The Most Elusive & Dangerous Self-Directed Solo 401k Practice

[Originally published at JeffNabers.com.]

There’s something that most “successful” Self-Directed Solo 401(k) investors do that can spin them out of control and get them into trouble.

I say “successful” in quotation marks because I’m talking about the particular kind of Self-Directed Solo 401(k) success that is sexy enough to be frequently written about.

What is this dirty deed that leads to massive profits and the potential implosion the very same Self-Directed Solo 401(k) that got those profits?

Entrepreneurship.

Bad Entrepreneur!

Yep. Entrepreneurship is so powerful that it seems to be the source of all aggressive wealth creation. So where’s the danger?

Let me explain. Some of the most [initially] profitable Self-Directed Solo 401(k) stories sounds something like this…

Joe, a Self-Directed Solo 401(k) investor, knows how to work real estate deals into profits. So he buys and sells real estate in his Self-Directed Solo 401(k). Sometimes he involves bank financing. Sometimes he involves private financing and partnering.

But one thing is for sure: Once Joe purchases a property, the work has just begun. He has a system. He only buys properties that meet a certain criteria. After the closing, he usually has repairs and/or remodeling work done.

And his system works. He’ll put $30k or $40k of his Self-Directed Solo 401(k) money into a deal and get $80k to $100k out, often less than a year or two later.

First, applaud Joe for [Read more...]

Open a Solo 401k for 2009 before it’s too late!

If you’re looking for a tax break this year, there’s still time to open a Solo 401(K). But do your research and seek experts to help you understand the plan, how to manage your account without the need for a custodian which amounts to extra fees, and how to transfer your existing new plan. You’ll find the options for investing and maximizing your contributions are plentiful but the clock’s ticking—you only have until December 31st to open one for 2009.