--- title: Georgetown Trust Blog | Self-directed IRA description: Self-directed IRA | Learn more about the different types of offshore financial services offered by Georgetown Trust such as asset protection and global investments. --- [![Georgetown Trust](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/file-2208145092-png/images/georgetown-trust-logo.png "Georgetown Trust")](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/) # Charting your course to financial freedom and security # Charting your course to financial freedom and security # [How You Can Benefit From an SDIRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-you-can-benefit-from-an-sdira) By [Georgetown Trust](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/georgetown-trust) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Happy SDIRA Couple](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Happy%20SDIRA%20Couple-1.jpg?width=600&name=Happy%20SDIRA%20Couple-1.jpg) For many individuals, the prospect of relying on a pension or on Social Security during retirement is worrisome. If you're focused on financial security, and you want to oversee the management of assets that will provide for you in the future, then taking control over your retirement investments is a smart choice. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-you-can-benefit-from-an-sdira) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira) # [This is How to Hold Gold and Silver Offshore](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/this-is-how-to-hold-gold-and-silver-offshore) By [David J Drummond](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/david-j-drummond) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Gold & Silver Investing](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gold_and_Dollars.jpg?width=448&name=Gold_and_Dollars.jpg)Many are familiar with the history of past governmental confiscation of gold, silver, heirlooms, and jewelry. These types of occurrences spurred holders of such valuables to move them to multiple international locations. While holding precious metals like gold and silver offshore is not a new concept, it is gaining in popularity. Offshore storage of precious metals such as gold and silver is beneficial for many reasons, one of the biggest being risk mitigation. Here we’ll take a deeper dive into how, why, and where to store gold and silver both on and offshore. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/this-is-how-to-hold-gold-and-silver-offshore) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira), [Gold and Silver](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/gold-and-silver) # [What is a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)?](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-is-a-self-directed-ira-sdira) By [David J Drummond](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/david-j-drummond) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Self Directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Self-Directed20IRA-1-1.png?width=600&name=Self-Directed20IRA-1-1.png) An IRA, or an individual retirement account, is a common investment vehicle in the United States and around the world. It works by allowing individuals to save up for retirement while enjoying tax-free growth or tax deferment. However, a traditional IRA doesn't allow you to explore the full range of investment opportunities. With a [Self-Directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/self-directed-ira), you'll have far greater choices available to you. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-is-a-self-directed-ira-sdira) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira), [offshore IRAs](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/offshore-iras) # [The Best Way To Invest in Crypto Currencies](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/the-best-way-to-invest-in-crypto-currencies) By [David J Drummond](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/david-j-drummond) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)   ![BitcoinWorld.jpeg](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BitcoinWorld.jpeg?width=600&name=BitcoinWorld.jpeg) The best way to invest in crypto currencies is to do it in a qualified retirement plan (IRA, ROTH IRA,401K, etc.) to defer taxes, minimize accounting, and maximize control using a Self-Directed IRA with an international Limited Liability Company (LLC). [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/the-best-way-to-invest-in-crypto-currencies) Topics: [Asset Protection](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/asset-protection), [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira), [offshore IRAs](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/offshore-iras) # ["Checkbook IRA" May Be a Bit Misleading](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-to-benefit-from-a-self-directed-ira-0) By [David J Drummond](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/david-j-drummond) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Checkbook.jpg?width=300&name=Checkbook.jpg) ](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-to-benefit-from-a-self-directed-ira-0) The Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) market has utilized the term "Checkbook IRA" to describe a strategy that utilizes a Limited Liability Company (LLC) as an investment vehicle so often that it has become synonamous with the actual structure itself. However, this can be misleading when one is describing the strategy that utilizes international structures for purchasing assets outside of the United States. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-to-benefit-from-a-self-directed-ira-0) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira) # [The Capital Contribution Question](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-to-know-when-establishing-a-self-directed-ira-0) By [Georgetown Trust](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/georgetown-trust) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hubfs/images/StackofDollars.jpe) ](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-to-know-when-establishing-a-self-directed-ira-0) The creating of a company, be it a corporation or a limited liability company, requires one to specify to the service provider certain particulars with regard to the entity. You will be required to select a company name, identify the owners and their percentage ownership, specify the type of business to be performed, the geographic location in which the entity will operate and who is responsible for managing the company. These are all very straight forward, however, the item that causes the most confusions is the capital contribution amount. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-to-know-when-establishing-a-self-directed-ira-0) Topics: [Asset Protection](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/asset-protection), [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira), [International Business Companies](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/international-business-companies) # [How to Benefit From a Self-Directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-to-benefit-from-a-self-directed-ira) By [David J Drummond](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/david-j-drummond) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Financial_Planning_____iStock_89189121_LARGE.jpg?width=300&name=Financial_Planning_____iStock_89189121_LARGE.jpg) ](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-to-benefit-from-a-self-directed-ira) Since the creation of the IRA in 1974, countless Americans have taken advantage of this investment vehicle. Although a traditional IRA certainly has some advantages, including a significant tax break while saving for retirement, there are also some drawbacks. