Is Your Retirement Planning on Autopilot?

For most households, a retirement account is their largest pool of capital. A growing number of these investors are exploring self-directed IRAs as a way to access a broader range of asset classes within their retirement accounts.¹

IRAs and 401(k)s are typically invested in index funds, target-date funds, and bond funds. These are often referred to as "set it and forget it" strategies, because they’re generally considered simple and low-maintenance.²

Passive investing strategies may be common—but not everyone wants a hands-off approach. Some investors want a more active role in their retirement planning. A self-directed IRA (SD-IRA) makes that possible. 

An SD-IRA opens access to a broader menu of investments. That includes private equity, which has historically outperformed the S&P 500 over 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year horizons, as measured by the PitchBook North American Private Equity Index.³* These investments carry different risk profiles than traditional retirement holdings, including limited liquidity and the potential loss of principal. 

Crowd Street's integration with Equity Trust offers a streamlined process to open and fund an SD-IRA. An existing 401(k) or other retirement assets can be moved into an SD-IRA via a rollover or trustee-to-trustee transfer. 

Once funded, an SD-IRA can hold the same index funds and target-date funds found in traditional retirement accounts—but also private equity, venture capital, private credit, and more. These categories can provide access to companies before their IPO, creating a different set of opportunity and risk considerations for investors. 

If you’re interested in taking a more active role in your retirement planning, visit the Crowd Street platform to get started. 

*This comparison uses the PitchBook North American Private Equity Index, which tracks the performance, cash flows, and horizon IRRs of North American private equity funds, and the S&P 500 Index. PitchBook North American Private Equity Index, as of December 31, 2023, over the prior 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year horizons.  Past performance is not indicative of future results. Private market investments involve substantial risks, including illiquidity and the potential loss of principal. Investors should carefully consider their investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing.