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Resources

Education Center

Providing you with the knowledge to feel confident in your self-directed investment has always been our top priority. This page highlights frequently asked questions and our most popular guides and videos, with even more content just a click away.

FAQs

Knowledge is key when it comes to self-directed investing, and experience has given us quite a bit of knowledge we are eager to share.

What is a “self-directed” IRA?

A self-directed IRA is similar to a regular IRA except that you aren’t limited to only investing in the stock market—you can actually invest in assets of your choosing. You will enjoy the same tax-advantages, but you can diversify your portfolio and use your funds to invest in unique alternative assets such as real estate or private lending.

What types of alternative assets can I invest in at NDTCO?

With a self-directed account, you have the freedom to invest in what you are most passionate about. NDTCO specializes in helping our clients invest in many unique alternative assets, including real estate, private equity, private lending, and precious metals. There are a few assets you can’t invest in, as dictated by the IRS, such as insurance policies, collectibles (like art or antiques), certain types of coins or precious metals, and alcohol. NDTCO also does not support new investments in cryptocurrency.  

What is NDTCO’s role as custodian?

As a custodian, New Direction Trust Company is a financial body that holds tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, and Health Savings Accounts in a similar way to how banks “hold” checking and savings accounts for their clients.


While we do handle administrative tasks on behalf of our client accounts, such as prepare statements and reporting for the IRS, we cannot offer financial advice or opinions on investment decisions.  

What are the fees associated with your accounts?

For details regarding our annual account and transaction fees, please view our complete fee schedule. If you have any questions regarding which fees relate to your account, please contact us at 877-742-1270.

To easily and securely view and pay your NDTCO fees online, simply click on the “Pay Now” button on the left sidebar in our client portal.

How do I open a new account?

You can easily and quickly open a new self-directed account with NDTCO through our online application. If you have questions or concerns about your new account or our online application, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 877-742-1270.  

How can I check my account status online?

Simply log into our secure client portal. You will be able assess your investments, review recent transactions, make a contribution or distribution, upload confidential documents, update your personal information, and directly message our Client Relations team.

You should have created your username and password as part of your online application. If you are a current client and need access to the online portal, you can click on the “set-up online access link” on portal.ndtco.com or contact our Client Relations team at 877-742-1270

How do I add funds to my account?

You can add funds to your account through any of the three following methods: 

  • Contribution – A deposit of your personal money 
  • Transfer – A movement between the same or similar account types (e.g., Traditional IRA to Traditional IRA)  
  • Rollover – A movement between dissimilar account types (e.g., Solo 401(k) to Traditional IRA)  

Click here to learn more about contributions, transfers, and rollovers. 

I still have questions. How can I reach your team of dedicated client representatives?

If you are a current NDTCO client, please send us a secure communication through your account information via the client portal by clicking on “Messages” at the top of your screen.  

If you are not yet a current NDTCO client, you can reach our Sales and Client Relations teams by calling us at 877-742-1270 or by sending us a message via our Contact Us page. 

VIDEO LIBRARY

Watch our experts share their knowledge and provide the information you need for your investment endeavors. 

Featured

Foundations of a Self-Directed IRA
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Foundations of a Self-Directed IRA

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Learn more about investing in Real Estate
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Purchasing Real Estate With a Self-Directed IRA
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Group meeting in executive office
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Private Equity With Your IRA
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Professionals shake hands
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Structured Notes and Private Lending with Your IRA
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GUIDE LIBRARY

Self direction is a hands-on process. Let our guides walk you through each step of your chosen investment avenue. 

Featured

Click to download our Investment Guide to Self-Directed IRAs

Investment Guide to Self-Directed IRAs

Click to download our Real Estate Investment Guide

Beginner's Guide to
Real Estate Investing

Click to download our Private Equity Investment Guide

Beginner's Guide
Private Equity Investing

Click to download our Beginner's Guide to Private Lending

Beginner's Guide to
Private Lending Investing

Click to download our Checkbook IRA/LLC Investment Guide

Beginner's Guide to
Checkbook IRA/LLC Investing

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IRS Rules & Regulations

Security & Protection

UBIT, UDFI, & UBTI