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Directed IRA Podcast — Business
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.

Copyright: © 2023 Directed IRA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Gold Hits a New All-Time High: How to Buy Gold (and Other Precious Metals) in Your IRA Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Gold is breaking records again—and smart investors are taking notice. In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler explain how to buy physical gold, silver, and other precious metals inside your IRA, the right way.
They walk through which metals qualify, how purity standards and approved coins work, and what IRS rules you need to follow for storage and compliance. You’ll also learn how a self-directed IRA opens the door to these alternative investments, so you can diversify your retirement beyond stocks and mutual funds.
If you’ve ever thought about owning real gold bars (not just ETFs or paper gold) inside your IRA, this episode breaks it all down step by step—no myths, no confusion, just clear guidance from the experts at Directed IRA.

Chapters:

00:00:06 - Why Precious Metals In IRAs

00:24 - What You Can And Cannot Buy

02:52 - Purity Standards And Qualifying Coins

05:47 - Self-Directed IRA Setup And Funding

08:42 - Storage Rules And IRS Compliance

11:24 - Costs, Dealers, And Next Steps

13:18 - Education, Disclaimers, And Wrap-Up

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

#CryptoTaxFreePledge (The Secret to Keeping All Your Crypto Gains) Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Directed IRA Podcast, tax attorneys Matt Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler reveal one of the most powerful strategies for crypto investors, how to grow and withdraw your crypto profits completely tax free using a Crypto Roth IRA.
They break down three key scenarios every crypto holder needs to understand:
Getting started, how to buy crypto in a Roth IRA even if you are new to retirement accounts.
Converting existing IRAs or 401(k)s, how to roll over or convert funds into Roth dollars to start investing in crypto.
High net worth or business owners, how to use Roth Solo 401(k)s, HSAs, and Coverdells to expand your tax free crypto empire.
You will also learn the “No More Taxes on My Crypto Pledge,” why it is never too late to start, and how strategic planning can protect your wealth while maximizing long term gains.
Matt and Mark share real examples from clients, explain the difference between traditional and Roth accounts, and highlight the unique advantages Directed IRA offers for crypto investors, including low fees, easy app based trading, and full IRS compliance.
If you believe in the future of crypto and want to keep every penny of your gains, this episode is your roadmap to doing it the smart, legal, and tax free way.
Chapters:

00:06 - Why a Crypto Roth Exists

02:50 - Three Paths to a Crypto Roth

05:00 - Rolling Over Old IRAs and 401(k)s

07:20 - Converting Traditional to Roth Strategically

08:56 - Solo 401k Power for Business Owners

10:53 - The “No More Taxes” Pledge for New Buys

13:13 - Using Family, HSA, and Coverdell Buckets

16:01 - Costs, Providers, and Getting Help

19:35 - Disclaimers and Final Takeaways

Take the pledge. Stop paying taxes on your crypto. Start building your future tax free with Directed IRA.

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Mega Backdoor Roth Explained: What Is It and How It Works Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Unlock one of the most powerful tax and wealth-building strategies available today: the Mega Backdoor Roth. In this episode, Mat Sorensen breaks down how you can contribute up to $70,000 each year into Roth accounts, creating massive tax-free growth for retirement. Originally filmed for the Mat Sorensen YouTube channel, this special episode is now available on the Directed IRA Podcast.

Mat explains step by step:

Why the Mega Backdoor Roth is so effective for high-income earners
How to use a 401(k) or Solo 401(k) to maximize Roth contributions
The role of after-tax contributions and how to convert them
Key rules, qualifications, and pitfalls to avoid
Why rolling funds to a Roth IRA can provide greater investment flexibility and lower fees

Whether you’re a high earner with a workplace 401(k) or a self-employed professional with a Solo 401(k), this strategy can help you supercharge your retirement savings and build wealth tax free.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Mega Backdoor Roth

01:15 - Breaking Down the $70K Strategy

02:12 - After-Tax Contributions Explained

05:17 - Converting to Roth: Two Options

08:19 - Potential Snags and Limitations

10:17 - Disclaimer and Closing

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

5 Creative Real Estate Investment Strategies with Your IRA - (We Bet You’ve Never Heard Before) Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Visit altassetsummit.com to learn how to invest in Alternative Assets.

(More links down below.)

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, attorneys Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler dive into five creative ways to buy real estate with your self-directed IRA. Beyond the traditional “pay cash” approach, they explore strategies like seller financing, non-recourse bank loans, subject-to deals, wholesaling, private lending, and even the Roth Dream Home Takeover (a little-known method to lock down your future retirement home tax-free).

