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Can You Rollover Your 401(k) to Bitcoin IRA?

As crypto continues to evolve, many investors are interested in adding digital assets to their retirement portfolios. That leads to an important question: “Can I invest my 401(k) in Bitcoin?”

The answer is yes, you can roll over your 401(k) to Bitcoin – specifically, to an account at Bitcoin IRA – where you can invest in Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies. 

Doing so lets you enjoy the growth potential of cryptocurrency inside a tax-advantaged retirement account. However, you’ll want to choose your account (and your  crypto choices) carefully.

Can I Invest My 401(k) in Bitcoin?

Yes, you can! There are multiple ways to add Bitcoin to your retirement portfolio. One common way is to rollover your 401(k) into a cryptocurrency IRA with Bitcoin IRA. 

Bitcoin IRA lets you open a crypto IRA, a tax-advantaged retirement account that allows  you to add alternative assets to your retirement portfolio. Aside from the usual stocks and bonds, these IRAs offer exposure to crypto assets. 

Reasons to Invest Your 401(k) at Bitcoin IRA

You’ll find several good reasons to move your 401(k) into cryptocurrency. From unprecedented ease and flexibility to military-grade security1, here’s what to know. 

  • Growth Potential: Cryptocurrencies are a disruptive innovation – that is, they could dramatically change the financial industry. 

While crypto has already seen fantastic growth during its existence, there’s still plenty of time for future growth. Adding crypto to your retirement portfolio could help you secure your wealth on the back of the next Bitcoin boom. 

  • Tax Advantages: You probably know that a Traditional 401(k) lets you defer your tax bill until retirement age. But Roth IRAs let you pay taxes now, then enjoy tax-free distributions  at retirement age. 

During that time, you can trade crypto in your account without paying taxes now – or potentially ever. Assuming you make qualified withdrawals in the right kind of account, that’s a hefty lifetime tax payment dramatically reduced. Not to mention that you won’t owe capital gains taxes on crypto retirement accounts.

  • Diversification: Rolling over part or all of your 401(k) to Bitcoin IRA is a great way to diversify your existing investments. Because crypto values aren’t affected by regular financial factors (such as company earnings), they can offer growth potential when other assets sink. 

Better yet, Bitcoin IRA offers over 60 cryptocurrencies, so you have plenty of choices  for diversification among individual currencies. 

  • Education Resources: Bitcoin IRA offers tons of online resources to help you on your investment journey. From the basics of cryptocurrency to why Bitcoin can boost your retirement potential, there are plenty of articles to keep you in the know.  
  • Insurance: Bitcoin IRA offers up to $250 million in custody insurance for select cryptocurrency holdings through a partnership with BitGo

Specifically, insurance is offered via BitGo’s insurance provider, Lloyd’s of London, the world’s premier insurance and reinsurance market. 

That’s added protection for your holdings against theft or blockchain breaches that could disrupt your investment progress. 

  • Security: Bitcoin IRA takes crypto security1 seriously. Most digital assets with Bitcoin IRA are stored with BitGo, the world’s largest Bitcoin transaction processor. BitGo relies on military-grade security1 measures and cold wallet1 (offline) storage to protect your assets. No other crypto IRA provider matches their level of protection. 
  • Ease of Use: Investing with Bitcoin IRA is simple and fun. After you complete a quick signup, you can fund your account and then easily self-trade or swap assets 24/7 online. You can also  access your account via the app. Plus, you’ll receive all the financial statements you need to satisfy Uncle Sam during tax time.
How to Roll Over Your 401(k) into Bitcoin IRA

Bitcoin IRA offers several ways to get investors started with a self-directed crypto IRA. Clients can choose to roll over from SEP, SIMPLE, IRA, 401(k) and other qualified accounts. Plus, you can start a brand-new IRA with no rollover required. 

Here’s how to get started, whether you prefer to roll over your 401(k) to Bitcoin IRA or fund your account with new contributions.

Step 1: Create Your Account

The first step is to create your Bitcoin IRA account. The application is quick and easy – generally, it takes just three minutes to fill out. Upon opening your account, you can access your customized dashboard to start on the next steps. 

Step 2: Fund Your Account

The next step is to fund your account to start trading assets. You have two basic choices:

  1.   Funding your account via direct deposit
  2.   Rolling over your 401(k) or another retirement account to Bitcoin IRA

Bitcoin IRA makes this process easy. Designate how much you want to invest and where the money is coming from, then fill out your profile information. Generally, accounts are ready to trade just 3 to 5 business days after a transfer is requested from your old retirement account. 

Step 3: Start Trading

After your account is funded, you can start trading digital assets using Bitcoin IRA’s proprietary platform. With an internet-connected device, you can buy, sell or swap anytime, anywhere right from your Bitcoin IRA dashboard. 

Step 4: Prepare for Tax Payments

Depending on how you fund your account, you may need to pay taxes now or later. 

For instance, rolling funds into a traditional crypto IRA won’t incur taxes now, but you’ll have to pay taxes on distributions taken at retirement age. The same goes for funds you contribute after the rollover. 

