Benefit Rules
8:17 - Renting To Family And Self-Dealing
10:26 - Sweat Equity And Fixer Upper Pitfalls
12:49 - Managing Vs. Working: The 50 Percent Line
16:13 - Facts, Circumstances, And Case Law
17:49 - Practical Guardrails And Flexibility
19:36 - Resources, Book, And Professional Help
19:51 - Closing Remarks And Disclaimers

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

For the full video webinar visit: https://directedira.com/opening-a-self-directed-ira/
For more details on prohibited transactions download the Self-Directed IRA Handbook (look for chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7): https://directedira.com/the-self-directed-ira-handbook/

Most Self-Directed IRA investors worry about choosing the right asset, but the real danger is accidentally breaking an IRS rule you didn’t even know existed. Watch Mat Sorensen (CEO, Directed IRA) and Lindsay Mersino (Executive Director of Operations) host a brand-new session that breaks these rules down clearly, simply, and with real examples you won’t find anywhere else.
     
You’ll Learn
- What a Self-Directed IRA can invest in
- The three investments IRAs cannot hold
- How IRS prohibited transaction rules actually work and the real mistakes that cause penalties
- Who counts as a “disqualified person” and why this matters for every deal you structure
- The three types of prohibited transactions
- Deal examples that stay compliant vs. deals that disqualify an IRA
- How to safely structure alternative investments through your SDIRA

Why Directed IRA?
At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Crypto continues to be one of the fastest-moving asset classes — and when you combine it with the tax-free power of a Roth IRA, it becomes one of the most compelling long-term wealth strategies available.

Join Mat Sorensen (CEO, Directed IRA) and Aaron Halderman (COO, Directed IRA) for a live training session where they break down everything you need to know about investing in crypto inside a Self-Directed Roth IRA. You’ll learn how the structure works, how to access 60+ supported assets, when conversions make sense, when an IRA/LLC is appropriate, and how to stay compliant while maximizing tax-free upside.

Whether you’re an active crypto investor or just exploring tax-efficient strategies, this session will give you the tools to build a smarter, long-term plan for 2026 and beyond.

You’ll Learn
- How crypto investing works inside a Self-Directed IRA
- Why a Roth IRA can generate entirely tax-free crypto gains
- How Traditional-to-Roth conversions work (and what actually triggers tax)
- When an IRA/LLC “exchange account” becomes the right structure
- How to access 60+ supported cryptocurrencies inside your IRA
- How an HSA can also be used for crypto investing

Why Directed IRA?
At Directed IRA, we’ve helped thousands of investors put over $3 billion into real estate, private funds, notes, and more, all inside tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Our team of experts and streamlined platform make it easy to invest with confidence.

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Mat Sorensen sits down with Troy Eckard, founder and chairman of the board at Eckard Enterprises, for a clear look at how investors use self directed IRAs to buy mineral rights and participate in oil and gas cash flow. They break down the three lanes in this asset class, minerals, drilling, and midstream, and explain where each fits in a smart portfolio. You will hear why many IRA owners favor minerals for steady income and lower risk, when drilling can make sense with taxable dollars, and how to evaluate operators with real world due diligence that protects you from bad deals.

Troy shares how technology and data have changed the game, what realistic returns look like, how depletion and cash flow work over time, and the red flags that signal inflated pricing or weak sponsors. The conversation also hits current market forces, service costs, and why discipline matters more than shiny tax write offs. 

This episode is perfect for IRA owners, high income professionals, and anyone exploring real assets beyond public energy stocks who want income, control, and clear rules of the road.

Chapters: 
0:06 - Meet Troy Eckert And The Goal
0:34 - What Mineral Rights Actually Are
2:14 - Three Ways To Invest In Oil And Gas
4:18 - Risk Then And Now In Drilling
5:25 - Taxes, Depletion, And IDC Basics
7:41 - Why IRAs Fit Mineral Rights Best
10:25 - How Eckerd Structures Direct Ownership
12:06 - Diversification Across Operators And Units
13:53 - Spotting Fraud And Overpricing
16:08 - Don’t Chase Deductions Over Deals
18:03 - Market Reality: Drill Baby Drill
20:45 - DUCs, Service Costs, And Timing
23:00 - Who Should Invest Directly And When
25:01 - Dollar Dynamics, Rates, And Liquidity
27:20 - Due Diligence, Education, And Next Steps
41:56 - Closing Notes And Disclaimers

For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Interested in learning more about alternative investments? Join us this year at the Alternative Asset Summit October 22 & 23, where you'll hear from industry experts and connect with like-minded investors exploring new ways to build wealth: https://altassetsummit.com/

Other:

Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ 

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com