2024 IRA Financial Group Review: Unbiased Insights & Client Feedback
Deciding where to invest your retirement savings is big. In our ‘IRA Financial Group review’, we cut through the jargon to give you the straight facts on their services, fees, and the experiences real customers are having. No fluff, just critical insights to help you gauge if this company is a trusted custodian for your financial future.
Key Takeaways
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IRA Financial Group offers comprehensive self-directed IRA services, including a range of alternative investments like real estate, private equity, cryptocurrencies, and the unique ROBS option for starting a business using retirement funds.
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Customers have reported mixed experiences with IRA Financial Group, noting efficient setup processes for self-directed IRAs and alternative investments but also mentioning delays in application processing and concerns about security following a significant breach.
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IRA Financial Group maintains a transparent fee structure with no setup fees for Self-Directed IRAs and a clear annual custodial fee, while providing customer support through consultations, specialists and a planned introduction of live chat support.
Understanding IRA Financial Group
Founded by the seasoned tax and ERISA attorney, Adam Bergman, IRA Financial Group has carved a niche in the self-directed IRA industry. With a reputation for reliability, this financial institution is steered by Bergman and a dedicated team committed to delivering top-notch services to their clients. They’ve set up shop at 1691 Michigan Ave., but be careful not to confuse them with the IRA Services Trust Company, a separate entity altogether.
Their mission? To be the nation’s go-to self-directed retirement and pension administrator, with a focus on technological innovation and strict IRS compliance. Having familiarized ourselves with the IRA Financial Group and their dedicated IRA Financial Team, we can now explore the services they provide.
Services Offered by IRA Financial Group
IRA Financial Group offers an array of services designed to give you more control over your retirement funds. From self-directed IRA services to alternative investment opportunities and the unique ROBS (Rollover as Business Start-up) option, this financial group goes the extra mile to ensure you get the most out of your retirement account.
We’ll dissect these services further.
Self-Directed IRA Solutions
With IRA Financial Group, a self-directed IRA does more than just sit on your investment portfolio. It allows you to allocate funds towards a diverse range of assets, including stocks, real estate, and even cryptocurrencies. You may wonder how this process functions.
To kick start your journey with a traditional self directed IRA, you’ll need to set up an account, transfer funds into the IRA, or make an initial contribution. Once you’re all set, you have the liberty to invest in both traditional and alternative assets directly from your account. This autonomy and expanded range of assets offer an excellent opportunity to diversify your portfolio and optimize returns with self directed iras.
Alternative Investment Opportunities
Are you looking to deviate from the norm and explore unconventional investment options? If so, you’ll be pleased with IRA Financial Group’s alternative investment opportunities. Some of the options they provide include:
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Real estate
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Private equity
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Cryptocurrencies
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Precious metals like gold
These options offer a plethora of opportunities for you to consider.
Diversifying your retirement portfolio with digital currencies is possible by investing in cryptocurrencies through their self-directed IRA programs. Furthermore, you can engage in peer-to-peer lending by investing in promissory notes or participating in private lending arrangements. And if you’re interested in investing in private business stock, they facilitate this through the utilization of Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401(k) accounts. However, while these alternative investments, including mutual funds, can provide higher returns and diversification benefits, they come with their own set of risks, including limited legal protections and a heightened potential for fraud.
ROBS (Rollover as Business Start-up) Option
The ROBS option is a unique service offered by IRA Financial Group. It allows you to:
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Use your retirement funds to invest in a new business without incurring penalties or taxes
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Transfer funds from your previous IRA or 401(k) into a new 401(k) plan
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Utilize the new 401(k) plan for financing or acquiring a new business
The benefits of using the ROBS option are numerous. From investing retirement funds in a new or existing business without tax implications to avoiding burdensome loan repayments, the ROBS option presents an attractive proposition. However, it’s not without potential drawbacks. These include the possibility of business failure, depletion of retirement funds, and the need to meticulously comply with IRS rules and regulations.
Fee Structure and Pricing
In terms of fee structure, IRA Financial Group offers a straightforward, no-hidden-cost approach. Here are the fees for different types of accounts:
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Self-Directed IRA: No setup fees
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Self-Directed IRA LLC and Solo 401(k) for self-employed individuals: $999 fee
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Self-Directed IRA LLC with checkbook control: Additional $999 fee
Yet, bear in mind that the company also levies annual custodian expenses, which can vary from $180 to $360, based on your specific account and chosen services.
Client Support and Resources
When it comes to client support, IRA Financial Group offers the following:
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Complimentary consultations
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Access to knowledgeable specialists
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A dedicated customer support team that can be reached by phone or through the contact form on their website.