They share real client examples, key compliance rules (like avoiding personal guarantees), and why pairing these strategies with a Roth IRA can supercharge compounding and keep more returns in your pocket. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just discovering the power of self-directing, this episode will open your eyes to opportunities you may not have known existed.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to IRA Real Estate Strategies

03:16 - Creative Financing Through Self-Directed IRAs

06:53 - Wholesaling Properties With Your IRA

09:25 - Becoming the Lender With Your IRA

13:00 - The Roth Dream Home Takeover

18:54 - Partnering Strategies and Tax Liens

23:48 - Alt Asset Summit Invitation

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Investing in Startups and Venture Capital with Your IRA Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, attorney and CEO Mat Sorensen sits down with Ahmed Ahmed, Head of Funds at WeFunder, to discuss how investors can use a self-directed IRA to invest in startups and venture capital—an asset class once limited to Silicon Valley insiders and institutional funds.

The conversation explores how WeFunder democratizes early-stage investing through Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) and Regulation D (Reg D) offerings, giving both accredited and non-accredited investors access to vetted startup deals, diversified venture funds, and even pre-IPO companies.

Mat and Ahmed explain:

How to invest in startups using your self-directed IRA or solo 401(k)
The difference between Reg CF and Reg D offerings on WeFunder
What the Orange Funds are and how they track Y Combinator companies
Real examples of early-stage companies that scaled (e.g. Eight Sleep, Replit)
Why diversification is critical in venture investing
How to evaluate startup founders and what signals matter most
What to expect in terms of risk, timelines, and exit strategies

This episode is essential listening for self-directed investors interested in private markets and early-stage innovation—and how to access it within a tax-advantaged retirement account structure.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to WeFunder and Startup Investing
01:30 – What Is Reg CF and Who Can Invest
03:16 – Inside the Orange Funds and Y Combinator Strategy
07:40 – Risk, Return, and Realities of Startup Investing
11:50 – Using a Fund Model to Diversify Your Startup Portfolio
19:22 – How to Evaluate Founders, Traction, and Deal Flow
24:27 – Getting Started with Startup Investing Through Your IRA

WeFunder Homepage: https://wefunder.com/

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Investing in Alternative Assets Under $25K with Your IRA Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

Visit altassetsummit.com to learn how to invest in Alternative Assets.

(More links down below.)

You don’t need $100K to self-direct your retirement. In this episode, Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler outline 15+ real-world strategies for investing $25,000 or less using your Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, Solo 401(k), or HSA. From real estate deals and startup investments to crypto mining, mobile homes, equipment leasing, and even cattle, Mat and Mark break down the opportunities that everyday investors are already using to grow their retirement accounts.

Whether you're just starting with $5,000 in a Roth IRA or rolling over an old 401(k), this episode reveals how to make smart, creative investments in alternative assets—without needing a six-figure balance. You’ll also learn how to structure these deals legally with IRA/LLCs, avoid prohibited transactions, and understand the compliance rules that protect your tax-advantaged account.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Small-Budget Self-Directing

02:10 - Cryptocurrency and Crypto Mining Options

06:20 - Creative Real Estate and Partnerships

10:00 - Mobile Homes and Startup Investments

13:45 - Turo, Oil & Gas, and Livestock

22:45 - Equipment Leasing and Final Opportunities

32:16 - The Power of Roth IRAs

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Alternative Assets in Your 401(K) Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Visit altassetsummit.com to learn how to invest in Alternative Assets.

(More links down below.)

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark Kohler and Mat Sorensen break down a groundbreaking new executive order from President Donald Trump that could reshape the future of 401(k) investing—by opening the door to alternative assets.

For decades, Wall Street and Washington have kept most retirement savers locked into a narrow menu of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. This executive order flips the script, setting a national policy that every American preparing for retirement should have the option to invest in alternatives—just like the wealthiest institutions do.

Mat and Mark explain what “alternative assets” really mean in this context, from real estate and crypto to private equity, commodities, and infrastructure investments. They walk through the specific investments cited in the order, why these options have been off-limits for most 401(k) participants, and how this policy could shift the $8 trillion 401(k) industry toward more choice and freedom for everyday investors.

They also unpack the political dynamics, regulatory hurdles, and 180-day timeline for the Department of Labor and SEC to develop new guidance—while emphasizing what you can do right now. If you have an IRA or old 401(k), you can already invest in alternatives today using a self-directed account, bypassing the “check-the-box” limitations of traditional plans.

Whether you’re a corporate employee stuck with cookie-cutter 401(k) options or a self-directed investor ready to take the reins, this episode will help you understand the stakes, the timeline, and the opportunities in this unprecedented policy shift.

Chapters:

00:08 - Trump's Executive Order on Alternative Assets

02:19 - Defining Alternative Assets

02:30 - Learn How to Invest in Alternative Assets

(https://altassetsummit.com/)

02:48 - List of Alternative Assets - From Trump

04:19 - How the Executive Order Could Impact You

05:20 - Timeline and Political Landscape

09:07 - The Power of Self-Directed Investing

12:02 - IRAs: Invest in Alternatives Today

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

The Hidden Secrets About HSAs That Will Blow Your Mind Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Book a Call: https://directedira.com/appointment/

Alternative Asset Summit Tickets: https://altassetsummit.com/#ticket

In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler unpack one of the most overlooked yet powerful tax-advantaged accounts available—the Health Savings Account (HSA). Often dismissed as a simple medical savings tool, the HSA actually offers a triple tax benefit: tax deductions for contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses—at any age.

Mat and Mark explain how to qualify for and fund an HSA, the contribution limits for 2025 (including catch-up contributions), and why they rank the HSA alongside the Roth IRA as a top wealth-building priority. They also reveal how you can invest your HSA beyond savings accounts and mutual funds, using a self-directed HSA to buy assets like real estate, crypto, livestock, and private investments—keeping all gains in the account tax-free.

If you’ve ever thought an HSA was just for paying your doctor bills, this episode will change your perspective and show you how to turn it into a dynamic, tax-free wealth-building vehicle.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to HSA Triple Tax Benefit
02:09 - HSA Eligibility and Contribution Limits
10:30 - Self-Directing Your HSA Investments
16:14 - Livestock and Creative HSA Investments
20:56 - Reimbursing Medical Expenses Strategically
25:30 - Qualifying Medical Expenses and Planning
30:15 - Final Tips and AltAsset Summit

Directed IRA Homepage: https://directedira.com/

Directed IRA Explore (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/SelfDirectedIRA

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

Buying Low in Distressed Markets - Featuring Jamison Manwaring Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Mat Sorensen is joined by Jamison Manwaring, CEO and Co-Founder of Neighborhood Ventures, for a deep dive into the intersection of alternative investing, real estate innovation, and how everyday investors can participate in projects traditionally reserved for institutional capital.

Jamison shares how Neighborhood Ventures became Arizona’s first public real estate crowdfunding platform, structured under Regulation A, and how it enables unaccredited investors to access professionally managed real estate opportunities with low minimums and consistent returns. Mat and Jamison also unpack the regulatory structure that allows these offerings, discuss the due diligence process behind each deal, and explain why real estate continues to serve as a cornerstone asset in many self-directed IRA portfolios.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just exploring real estate crowdfunding for the first time, this conversation offers actionable insights into building passive income with transparency, regulatory compliance, and community impact in mind.

Chapters

00:00 - Buy Low, Sell High Strategy Intro
01:36 - Market Cycles and Current Challenges
04:50 - Anatomy of a Distressed Deal
09:00 - The 7 O'Clock Investment Strategy
13:16- Phoenix Market Indicators and Outlook
17:00 - Fundraising for Distressed Properties
20:36 - Patience and Network Building Payoff
24:22 - The Get Rich Slow Philosophy

Neighborhood Ventures Homepage

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

How to Use Your IRA to Invest in Private Funds Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Did you know you can use your IRA to invest in private funds? These include private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and real estate funds.
Private funds have become one of the most popular investments among self-directed IRA owners because they offer access to professionally managed strategies, broader diversification, and the ability to passively invest in high-growth sectors—all within a tax-advantaged account.
In this episode, "Use Your IRA to Invest in Private Funds," Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler explain how private fund investments work inside an IRA, what separates a legitimate fund from a risky one, and why understanding the fund’s documents, liquidity restrictions, and management team is essential before investing.
If you're looking for greater control over your retirement investments, this episode will give you the framework you need to evaluate private funds and avoid common mistakes. Book a call today to learn more: directedira.com/appointment.

0:08 - Investing IRAs in Private Funds
3:00 - What Defines a Legitimate Fund
6:00 - Understanding Accredited Investors
10:00 - Due Diligence and Investment Documents
16:12 - Subscription Process and Liquidity Concerns
22:09 - Exit Strategies and Final Thoughts

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.com

Mark J. Kohler: https://markjkohler.com/

KKOS: https://kkoslawyers.com

Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

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