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Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA)

You can buy and hold precious metals offshore in a self-directed IRA.

Purchase & Store Precious Metals

Self Directed IRA

SWP has partnered with two reputable IRA custodians, Preferred Trust Company and Advanta IRA, to offer American investors the opportunity to purchase and store precious metals held in a self-directed IRA.

Investors have the option to purchase and store with SWP in the United States or offshore in the Cayman Islands.

SWP offers two secure facilities for the purchase and storage of precious metal IRAs domestically in the United States, conveniently located in Texas and Delaware. Annual storage fees in the United States are only $200 per account.

Benefit from all the advantages of holding precious metals in your self-directed IRA and the peace of mind that comes with storing those assets in the safest offshore jurisdiction in the Western Hemisphere. Annual storage fees in the Cayman Islands are only $275 per account.


Trust the Turtle

We make investing precious metals in your self-directed IRA simple and safe

“Preferred Trust Company works with Strategic Wealth Preservation (SWP) to provide our clients diversification not only in where they purchase precious metals, but also where they store their precious metals. SWP services clients both as a fully-integrated precious metals dealer and vaulting facility in the United States and in the Cayman Islands.”

Carrie Cook
Chief Operating Officer, Preferred Trust Company

Open & Fund Your Account

How Precious Metal IRAs Work

  • 1
    Open Your Account

    Open your self-directed IRA account with Preferred Trust Company or Advanta IRA.

  • 2
    Fund Your Account

    Next, contribute or transfer funds into your account. You can transfer existing precious metals from another IRA custodian.

  • 3
    Purchase Precious Metals

    After funding your IRA account and electing SWP as your dealer and depository, all that is left to do is purchase your precious metals from SWP.

  • Approved IRA Depository

    Our product premiums and storage fees are competitive and we offer all the advantages of storing your assets domestically in the United States or offshore in the safest jurisdiction in the Western Hemisphere. You can elect SWP as both your dealer and depository when completing your Buy Direction Letter.

  • Funding Completed

    Once you've funded your IRA account and have elected SWP as your dealer and depository, all that is left to do is purchase your precious metals from SWP. Once the purchase is complete, SWP will send a copy of the purchase invoice to your selected IRA custodian for settlement and the metals will be deposited to your IRA account.

If you have any questions, please contact SWP today. If you are ready to get started, please open an account:

Learn More About IRAs

  • Preferred Trust Company

    Dec 15, 2023
    How To Transfer Existing IRA Assets Into A Self-directed IRA Account
    Did you know that IRA investors have an easy method available for moving assets among their IRAs? It is called an IRA-to-IRA transfer. Some may use this tool to consolidate their accounts, build balances to purchase an alternative asset, add liquidity to a Self-Directed IRA, or change IRA custodians.
    Read more

SWP Can Help With Your IRA

Fast Facts About IRA

  • With a self-directed IRA, you can take control of your financial future

    With a self-directed IRA, you have the autonomy to diversify your investment portfolio beyond traditional assets. This includes investing in alternative assets such as precious metals, real estate, and more. By broadening your investment horizons, you can tailor your retirement strategy to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

  • Self-directed IRAs can provide tax advantages

    Self-directed IRAs can be structured to provide significant tax advantages for estate planning. By holding alternative assets within your IRA, you can potentially reduce the taxable value of your estate, allowing you to pass on more wealth to your beneficiaries. This strategic approach helps in creating a lasting, tax-efficient legacy for your family.

  • Self-directed IRAs can be used to create a tax-advantaged legacy for your family

    Investments made through a self-directed IRA can grow either tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on the type of IRA (Traditional or Roth). This means that income generated from your investments, such as rental income from real estate or gains from the sale of precious metals, can compound over time without immediate tax implications, enhancing your retirement savings.

  • Self-directed IRAs can serve as an untapped source of investment capital

    Many investors are unaware that they can utilize their retirement accounts to invest in a wide array of assets beyond stocks and bonds. A self-directed IRA allows you to tap into your retirement funds to invest in alternative assets, providing a substantial source of capital to diversify your investment portfolio and potentially increase returns.