On the other hand, a Roth crypto IRA conversion may incur taxes during conversion, but all eligible distributions taken at retirement age will be tax-free.

Rolling Over Your 401(k) to Bitcoin IRA Shouldn’t be a Hassle

Bitcoin IRA believes that adding cryptocurrency to your retirement plan shouldn’t be a hassle. Fortunately, the  proprietary platform makes the transition fast, simple and painless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you roll over a 401(k) to a crypto IRA?

A: Yes, you can, using several methods – a 401(k) rollover is just one way to start with Bitcoin IRA. 

Q: Do I have to cash out my 401(k) to buy a crypto IRA?

A: You can avoid cashing out your 401(k) by initiating a rollover to a Bitcoin IRA account. Adding crypto to your portfolio provides diversification and growth potential to your portfolio. Because of the high volatility of cryptocurrency, it may be not be prudent to invest all of your 401(k) in assets in this sector.  Rather, you might consider rolling over a portion of your retirement account into crypto. 

Q: Is a crypto IRA a good idea?

A: Investing in crypto carries high risks – and the potential for high rewards. While a crypto IRA can be a good idea for long-term, growth-oriented investors, it’s also important to know your financial limits and level of risk tolerance. 

 

You might be also interested in: How to Choose the Best Bitcoin IRA Platform for Your Investment Needs

 

 

Alternative IRA Services, LLC dba Bitcoin IRA is a platform that connects consumers to qualified custodians, digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. The company is not a custodian, is not a digital wallet and is not an exchange. Self-directed purchases processed through Bitcoin IRA have not been endorsed by the IRS or any government or regulatory agency. Bitcoin IRA is not an adviser. Information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. We encourage you to consult an adviser or professional to determine whether Bitcoin IRA makes sense for you. Cryptocurrencies are very speculative and involve a high degree of risk. By using the website, you understand the information being presented is provided for informational purposes only and agree to comply with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

A digital key points to a shield protecting a Bitcoin coin.

How to Choose a Secure Crypto Custodian

The Keys to Secure Crypto Custody

In light of recent cryptocurrency events including the FTX bankruptcy, many crypto traders are asking how to find a secure crypto custody solution. Cryptocurrency security is especially important for long-term crypto investors who seek to protect their hard-earned nest eggs for their golden years.

Whether you’re a trader, investor, or both, we’ve shown how to secure crypto in your retirement account with cold storage wallets, industry-leading custody protection and insurance.1 Now, let’s take a closer look at how to evaluate a custody solution, including selecting a qualified custodian, safe digital wallets, and digital asset insurance.

How to Choose a Qualified Custodian 

Crypto enthusiasts want to secure their crypto with custodians they can trust to keep their digital assets safe. But savvy investors and crypto traders know that not all custody is created equal. A “qualified” custodian isn’t only competent in the generic sense of the word – they also have met stringent standards defined by regulators to protect funds against loss. Qualified custodians are regulated entities that have a fiduciary duty to their clients and hold their funds in segregated accounts. They must pass audits and may also obtain certifications that verify their services.

Key criteria for choosing a custodian include:

  • Qualified custodial services
  • SOC 2 Type 2 certification
  • Trusted across the industry

How to Choose a Safe Digital Wallet 

Another key to secure crypto custody is choosing a technology provider who partners with a custodian that stores your crypto in safe digital wallets. The safest digital wallets are cold-storage wallets. Although hot storage wallets may make funds easily available for quick trades by storing keys online, since the keys are kept over the internet, they can fall prey to thieves.

In contrast, cold-storage wallets store keys offline, creating a barrier for hackers. Cold-storage wallets are ideal for long-term investments, such as retirement savings, because of this extra layer of protection in storing digital assets.

Key criteria for choosing a digital wallet include:

  • Offline, cold-storage
  • Multi-key security
  • Two-way authentication

How to Choose Digital Asset Insurance 

Crypto investors seeking the most secure crypto custody may look for a company that offers digital asset insurance. Not all firms offer this type of insurance, and it may be offered at different levels to protect against theft, loss, or misuse.1

Key criteria for choosing digital asset insurance include:

  • Availability of coverage
  • Amount of coverage
  • Areas of coverage

Secure Crypto Custody for Retirement Investing 

It’s important to make an informed decision when choosing where to invest your crypto. Over 170,000 users trust Bitcoin IRA,2 the world’s first platform for cryptocurrency IRAs. The company offers secure crypto custody,1 empowering you to trade and invest securely for retirement with a user-friendly mobile app and over 60 cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin IRA partners with US-based firm, BitGo Trust Company, Inc., to seamlessly provide qualified custodial services for crypto IRAs and crypto retirement accounts. BitGo is SOC 2 Type 2 certified to meet strict standards for both information security and data integrity.

Recognized as an industry leader, BitGo was recently selected as the custodian for FTX’s remaining assets while bankruptcy proceedings are underway. In addition, BitGo was also chosen as the official wallet provider for Nike. BitGo is one of the world’s most secure and compliant digital asset custody solutions with a mission to “deliver trust in digital assets.”