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/how-to-benefit-from-a-self-directed-ira) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira) # [Creating a Strategy for Your SDIRA LLC](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/creating-a-strategy-for-your-sdira-llc) By [David J Drummond](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/david-j-drummond) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Happy_Investor_in_a_Shower_of_Money____iStock_000083061751_Large-1.jpg](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Happy_Investor_in_a_Shower_of_Money____iStock_000083061751_Large-1.jpg?width=585&height=394&name=Happy_Investor_in_a_Shower_of_Money____iStock_000083061751_Large-1.jpg "Happy_Investor_in_a_Shower_of_Money____iStock_000083061751_Large-1.jpg") For many individuals, an IRA is one of the biggest sources of available capital. However, using a traditional IRA custodian limits your investment options and prevents you from making non-standard investments. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/creating-a-strategy-for-your-sdira-llc) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira) # [People Who Should Establish an SDIRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/people-who-should-establish-an-sdira) By [Georgetown Trust](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/georgetown-trust) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Retirement___iStock_000056129376_Large.jpg?width=300&name=Retirement___iStock_000056129376_Large.jpg) ](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/people-who-should-establish-an-sdira) A self-directed individual retirement account, or SDIRA, is an investment option that is gaining popularity around the world. The benefits of establishing an SDIRA are varied, but some of the top advantages include accessing investment capital from your IRA without incurring penalties, legally deferring some taxes, diversifying your retirement savings and taking back control over your hard-earned wealth. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/people-who-should-establish-an-sdira) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira) # [What to Know When Establishing a Self-Directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-to-know-when-establishing-a-self-directed-ira) By [Georgetown Trust](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/author/georgetown-trust) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Retirement_Planning__iStock_000016106015_Large.jpg?width=300&name=Retirement_Planning__iStock_000016106015_Large.jpg) ](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-to-know-when-establishing-a-self-directed-ira) The benefits of an SDIRA, or self-directed individual retirement account, are abundant. To start, an SDIRA puts your financial future back into your own hands, giving you greater control over your assets and your options for investment moving forward. [Read More](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/what-to-know-when-establishing-a-self-directed-ira) Topics: [Self-directed IRA](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira) [All posts](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira/page/2) ### Follow Us ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Categories - [Alternative Investment (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/alternative-investment) - [Asset Protection (18)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/asset-protection) - [Banking Services (14)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/banking-services) - [Belize Local Companies (2)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/belize-local-companies) - [bitcoin (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/bitcoin) - [bitcoin cash (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/bitcoin-cash) - [Community Support (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/community-support) - [crypto (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/crypto) - [crypto currency (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/crypto-currency) - [cryto banking (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/cryto-banking) - [crytpo bank (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/crytpo-bank) - [ethereum (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/ethereum) - [Foundations (4)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/foundations) - [Giving Back (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/giving-back) - [Going Offshore (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/going-offshore) - [Gold and Silver (3)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/gold-and-silver) - [Gold Loan Program (8)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/gold-loan-program) - [International Business Companies (16)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/international-business-companies) - [International Corporate Structures (2)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/international-corporate-structures) - [International Insurance (6)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/international-insurance) - [International Trusts (9)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/international-trusts) - [Licensing Consultation (2)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/licensing-consultation) - [offshore IRAs (3)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/offshore-iras) - [Precious Timber (7)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/precious-timber) - [Real Estate (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/real-estate) - [Residency Services (2)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/residency-services) - [ripple (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/ripple) - [Self-directed IRA (15)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/self-directed-ira) - [Teak (1)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/teak) - [Virtual Office (2)](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/blog/topic/virtual-office) - [Home](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/) - [Why Belize](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/aboutbelize) - [Our Services](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/our-services) - [About Us](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/contact) [Sitemap](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/sitemap) [XML](https://www.georgetowntrust.com/sitemap.xml) Copyright © 2026 - Georgetown Trust, Ltd [Website Design](https://www.xcellimark.com/web-design.aspx) and [Search Engine Marketing](https://www.xcellimark.com/search-engine-optimization.aspx) by [Xcellimark](https://www.xcellimark.com/) **Georgetown Trust, Ltd** P.O. 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