What is the difference between a “traditional" IRA and a "self-directed" IRA?

There is no legal distinction between a traditional IRA and a self-directed IRA. While Traditional, Roth, SEP and other IRAs can all be “self-directed” (meaning you choose what to invest in), most brokerages and custodians don’t allow investments in alternative assets - assets not publicly-traded and therefore illiquid. With The Alternative IRA™, investors gain maximum control and flexibility to invest their IRA in assets they know and understand - like startups, real estate, and more.

Traditional, Roth, SEP and other IRA’s can all be “self-directed,” meaning you choose what to invest in. However, most brokerages and custodians won’t allow you to invest in alternative assets -- assets not publicly-traded and therefore illiquid. With an AltoIRA account you have maximum control and flexibility to invest your IRA in alternative assets, or as we like to say, what you want and know. This makes us think Alternative Asset IRA is a more appropriate label, don’t you?!