As for resources, the company offers a range of educational materials to support its clients. These include podcasts covering alternative investments, the market, tax laws, and retirement strategies. They also maintain a frequently updated blog and offer investment guides on their website. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that live chat support is not currently available, although efforts are being made to introduce this feature.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Customer feedback is a valuable source of insight when evaluating a company’s services. In the case of IRA Financial Group, reviews are mixed. Some customers have reported positive experiences, highlighting the efficient and straightforward process of setting up a self-directed IRA. The company has garnered high ratings on Trustpilot, Facebook, and the BBB, contributing to their overall standing with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Yet, the feedback isn’t universally positive. Some clients have reported less than satisfactory experiences with customer service, while others have expressed disappointment due to delays in application processing and alleged harassment and threats. These recurring themes in customer testimonials indicate areas where the company may need to enhance their services.
Potential Concerns
While IRA Financial Group has many strengths, potential concerns do exist. These primarily revolve around customer service and the onboarding process. Some customers have reported:
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Delays in processing applications
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Challenges in obtaining requested services More seriously, there have been isolated allegations of:
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Harassment
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Threats employed to extract money from customers.
Moreover, during the onboarding process, clients have encountered a significant security breach, resulting in the unauthorized withdrawal of $36 million from clients’ retirement accounts. This incident has understandably raised substantial concerns about the safety and dependability of IRA Financial Group’s services, as well as the need for irs audit protection.
Pros and Cons of IRA Financial Group
Investing with IRA Financial Group has its pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages:
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Wide range of investment options
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No minimum investment requirements
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Checkbook control
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Access to experienced specialists
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Tax-free investments in different types of assets
However, it’s important to carefully consider these factors before making a decision.
On the downside, some clients have expressed dissatisfaction with the level of customer service received and delays during the application process. Furthermore, the significant security breach during the onboarding process is a major concern that should be taken into account.
Comparing IRA Financial Group to Top Competitors
Pondering alternatives can be beneficial. In the self-directed IRA industry, IRA Financial Group faces competition from firms such as mysolo401k.net, sdretirementplans.com, ira123.com, and others. Each of these companies has its own fee structures, which vary widely. From New Direction Trust Co’s flexible payment options to Quest Trust Co’s account value-based calculation and Broad Financial LLC’s specialized LLC formation costs, there’s a lot to consider.
When it comes to client support and resources, IRA Financial Group is known for its comprehensive offerings. Although we lack specific comparative details about competitors’ support services, the reputation of IRA Financial Group as an industry leader suggests that their services are more comprehensive than those of some competitors.
Is IRA Financial Group the Right Choice for You?
Whether IRA Financial Group is the suitable choice for you hinges on a multitude of factors. If you’re an investor seeking to diversify your retirement portfolio with both traditional and alternative assets, this financial institution might be a strong fit. Their fee structure is also transparent, with no hidden charges, making it easy for you to budget for your investments. Additionally, the IRA Financial app provides a convenient way to manage your investments on the go. With IRA Financial Group reliable services, you can be confident in your investment decisions.
However, customer satisfaction levels are a crucial consideration. With a 4-star rating on Trustpilot based on reviews from 188 individuals, customer feedback is largely positive, but there have been some negative experiences reported, particularly around customer service.
Summary
To sum it up, IRA Financial Group offers a broad range of services for those looking to take control of their retirement funds. Their self-directed IRA solutions, alternative investment opportunities, and unique ROBS option provide clients with a variety of choices. Despite some negative feedback and potential concerns, their transparent fee structure, comprehensive client support, and resources make them a considerable option in the self-directed IRA industry. However, as with any financial decision, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and consider your individual needs and circumstances before choosing a provider.
Are you prepared to diversify your financial investments with the addition of gold?
The financial investment in gold and other rare-earth elements can aid expand your spending portfolio. Since gold has little or no connection with equity or bonds, it decreases the threat for you in total. You can put your money right into gold through specialized gold IRA companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns IRA financial trust?
Adam Bergman is the owner of IRA Financial Trust.
How does a self directed IRA work?
With a self-directed IRA, you take charge of finding and directing your investments, while a specialized custodian holds the assets within the account for compliance with IRS rules. Profits from investments flow back into the account, tax-free or tax-deferred.
What is the fee structure at IRA Financial Group?
The fee structure at IRA Financial Group includes a $999 setup fee for a Self-Directed IRA LLC and Solo 401(k), with an additional $999 fee for checkbook control. They also have annual custodian expenses ranging from $180 to $360.
What alternative investment options does IRA Financial Group offer?
IRA Financial Group offers alternative investment options such as real estate, private equity, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals like gold (source: IRA Financial Group).
What are some potential concerns with IRA Financial Group?
It’s important to be aware of potential concerns with IRA Financial Group, such as reported delays in processing applications, challenges in obtaining requested services, and a significant security breach during the onboarding process. Be sure to consider these factors when evaluating their services.