Cold-Storage Wallets and Digital Asset Insurance  

Bitcoin IRA also partners with BitGo, the leading cold storage provider, to offer proprietary cold-storage wallets.1 The wallets provide military-grade, multi-key security protecting against any single point of failure. BitGo holds digital assets in qualified custody wallets where the assets are in segregated accounts. Segregated funds are kept separate and not mixed with other funds. While BitGo holds the assets, they cannot be used by BitGo.

Adding to its security features, Bitcoin IRA offers crypto IRAs with industry-leading custody insurance. Assets are insured for up to $250 million with BitGo and their insurance provider Lloyd’s of London, the world’s specialist insurance and reinsurance market.1 BitGo was one of the first companies to secure insurance coverage for digital assets.

Cryptocurrency security is a key priority for crypto traders and investors, and getting started with a trusted provider can offer peace of mind.

1Security, storage, wallet providers, and insurance may vary based on asset chosen and custody solution available.

2Alternative IRA Services, LLC dba Bitcoin IRA is a platform that connects consumers to qualified custodians, digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. The company is not a custodian, is not a digital wallet and is not an exchange. Self-directed purchases processed through Bitcoin IRA have not been endorsed by the IRS or any government or regulatory agency. Bitcoin IRA is not an adviser. Information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. We encourage you to consult an adviser or professional to determine whether Bitcoin IRA makes sense for you. Cryptocurrencies are very speculative and involve a high degree of risk. By using the website, you understand the information being presented is provided for informational purposes only and agree to comply with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

 

Questions on getting started with cryptocurrency investing in your Bitcoin IRA account? Our specialists are here to help! Call us at 877-936-7175 or email us today.

Recommended article: How to Secure Crypto in Your Retirement Account

Crypto coins including Bitcoin and Ethereum display in front of a closed padlock

How to Secure Crypto in Your Retirement Account | Bitcoin IRA

Trading and investing securely for retirement is a top concern for crypto investors, especially when they hear that the digital asset ecosystem has been impacted by cybersecurity events. Investors of all levels need to know how to secure crypto in their retirement accounts. It’s important to choose a crypto platform that can keep your savings safe from hackers and thieves.

The security of a cryptocurrency account often depends on how it is stored and the amount of protection behind the chosen storage method. So, how does cryptocurrency security work?

Cryptocurrency Security

Because they are digital assets, investors can’t hold cryptocurrency in their hands as they can stock notes or precious metals—they’re not tangible. In this manner, exchanging cryptocurrencies is similar to using a banking card in which money is electronically spent. On the other hand, unlike a banking card, every bit and byte of cryptocurrency has a ledger that follows it. Spending and exchanging are recorded on the blockchain the crypto was built on, so a permanent history is attached to each asset as it moves from one user to another.

While the transactional log alone does not protect your account from hackers, it may make it more difficult for hackers to steal cryptocurrencies. After reading through stories about cryptocurrency theft, investors may learn that most thefts are inside jobs or due to serious security flaws on the account provider’s side.

How to Secure Your Cryptocurrency

Average cryptocurrency investors may opt for one of two kinds of “wallets” to store their cryptocurrency: a hot wallet or a cold wallet. A hot wallet is connected through a cloud infrastructure online and may require multiple security options through an investor’s chosen portal. A cold wallet is a hardware device that may look similar to a USB drive and stores the cryptocurrency blockchain offline.

These digital wallets are often secured by a password and sometimes two-way authentication. For example, a hot wallet could contain two keys, one private and the other public.

Investors who choose to use hot wallet storage may elect to utilize the public key to put funds into the wallet and then the private key to spend the cryptocurrency. Using an offline storage method gives investors complete control of when others access the keys. While there may not be a single, most-secure cryptocurrency, online account providers have a variety of ways to protect private keys.

To keep your wallet safe, choose an account provider that offers:

  • A cold storage wallet
  • Enhanced private key storage
  • Two-way authentication

Some investors may decide to make a backup of a private key in case it gets lost.

How to Secure Cryptocurrency in an IRA

Investors who elect to invest in cryptocurrency in their IRA accounts may still need to select a hot or cold wallet. Unlike traditional crypto investors, retirement fund cryptocurrency investors do so through a custodian. The custodian may help you choose between hot and cold wallet options.

Other ways to keep your wallet safe include:

Safely Investing Retirement Funds in Crypto

Bitcoin IRA is the first and leading self-directed IRA platform that provides users with the opportunity to invest in over 60 different cryptocurrencies across all 50 states. Available via a web browser and a convenient and user-friendly mobile app, the Bitcoin IRA platform connects users with a qualified custodian, digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. Offering world-class security1 with 100% offline, cold storage and multi-signature wallets, Bitcoin IRA is seen as a safe choice by over 170,000 users.

