

Directed IRA Podcast
Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler
The Directed IRA Podcast, hosted by attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler, is the leading source for investors navigating the world of self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s. As co-founders of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company (directedira.com), Mat and Mark have helped thousands of clients invest in alternative assets using tax-advantaged retirement accounts.Episodes cover topics related to self-directing retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, real estate, private equity and venture funds, promissory notes, private placements (PPMs), start-ups, IRA/LLCs (Checkbook IRAs), and the UBIT/UDFI tax rules. The podcast also addresses prohibited transactions and shares real-world examples from investors who have successfully self-directed their retirement for decades.Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this podcast offers practical, expert-level insights into building wealth through self-directed strategies.Mat Sorensen is an attorney, best-selling author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, and CEO of Directed IRA & Directed Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian with nearly $3 billion under administration. He is a national expert on self-directed retirement strategies and a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers. Mat also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mark J. Kohler. Mark J. Kohler is a CPA, attorney, best-selling author of six books, and a nationally recognized authority on small business tax and legal strategies. Mark serves as a Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers and Board Member at Directed IRA Trust Company, which manages over $3 billion in assets. As the founder of the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor Program, Mark has trained thousands of CPAs and Enrolled Agents nationwide, helping millions of small business owners better navigate tax and legal strategies. Mark also co-hosts The Main Street Business Podcast along with Mat Sorensen.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2024 • 24min
Roth Chunking and Year-End Deadlines & Strategies
Don't Miss These Year-End Retirement Deadlines!In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J Kohler break down the five crucial actions you need to take before December 31st to maximize your retirement and tax strategy. From Roth conversions to required minimum distributions (RMDs), we cover what you must know to avoid missing out on key opportunities and facing unnecessary penalties. Highlights:- Roth Conversions: Why you should act before year-end to lock in your tax bracket and optimize your retirement savings. - Year-End Tax Planning:Avoid scrambling on December 30th—get ahead with smart, actionable steps. - Avoid Tax Bracket Pitfalls: How to strategically "chunk" your Roth conversions to stay in a favorable tax bracket. - Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Important rules if you're 73 or older to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to retirement planning, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make the most of your year-end planning. Subscribe for more tips on maximizing your retirement strategy!Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Nov 25, 2024 • 49min
Open Forum: Listeners Questions Answered!
In a lively open forum, listeners get expert answers on managing Required Minimum Distributions within IRA LLCs. The hosts dive into strategies for Roth conversions and rolling over Roth 401(k)s to solo 401(k)s. Critical tips on maximizing Social Security benefits and avoiding Medicare penalties are shared. There's also a discussion on using IRAs for real estate investment, including the intricacies of beneficiary designations. Finally, they explore effective college savings strategies and the advantages of Roth IRAs in real estate.

Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 10min
Cody Sperber on Real Estate Development, Entrepreneurship, and Building Success
Discover the journey of real estate developer and entrepreneur Cody Sperber as he joins Mat Sorensen to discuss the art of scaling businesses, real estate development, and thriving in competitive markets. In this episode, Cody reveals his transition from wholesaling and flipping houses to tackling luxury home developments and his strategic pivot into commercial and manufactured housing.Learn how Cody leveraged partnerships to break into development, built eco-friendly homes tied to charitable causes, and adapted to challenges during market downturns. Cody also dives into the booming manufactured housing market and shares innovative strategies for creating affordable housing at scale.Whether you're an investor, entrepreneur, or curious about real estate trends, this conversation is packed with insights on scaling businesses, finding opportunities in niche markets, and future-proofing investments.🔑 Key Topics Covered:- Scaling businesses and adapting in uncertain markets - Cody’s shift from luxury home building to commercial real estate - The rise of manufactured housing and land development strategies - Balancing purpose-driven business with profitability Subscribe for more expert interviews and business strategies! Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Nov 7, 2024 • 33min
Maxing Out Your Retirement Account For High Income Earners!
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen joins forces with Mark J. Kohler to break down essential retirement strategies for high-income earners. They discuss the critical $2.5 million retirement target, the importance of "employee after-tax contributions," and how to maximize retirement accounts with over $100,000 in contributions annually—even for W-2 employees. Mat and Mark debunk common myths about retirement planning and explain why growing your retirement account doesn’t have to mean locking up your funds in Wall Street products. Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Oct 3, 2024 • 19min
5 Roth IRA Benefits you didn't know
Discover five surprising benefits of the Roth IRA that could change your retirement strategy! Learn how the backdoor Roth IRA can be a game-changer for high earners. Explore the advantages of spousal rollovers and the perks of inheriting a Roth IRA. Plus, find out how self-directed Roth IRAs offer flexibility with investments in alternative assets. Don’t miss these hidden treasures that make the Roth IRA the Cadillac of retirement accounts!

Sep 26, 2024 • 26min
Unlocking Unique 401(k) Strategies You Haven't Thought Of.
In this episode of the Directed IRA podcast, Mat and Mark give unique strategies to supercharge your 401(k) and take control of your retirement savings.They explore how self-directing your 401(k) can open up investment opportunities beyond stocks and mutual funds, such as real estate, private businesses, and even cryptocurrency. Plus, they discuss the powerful "match and out" strategy to maximize your employer's contributions and why it’s crucial to take control of your retirement funds. Whether you have a traditional or Solo 401(k), these strategies can help you grow wealth like never before.Subscribe for more insights on how to optimize your IRAs and 401(k)s, and share this episode with anyone looking to think outside the box for their retirement planning!Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Sep 19, 2024 • 32min
What Is A Solo 401(k)?
In this episode, Mat dives into one of his favorite retirement strategies—the Solo 401(k). Whether you're a full-time entrepreneur or running a side hustle, this account is designed specifically for self-employed individuals with no employees. The Solo 401(k) allows you to contribute up to $69,000 per year, with options for both Roth and traditional dollars.We'll break down everything you need to know, from qualifying for a Solo 401(k) to setting it up and managing it. How does it compare to a SEP or traditional IRA? What are the key differences? And most importantly, how can you make the most of this powerful retirement tool?Special Offer: Right now, you can save $100 on Directed Custody’s Solo K accounts, plus enjoy 50-$100 off plan setup with KKOS Lawyers. Don't miss out on this deal—click here: https://kkoslawyers.com/401k-special-2024/ to learn more and start saving today!Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Sep 9, 2024 • 19min
The Ultimate Strategy to Protect Your IRA/401k
In this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler dive into a critical yet often overlooked topic: Asset Protection for your 401(k) and IRA. Many people focus on the tax benefits of retirement accounts, but did you know these accounts offer powerful protections from lawsuits and bankruptcy?Mark and Mat discuss real-life examples, including how even O.J. Simpson has managed to keep his 401(k) intact despite a massive civil lawsuit judgment. If you're worried about protecting your retirement savings, this is the episode for you. Learn why your retirement accounts may be one of your strongest defenses against financial risk.In this episode, you'll discover:- The legal protections IRAs and 401(k)s offer- How bankruptcy and lawsuits impact your retirement accounts- Why asset protection should be a key part of your financial strategy- Real-world examples that highlight the importance of retirement account protectionBe sure to listen and protect your financial future!Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Aug 29, 2024 • 39min
Open Forum: Listener Questions Answered!
Dive into a lively Q&A where listeners uncover the secrets of self-directed retirement accounts and Solo 401(k) plans. Discover how to leverage IRA funds for real estate investments while navigating the complexities of taxes and capital gains. Learn about managing Required Minimum Distributions in multi-member IR LLCs and explore investment options for starting a business with old 401(k) funds. Packed with expert insights, this discussion highlights the intricacies of retirement planning and investment strategies!

Aug 22, 2024 • 29min
Best Retirement Options for Freelancers in 2024
In this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler discuss a topic crucial for freelancers, independent contractors, and all those hustling to make a living without the traditional benefits of a 401(k). If you're a freelancer who has ever felt left out of retirement planning, this episode is for you.Mat and Mark dive into the unique opportunities available to freelancers when it comes to retirement savings. They explore why being your own boss is not only great for flexibility and creativity but also for tax and legal advantages that the average employee can't access. You'll learn how to set up effective retirement plans, the best entities to use, and the tax strategies you should be implementing to maximize your savings. Mat and Mark also address a common pitfall—reinvesting all your money back into your business while neglecting long-term retirement planning. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your current retirement strategy, this episode will provide actionable insights to help you build and grow your wealth, ensuring a future you're excited about. Tune in and start securing your financial freedom today!Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/ Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com


