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Directed IRA Podcast
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.
Directed IRA Podcast
BEWARE - Avoid these Common Mistakes when Self-Directing
In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler dive into the Top 10 Mistakes in Self-Directing Your IRA—and how to avoid them. Whether you're just getting started or already managing self-directed investments, this episode outlines the most common pitfalls that can derail your retirement strategy, including prohibited transactions, improper deal structuring, and UBIT traps. Mat and Mark not only break down each mistake but also provide practical guidance on how to structure deals the right way to stay compliant and protect your tax-advantaged account. They also highlight a critical bonus topic on Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for illiquid assets that every older investor must understand.
If you’re looking to confidently navigate self-directed retirement investing, this episode is for you.
- 00:00:08 – 00:01:50 – Intro, Past Events, & Empowering You to Self-Direct Your IRA
- 00:01:50 – 00:04:15 – Breaking Out of the Brokerage Box (Disney Analogy): Investment Freedom Explained
- 00:04:15 – 00:04:18 – Top 10 Mistakes in Self-Directing Your IRA
- 00:04:18 – 00:06:30 – Mistake 1: Early Commitment to Deals
- 00:06:30 – 00:07:54 – Mistake 2: Buying Assets You Already Own
- 00:07:54 – 00:08:36 – Mistake 3: Transacting with Disqualified Persons
- 00:08:36 – 00:11:30 – Mistake 4: Violating the 50% Rule in Business Ownership
- 00:11:30 – 00:13:12 – Mistake 5: Providing Services to IRA-Owned Assets
- 00:13:40 – 00:16:50 – Mistake 6: Personally Profiting from IRA Transactions
- 00:16:50 – 00:21:30 – Mistake 7: Using IRA-Owned Assets Personally
- 00:21:30 – 00:23:04 – Mistake 8: Improper Flow of Funds with IRA LLCs
- 00:22:55 – 00:24:20 – Mistake 9: Underfunding Investments and the Need for Capital Planning
- 00:24:20 – 00:31:04 – Mistake 10: Ignoring UBIT and UDFI Tax Traps
- 00:31:04 – 00:32:30 – Bonus: RMD Pitfalls with Illiquid IRA Assets
- 00:32:30 – 00:34:15 – Conclusion: Knowledge is Power—Avoiding Pitfalls with Confidence
Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/
Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA
Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/
Other:
Mat Sorensen: https://matsorensen.com & https://linktr.ee/MatSorensen
KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com
Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com