Bitcoin IRA carefully chooses cryptocurrency assets before offering them to customers and utilizes some of today’s safest wallets. Digital assets are securely stored with BitGo along with industry-leading custody protection and insurance.1

Experience the Bitcoin IRA2 difference for yourself when it comes to diversifying your retirement holdings.

Get Started today.

1Security, storage, wallet providers, and insurance may vary based on asset chosen and custody solution available.

2 Alternative IRA Services, LLC dba Bitcoin IRA is a platform that connects consumers to qualified custodians, digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. The company is not a custodian, is not a digital wallet and is not an exchange. Self-directed purchases processed through Bitcoin IRA have not been endorsed by the IRS or any government or regulatory agency. Bitcoin IRA is not an adviser. Information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. We encourage you to consult an adviser or professional to determine whether Bitcoin IRA makes sense for you. Cryptocurrencies are very speculative and involve a high degree of risk. By using the website, you understand the information being presented is provided for informational purposes only and agree to comply with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

 

Questions on getting started with cryptocurrency investing in your Bitcoin IRA account? Our specialists are here to help! Call us at 877-936-7175 or email us today.

Recommended article: Crypto: To Invest or Not to Invest

Investor's Guide to Different Cryptocurrency Types | Bitcoin IRA

Guide to Different Cryptocurrency Types | Bitcoin IRA

Investors who are ready to try cryptocurrency investing often learn that the goals accomplished by different cryptocurrencies tend to vary. Just like companies from various industries that issue stock shares, each crypto has specific attributes that define its overarching mission (and particular use cases) as well as allow it to contribute to the world of cryptocurrency in a myriad of ways.

To date, there are more than 18,000 cryptocurrencies available for investors, which may seem like an overwhelming number of options to some. In an effort to best serve their users, the team at Bitcoin IRA carefully curated over 60 different cryptocurrencies that are available on their innovative crypto IRA platform.

Similar to sectors of the stock market, investors may consider spreading investments across different cryptocurrency use cases when working to diversify a portfolio. One way to begin is by breaking down cryptocurrencies by type and general use case. There are two main types of cryptocurrency — coins and tokens — with various ways to use them, including as a form of payment or as a service. As more investors continue to consider adding and trading cryptocurrency in their IRAs, it would be a good idea for them to gain a solid understanding of what differentiates cryptocurrencies from one another.

Different Cryptocurrency Types

Coins and tokens are digital assets that can be bought and sold, which tends to make the task of discerning between the two a bit tricky. Cryptocurrency coins are virtual or digital currencies, while tokens are only digital assets. Essentially, a coin acts as a single unit of currency and all transactions, whether to other coins or tokens, are recorded on the blockchain. Coins can sometimes be exchanged for different coins or tokens that come from another blockchain.

Unlike coins, tokens can’t be mined and are often created on third-party blockchains. The value of tokens varies, much like stocks, and tokens can hold different classifications, such as utility tokens or decentralized finance tokens. In addition, tokens can often represent a stake in the company.

Investors may still trade both, providing enough liquidity exists in the market to make the exchange.

Cryptocurrency Use Cases

There is no general rule for the best uses on the various cryptocurrency types. So, to fully understand an investment, some options for investors are to seek out the whitepaper for the crypto project as well as to identify a specific user group who is well versed in its underpinnings.

Payment Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is a payment cryptocurrency. Payment cryptos are used to make purchases of goods and services that accept crypto. Since Bitcoin, other popular payment cryptocurrencies were developed to speed up transaction times, such as like Litecoin and Ethereum. These cryptocurrencies may also be considered infrastructure cryptocurrencies in that they are the base of the blockchain infrastructure and pay the miners and participants approving transactions.

Financial Cryptocurrencies

Financial cryptocurrencies serve as a conduit for trading other cryptocurrencies. For example, investors may choose to purchase a particular financial cryptocurrency (Augur, for instance) to access other cryptocurrencies or lending strategies.

Another financial cryptocurrency that happens to also double as a service cryptocurrency is Compound. This crypto serves as a frictionless option for investors to use Ethereum-based coins and tokens as collateral for borrowing, lending, and collecting interest. Meanwhile, investors who hold Ether, for instance, have the option to keep a portion of it under the Compound token.

Service Cryptocurrencies

Service cryptocurrencies break the mold a bit in that they are generally token-based and are designed to link records from the real world to the blockchain.. Smart contracts, which are associated with a token and stored on the blockchain, are a standard application in service crypto.

For example, if you have ever bought property or a car, it may be difficult to guarantee the historical chain of past ownership. However, with a smart contract, all transactions are recorded on the blockchain, and they cannot be tampered with, meaning that the chain of ownership will always exist somewhere.

How to Start Investing for Retirement in Cryptocurrencies

Investors seeking to diversify their cryptocurrency investing may do so by utilizing crypto projects that produce different results. It is wise to learn about projects first by reading through published information before deciding which crypto is right you.

Bitcoin IRA* is on a mission to help Americans retire. Their innovative platform equips users with over 60 cryptocurrency options that are available to buy, trade or sell in real-time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With over 3,500 5-star reviews and over 100,000 users, their platform helps users can easily diversify their self-directed IRAs with cryptocurrency.

As the most trusted crypto IRA platform, Bitcoin IRA has processed more than $2 billion+ in transactions.. In addition, the platform is the industry’s go-to source for crypto thought leadership and has been featured extensively in the media, with coverage in Forbes, CNBC, Bloomberg, CoinDesk TV, and The Wall Street Journal, among other leading publications and media outlets.

* Alternative IRA Services, LLC dba Bitcoin IRA is a platform that connects consumers to qualified custodians, digital wallets and cryptocurrency exchanges. The company is not a custodian, is not a digital wallet and is not an exchange. Self-directed purchases processed through Bitcoin IRA have not been endorsed by the IRS or any government or regulatory agency. Bitcoin IRA is not an adviser. Information contained on this website is for educational purposes only. We encourage you to consult an adviser or professional to determine whether Bitcoin IRA makes sense for you. Cryptocurrencies are very speculative and involve a high degree of risk. By using the website, you understand the information being presented is provided for informational purposes only and agree to comply with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Recommended article: Growing Your Nest Egg with Crypto

Guide to Cryptocurrencies in a Roth IRA | Bitcoin IRA

Guide to Cryptocurrencies in a Roth IRA | Bitcoin IRA

New investors are often curious about the benefits of a Roth IRA vs. a traditional IRA. The most significant difference between the two is how each is taxed.

Investors may make pre-tax contributions to a traditional IRA, and then the money is taxed when it is withdrawn. With a Roth IRA, the money contributed may not be tax-deductible in the contribution year, but it might also not be taxed when it is withdrawn at retirement age. For investors considering long-term cryptocurrency investments, the potential tax benefits make the Roth IRA an attractive option.

So why might investors consider a self-directed Roth IRA?

Overall, Roth IRAs potentially remove or mitigate the risk of a future increase in retirement income taxes. Additionally, assuming that the account grows over time, a Roth IRA holds the possibility of paying fewer taxes on the resulting amount when an investor enters retirement.

Cryptocurrencies in a Roth IRA

To achieve portfolio diversity, you may invest in alternative assets, such as cryptocurrencies within both a Roth or traditional IRA. An option for investors seeking to add digital currency to an IRA would be to consider seeking out an IRA custodian offering alternative investments.

Having a separate account for alternative asset investing may help to diversify a retirement portfolio as a whole. Diversifyingaway from traditional assets, like stocks and bonds, can be important for investors who are looking to prepare for future market adjustments. Investors can use self-directed Roth IRA accounts for many alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies, real estate, and much more.

Investors may choose to roll over portions of existing or entire accounts to an IRA custodian in order to fund a self-directed Roth IRA for cryptocurrency investing. Meanwhile, those without an existing Roth IRA account may also open a self-directed IRA for cryptocurrency with the same custodian and make contributions.

Investing a Roth IRA in Cryptocurrencies

Like any other type of investing, it’s typical for investors to begin by educating themselves about the assortment of cryptocurrency options available. One thing to note would be finding a platform with offerings that cater to the interests of the investor. Bitcoin IRA offers investors more than 60 types of cryptocurrencies to choose from. The more choices available, the easier it is for investors to diversify their portfolio with crypto holdings.

Another route for eager investors to consider could be to divide funds between three of the more popular cryptocurrencies to diversify their entire retirement portfolio. That said, some investors may prefer to deeply research (crypto) projects based on their fundamentals by reading whitepapers, online articles and using social media to learn how other investors rank their prospects.

There is no right or wrong way to go about investing, but it is best to have a strategy that works for you.

Opening a Cryptocurrency Roth IRA

Bitcoin IRA1 offers investors a tax-advantaged2 way to invest in various cryptocurrency assets directly in their self-directed IRAs. Investors can take advantage of the simple process of opening an account. The 24/7 platform can be accessed from mobile devices, allowing for easy trading and management of your Roth IRA.

2Some taxes may apply. We recommend you consult your tax, legal, and investment advisor.

 

Questions on getting started with cryptocurrency investing in your Bitcoin IRA account? Our specialists are here to help! Call us at 877-936-7175 or email us today.

Recommended article: Why Investors are Banking on Bitcoin Instead of Social Security

Bitcoin IRA | Bitcoin vs Social Security

Why Investors Bank on Bitcoin Instead of Social Security | Bitcoin IRA

Whether you are 30 years away from retirement or three, planning for your senior years was something that the U.S. government thought it could help with.

The Social Security (insurance program) was brought forth by the Social Security Act of 1935 as a general welfare effort to help provide economic security to retired workers and their families. It was in 1940 when Americans began to receive these benefits and the social security system provided retirees with the fixed monthly income that we know of today.

Since then, multiple administrations have engaged in talks about altering or removing the system altogether. Because the future of the social security system is not written in stone, many American workers have taken matters about their retirement income into their own hands by investing in self-directed IRA accounts, managing their own stocks, as well as by contributing to 401(k) and alternative retirement plans.

