Equity Trust Company

Equity Trust Company Self-Directed IRA Custodian. Established in 1974. Recognized by Investopedia as Best Overall Self-Directed IRA Company 2020-2025.

Equity Trust Company is a financial services company that enables individual investors, financial professionals, and institutions to diversify investment portfolios through alternative asset classes, including real estate, tax liens, private equity, and precious metals. Equity Trust Company (or its affiliates) offers custodial services for alternative investments, investment in alternative assets

with individual retirement accounts, back-office solutions for RIAs, brokerage services, directed trustee services, and more. Equity Trust Company evolved from a predecessor brokerage firm that started in 1974, to a financial services company today, representing over $39 billion in assets under custody and administration (as of 1/31/2023). Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional.

06/05/2026

Not all financing works the same inside an IRA.

Non-recourse loans are required when using leverage in a self-directed IRA, meaning the property secures the loan, not your personal assets. Signing a personal guarantee could be considered a prohibited transaction and may impact the IRA’s status.

Learn how financing works in a self-directed IRA – link in comments

Retirement savings strategies are not limited to one income earner. For married couples, certain retirement accounts may...
06/01/2026

Retirement savings strategies are not limited to one income earner.

For married couples, certain retirement accounts may allow a non-working spouse to continue building savings for the future. Understanding contribution rules and eligibility can help with long-term planning.

Learn more about retirement account contribution strategies – link in comments

05/29/2026

Some retirement accounts allow contribution limits far beyond what many investors expect.

In this episode of Getting Real, we break down five self-directed retirement accounts with the highest contribution limits in 2026 and how they differ for business owners, self-employed investors, and high earners.

Learn more about self-directed retirement accounts – link in comments

A proposed DOL rule could change how 401(k)s approach alternative assets. The proposal focuses on the process fiduciarie...
05/28/2026

A proposed DOL rule could change how 401(k)s approach alternative assets.

The proposal focuses on the process fiduciaries use to evaluate investments like real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency, rather than restricting specific asset types. Access may continue to vary by plan and provider.

See what this could mean for retirement investors – link in comments

05/26/2026

Not all investments live in the stock market.

Alternative assets like real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency offer different risk and return profiles, which can play a role in diversification. Some may carry higher risk with potential for higher returns, while others may focus more on long-term stability.

Explore how alternative assets fit into a portfolio – link in comments

The Federal Reserve hasn’t cut rates since December 2025. But how does that affect your investment portfolio? From borro...
05/13/2026

The Federal Reserve hasn’t cut rates since December 2025. But how does that affect your investment portfolio?

From borrowing costs in real estate to shifts in investor sentiment across stocks and crypto, interest rates can shape how investors evaluate opportunities and diversification.

Learn more about how the Fed rate affects different assets – link in comments.

Social Security can play an important role in retirement income, but it doesn’t have to be the only source. In 2026, the...
05/11/2026

Social Security can play an important role in retirement income, but it doesn’t have to be the only source.

In 2026, the average monthly benefit is $2,071, and many investors build additional savings to complement this income over time. A broader approach can help support evolving financial needs throughout retirement.

Explore ways to grow your retirement savings – link in comments

For some, springtime is home-buying season. With additional inventory, shifting demand, and new competition, investors m...
05/06/2026

For some, springtime is home-buying season.

With additional inventory, shifting demand, and new competition, investors may want ways to stay on top of market dynamics.

Explore real estate data reports – link in comments

05/05/2026

Do taxes in your IRA always signal a problem?

Join John Bowens in this episode of Getting Real as he explains how Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) works within a self-directed IRA. Learn when it may apply and why some investors encounter it when using strategies like leverage.

Watch the full episode – link in comments

Retirement planning often becomes a shared journey. Differences in goals, timelines, and investment preferences can shap...
04/29/2026

Retirement planning often becomes a shared journey.

Differences in goals, timelines, and investment preferences can shape how couples approach saving. Coordinating early can help create a more unified long-term strategy.

Explore retirement planning for couples – link in comments

Address

Westlake, OH

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+18885947844

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