Podcast
Directed IRA Podcast
Hosted by Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler · EN
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.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Investing with your Self-directed HSA
1w ago00:16:57Tap to summarizeTo learn more about opening a self-directed HSA and how you can use an HSA to invest in what you know, click the link to connect with my team at Directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen explains how a self-directed Health Savings Account (HSA) can become one of the most powerful long-term wealth-building tools available. Instead of treating an HSA as simply a place to save for current medical expenses, Mat discusses how investors can use a self-directed HSA to invest in alternative assets like real estate, private companies, cryptocurrency, private lending, and more—all while taking advantage of the HSA's unique triple tax benefits.Mat walks through how to open and fund a self-directed HSA, the investment rules, prohibited transaction rules you MUST know, and strategies like using an HSA LLC for greater investment control. He also explains why allowing your HSA investments to compound over time can help cover one of retirement's largest expenses...healthcare.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Why You Shouldn't Buy Real Estate in Your IRA
2w ago00:14:19Tap to summarizeTo invest in real estate using your IRA, book a call with our team at Directed IRA to get started!: https://directedira.com/appointment/In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler take on one of the most common misconceptions surrounding self-directed retirement accounts. They break down why many financial influencers discourage investing in real estate through an IRA, examine the role depreciation actually plays in real estate investing, and explain why maximizing long-term, tax-advantaged growth should be the primary objective.The conversation explores when real estate does and doesn't make sense inside an IRA, the advantages of using a Roth IRA for real estate investments, and why your investment strategy should be based on your knowledge, experience, and long-term retirement goals rather than common myths. Whether you're considering your first investment property or looking to diversify your retirement portfolio, this episode provides practical insights to help you make a more informed decision.Download our Beginner's Guide: Investing in Real Estate with Your IRA - https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-investing-in-real-estate-with-your-ira/Buy your tickets to the Alternative Asset Summit: https://altassetsummit.com/For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →When Should You Use an IRA/LLC or Checkbook IRA?
3w ago00:59:40Tap to summarizeTo establish an IRA/LLC, schedule a call with our team at Directed IRA to get started!: https://directedira.com/ira-llc/Get a consult with a tax attorney at KKOS Lawyers to see if an IRA/LLC is right for your situation: https://kkoslawyers.com/services/irallc/One of the most common questions we receive from self-directed investors is: Do I need an IRA LLC?The answer depends entirely on what you’re investing in and how you plan to invest. For some investors, an IRA LLC can provide speed, flexibility, and greater control over investment activity. For others, it may add unnecessary complexity and cost. In this special Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Ashley Burr (Senior Attorney at KKOS Lawyers) will discuss when an IRA/LLC makes sense, when it doesn’t, and the key legal and compliance considerations investors should understand before setting one up.we’ll cover:What an IRA LLC is and how checkbook control worksThe types of investors and investments that commonly use IRA LLCsSituations where a standard self-directed IRA may be the better optionReal estate, lending, private funds, and other common IRA LLC use casesHow IRA LLCs are formed and fundedProhibited transaction risks and common compliance mistakesQuestions investors should ask before creating an IRA LLCWhether you’re considering your first IRA LLC or trying to determine whether one fits your investment strategy, this session will provide the framework for making the decision.Download the IRA/LLC slide deck here!: https://directedira.com/when-should-you-use-an-ira-llc-or-checkbook-ira/For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Getting Started with a Self-Directed IRA
May 2900:29:06Tap to summarizeTo begin investing in real estate, small business, crypto, precious metals, & other alternative assets with a self-directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/In this episode, I break down self-directed IRAs and how investors can use retirement funds to build wealth beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. You’ll learn the basics of SDIRAs, the types of alternative assets you can invest in, key IRS rules to avoid costly mistakes, and strategies for using retirement accounts to invest in real estate, private deals, and more. Whether you’re new to self-directed investing or looking to expand your retirement strategy, this episode gives you everything to get started.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Investing in Real Estate with your Self-Directed IRA: Step-by-Step
May 2200:59:06Tap to summarizeTo begin investing in real estate with a self-directed IRA, schedule a call with our team at Directed IRA: https://directedira.com/appointment/In this special episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, we had Nate Hare (Vice President at Directed IRA) walk through the step-by-step process of buying real estate inside a self-directed IRA. This episode covers how self-directed IRAs work, funding your account, purchasing property correctly, handling expenses and rental income, avoiding prohibited transactions, using non-recourse financing, and when an IRA/LLC or Checkbook Control IRA may make sense. Whether you’re new to self-directed investing or looking to expand your retirement strategy into real estate, this episode provides practical guidance and real-world examples to help you get started.Directed IRA Resource Directory: https://directedira.com/resource-directory/For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Roth IRA v. HSA: Which is Better?
