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Investing with a Brokerage Account

Account holders at Directed IRA can buy and sell public assets like Mutual Funds, Stocks, and ETFs by utilizing a SDIRA owned TradeStation account. Brokerage accounts are recommended only for those interested in being an active trader. 

  • Available only for clients with a Checkbook IRA LLC and Solo 401(k)
  • TradeStation Trading Account (owned by your SDIRA)
  • Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, HSA, ESA, SEP, or Solo 401(k)
  • Index Funds, Dividend Stocks, Sector-Specific ETFs, International Funds, and more
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Brokerage Accounts at Directed IRA

For those looking to actively manage their publicly traded assets, Directed IRA offers a self-directed Brokerage Account option. This feature allows your IRA to own a TradeStation account, providing access to buy and sell stock, options, and futures. Using TradeStation’s sophisticated platform, you bypass the need to send individual trade requests to Directed IRA and take full control of your account. 

 

This option typically makes sense if you are currently, and plan to continue, making at least 3-4 trades every month.

  • Table of Contents
Beginner's Guide: How to Self-Direct an IRA
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When does a Self-Directed Brokerage Account make sense?

Strategic Fund Placement: If you’re looking for a temporary place for your funds—like publicly traded stocks or ETFs—while you search for your next alternative investment, you can purchase a stock, ETF, or mutual fund directly in your SDIRA account. This avoids the complexity of setting up a brokerage account with TradeStation. 

 

Active Management of Public Assets: A self-directed Brokerage Account through Directed IRA is recommended only for those who need hands-on control of their trades. TradeStation’s platform offers advanced trading tools and resources catered specifically for active management, enabling you to execute trades in real time. 

How to set up a Brokerage Account at Directed IRA

1. Open a Self-Directed IRA 

  • Start by opening a Directed IRA account. Simply complete the account agreement in Directed Connect, Directed IRA’s client portal. If you already have a Self-Directed IRA, feel free to move on to Step 2. 
  • If you have a Gemini Crypto IRA, you’ll need to establish a non-Crypto account to proceed, as the Crypto IRA is exclusive to Gemini. 

2. Fund Your Account

  • Transfer or roll over funds from an existing retirement account or make a new contribution. If your Directed IRA account already has available cash, you can skip to Step 3. 

3. Complete the TradeStation Brokerage Application

  • You will be sent a TradeStation Brokerage Account Application via email to complete and submit back to Directed IRA. This authorizes Directed IRA to establish an Equity Trading Account with TradeStation and provids instructions for funding it. If you are not already working with a Directed IRA team member, please email [email protected] to get started!

4. Access Your Brokerage Account

  • Once your application is processed, you’ll receive an email from [email protected] with login credentials and onboarding instructions to help you finish setting up your TradeStation account. 

5. Sign TradeStation Agreements

  • After logging in for the first time, you’ll be prompted to complete a few agreements required by TradeStation. These may include: TradeStation Subscription Agreement, Nasdaq Exchange Agreement, NYSE/AMEX/ARCA Non-Professional Agreement, OPRA Non-Professional Agreement, CBOE Futures Exchange Agreement. Be sure to review and sign all agreements before starting to trade. 

6. Start Investing

  • With your Brokerage Account fully set up, you can begin trading on the TradeStation platform. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a Brokerage Account within a Self-Directed IRA?

Our Self-Directed IRA platform is focused on those looking to invest their IRAs in non-traditional assets, making a Self-Directed Brokerage Account ideal for those exploring alternatives like real estate while actively trading public assets in the meantime. If your primary interest is in publicly traded assets like stocks or bonds, a traditional brokerage IRA at firms like Fidelity or Vanguard might better suit your needs. This account should complement your SDIRA, which is primarily designed for alternative investments such as real estate, cryptocurrency, private lending, etc. 

 

A Brokerage Account makes sense if you plan to: 

  • Actively trade stocks, options, or futures to grow your retirement funds. 
  • Temporarily park funds in public assets while searching for alternative investments. 
  • Manage both alternative and public assets within one self-directed retirement account. 

Yes, you can transfer existing publicly traded assets like stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds from a traditional brokerage account to your self-directed account at Directed IRA. Account transfers move the assets into your Directed IRA account which can then be held or liquidated to fund an alternative investment. 

A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) at Directed IRA lets you invest in any asset allowed by law. This includes: 

 

  • Real Estate: Purchase residential, commercial, or raw land properties. This can include rental properties, fix-and-flips, or even farmland.  
  • Private Equity: Invest in privately held companies or startups, offering potential for higher returns compared to public equities.  
  • Cryptocurrency: Diversify with digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other blockchain-based assets, which are increasingly recognized as viable investments.  
  • Precious Metals: Invest in IRS-approved metals such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium, providing a hedge against inflation and economic instability. 
  • Private Lending: Act as a private lender by providing loans secured by real estate or other assets, earning interest as passive income. 
  • Tax Liens: Purchase tax lien certificates from local governments, earning interest or potentially acquiring property at a discount.  
  • Other Alternative Assets: Include investments such as oil and gas interests, livestock, foreign currencies, or even intellectual property. 

More Resources on Investing with a Brokerage Trading Account

Beginner’s Guide: How to Self-Direct Your IRA

Download Guide

Directed IRA Webinars

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Self-Directed IRA Summit

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Directed IRA Podcast

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Beginner's Guide:
How to Self-Direct Your IRA

By downloading Beginner's Guide: How to Self-Direct Your IRA, you opt-in to receive marketing communications from Directed Trust Company. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Self-Directed IRA Getting Started Resources

New to self-directed retirement accounts? These resources are designed to help you understand the fundamentals and get started the right way.

 

Access curated webinars, guides, and educational content covering investment options, account structures, and the rules that govern self-directed IRAs.

 

Enter your information below to access the resources. 

By downloading The Self-Directed IRA Handbook Resources, you opt-in to receive marketing communications from Directed Trust Company. Unsubscribe at anytime.

Get Access to SDIRA Handbook Resources

Mat Sorensen, Attorney, CEO, and Founder of Directed IRA, wrote the #1 book on self-directed IRAs – selling over 50,000 copies nationwide. The Self Directed IRA Handbook is a comprehensive guide written for both investors and advisors alike. Get access to your SDIRA Handbook resources today!

By downloading The Self-Directed IRA Handbook Resources, you opt-in to receive marketing communications from Directed Trust Company. Unsubscribe at anytime.

#1 Book
on Self-Directed IRAs

Mat Sorensen, Attorney, CEO, and Founder of Directed IRA, wrote the #1 book on self-directed IRAs – selling over 50,000 copies nationwide. The Self Directed IRA Handbook is a comprehensive guide written for both investors and advisors alike. Download your free copy today!

By downloading The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, you opt-in to receive marketing communications from Directed Trust Company. Unsubscribe at anytime.