Overview

Introduction

PENSCO Trust gives clients the valuable opportunity to self-direct the investments within their retirement accounts. Because PENSCO Trust, as a regulated bank and "passive" custodian, does not provide investment advice or sell investment products, clients are freed from the usual limitations of "standard" IRA custodians – i.e., broker/dealers or traditional banks. It is only because these product-driven custodians have dominated the IRA industry that the public is unaware of the true retirement options. It is a common misconception that these non-stock market investments such as real estate have just recently been allowed, and industry professionals constantly ask us when these "new laws" came about. However, the IRS code concerning acceptable types of IRA assets has remained unchanged since IRAs were created in 1974.

PENSCO Trust exists to facilitate your investment transactions and thereby assist you in realizing your retirement goals. We have specialized in real estate and private placement transactions within IRAs for our entire 18+ year history, and pride ourselves on the efficiency, knowledge and expertise we have acquired over time. Our experience has resulted in the tremendous flexibility that we are able to provide our clients, and we hope that you take full advantage of the education we provide in order to seek out the investment opportunities that make the most sense for you.

Of course, with this increased freedom and ability to take control comes a greater degree of responsibility. Investors who choose to "self-direct" their accounts have educated themselves enough to feel comfortable that there are many more ways to maximize the long term gains in their IRAs than just through CDs, mutual funds, or publicly traded stocks and bonds.

IRS Code is Exclusionary

PENSCO permits clients to invest in virtually all IRS-permitted investment types. Because the law governing the types of investments permitted within IRAs is exclusive rather than inclusive, there is a specific list of investments that are prohibited (See IRS Publication 590 for additional details). These are:

Self-Directed IRA Investment Options

There are many other types of investments that can be made within IRAs. Some of these include unit trusts and secured contracts, to name a few. If you have a question regarding the acceptance of a specific investment you have in mind, please contact us. While we cannot advise you concerning the merit or particular structuring of a specific investment, we'll do our best to answer any questions about whether or not PENSCO Trust will be able to transact it for you. In addition, we are always happy to assist you in finding an attorney or other professional that can offer advice.