Investors who were managing their portfolio of stocks and bonds between 2009 and 2019 found that, for the most part, most assets increased in value. Once the economy hit a period of higher inflation, some investors of all ages began considering other asset classes as alternative investments, like cryptocurrency.

Who is Investing in Cryptocurrency

Younger investors (within the Gen Z category) have started seeing long-term benefits when investing in cryptocurrency, expecting to hold it in their portfolio for five or more years. For millennials, 46% surveyed by 2021 Engine Insights report that they believe they can become millionaires by investing in crypto.

And, while Gen Z’ers and millennials are out-buying other generations in crypto investments, Gen X is out-spending by almost $1,000 per year.

While the risks of investing in cryptocurrency include competition, cyberattacks and changing regulations, the potential long-term benefits have, so far, shown promising potential growth for investors.

Using Cryptocurrency in a Retirement Program

By taking advantage of self-directed accounts, some investors may opt into a program that allows them to buy, sell or trade cryptocurrency.

Utilizing a self-directed IRA for your cryptocurrency investment strategy may offer some tax advantages, such as helping you to avoid capital gains taxes by deferring taxes on your crypto investments held in your IRA. For instance, when the price of a cryptocurrency increases by large percentages in a short period, you may be less likely to pay a tax rate of more than 20% on the gains you’ve earned.

Among other benefits of holding and trading cryptocurrency in an IRA account is that it has the predisposition to hedge against inflation, like gold. This is due to the finite or limited supply of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in addition to the fact that crypto isn’t tied to one country’s economy.

When you’re ready to give cryptocurrency investing within your IRA a shot, the key is finding a custodian that offers you alternative investments in addition to that of traditional asset classes that are accessible directly within your IRA.

Adding Bitcoin Investments to your IRA Portfolio

Innovative investment platforms, like Bitcoin IRA, offer users alternative investments as a solution to augment their potential, future social security income.

Bitcoin IRA makes the process simple for one to open a new IRA account and roll over funds from an existing one. Bitcoin IRA helps you to open a tax-advantaged* IRA account that allows you to invest in alternative assets, like cryptocurrencies. The platform can also be accessed on mobile devices, allowing for 24/7 trading and easy access to your IRA dashboard.

*Some taxes may apply. We recommend you consult your tax, legal, and investment advisor.

 

Questions on getting started with cryptocurrency investing in your Bitcoin IRA account? Our specialists are here to help! Call us at 877-936-7175 or email us today.

Recommended article: Crypto: To Invest or Not to Invest

Bitcoin IRA | Growing Your Nest Egg with Cryptocurrency Investing

Growing Your Nest Egg with Crypto | Bitcoin IRA

With the stock market in a stage that many refer to as a bubble, it can be tough to identify the best ways to diversify your portfolio so that you can grow your nest egg (also known as your retirement account or retirement savings).

When considering to diversify a portfolio with cryptocurrencies, investors may wonder about these types of assets and how they can impact or possibly even benefit an IRA. The good news is that because the IRS views cryptocurrencies as property, crypto investments are available as assets for an IRA, which means that you can easily use crypto to grow your nest egg. The important thing is to find a reliable self-directed IRA custodian that offers cryptocurrency investing. If you’re looking to diversify your IRA portfolio with alternative assets, like cryptocurrencies, this article is for you. Learn more on how to do this below.

How to Invest in Cryptocurrencies

When growing your nest egg, your investment choices may often revolve around the amount of risk you are willing to take. Investors may mitigate risk to maintain a financial plan in several ways, including portfolio diversification. For example, in your current IRA platform, you may be able to purchase Bitcoin or Ether futures. Still, with the wide variety of offerings on the market, you may want to maximize your opportunity to diversify your cryptocurrency holdings between different types of assets.

In some cases, certain cryptocurrencies were developed to solve specific problems. For example, Bitcoin can help people who don’t have access to banks while Litecoin was created to make crypto transactions faster than they were with Bitcoin.

Bitcoin (BTC) is the first established and most well-known cryptocurrency. It engineered the use of blockchain technology that has been adopted as the backbone of new industries. Many other offerings, including Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, use similar but lighter-weight technology, to accomplish similar things as Bitcoin.

Digital coins vary from one another, as they aim to accomplish different objectives. For instance, Internet Computer was designed to improve the internet architecture, and Filecoin seeks to provide a secure web-based data storage solution. So, when investing in cryptocurrencies, it’s wise to research the coins you’re looking to invest in and learn each coin’s objective toward improving specific systems currently in place or current gaps in their space.

You can conduct your technical analysis by reviewing this coin research alongside historical price charts to view how different cryptocurrencies have performed in the past. Then, once you have decided which projects you want to support, investing in cryptocurrency seems likely to be your next step. If you’re ready to get started, find a digital IRA platform that is right for you, open a wallet for your digital currencies and choose the cryptocurrencies you’d like to buy.

