IRA Financial Group: In-Depth Review

Planning for retirement is easier when you understand your options. Many savers look beyond traditional stocks and bonds and use self-directed accounts to access a wider menu of assets inside an IRA.

IRA Financial Group is a well-known provider that helps investors broaden their retirement portfolios with alternative assets. The firm emphasizes diversification outside mainstream investments and supports clients with technology and education.

This review explores IRA Financial Group’s services, fees, and customer experience so you can decide if it aligns with your goals.

IRA Financial Group Overview

Founded by Adam Bergman, a former tax and ERISA attorney, IRA Financial Group focuses on empowering savers to take control of their retirement through self-directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s. Headquartered in Miami, the company has grown steadily over more than a decade.

The team provides guidance on structuring self-directed accounts and using modern banking tools to execute investments efficiently. They report assisting more than 23,000 clients with strategies spanning IRAs, self-directed IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and other plans.

According to the firm, clients have deployed over $4.6 billion into alternative assets with their support. Many testimonials highlight transparent communication and straightforward processes as key strengths.

Below, you’ll find the core reasons investors consider IRA Financial Group for alternative asset investing.

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What Makes IRA Financial Group Stand Out

Drawing on deep experience with alternative assets, I see several strengths that set this provider apart. Here are the highlights.

Three Ways to Set Up a Self-Directed IRA

IRA Financial Group supports multiple self-directed structures. Compared to many bank or brokerage IRAs, these options often allow a wider set of alternative investments. Here’s how they differ.

Self-Directed Roth IRA

Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so there’s no immediate deduction, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. As with any Roth, contribution eligibility can phase out at higher income levels based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

Keep an eye on annual limits and income thresholds, as exceeding those levels can reduce or eliminate your ability to contribute directly to a Roth IRA.

Self-Directed IRA (Traditional)

A traditional self-directed IRA offers flexible access to alternative assets alongside conventional holdings. With IRA Financial Group, you can diversify into the following categories in addition to stocks, bonds, and funds:

• Real estate: rental properties, new construction, land, and mobile homes
• Precious metals: eligible gold and silver coins and bars for diversification
• Cryptocurrency: long-term crypto allocation (not active trading)

This setup requires a qualified custodian, and transactions must be approved. One advantage here is the lack of a minimum investment requirement, which can help new investors get started.

Self-Directed IRA LLC (Checkbook Control)

With the IRA LLC structure, the IRA owns a special-purpose LLC while you manage it. This arrangement provides “checkbook control,” enabling faster investments and potentially lower transaction costs.

Because you act as manager of the LLC, you can initiate deals directly from the LLC’s bank account, reducing delays associated with a full-service custodian.

Solo 401(k) Plans

If you’re behind on retirement savings, a Solo 401(k) can allow substantial contributions—potentially up to $60,000 when combining employee and employer portions, with those age 50+ able to contribute up to $73,500.

Plans may also permit participant loans up to $50,000 for qualifying needs, often without custodian involvement, which can speed access to funds in an emergency.

Solo 401(k)s can invest broadly in alternatives permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. Eligibility generally requires active self-employment and the absence of full-time employees (other than owners and spouses).

• Active self-employment or business activity
• No full-time, non-owner employees in the business

IRA Rollovers and Transfers

Using the IRA Financial app, you can open an account and move funds from an existing plan into your new self-directed IRA with guided support throughout.

Commonly eligible funding sources include:

• Traditional and rollover IRAs
• Roth IRAs (taxes may apply on conversions where applicable)
• Employer plans such as SEP, 401(k), and 403(b)

Account specialists can clarify which plans qualify and help you avoid missteps during the rollover process.

ROBS (Rollovers as Business Startups)

IRA Financial Group also supports ROBS structures, which allow eligible retirement funds to be used to capitalize a new or existing business without triggering early distribution penalties.

Typically, a new C corporation is formed, your plan acquires company stock, and the company receives working capital. This approach can fund entrepreneurship while keeping proceeds within a qualified plan framework.

While powerful, ROBS arrangements are complex and require careful compliance—professional guidance is essential.

Education and Ongoing Guidance

Beyond account setup, the firm acts as an administrator and resource hub, providing consultations and practical education on alternative investment rules and strategies.

Their online learning center consolidates videos, articles, and podcasts to help investors build confidence and avoid prohibited transactions.

Here’s what you can expect to find:

• A YouTube library with primers on Solo 401(k)s, IRAs, and compliance topics
• A frequently updated blog covering rules, strategy ideas, and market context
• Podcasts hosted by founder Adam Bergman that dive into advanced concepts

Free, well-organized education is invaluable—especially for families hoping to build multi-generational investing know-how.

How to Get Started

IRA Financial Group streamlines setup through its mobile and web app, guiding you from application to funding and first investment.

Here’s the typical onboarding flow:

1) Create Your Account

Open an account in the app and choose your preferred plan type (Self-Directed IRA, IRA LLC, or Solo 401(k)).

2) Fund the Plan

Make a direct contribution or transfer/roll over assets from an existing eligible retirement account.

3) Place Investments

Select IRS-permitted alternative assets and coordinate execution with support staff. Depending on your plan, certain consultations may be included.

IRA Financial Group Fees

Pricing is presented clearly, with separate tiers depending on how hands-on you want to be and which plan type you use.

Published pricing includes:

• Self-Directed IRA (full-service administration): $400 per year
• Self-Directed IRA LLC (checkbook control): $999 setup, $400 per year
• Solo 401(k) (for self-employed): $699 setup, $399 per year
• IRAfi Crypto (crypto-only solution): $100 per year

IRA Financial Group Ratings on Consumer Sites

Final Take

With more than 13 years in business and tens of thousands of clients, IRA Financial Group is a credible choice for investors seeking self-directed control and alternative diversification.

That said, if speed is critical, ask detailed questions about timelines before you begin. A little upfront planning can help keep your rollover and first investment on track.

Want to compare more providers? Explore my guide to the best precious metals companies for additional options.