If you're looking for a reliable self-directed IRA custodian, Equity Trust is a name you can trust. With nearly 50 years of experience, they specialize in alternative assets, managing over $52 billion in assets. Their team offers personalized guidance to help you navigate various investment options, including real estate and cryptocurrency. Plus, they maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether you're just starting or seeking to expand your investment portfolio, Equity Trust provides the tools and insights needed for informed decisions. There's a lot more to discover about their offerings.
Key Takeaways
- Founded in 1974, Equity Trust is a pioneer in self-directed IRAs, managing over 368,000 accounts and $52 billion in assets.
- The company holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, emphasizing its commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable service.
- Equity Trust offers diverse investment options, including real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency, tailored for self-directed IRAs.
- Personalized IRA counselors provide guidance and education to help clients make informed investment decisions and maximize retirement savings.
- Active community involvement and a focus on diversity and inclusion enhance Equity Trust's reputation as a trusted investing partner.
Company Overview and History
Equity Trust, founded in 1974, stands out as a pioneer in the financial services sector, particularly in self-directed IRAs. Since 1983, it has gained recognition as a self-directed IRA custodian, showcasing nearly 50 years of experience in helping investors take control of their retirement savings.
As of June 1, 2024, you'll find that Equity Trust manages over 368,000 accounts and more than $52 billion in assets under custody, underscoring the significant trust investors place in the company.
Operating as a directed custodian, Equity Trust specializes in alternative assets within tax-advantaged accounts, providing you with diverse investment opportunities. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and their robust support network.
With a dedicated team of over 400 knowledgeable associates, Equity Trust guarantees operational efficiency and personalized service, facilitating over 2 million transactions annually.
They also offer valuable educational resources to help you navigate the complexities of investing and make informed decisions. Whether you're seeking investment advice or exploring alternative assets, Equity Trust has positioned itself as a trusted leader in the self-directed IRA landscape.
Leadership and Expertise
The expertise behind Equity Trust plays an essential role in its success as a leader in self-directed IRAs. With a leadership team boasting over 30 years of experience in financial services, you can trust that they know how to navigate the complex world of alternative investments. Each member brings unique skills and a commitment to client-centric strategies, ensuring your retirement wealth is in good hands.
Here are three key aspects of Equity Trust's leadership and expertise:
- Diverse Backgrounds: Leaders like George Sullivan, Richard Desich, and Renee Albert combine their knowledge in finance, non-traditional investing, and strategic direction to create robust financial solutions.
- Community Engagement: The leadership team actively participates in community organizations, which fosters a sense of responsibility and connection beyond business.
- Focus on Inclusion: Equity Trust prioritizes diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse team enhances creativity and drives better outcomes.
With such experienced leadership at the helm, you can feel confident that Equity Trust is dedicated to guiding you toward your financial goals while valuing community and inclusivity.
Investment Options Available
Investing your retirement funds can feel overwhelming, but Equity Trust simplifies the process by offering a variety of investment options tailored to your needs. With their Universal IRA, you can immerse yourself in both traditional assets like stocks and mutual funds, as well as alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, and cryptocurrency.
This flexibility allows you to diversify your retirement investments and explore numerous investment opportunities. Additionally, incorporating a Gold IRA can greatly enhance your portfolio's resilience against market volatility and inflation, making it a valuable option for investors looking to diversify. For insights into the benefits of Gold IRAs, check out Gold IRA benefits.
Equity Trust's self-directed IRAs empower you to manage your assets beyond conventional options, all while complying with IRS regulations. You can invest in a wide range of asset classes, including precious metals, mortgage notes, promissory notes, and even foreign currency trading accounts.
The Investment District platform provides a centralized location for discovering diverse investment opportunities, enhancing your decision-making process as a self-directed investor.
To make asset management seamless, Equity Trust offers user-friendly online tools, like the myEQUITY platform, which helps you filter, sort, and export your account data efficiently.
With these resources, you'll find the right investment options to achieve your financial goals and secure your retirement.
Getting Started With Equity Trust
Getting started with Equity Trust is easy and straightforward.
You can call an IRA Counselor at (888) 841-7510 for personalized assistance or schedule a quick discovery call to discuss your investment goals. They can provide valuable insights on IRA Rollover to Gold and how it can enhance your retirement portfolio.