It’s important to note that cryptocurrency does not have to be an all-in investment product. Know that you can also purchase portions of coins versus a whole coin. For example, one Bitcoin is trading at around $40,000, but you can buy any amount of your desired crypto that works best for you and your portfolio.

Find an Investment Platform

There are numerous ways to invest in cryptocurrencies. In addition to a regular exchange, many investors are seeking out the potential tax advantages associated with crypto investing in an IRA or even a 401(k). While there are various custodians available, not all of them are structured for users to open IRA accounts to buy or sell crypto. So, if crypto is something you’d be interested in exploring, be sure to look for a custodian that offers this option when preparing to invest your IRA in cryptocurrencies.

For example, Bitcoin IRA offers investors options to open a new retirement account or transfer funds from an existing retirement account, like an IRA, to invest in cryptocurrencies. In addition, our platform can be conveniently accessed via a mobile app as well as through a web experience. In fact, our platform allows you to buy, sell or swap crypto directly in your IRA anytime, wherever it suits you, 24/7. Plus, Bitcoin IRA offers users access to over 60 different types of cryptocurrencies.

Growing Your Nest Egg with Cryptocurrencies

To grow your nest egg by investing your IRA in cryptocurrencies, first, choose and research a credible and secure platform with features that best serve you. Then, educate yourself about the different types of cryptocurrencies available to you and determine which fit best into your risk assessment mix. Next, it’s time to begin investing and once you do, it’s suggested that you assess the performance of your investments as you would any other account.

Bitcoin IRA is an industry-leading Crypto IRA Platform that allows you to invest in tax-sheltered IRA* accounts in assets like cryptocurrencies; check them out today.

 

*Some taxes may apply. We recommend you consult your tax, legal, and investment advisor.

 

Questions on getting started with cryptocurrency investing in your Bitcoin IRA account? Our specialists are here to help! Call us at 877-947-4125 or email us today.

Recommended article: Crypto: To Invest or Not to Invest

Bitcoin IRA | Crypto: To Invest or Not to Invest

Crypto: To Invest or Not to Invest | Bitcoin IRA

Cryptocurrency investing has become a hot topic over the last five years, and because of how its popularity has risen, long-term investors could worry that cryptocurrency investing may seem like the wild west of finance. One thing we can say is that it’s starting to appear that crypto  is here to stay.

 

What Makes Cryptocurrencies a Good Investment?

First and foremost, cryptocurrencies are starting to gain recognition and acceptance from more people, businesses, and institutions. In addition, central banks (worldwide) are also working on digital coins of their own. So, the digitization of everything money-related is on the horizon.

Consider this: investing in cryptocurrencies is a great way to diversify your currentfiat-based portfolio—especially your retirement portfolio—as you become an early adopter ofcrypto trading, relative to the rest of the world.

The recent attention drawn to cryptocurrencies has piqued the interest of regulators, and there are legal off-the-blockchain products available in which to invest. For example, there are CME hosts bitcoin futures products, and there are also many cryptocurrency ETFs for investment as well. In addition to these investment platforms, people are also looking into their retirement accounts, including their IRA and 401(k) accounts, for cryptocurrency investing due to potential associated tax advantages.

Pros of cryptocurrency investing:

  • It can help you diversify your retirement portfolio
  • Crypto is becoming more widely accepted
  • Potential for high scale with long-term investments

Are Cryptocurrencies Risky?

The most widely talked about risk associated with well-known cryptocurrency names is its volatility. While the broader market is experiencing  a good amount of unpredictability at the moment, cryptocurrencies tend to have wider price swings (on a daily basis) than some of the more popular stocks and ETFs.

Additional concerns of cryptocurrency investing tend to vary upon each individual investor. It’s important to note that not every coin will yield 1000% returns, as many are coming to realize. Like the threat of any stock, cryptocurrencies may experience hype before becoming vaporized when a significant player sells at the top, regardless of the project’s validity behind the coin.

So, simply opening a wallet and buying coins at random may not be a viable strategy. That said, smart investors wouldn’t necessarily do that with stocks, real estate or other types of investments either.

Risks of investing in cryptocurrencies:

  • Cryptocurrencies, on average, tend to be driven by speculation
  • Going into cryptocurrency investing with outlandish expectations may not always result in outlandish gains
  • Many invest in projects without doing their due diligence nor the proper research

Is Cryptocurrency a Good Investment?

Yes, it can be if the right strategy and due diligence are employed. It’s highly recommended for cryptocurrency investors to take the time and make the effort to educate themselves and do their research. This way, they can be better equipped to make thoroughly thought-out investment decisions to diversify their portfolio. Doing this gives them the potential to fare well with cryptocurrency investing.

As always, the use of risk parameters that are appropriate for your portfolio while taking advantage of these technologically innovative high-growth assets is highly recommended. BitcoinIRA offers a range of self-directed IRA options along with easy solutions for converting your fiat into crypto, all with just a few clicks via their mobile app or on their website.

Questions on getting started with cryptocurrency investing in your Bitcoin IRA account? Our specialists are here to help! Call us at 877-947-4125 or email us today.

