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.
41episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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/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.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/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.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/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.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 →Transfers, Rollovers, & Contributions for Your Self-Directed IRA
Apr 1400:26:21Tap to summarizeDownload our Beginner’s Guide to Transfers and Rollovers: https://directedira.com/beginners-guide-transfers-rollovers/Have you ever wondered how to fund an IRA? Do you have money in an old 401(k) that you want to move into an IRA?In this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler break down what it actually takes to move money into your account, and why this step can be easier or more frustrating than people expect.They cover the three primary ways to fund a self-directed IRA: transfers, contributions, and rollovers. Along the way, they explain why IRA-to-IRA transfers are usually the simplest option, why rolling over an old 401(k) can take more time, and how to handle the process without unnecessary delays.Still have questions about transfers and rollovers? Book a call with our team: 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/Other:Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.comMark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/ KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.comMain Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com
Transcribe →How to Find, Vet, and Invest in Private Funds with a SDIRA (ft. Bridger Pennington)
Apr 700:38:53Tap to summarizeVisit Bridger's website: https://www.bridgerpennington.com/On this episode, Mat Sorensen is joined by Bridger Pennington, founder of Fund Launch, to walk through how investors can actually find, evaluate, and invest in private funds.They begin by establishing the role private funds play in today’s market and why capital continues to shift toward private assets, before turning to how investors are gaining access, including through self-directed IRAs, and what separates a well-structured fund from a poor one in manager selection.They cover key diligence factors like audits, fund administrators, fee structures, and alignment, along with common mistakes investors make when they jump into deals too quickly or with too little deal flow.The episode also touches on the bigger picture—how macro trends, timing, and market cycles impact private fund performance—and how to think more like an institutional investor when allocating capital.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 →BREAKING - U.S. Dept of Labor Releases New Landmark Rule Allowing Alternative Assets in 401(k) Plans
Apr 600:14:21Tap to summarizeIn this special "Breaking News" episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat breaks down new guidance from the Department of Labor that could expand 401(k) access to alternative investments like private equity, real estate funds, and crypto.Mat explains why alternatives have largely been excluded—fiduciary liability under ERISA—and how the proposed rule shifts the focus to a prudent, process-based standard centered on risk-adjusted returns.Mat also discuss what the DOL’s “neutral” stance means for plan sponsors, what’s coming next from the SEC, and how this could reshape retirement investing.Most importantly, Mat highlights that owning alternative assets in an IRA is already possible through the power or self-directed IRAs. Tune in to learn more or visit directedira.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 →What is a Self-Directed IRA?
Mar 3100:24:40Tap to summarizeWhat is a self-directed IRA, and how does it actually work?In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the most foundational concepts in self-directed investing. If you have ever felt limited by traditional retirement accounts or wondered if you can invest your IRA in assets outside of Wall Street, this episode is for you.As part of our Self-Directing 101 series, this conversation is designed to simplify the concept, clear up common misconceptions, and help you understand how to take control of your retirement strategy.In this episode, you will learn:• What a self-directed IRA is and how it differs from a typical IRA• The types of investments you can make, including real estate, crypto, and private deals• How to use existing retirement funds to get started• Why contribution limits do not limit your growth potential• The key rules to understand before you beginSelf-directing is not about complexity. It is about expanding your options and investing in what you know best.🎧 Listen now to start your self-directing journey.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 →Open Forum Q&A
Mar 3100:54:38Tap to summarizeSelf-directed IRAs allow investors to go beyond traditional markets, but using them properly requires understanding the rules, structure, and process involved.In this live session, Directed IRA Vice President of Sales Nate Hare, along with co-host Daniel Tercey, start with a brief overview of how self-directed IRAs work before opening the discussion to a live Q&A.This format gives attendees the opportunity to ask practical questions and get straightforward answers about using retirement accounts to invest in alternative assets.This is not intended to be a deep legal or tax presentation. Instead, the goal is to help investors better understand the fundamentals – what self-directed IRAs allow, how the process works, and what to consider before making your first investment.Whether you’re just beginning to explore self-directed retirement accounts or already investing in real estate, private funds, startups, crypto, precious metals, or other alternative assets, this open forum is a chance to get clarity on the questions many investors encounter along the way.This session is ideal if you’re newer to self-directed investing, exploring alternatives for the first time, or want a clearer understanding of the basics before going deeper.Bring your questions – we’ll handle the fundamentals and point you in the right directionStill have questions? Book a new account call here: https://directedira.com/appointment/Visit our website: https://directedira.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 →Self-Directing 101: The 5 Golden Rules of Self-Directing
Mar 1900:16:41Tap to summarizeWhat if your retirement account could invest in anything you believe in?Welcome to Directed IRA's new podcast series, Self-Directing 101. In this series, Mat and Mark will be covering everything you need to know to get started when it comes to self-directed investing. Today's Episode: The 5 Golden Rules of Self-DirectingFrom finding your own deals to avoiding costly mistakes, Mat and Mark cover what actually separates successful investors from the ones who fall off the “magic carpet ride."If you’re serious about building wealth with a self-directed IRA, this episode is your playbook.🎧 Tune in now and take control of your retirement.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 →