Once you're ready, just complete the online form to open your Universal IRA and explore your fund transfer options.
Opening Your Account
Ready to kick off your journey with Equity Trust? Opening your account is a straightforward process that sets the stage for your investment options. Here's how to get started with the Equity Trust Company:
- Personalized Guidance: Call an IRA Counselor at (888) 841-7510 for assistance. They're available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM ET to help you navigate the account opening process.
- Initiate Your Account: You can also schedule a quick 15-minute discovery call or fill out an online form with your name, phone number, and email to begin.
- Review Key Documents: Before proceeding, make certain to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. This guarantees you're fully informed about your rights and compliance with regulations.
Once your account is open, you can transfer existing funds into your new IRA, allowing you to invest in traditional and alternative assets, like real estate and cryptocurrency, without liquidating your current positions.
Trust Equity Trust to provide you with the tools and support you need to make informed investment decisions.
IRA Counselor Assistance
Once you've opened your account with Equity Trust, you can tap into the valuable assistance of IRA counselors to guide you through the self-directed investment landscape. These knowledgeable professionals are ready to help you navigate your investment goals, whether you're interested in Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, or exploring alternative investments.
To get started, schedule a 15-minute discovery call with an IRA counselor who'll provide tailored support based on your unique needs. You can also complete an online form with your contact details to opt-in for updates and information from Equity Trust.
Equity Trust's IRA counselors offer essential education, guaranteeing you understand your options and the benefits of self-directed investments.
Plus, with the myEQUITY platform, you can manage your account anytime, making account management a breeze. You'll receive real-time transaction notifications, so you stay informed about your investments.
With the help of IRA counselors, you'll feel confident in your choices and empowered to make the most of your retirement savings. They're here to guarantee you have the resources and guidance necessary for successful investing.
Fund Transfer Options
Transferring your funds to Equity Trust is a straightforward process that sets the stage for your self-directed investment journey.
You've got several fund transfer options to choose from, making it easy to maintain flexibility and control over your investments.
Here's how you can get started:
- Cash Transfers: You can transfer funds via check or wire. This method is simple and guarantees your money gets to Equity Trust quickly.
- Asset Transfers: You can execute transfers through ACATS or non-ACATS without the need to liquidate investments. This typically takes 7 to 60 days for direct rollovers, keeping your investments intact.
- Rollover Options: As an account holder, you're allowed one rollover every 12 months, ensuring you stay compliant with IRS regulations while adapting your investment strategy.
IRA Counseling Services
When it comes to managing your self-directed IRA, personalized investment guidance can make all the difference.
Equity Trust offers one-on-one counseling sessions where you can connect with dedicated IRA counselors ready to assist you with tailored strategies.
These sessions not only address your specific questions but also help you explore alternative investment options to reach your financial goals.
Personalized Investment Guidance
Personalized investment guidance is essential for maneuvering the complexities of self-directed IRAs, and Equity Trust excels in providing this support through its IRA counseling services.
With experienced counselors at your disposal, you can navigate the world of alternative investments with confidence.
Here's how Equity Trust helps you achieve your financial goals:
- Informed Decision-Making: The IRA counselors guide you in exploring investment opportunities that align with your aspirations, ensuring you make educated choices.
- Continuous Education: Equity Trust emphasizes the importance of knowledge, offering various educational resources and webinars to deepen your understanding of retirement strategies and self-directed investing.
- Exceptional Customer Service: With positive client testimonials highlighting their effectiveness, you'll appreciate the knowledgeable support that makes managing your account a breeze.
One-on-One Counseling Sessions
Equity Trust understands that each investor's journey is unique, so they offer one-on-one counseling sessions with IRA counselors to provide tailored investment guidance. These personalized sessions allow you to discuss your financial goals and explore alternative investment opportunities available within your self-directed IRAs.
| Session Focus | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Educating Investors | Gain insights into investment strategies and options. |
| Compliance with IRS Regulations | Verify your investments align with legal requirements. |
| Client Testimonials | Hear from others about the effectiveness of the counseling. |
Community Involvement
Community involvement is essential for fostering strong relationships and enhancing the well-being of local neighborhoods. At Equity Trust, you'll find a dedicated leadership team actively participating in community organizations. They hold board memberships at institutions like Lorain County Community College and the MetroHealth Foundation, showcasing their commitment to the community.
