Directed IRA Podcast

Hosted by Mat Sorensen and Mark Kohler

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236

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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.

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October 12, 2026Episode 217 min

Match & Out Strategy: 401(k) and Roth IRA

If you're ready to take greater control of your retirement investments, Directed IRA can help you open a self-directed IRA or Solo 401(k) and explore investment opportunities beyond the traditional stock market, including real estate, private lending, private companies, and more. How can you maximize your retirement savings by strategically using a 401(k), Roth IRA, and Solo 401(k)? In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the “Match and Out” strategy, a practical approach to making the most of your available retirement accounts and building tax-advantaged wealth. Rather than automatically putting every retirement dollar into your employer-sponsored 401(k), Mat and Mark explain how to prioritize employer matching contributions, explore Roth IRA opportunities, and layer additional retirement accounts to potentially increase how much you can save each year. In this episode, they cover: The Match and Out Strategy: Why taking full advantage of your employer's 401(k) match is often the first step in your retirement savings plan. Roth IRA Strategies: How a Roth IRA can offer greater investment flexibility and tax-free growth, including the backdoor Roth IRA strategy for eligible high-income earners. Maximizing a Solo 401(k): How self-employed individuals and people with side businesses or consulting income may be able to contribute to a Solo 401(k) alongside an employer-sponsored plan. Stacking Retirement Accounts: How to coordinate multiple retirement accounts to maximize contributions and take advantage of available tax benefits. Involving Your Spouse: How a spouse who works in a qualifying business may be able to participate in a Solo 401(k) strategy. Year-End Retirement Planning: Why the final months of the year can be an important time to review your income, employer match, and retirement contribution strategy. 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

October 3, 2026Episode 122 min

Investing in Venture or Startups with a Self-directed IRA

If you’re ready to invest in venture or a startup with your IRA, book a call with Directed IRA today to learn more!: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Tell USVC about your situation and their team will follow up individually with the right path: https://usvc.com/ira In this special episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, host Mat Sorensen , CEO of Directed IRA, sits down with Ankur Nagpal , General Partner at USVC by AngelList Asset Management and founder of Carry, to discuss venture capital, startup investing, and how retirement accounts can provide access to private-market opportunities. Venture capital and investing in private companies have traditionally been difficult for individual investors to access. In this conversation, Mat and Ankur explore how that landscape is changing and what investors should understand before using retirement dollars to invest in venture capital and startups. Mat explains how Self-Directed IRAs can be used to access private-market investments and the key IRA rules investors need to understand. Ankur shares his perspective as a venture investor and discusses how USVC and AngelList are working to expand access to venture capital. In this episode, they cover: How Self-Directed IRAs can invest in venture capital, startups, and private companies How investing in private markets through an IRA works Why venture capital has historically been difficult for individual investors to access How USVC and AngelList are expanding access to venture investing What investors should consider when evaluating venture and startup opportunities Key IRA rules to understand before investing retirement dollars in private companies The potential benefits of holding high-growth private investments in Traditional and Roth accounts How venture capital can fit into a broader alternative investment strategy Whether you're interested in startups, venture capital, or alternative investments, this episode provides a closer look at how retirement accounts can be used to participate in private markets. 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

September 17, 2026Episode 1328 min

Roth IRA vs Roth 401(k) — 5 Differences That Cost People Money

Get the FREE BEGINNER'S GUIDE to self-directing an IRA and learn how to put your Roth dollars into real estate, private funds, startups, and crypto! Ready to build your tax-free bucket the right way — BOOK A FREE CALL with DirectedIRA and get the Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) accounts you need set up today! Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s share a first name and the same tax-free growth, but almost every rule that governs them is different — and picking the wrong one for your next dollar can cost you real money. Wealth lawyer and real estate investor Mat Sorensen breaks down the five biggest differences between these accounts and the funding order that lets you capture the best of both. What the five differences reveal: • Why high-income earners are phased out of Roth IRA contributions at $153,000 single or $242,000 married filing joint • How the Roth 401(k) allows $24,500 in 2026 versus $7,500 in a Roth IRA, plus catch-up and super catch-up amounts • Why an employer match can double your contribution on day one and should always be captured first • How Roth IRA contributions can come out any time tax- and penalty-free while Roth 401(k) dollars stay locked until 59½ • When a 401(k) participant loan of half the balance up to $50,000 becomes your early access option • Why Roth 401(k) dollars can roll into a Roth IRA but Roth IRA dollars can never move back • The three-step funding order that gets the match, the flexibility, and the maximum Roth contribution The bigger lesson is that these two accounts are teammates rather than rivals. One delivers a larger contribution limit and free employer money, while the other delivers investment freedom, early access to contributions, and control over where your tax-free dollars actually grow. The investors building the largest tax-free buckets are not the ones who picked a side — they are the ones who used both in the right sequence. This strategy is especially valuable for high-income earners, employees with a 401(k) match, self-employed investors using a solo 401(k), younger savers who may need early access, and anyone approaching retirement who wants to start their Roth IRA five-year clock now! Check out my youtube channel for more content on retirement planning and self-directed IRA topics!: https://www.youtube.com/@MatSorensen 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