May 1400:31:53Tap to summarizeTo open a self-directed Roth IRA, book a call with our team at https://directedira.com/roth-ira-account/To open a self-directed HSA? Book a call with our team at https://directedira.com/hsa-accounts/On today's episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat and Mark step into the ring for a debate over two of the most powerful tax-advantaged accounts for building wealth: the Roth IRA vs. the HSA. Throughout the episode, they go punch-for-punch breaking down the key differences, tax benefits, contribution strategies, inheritance rules, and real-world investing opportunities inside each account. Whether you’re deciding which account to fund first or looking to maximize both, this episode delivers practical strategies and actionable retirement planning insights for investors and entrepreneurs alike.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →What is an IRA LLC (or Checkbook Control IRA)?
May 700:30:38Tap to summarizeDownload our getting started guide to learn more about IRA LLCs: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-ira-llc/In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the Self-Directed IRA LLC, also known as the “Checkbook IRA LLC,” and explain how investors use it to buy real estate and alternative assets with greater control and flexibility.They cover how the structure works, what you can and can’t do as manager of the LLC, common mistakes investors make, and why proper setup matters for staying compliant with IRS rules and protecting your retirement assets.If you want to understand how experienced self-directed investors use IRA LLCs to simplify investing and protect their retirement wealth, this episode is a must-listen.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →How To Buy Real Estate in Your Self-Directed IRA
Apr 3000:25:33Tap to summarizeDownload our getting started guide to investing in real estate with your IRA here: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-investing-in-real-estate-with-your-ira/In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down how to invest in real estate using your IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), or HSA.They explain how self-directed accounts allow you to buy rental properties, invest in syndications, and build tax-advantaged wealth outside of traditional stocks and mutual funds. Sharing real examples from their own deals, they highlight the potential for stronger returns, cash flow, and long-term growth.They also cover key rules to know, including prohibited transactions and what you can’t do inside your IRA, so you can invest with confidence.If you’re ready to take control of your retirement and invest in what you understand, this episode shows you how.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Real Self-Directed IRA Deals (Show and Tell with Mat and Mark)
Apr 2800:21:14Tap to summarizeTo get started download our getting started guide: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide/For questions or to open an account book a call with an IRA specalist here: https://directedira.com/appointmentIn this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler record live from the Self-Directed IRA Summit and take a “show and tell” approach to real investments from their own self-directed retirement accounts.They highlight a short-term real estate lending deal and discuss how experienced investors evaluate opportunities, structure transactions, and stay disciplined when deploying retirement capital.The episode also touches on sourcing deals, maintaining investment standards, and the flexibility self-directed IRAs offer for investing in real estate and alternative assets.This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Investors should consult with their own advisors before making any investment decisions.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →Self-Directed IRA Prohibited Transaction Rules
Apr 2300:24:34Tap to summarizeFor questions or to get started self-directing book a call with an IRA specalist at Directed IRA here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Schedule a consultation with KKOS Lawyers to structure your entities, optimize your tax strategy, and ensure your investments are properly protected: https://meetings.hubspot.com/kkos-lawyers/15-minute-client-advisor-interviewIn this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down one of the most important rules in self-directed investing: prohibited transactions.Self-directed IRAs provide significant investment flexibility, but that flexibility comes with responsibility. Understanding and adhering to these rules is essential to protecting your retirement account from disqualification, avoiding unnecessary taxes and penalties, and properly executing alternative investment strategies.If you’re investing your retirement account into real estate, private deals, or other alternative assets, this is a foundational episode you should not overlook.For educational purposes only. Consult your own legal, tax, or financial advisors regarding your specific situation.For questions or to learn more about this episode's topic, book a call with an IRA specialist here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →