Self-directed investing is an exciting and liberating way to take charge of your retirement. SDIRAs grant owners the flexibility of alternative investing paired with independence when it comes to building a nest egg. While self-directed investors have the reins of their financial future, the IRS does require that an SDIRA custodian handle the account. While there are many viable options out there, you should be careful who you choose to handle your fund. Before picking any random financial expert, take a look at the top five qualities you should seek out in a custodian.

5. The Right Credentials

An easy way to weed through your potential candidates is to see whether they meet IRS standards. A self-directed custodian needs to be certified to handle your account. Be careful not to buy in with an administrator or a promoter. These “custodians” can sell, enter data, produce statements and do reporting, but they are not qualified to hold your SDIRA. If you aren’t willing to take the extra step by hiring an administrator in addition to your custodian, skip the middleman and look for a custodian that does it all.

4. The Best Experience

Experience is a great thing to have in any business. Longevity in the field can make a custodian wise to different financial situations, scenarios, and emergencies that may occur with your retirement account.

You want investment advice from a seasoned veteran of the financial world with a solid education in the subject. Experience is best when partnered with a well-educated background. You want a custodian who is continuing to learn. The field is constantly changing; it’s important to select someone who will stay ahead of the curve.

3. Alternative Asset Knowledge

Basic knowledge of the industry is great, but your self-directed IRA custodian should know about your personal financial plan. Are they at the forefront of the industry?

Whether you are looking to invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds or alternative assets, your custodian should have experience. Can you trust a service that has never handled your type of asset?

Experts in investing should have an in-depth understanding of real estate, precious metals, tax liens or whichever alternative investment you are considering. Check out their profession endorsements. Additionally, as with professional knowledge, a good custodian should always be on the lookout to learn about new and budding alternative assets.

2. Quality Feedback

A successful business should have a satisfied customer base. As you perform your due diligence and research for the best SDIRA custodian, keep in mind any customer reviews.

Search for custodians that match your checklist and are well-reviewed. Your potential custodian should have a positive Better Business Bureau score.

Of course, you need to have a personal checklist of what matters to you when it comes to who is managing your retirement account. It’s important to hire a candidate who is transparent about their practice and billing has quality account management and is willing to answer any questions you may have.

Having a strong interaction with customers is key. You are partnering with your IRA custodian to get the most out of your retirement plan.

It’s crucial to find someone who has your best interests in mind. Another thing to watch out for is how your custodian treats his or her staff. A custodian should invest in their staff, offers them training, and keeps them at the forefront of investment learning.

1. The Right Fit

While all the previous points are crucial, the final fact of the matter is that you need to find the right custodian to fit you. You should be able to access your IRA custodian on your own time; so be mindful of the hours custodians may keep. Custodians should be willing to help you with your assets, offering advice to help you make the most informed choice, or direct you to someone who would have the right answers.

A good custodian will be able to cover your assets, provide you with consistent and quality assistance, and follow industry best practices. Additionally, select someone who won’t hit you with hidden fees and work outside your budget. Perform your due diligence and seek out the best professional to fit your high standards on a reasonable budget.

What Can a Good Custodian do for You?

Finding a good custodian to fit your needs is key to having a successful self-directed account. When you find someone willing to assist you with your financial needs and work to fit your specific needs, the possibilities are endless. As always, you should perform your due diligence and find the best fit for your financial and ideological situation. Once you finally connect with your custodian, you can start building your nest egg for a comfortable retirement. Find the right fit by contacting a trusted Horizon Trust custodian today.