Finding Small-Dollar Investment Strategies That Deliver

Thursday, July 28
9:00 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST

If you’re not sure you have the funds needed to benefit from what this webinar has to offer…

All that’s required is minimal funds from your Self-Directed IRA, CESA, or HSA accounts and the right strategy!

Jeff Kent will share his secrets for what to do with small dollars.  He will also let you in on the process he used to complete more than 300 mobile homes and mobile home park deals.  As you’ll soon learn, mobile home investing is ideal for lower-balance account holders or anyone who wants to diversify into a new investment area using smaller funds.

Register now and by the end of this webinar you will know the proven step-by-step process of how to:

- Find these low-dollar deals

- Put deals together

- Fix the property

- Flip or rent the property for profit

Want More Information on a Self-Directed IRA, CESA, HSA, or mobile home investing?

Speak with an Equity Trust account executive today at 1-888-382-4727.

Even if you don’t consider yourself affluent, the information makes a good case for the wisdom of having a self-directed IRA. Here are some of the items brought up in the survey and why a self-directed IRA could help:

• 48% of affluent retirees found that having a clear vision for how they want to live during retirement, as well as knowing how to manage retirement income to ensure it lasts throughout their lifetime (52%), was more important than originally expected.
  • As you already know, a self-directed IRA gives you a greater sense of control over retirement savings, helping you to establish expertise in a particular alternative investment area like real estate or promissory notes. You can continue to use and hone that expertise during your retirement years as you manage your retirement income to last a lifetime.

• 78% of affluent retirees recommend that individuals should begin to plan financially for the life they want to live in retirement no later than in their 30s; 57% recommend that individuals start planning in their 20s.
  • Many Equity Trust clients are already taking charge of and building their retirement savings by working their plan. Check out our success stories page.

• What gives affluent non-retirees confidence in their ability to meet long-term goals? 79% cited being heavily involved in their financial decisions; 76% said setting realistic retirement goals; 69% noted having a diversified portfolio.
  • A self-directed IRA certainly provides the opportunity for more active involvement in financial decisions affecting retirement and it positions you to be more in touch with what’s realistic for your future retirement lifestyle. Plus, since you can invest in both traditional and alternative investments, you have more ways to create a diversified portfolio.

• 64% of the affluent (both retirees and non-retirees) view the rising cost of health care as a top financial concern.
  • Coupled with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), a self-directed Health Savings Account (HSA) can significantly reduce health insurance premiums while you set aside funds to pay for current and future medical expenses. Plus, a self-directed HSA provides a triple tax advantage: 1) Funds contributed to an HSA are pre-tax or tax-deductible 2) Any earnings on the money in your HSA are tax-free 3) Withdrawals for covered qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

Want to discover even more about self-directed IRAs and HSAs? Contact an Equity Trust account executive today at 1-888-382-4727.

Now imagine being able to expand your HSA investment options, both with stock, bonds and mutual funds, plus alternative investments that you may know more about. Investments like real estate, tax liens, promissory notes, livestock or something completely different. It’s possible with a self-directed HSA from Equity Trust Company.

Why should I consider having an HSA?

Available since 2003, HSAs were part of a larger effort known as consumer-driven health care. They’ve been promoted by companies and the government as a way to help control health care costs. The thought is that each of us will spend health care dollars more wisely if we’re spending our own money. In addition, doctors and other health care providers will have an incentive to lower rates because they’re competing for our business.

What are some of the advantages of an HSA?

• You control how your HSA money is spent. Unused funds remain in your account and can be used for future medical expenses.
• You decide how much money to set aside for health care costs.
• You can shop for care based on quality and cost.
• Money can be placed in your HSA on a pretax basis or may be deducted from your taxable income.
• Your employer may contribute to your HSA.

What are the HSA contribution limits?

For 2010 and 2011, annual contribution limits are $3,050 for individuals and $6,150 for family coverage. Additionally, the catch up limits (for ages 55-65, 65 and older if you qualify) are $4,050 for individuals and $7,150 for families.

Is an HSA right for me?

When considering an HSA, think about your anticipated health care expenses, your financial situation and how much control you want over your health care spending. If you’re generally healthy and want to save for future health care expenses, an HSA may be an attractive choice. Conversely, if you anticipate needing expensive medical care in the next year and would find it hard to meet a high deductible, an HSA might not be your best option.

For more information on self-directed HSAs, speak with an Equity Trust Representative today at 1-888-382-4727.