September 4, 2026Episode 1222 min

ROBS vs Self-Directed IRA

If you're ready to explore investing your retirement savings outside of traditional Wall Street investments, a Self-Directed IRA may be an option worth considering. Ready to open a Self-Directed IRA? Book a call with my team at Directed IRA to get started and explore your options. In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast , Mat Sorensen and Mark J. Kohler break down the ROBS (Rollover as Business Startups) strategy and compare it to using a Self-Directed IRA to invest in a business. With so much misinformation circulating online and on social media, we’re separating the facts from the hype and explaining how these strategies actually work. We discuss why ROBS can make sense for someone who wants to use their retirement funds to buy a business or franchise and work in that business , while also breaking down the complexity, tax implications, compliance requirements, and ongoing costs that come with the structure. In This Episode, We Cover: What is a ROBS? How the strategy allows retirement funds to invest in a business you intend to operate. ROBS vs. Self-Directed IRA: The key differences and when each strategy may make sense. The tax implications: Why the tax outcome of a traditional ROBS structure may not be as attractive as it sounds. Roth strategies: How using Roth retirement funds can potentially change the tax equation. Buying a business with an IRA: How a Self-Directed IRA can invest in a business without the account owner working in the business. Prohibited transactions: Why working in a business owned by your IRA can create problems. The complexity of ROBS: C corporations, 401(k) plans, reporting requirements, salaries, and ongoing maintenance. Alternative ways to fund a business: Including the potential use of a Solo 401(k) loan. Real-world examples: Including the story of how Peter Thiel used a Self-Directed Roth IRA to invest in PayPal. 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

August 26, 2026Episode 1126 min

Investing in Litigation Finance with Your IRA

Take control of your retirement strategy. BOOK A FREE CALL with Directed IRA and learn how to put your IRA to work beyond Wall Street! Download the slide deck here! In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, host Mat Sorensen sits down with Kris Kjolberg , Managing Director & Head of Capital Strategy at Pravati Capital, to break down litigation finance—a growing alternative asset class that many investors may not be familiar with. Mat and Kris discuss how litigation finance works, why law firms need access to capital, and how private lenders can step into a space where traditional banks often can’t. Kris explains the difference between financing individual litigation cases and providing portfolio financing to law firms, along with the potential returns, underwriting process, risks, and what investors should understand before considering this type of investment. In This Episode, They Cover: What litigation finance is and how this emerging asset class works The difference between single-case litigation finance and law firm portfolio finance Why traditional banks often cannot lend against law firm receivables and cases The potential 16–24% industry yield range discussed for law firm portfolio financing How litigation finance can provide non-correlated exposure within an alternative investment portfolio How Pravati Capital evaluates law firms and investment opportunities The importance of underwriting, diversification, case duration, and concentration risk Pravati Capital’s experience across 8,000+ transactions and 250+ law firms The risks investors should consider, including extension risk, regulatory risk, and repayment risk How litigation finance can potentially fit into a self-directed IRA What the investment process looks like, including the investor data room and due diligence Accredited investor and qualified purchaser requirements Fund structure, investment minimums, and the track record discussed during the episode To learn more about Pravati Capital go to pravaticapital.com Connect With Kris Kjolberg Email: kris@pravaticapital.com Phone: (623) 521-7343 Disclaimer This podcast and its content are provided for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended to provide investment advice. Nothing discussed in this episode should be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or endorsement to invest in any particular investment, fund, or asset. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Viewers and listeners should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax professionals before making any investment decisions. Directed IRA does not provide investment advice or recommend specific investments. 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

August 20, 2026Episode 1016 min

The Rule of 72 Explained - How to Double Your Money

Tired of paying more to the IRS on your investment gains? A self-directed IRA can help you take advantage of tax-advantaged investing while giving you more control over where your retirement dollars go. Book a free 15-minute call with Directed IRA to learn more and get started In this episode of the Directed IRA Podcast, Mark and Mat Sorensen break down the Rule of 72 and explain how investors can use this simple calculation to understand the power of compounding and the time it can take for an investment to double. The conversation explores how rate of return, taxes, fees, and the type of investment account can significantly impact long-term wealth. Mat and Mark use real-world examples to compare different rates of return and demonstrate how even seemingly small differences can create substantial gaps in portfolio growth over time. They also discuss how self-directed IRAs can give investors greater flexibility to choose from a broader range of investments, including real estate, private lending, private funds, precious metals, cryptocurrency, and other alternative assets. The episode highlights the importance of considering not only potential returns, but also tax efficiency and investment costs when evaluating long-term strategies. In this episode, they discuss: How the Rule of 72 estimates the time it takes for an investment to double Why compounding can have such a significant impact on long-term wealth How different rates of return can change the trajectory of an investment The potential impact of taxes and fees on investment growth Why tax-advantaged accounts can help reduce the impact of taxes on investment returns How self-directed IRAs provide the flexibility to invest beyond traditional Wall Street assets The importance of evaluating investment opportunities based on long-term growth rather than short-term performance The episode ultimately focuses on a simple question for investors: How can their money work harder for them over the long term? 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