Recommended article: Bitcoin vs Stocks

Here’s Why Bitcoin Deserves a Place in Your Portfolio

Bitcoin deserves a place in your portfolio irrespective of what ‘smart’ conservative money managers would have you believe. Bitcoin is a disruptive technology because its creates a new market in how financial transactions are handled. Bitcoin also has the potential to disturb the traditional monetary system and eventually displace money (fiat currency) as we currently know it.

Of course, it wouldn’t be wise to sell all your assets to buy Bitcoin or to put all of your investment in Bitcoin; yet, you’ll be doing yourself a major disservice if you refuse to join the bandwagon of early adopters who are investing in the potential of Bitcoin. This article provides insight into some of the reasons why you should endeavor include Bitcoin in your portfolio in order to reap the benefits of diversification.

1. Bitcoin is not a passing fad

Many products and services often come into limelight with a tag for being “disruptive”, only for them to fizzle out of existence after a couple of years. Bitcoin is not a passing fad and it is here to stay. To start with, Bitcoin (built on Blockchain technology) imbibes the very essence of the most disruptive 21st century technologies. Bitcoin has a mobile-first approach, it is open source, it facilitates peer-to-peer transactions, focused on privacy, and encrypted with cryptography. No other financial/monetary product is fortified with all the technologies that give Bitcoin its unprecedented level of usefulness and security.

2. Bitcoin has direct application across hundreds of markets and industries

Many people erroneously assume that Bitcoin is only useful for sending and receiving payments when you don’t want to go through banks. The assumption is reinforced by the fact that Bitcoin was the choice payment system for questionable transactions on places such as Silk Road. Nonetheless, Bitcoin could compete with fiat currencies for direct applications in a wide variety of markets. Bitcoin has direct applications in the $1 trillion e-commerce market, the $515B annual remittance market, and in the $2 trillion annual e-payment market among others.

3. Tech and finance heavyweights already support Bitcoin

Bitcoin is still in infancy and it’s adoption is still a long way off from gaining traction in the mass market. Nonetheless, Bitcoin is already getting rave reviews of heavyweights in the technology industry. Paul Buchheit who founded Gmail has opined that “Bitcoin may be the TCP/IP of money.” Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft says Bitcoin is “a technological tour de force.” Richard Brown, an executive at IBM notes that “Bitcoin is a very sophisticated, globally distributed asset ledger.”

 Heavyweights in the finance sector have also lent their voice to support Bitcoin. For instance, top-tier venture capitalists such as Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and Fred Wilson have invested in the technology.

4. Bitcoin’s adoption is on an uptrend globally

Bitcoin might still be in infancy but its adoption shows a predominantly upward trend globally. The U.S. government is already toeing the path of acceptance and regulation for Bitcoin in the U.S. Bitcoin has earned the title of digital gold in Germany. The adoption of the cryptocurrency has grown rapidly in China and India in response to some of the monetary policies of the government. Available data shows that in Q1 2016, there were more than 13 million Bitcoin wallets to account for a 60% year-over-year increase. More so, the hashrate on the Bitcoin network was 1,028 pth/s to mark a 300% year-over-year increase.

Incent: Blockchain Tech Meets Retail Rewards

Overview of Incent

Incent is a blockchain powered loyalty rewards system, designed to align stakeholder, consumer, and investor interests.  The system incorporates digital currency into the reward system for retail operations.  To simplify, when a consumer makes a purchase, they are rewarded with a digital currency which he or she may spend at any retailer using Incent.  Effectively, it is a low-cost, high-intelligence coupon system.

The creators of Incent designed the platform to provide a loyalty rewards program that improves retailer and customer experience.  For retailers, the platform builds upon existing customer intelligence and customer incentives at minimal cost.  Intelligence about customers improves as retailers gain access toloyaltymargin all transactions that the customer makes in the network.  In accordance with traditional loyalty reward programs, customers are more likely to shop at stores where there is a deal.  As a disruption to existing loyalty reward models, blockchain technology does not require chip or card technology for point-of-sale transactions.  For customers, Incent expands the scope of reward spending to include other retailers on the platform.

On October 1st, the developers plan to crowdsale tokens with the goal of raising between $1 million and $5 million.  The sale is intended to finance the platform and stabilize the token currency.

Adoption Projections and Bitcoin Technology

If Incent succeeds early, with a high adoption rate among retailers, growth could occur at a nonlinear rate.  In the hypothetical situation of success, non-blockchain business would face pressure from customers and lower reward margins to accept the currency.  The rate of acceptance, with particular respect to consumer demand, would snowball as more retailers joined the program.  Conversely, if it struggled to gain a following among retailers or customers, the value of the tokens would drop and the platform would lose operational capabilities.

In either event, the growth and investment in blockchain technologies is a testament to the underlying structure of Bitcoin.  Whether Incent succeeds or fails, the investment in blockchain technology contributes to my faith in Bitcoin’s underlying technological security.

Image from Incent white paper.