• About half of us will follow a non-traditional retirement path – Many individuals approaching retirement age will fall into one of two categories: Either they’ll want to or expect to work into their 70s to stay busy and intellectually engaged, or they’ll have to work throughout their retirement years out of necessity. According to the 2010 Employee Benefit Research Institute’s retirement-readiness study, a third of middle-income workers will likely run out of money after 20 years of retirement, and significantly more lower-income workers will deplete their savings after 10 years. For a good chunk of us, that means retirement will really be a new era of part-time or full-time employment. Why not take greater control of your retirement savings by making the maximum IRA contribution each year and being more active with your traditional self-directed IRA or a Roth self-directed IRA?
• People are living longer – That same report notes that living longer, saving too little and poor planning for health care costs will leave many retirees short of money to pay basic living expenses. According to data360.org, the current average life expectancy for Americans hovers around 78 years (81 years for women; 75 years for men). Improving your retirement lifestyle really begins now. A self-directed IRA and a self-directed Health Savings Account (HSA) can help ensure that you have the funds you need in retirement.
• Many investors are shying away from Wall Street – Increasingly, Main Street investors are not investing in the stock market like they used to. The fact is, making money is tougher in today’s economic environment. So those investors are buying fewer stocks and moving into safer, but often lower-yield investments. An IRA doesn’t leave you much choice unless you’re ok with investing in cash and bonds. On the other hand, a self-directed IRA will afford you nearly unlimited investment options.

Want to discover even more about self-directed IRAs and HSAs? Contact an Equity Trust Retirement Specialist today at 1-888-382-4727.

The study says that a third of middle-income workers will likely run out of money after 20 years of retirement, and significantly more lower-income workers will deplete their savings after 10 years.

All are good reasons to take an active role in your retirement savings with a self-directed IRA (and self-directed HSA, too). Unfortunately, a passive role is what you’re most likely accustomed to – an approach where you select or adjust limited investments options without really knowing whether or not the change is the right move. Essentially, you’re driving a vehicle with a muddy windshield and ineffective steering.

Taking an active role with a self-directed IRA brings a greater sense of control. With nearly unlimited investment options and the ability to invest in what you know and understand, you can make more confident and informed decisions. Using the vehicle metaphor again, the windshield’s been cleaned and you suddenly have incredible handling capabilities.

Today, there are a number of established and emerging investment opportunities for self-directed accounts. Here are just a handful of the options available: real estate (including mobile home investing), tax liens, renewable energy, oil and gas, precious metals, equipment leasing and promissory notes.

Want More Information on Self-Directed Investing?

• Check out all the Equity University educational events, including the 2010 Equity University Networking Conference.
• Speak with an Equity Trust IRA Specialist today at 1-888-382-4727.

LinkedIn.com – a great business networking website – may be the best place to start. As the website notes on its homepage, “Over 65 million professionals use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas and opportunities.”

How to Use LinkedIn to Network and Enhance Your Self-Directed IRA Success

• Create A Profile – LinkedIn.com is easy to use and walks you through the steps you need to create your professional profile. Once you make your profile public, individuals, business professionals and investors you know (and don’t know) can quickly look you up and read about you.
• Build Your Network – Use LinkedIn to search for and find people you know (co-workers, business associates, investment partners, acquaintances, etc.). Send each of them an invitation to join your network. Once they accept your invitation, they become a primary or fist-degree contact. You’ll then have the ability to view/access their network of contacts – and even their contacts. What’s more, your primary contacts can introduce you to their contacts.
• Join Some Groups – With LinkedIn, you can join numerous groups that can expand your network even further. There are several self-directed investor groups, professional groups, alumni groups and many more. You can even create your own group.
• Ask For and Make Recommendations – Receiving recommendations helps build your credibility and enhance your reputation. The recommendations are real-world testimonials from others noting your most favorable attributes and accomplishments. Be willing to write recommendations for others as well.
• Use the “Advanced” Feature – The “Advanced” link enables you to find the people you’re looking for by industry, relationship to you, group, company, school and more. You can then contact or get introduced to those individuals through your immediate connections.

Ultimately, LinkedIn helps you stay connected to individuals, investors and timely information that can lead to lucrative opportunities for your Self-Directed IRA, Health Savings Account or Coverdell Education Savings Account. Social networking works. Add it to your “to do” list today.

Want More Information on Self-Directed Investing?

• Check out Equity University educational events, including the 2010 Equity University Networking Conference.
• Speak with an Equity Trust IRA Specialist today at 1-888-382-4727.

Individuals can reap the advantages of self-directed investing in a variety of account types beyond the Traditional IRA and Roth IRA. These include small business retirement plans, Health Savings Accounts and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. Here’s the full list:

• Traditional IRA and Roth IRA
• Simplified Employee Plan (SEP)
• Savings Investment Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE)
• Solo 401(k)
• Roth Solo 401(k)
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan
• Roth 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA)

What Does this Mean For You?

Self-directing an HSA or CESA, for instance, brings many of the same benefits you enjoy with a Self-Directed IRA. You’ll have alternative ways to invest your savings that often have a low correlation or non-correlation to market volatility. You’ll achieve greater portfolio diversification. And you’ll benefit from advantages like tax-deferred savings, tax-free growth, large tax deductions, compound interest and the ability to pass assets to beneficiaries while avoiding taxes.