August 13, 2026Episode 91 hr 0 min

Passing Down Your IRA or 401(k) Tax-Free with an Inherited IRA

If you've recently inherited an IRA or need help getting the account established, Directed IRA can help you through the process and get your Inherited IRA opened: https://directedira.com/appointment/ Need help establishing your estate plan? KKOS Lawyers can help you coordinate your estate plan, retirement accounts, beneficiary designations, trusts, powers of attorney, and other important estate-planning documents so your assets are positioned to pass according to your wishes: https://kkoslawyers.com/ In this special collaboration between Directed IRA and KKOS Lawyers , Mat Sorensen, CEO of Directed IRA and Senior Partner at KKOS Lawyers, sits down with Senior Attorney Ryan Tosto to break down what happens to your IRA or 401(k) when you die and how to make sure your retirement assets pass to the people you intend to receive them. Mat and Ryan cover the differences between spousal rollovers and inherited IRAs , the options beneficiaries have after inheriting an account, and how the 10-year rule can impact the timing and taxation of distributions. They also discuss important distinctions between inherited Traditional and Roth IRAs, including strategies for managing distributions and allowing tax-advantaged assets to continue growing. Other key topics include: How to properly open and handle an inherited IRA after someone passes away Why the beneficiary designation form is one of the most important documents when it comes to passing down retirement accounts How trusts can be used to provide greater control over when and how beneficiaries receive inherited wealth Planning for minor children and beneficiaries who may not be financially prepared to receive a large inheritance How beneficiary designations should be coordinated with your overall estate plan The differences between Traditional and Roth inherited IRAs Required minimum distributions and how they can affect inherited Traditional IRAs How inherited IRAs containing real estate or other alternative assets can be handled Common estate-planning mistakes involving divorce, remarriage, children, trusts, and outdated beneficiary designations The goal is to help investors and families better understand the rules surrounding inherited retirement accounts and take the necessary steps before and after an inheritance to avoid unnecessary taxes, mistakes, and complications. 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

August 5, 2026Episode 851 min

Roth IRA vs Roth 401(k) - Where Should You Put Your Money?

Looking to take control of your retirement and want to use your IRA or 401K dollars to invest in alternative assets? Book a call with my team at Directed IRA to get started: https://directedira.com/appointment/?utm_source=live&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=wohl_rothira_roth401k In this episode, I break down the key differences between a Roth IRA and a Roth 401(k) so you can decide where to put your money for maximum long-term, tax-free wealth. We cover contribution limits, the core tax rules that make Roth accounts the most powerful retirement vehicle available, and the critical differences in withdrawal flexibility between the two accounts. We also walk through income limits on Roth IRA contributions, the backdoor Roth IRA strategy for high earners, and how to use both a Roth 401(k) and a Roth IRA at the same time to maximize every tax-free dollar you can legally protect. One of the most underutilized strategies we cover is self-directing your Roth account — instead of being limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, you can invest your Roth dollars into real estate, private companies, private equity, and crypto. An IRA can invest in these alternative assets as long as it is held at a custodian like 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com

July 23, 2026Episode 712 min

New Legislation Targets Self-Directed IRAs

Looking to take more control of your retirement investments? Directed IRA helps investors diversify beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds by investing retirement funds into alternative assets like real estate, private funds, private lending, startups, crypto, and more. Schedule a call to get started: https://directedira.com/appointment/ We've also published a detailed breakdown of the proposed legislation and what it could mean for self-directed IRA investors: https://directedira.com/new-legislation-targeting-self-directed-iras/ Self-directed IRAs have helped investors build wealth by investing in alternative assets like real estate, private companies, private lending, crypto, and more. Now, a newly proposed bill in Washington, D.C. has sparked concerns about the future of retirement accounts. In this video, we break down the proposed legislation, why it was introduced, who it targets, and what it could mean for self-directed IRA investors. We also discuss what the proposal does not change, including the ability to continue self-directing your retirement account under current law. Whether you're already investing with a self-directed IRA or just exploring your options, this episode will help you understand the facts behind the headlines and what to watch as the proposal moves through Congress. In this video, you'll learn: • What the proposed legislation aims to change • Who could be affected by the bill • Why retirement accounts over $10 million are being targeted • What remains unchanged for most self-directed IRA investors • What to keep an eye on as the proposal develops Follow for more education on self-directed IRAs, alternative investments, and retirement strategies to help you invest with confidence. 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 Lawyers: https://kkoslawyers.com Main Street Business https://mainstreetbusiness.com