Additionally, Equity Trust understands the importance of navigating digital literacy for kids safely to guarantee a brighter future for the next generation.
Here are three ways Equity Trust makes an impact:
- Support for Local Youth Organizations: Through volunteer efforts with groups like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lorain County, Equity Trust invests in the future of local youth, providing mentorship and resources.
- Cardiovascular Health Initiatives: By partnering with the American Heart Association and chairing fundraising events, Equity Trust promotes cardiovascular health, contributing to healthier lifestyles in the community.
- Educating Investors: Equity Trust prioritizes educating investors on retirement strategies and self-directed IRAs, empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions.
These actions reflect the company's core values of diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a respectful environment fosters collaboration and innovation among financial professionals.
Your involvement can help create a thriving community for everyone.
Regulatory and Compliance Overview
Understanding the regulatory landscape is essential for anyone engaging in self-directed investing. Equity Trust operates as a qualified IRA custodian under the Internal Revenue Code, ensuring regulatory adherence to state trust company capital requirements. As a regulated South Dakota trust company, it undergoes regular audits by state auditors, reinforcing its commitment to compliance.
You should be aware that while Equity Trust emphasizes the importance of self-directed investment choices, investments aren't FDIC insured. This highlights the need for you to understand the risks associated with your decisions.
Equity Trust also maintains strict FINRA compliance and adheres to SIPC regulations, providing transparency in custodial services and instilling confidence in your investment journey.
To support your financial literacy, Equity Trust offers educational materials aimed at informing you about various aspects of investing. However, these resources aren't intended as tax, legal, or investment advice.
It's vital to consult with financial professionals before making any investment decisions. By staying informed and compliant, you can navigate the regulatory landscape confidently and make the most of your self-directed investment opportunities with Equity Trust.
Client Success Stories
Success stories from clients highlight the positive impact of Equity Trust's services on their investment journeys. You'll find that many investors share similar experiences, showcasing the firm's dedication to client satisfaction and exceptional customer service.
Here are three notable examples:
- Candice from Ohio praised Equity Trust for its quick turnaround times and effective account management, which made her experience seamless and stress-free.
- Richard from Arizona emphasized the knowledgeable representatives, noting how their assistance contributed to his overall satisfaction with the services provided.
- Gary from Ohio experienced significant investment growth due to the proactive account management he received, reinforcing his trust in Equity Trust's capabilities.
Clients consistently recommend Equity Trust for its reliability and personalized service, which reflects the company's commitment to helping you achieve your financial goals.
The positive feedback from satisfied clients demonstrates that Equity Trust stands out in the investment landscape. With their focus on exceptional customer service and support, you can feel confident that your investment journey will be guided by knowledgeable professionals who truly care about your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Purpose of an Equity Trust?
An equity trust lets you manage your investments and diversify your portfolio. You can invest in various assets, like real estate or cryptocurrencies, while maintaining control over your retirement account and making personalized decisions.
Is Equity Trust FDIC Insured?
Imagine sailing on uncharted waters; Equity Trust isn't FDIC insured. You're responsible for your own investment choices, so it's essential to consult professionals before maneuvering through these risks and regulatory frameworks. Safety requires awareness.
Who Is Equity Trust Owned By?
Equity Trust is privately owned by Richard Desich and Richard A. Desich, Jr., who founded the company in 1974. They're still actively involved in its leadership, guiding its direction and growth.
Can a Trust Invest in Equity?
Yes, a trust can invest in equity through a self-directed IRA. You'll have diverse options, but remember to follow IRS regulations and guidelines to maintain tax advantages while making investment decisions independently.
Conclusion
In the world of investing, you want a partner you can trust, right? Equity Trust stands out with its deep expertise and diverse options, ready to guide you. Picture your financial future, thriving with the right strategies. But what if you could take that first step today? With IRA counseling and a commitment to community, Equity Trust isn't just a company; it's your gateway to success. Are you ready to unseal your potential? The journey starts now.