Don’t Limit Yourself.

When it comes to self-directed investing, remember that an IRA isn’t your only option. You can take greater control of your financial present and future by using your expertise in real estate, tax liens, precious metals, renewable energy, etc., to reap unlimited profits and extraordinary peace of mind.

To learn more about any self-directed account, speak with an Equity Trust Specialist at 1-888-382-4727.

Now, add in the lingering national and international economic downturn along with the instability it creates in the stock market, plus the unknown outcomes of U.S. health care reform. Tada! You have the perfect recipe for relentless insecurity.

Gain Some Control of Your Financial Future Right Now

With so much out of the individual’s control, it’s best to focus on what you can take charge of. That’s why a Self-Directed IRA and HSA are the perfect antidotes for a bad case of the insecurities. They give you a grip and a better chance of reaching your financial and life goals.

Here’s a quick look at the Self-Directed IRA and HSA and why they can help make a positive lasting difference in your life:

Self-Directed IRA Accounts

Beyond the tremendous IRA benefits of tax-free profits, tax deductions, asset protection and estate planning, a Self-Directed IRA enables you to make tax-free investments in what you know and understand (like real estate, renewable energy, precious metals, etc.), which through the power of compounding interest, will create true wealth for you and your family. Setting up a Self-Directed IRA is easy and this Seven-Point Checklist for selecting a Self-Directed IRA custodian will help you make an informed decision.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Coupled with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), an HSA can reduce your health insurance premiums by as much as 70% while you set aside funds to pay for current and future medical expenses. Plus, an HSA provides a triple tax advantage: 1) Funds contributed to an HSA are pre-tax or tax-deductible 2) Any earnings on the money in your HSA are tax-free 3) Withdrawals for covered qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Read more about HSAs and health care reform to see how you can benefit from an HSA.

Want to discover even more about Self-Directed IRAs and HSAs? Contact an Equity Trust Retirement Specialist today at 1-888-382-4727.

If you’re among that 70%, your refund can feel like free money. But once you have the check in hand, it’s up to you to spend it wisely.

Of course, you can pay off bills – always a wise move. Or, you can buy something for your home that saves you money – like energy efficient windows, doors and appliances. Currently, these types of purchases even offer rebates, plus tax credits at the end of the year.

While the realities of daily life may force you to spend at least a portion of your tax refund, there are many advantages to saving the money to your Self-Directed IRA, Health Savings Account (HSA) or your child’s Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA). These advantages include:

Self-Directed IRA

• Compound interest and tax-deferred or tax-free growth – depending on whether you have a self-directed Traditional or Roth IRA.
• A large tax deduction (Possibly more than $50,000)
• Asset protection from creditors
• Creation of wealth for future generations

Discover more about these advantages right now.

Self-Directed HSA and CESA

• Tax-free contributions (subject to limitations) and distributions for HSAs
• Tax-free earnings and distributions for CESAs

Remember, the earlier you save, the more time your money has to compound, grow and be protected from taxes. Saving now – for retirement, health care costs and education expenses – will put money in your pocket at a time when you may need it most.

To discover more, speak with an Equity Trust Retirement Specialist today at 1-888-382-4727.

1. You can still receive a deduction on your 2009 taxes through April 15
2. You can make a double contribution through April 15
3. You can convert to a Roth IRA anytime in 2010 and gain some distinct advantages

You Can Still Receive a Deduction on Your 2009 Taxes through April 15

Even though it’s late March 2010, there’s still time (through April 15) to make a contribution to your Traditional IRA for 2009 and receive a tax deduction that’s applied to your 2009 taxes (if you qualify). The contribution maximum is $5,000 and if you’re age 50 or older, you can contribute a “catch up” amount of $1,000. What’s more, this special time of year works for more than just IRAs. The same deadline applies to the Health Savings Account (HSA) and Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA).

You Can Make a Double Contribution through April 15

As a Self-Directed IRA investor, you’re able to contribute twice to retirement savings while staying within IRS contribution limits. From now through April 15, 2010, you can make what is essentially a double contribution to your Traditional or Roth IRA – up to $5,000 for 2009 and another $5,000 for 2010 for a total contribution of $10,000. And, if you’re age 50 or older, you can add the “catch up” amount of $1,000 to each year’s contribution. Starting early will give your money more time to compound, grow and be protected from taxes.

You Can Convert to a Roth IRA Anytime in 2010 and Gain Some Distinct Advantages

Under the new 2010 IRS rule – for the year 2010 only – if you convert an existing retirement account to a Roth IRA, you can split the converted income amount between 2011 and 2012. That means you wouldn’t pay any taxes in 2010 on the amount converted.

There you have it. Three helpful points to know about your IRA and taxes.  Want to know more? Contact an Equity Trust Retirement Specialist today at 1-888-382-4727.