Investment Funds – The Sophisticated Choice for Retirement Investors

Investment funds, such as hedge funds, private equity, and venture capital, offer accredited investors the opportunity to pool their funds into a specific investment or strategy that is managed by experts. Diversify your retirement portfolio beyond regular stocks and bonds.
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Why Choose Us to Help You Invest?

As a leading alternative investment custodian, IRA Financial provides expert asset management guidance, flexible account structures, and streamlined support—so you can invest in an alternative asset IRA or 401(k) with confidence.

No commissions or surprise charges.

Serving investors in all 50 states.

Live chat and phone service available during business hours.

Manage assets or have us handle them.

Led by Self-Directed IRA specialists.

100% Self-Directed IRA solutions.

How to Open a Self‑Directed Retirement Account for Investment Funds

Once you’ve selected the type of self-directed retirement account that’s right for you, the next step is to fund it and prepare to make your investment. Make sure you do your diligence before deciding on a fund, including the investment itself, the fund manager and the terms of the investment.

01

Open Your Account

Opening a self-directed retirement account is simple. 
Submit your online account application in just a few minutes. Get Started

02

Get your account number

Once your account is reviewed and approved. You’ll receive your account number and gain full access to our online retirement platform.

03

Fund your account

Transfer or rollover funds from an existing retirement account or fund your account through a direct contribution. Once funded, you’ll be able to make your investments and start growing your wealth.

Self‑Directed Retirement Accounts for Individuals

Self-Directed IRA

$495

/ annually

Open Account
  • Free setup fee
  • Best value self-directed solution
  • Invest in almost anything you want
  • Use a traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, ESA or, HSA
  • No transaction or asset value fees

Checkbook IRA

$495

/ annually

Open Account
  • $999 setup fee
  • Ultimate freedom and privacy
  • Invest in almost anything you want
  • Use a traditional, Roth, SEP or SIMPLE IRA, ESA or HSA
  • No transaction or asset value fees

Solo 401(k)

$399

/ annually

Open Account
  • $999 setup fee
  • No asset, transaction, or purchase fees — ever
  • Free tax consulting, plan documents, Form 5500-EZ filing, and IRS audit protection
  • Borrow up to $50,000 tax-free
View Fee Schedule

The Benefits of Investing in Private Placements with Retirement Funds

Better Tax Advantages

In general, all income or gains from your investment funds held in a retirement account are tax-deferred—or tax-free in the case of a Roth.

Diversification All in One Place

Make more generalized choices or narrow it down to specific sectors in a single investment.

Professionally Managed

You don’t need to be an expert since fund managers do all the work strategizing the buying and selling of the assets.

Direct Investment Control

Choose the type of investment funds to hold in your account while letting expert fund managers do their job.

Built in Asset Protection

Investments held within a retirement account are protected from personal liability and may offer a level of security during market uncertainty.

Custodial Support

Your IRA custodian handles purchase logistics, IRS compliance, and secure storage setup, so you can focus on managing your overall retirement strategy.

Us vs Other Alternative AssetInvestment Companies

When making investment fund investments through your retirement account, fees can add up quickly. Many custodians charge asset-based fees that increase as the value of your investments grow—cutting into your long-term gains. Our flat-fee model keeps your costs predictable and transparent, so more of your investment fund returns stays in your retirement account where it belongs.


IRA Financial

Other Providers


Flat Annual Fee


$0 Account & Transaction Fees


$0 Admin & Processing Fees


Expert-Guided Investments


Guaranteed IRS Audit Protection


Annual Tax Consulting


Annual Reporting & Filing Service

Book a Consultation

Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to explore how opening a self-directed retirement account can unlock your ability to invest tax-free in a variety of alternative assets.

Free Consultation

See What Our Clients Have to Say

4.8+
Average rating on 2,000

I researched several companies before deciding to go with IRA Financial. I am completely happy with my choice. I appreciate that I can ask questions about rules prior to making an investment to make sure I am compliant. I like that I can invest in traditional investments, but also real estate. I have invested in land, rentals, and home flips. Whenever I am speaking with self-employed individuals, I bring up IRA Financial and the idea of opening a Solo 401(k). I think it is a no-brainer for someone who is self-employed and wish I had opened mine up sooner.

Alicia G.

I have been a client of IRA Financial for several years and I really love them. I've worked with other companies, and they just were not as easy to work with. I appreciate being able to get somebody on the phone and getting help with taxes. Just everything has been so easy to work with. I have, and do, recommend them to anyone thinking about self-directed investing.

Paul S.

I've looked at all of the participants in this space and IRA Financial was the clear choice. They were the easiest to work with, answered all my questions and concerns prior to me taking the steps to open the account. The process is straight forward and there are no surprises. My investments in Real Estate have been largely successful. IRA Financial is professional, has great support, and put the customer in the driver's seat.

Dean F.

IRA Financial (IRAF) is not a law firm and does not provide legal, financial, or investment advice. No attorney-client relationship exists between the Client and IRAF, its staff, or in-house counsel. IRAF offers retirement account facilitation and document services only. Clients should consult qualified legal, tax, or financial professionals before making investment decisions. IRAF does not render legal, accounting, or professional services. If such services are needed, seek a qualified professional. Custodian-related service costs are not included in IRAF’s professional services.

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