    By leveraging the flexibility and benefits of self-directed IRAs, you can enhance your investment strategy, optimize tax advantages, and secure a more robust financial future for yourself and your family.

  • Taking Control of Your Financial Future

    With a self-directed IRA, you have the autonomy to diversify your investment portfolio beyond traditional assets. This includes investing in alternative assets such as precious metals, real estate, and more. By broadening your investment horizons, you can tailor your retirement strategy to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

  • Creating a Tax-Advantaged Legacy for Your Family

    Self-directed IRAs can be structured to provide significant tax advantages for estate planning. By holding alternative assets within your IRA, you can potentially reduce the taxable value of your estate, allowing you to pass on more wealth to your beneficiaries. This strategic approach helps in creating a lasting, tax-efficient legacy for your family.

  • Providing Tax Advantages

    Investments made through a self-directed IRA can grow either tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on the type of IRA (Traditional or Roth). This means that income generated from your investments, such as rental income from real estate or gains from the sale of precious metals, can compound over time without immediate tax implications, enhancing your retirement savings.

  • Serving as an Untapped Source of Investment Capital

    Many investors are unaware that they can utilize their retirement accounts to invest in a wide array of assets beyond stocks and bonds. A self-directed IRA allows you to tap into your retirement funds to invest in alternative assets, providing a substantial source of capital to diversify your investment portfolio and potentially increase returns.

    By leveraging the flexibility and benefits of self-directed IRAs, you can enhance your investment strategy, optimize tax advantages, and secure a more robust financial future for yourself and your family.

  • Mistakes to Avoid with a Self-Directed IRA

    A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) offers significant flexibility and investment opportunities, but missteps can lead to penalties, tax liabilities, or disqualification of your account. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

    1. Engaging in Prohibited Transactions

    The IRS has strict rules on what you can and cannot do with your SDIRA funds. Prohibited transactions include:

    Using your IRA to purchase property you or family members personally use

    Lending money to yourself or a disqualified person (e.g., spouse, children, parents)

    Receiving direct benefits from your IRA investments

    Avoidance Tip: Keep all transactions at arm’s length. Work with a qualified custodian and ensure your investments comply with IRS regulations.

    2. Failing to Diversify Your Investments

    Many SDIRA investors put all their funds into a single asset—such as real estate or precious metals—without diversifying. This increases risk if the asset underperforms.

    Avoidance Tip: Consider a balanced mix of alternative assets like real estate, precious metals, private equity, and traditional securities to spread risk.

    3. Not Understanding Tax Implications

    While SDIRAs offer tax advantages, certain investments, such as businesses that generate Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI) or Unrelated Debt-Financed Income (UDFI), may trigger unexpected tax obligations.

    Avoidance Tip: Consult a tax professional before making investments that could trigger UBTI or UDFI taxes.

    4. Choosing the Wrong Custodian

    Not all IRA custodians allow self-directed investments, and some have excessive fees or limited asset options. Picking the wrong custodian can result in unnecessary costs or compliance issues.

    Avoidance Tip: Choose an experienced self-directed IRA custodian with a strong reputation, transparent fees, and a range of investment options.

    5. Missing Contribution & Distribution Rules

    Over-contributing beyond the annual IRS limit can result in penalties.

    Early withdrawals (before age 59½) may incur taxes and penalties.

    Failing to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) (for Traditional IRAs at age 73) can lead to severe penalties.

    Avoidance Tip: Stay updated on contribution limits and required distributions to avoid unnecessary penalties.

    6. Poor Record Keeping

    SDIRA investors must keep detailed records of all transactions to ensure compliance. A lack of documentation can cause IRS scrutiny and potential account disqualification.

    Avoidance Tip: Maintain accurate records of purchases, sales, and valuations for all assets within your SDIRA.

    Final Thoughts

    A Self-Directed IRA can be a powerful wealth-building tool, but avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for long-term success. Work with a knowledgeable custodian, tax professional, and financial advisor to navigate the complexities and maximize your SDIRA’s potential with precious metals


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