Self Directed Pensions

Schwab do not host a self directed 401k plan directly. You will need to use a third party to set up the plan get it approved by the IRS and then have the custodian open the account with Schwab. From there you can purchase assets such as real estate.

As mentioned in an earlier Blog I have my checking account at a brokerage firm. This gives me access to any publicly traded stock, bonds, etc. But what about privately owned companies? The management of private companies can do as they please with regard to financing. Public stock is traded under the rules of the [...]

Can I have complete control over my 401k? Yes, as long as you follow the rules.
The problem is that most companies do not want to offer you checkbook control over your 401k. There are good reasons for this.  It is not just the administrative cost but the company has a responsibility for educating all employees [...]

So you have an IRA, either traditional or Roth. It is with a broker like Charles Schwab. All they will let you invest in is mutual funds, stocks, bonds etc. In other words THEIR products. They have no interest in you taking YOUR money out and investing it in other assets such as real estate, [...]

The question everyone seems to ask is “is this legal?”. Can I run my own pension plan? The simple answer is Yes. The slightly more complete answer is Yes, as long as you follow the rules.
Before we get into what you can do let me break down the major categories so we can discuss them [...]