Monthly Archives: May 2025

  • How I Finally Got Smart About Investing for Retirement

    superbrewFinance

    man holding a sign with the title of the article

    I’ve got a confession: for the longest time, I thought “investing for retirement” was something future-me would magically figure out once I turned 50 and had a few gray hairs and a few less bad decisions in my rearview mirror. Spoiler alert: that strategy sucks.

    What actually happened? I turned 38, realized I had no plan, and panic-Googled things like “how much money do I need to retire?” at 2 a.m. with a bowl of stale cereal in one hand and dread in the other.

    But here’s the twist—you don’t have to be a financial genius or wear a Patagonia vest to start making smart moves with your money. I’m gonna break down exactly how I went from clueless to confident (ish) when it comes to investing for retirement. No fluff, no Wall Street jargon, and definitely no boring charts.

    Let’s get into it.

    Why I Waited So Long to Start Investing

    I used to think retirement planning was for “other people.” You know, the ones who say things like “asset allocation” at dinner parties and actually understand what an annuity is.

    Me? I was too busy paying off student loans, buying overpriced oat milk, and trying to keep up with rent hikes that felt like a sick joke.

    But here’s the harsh truth that smacked me in the face like a Monday morning alarm: the longer you wait, the harder it gets.

    What I learned after hours and hours of reading articles on www.turnerinvestments.com is that investing for retirement isn’t just for people with six-figure salaries and gold-plated credit cards. It’s for anyone who doesn’t want to be 75, broke, and Googling “cheap canned soup recipes.”

    Step One: Facing the Money Mirror

    Before I could start investing, I had to know what I was working with. This part hurt.

    I opened all my accounts (bank, credit cards, that one random 401(k) from a job I quit in 2016), added up my savings, and subtracted my debts. I wasn’t broke, but I wasn’t rich either—I was “normal broke,” which is when you have enough to get by, but not enough to breathe easy.

    Here’s what I learned:

    • You don’t need a ton of money to start.

    • You do need to stop ignoring your finances like they’re an ex you keep ghosting.

    Step Two: Learning the Retirement Basics (Without Falling Asleep)

    Okay, let’s get one thing straight: retirement investing sounds boring, but it’s actually kind of fun once you realize it’s just a game of building your future freedom.

    Here’s what I figured out:

    • 401(k): If your job offers one and matches contributions, that’s free money. Don’t say no to free money.

    • IRA (Traditional or Roth): Great if you want tax advantages. Think of it like a VIP section for your savings.

    • Brokerage Account: For when you’ve maxed the above and want to keep investing like a grown-up with options.

    I started small—automated $200 a month into a Roth IRA—and honestly, it felt like nothing. But after a few months? That number started looking real nice.

    Step Three: Choosing Investments (AKA Not Putting All Your Eggs in Meme Stocks)

    When I first looked into investments, I thought I had to pick “winners” like I was some stock-picking savant. I am not. You probably aren’t either. And that’s fine.

    The real MVP? Index funds.

    They’re like the Costco of investing: low fees, massive variety, and you don’t have to think too hard. I picked a couple based on total stock market and international exposure and let them ride.

    I didn’t try to time the market or chase trends. I didn’t YOLO into crypto (okay, maybe $100 just for fun). I just kept it simple and stayed consistent.

    What I Wish I Knew Earlier

    Here’s the stuff no one tells you until it’s almost too late:

    • Compound interest is magic. Start early and your money does the heavy lifting.

    • Time beats timing. You don’t have to wait for “the perfect moment” to invest—it doesn’t exist.

    • You’re not too broke to begin. Even $50 a month is better than nothing. It’s the habit that matters.

    • Ignore the noise. Financial news is 90% hype and 10% value. Learn the basics, then mute the drama.

    Real Talk: The Emotional Side of Retirement Planning

    Let’s be honest—this whole thing can feel intimidating. I had serious imposter syndrome the first time I opened an investing app. Like… who am I to be making big financial decisions?

    But here’s the truth bomb: nobody has it all figured out. Not the finance bros, not the people on YouTube, and definitely not that dude from your office who “day trades on the side.”

    You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

    Where I Am Now (and What’s Next)

    It’s been about two years since I got serious about this retirement investing thing. Here’s where I’m at:

    • I’ve got a Roth IRA, a 401(k), and a small brokerage account.

    • I invest automatically every month—like a bill I pay to my future self.

    • I’m no longer scared to look at my accounts. (Okay, sometimes I flinch, but we’re getting there.)

    And the best part? I finally feel in control.

    Not “I’ll retire at 40” level control, but definitely “I won’t be working at a gas station at 75” kind of control.

    Key Takeaways: What You Can Learn from My Hot Mess Journey

    • Start now. Seriously. Even if it’s $20 a month.

    • Use automation. Out of sight, out of mind—but still growing.

    • Keep it simple. Index funds, basic accounts, no stress.

    • Track your progress. Seeing your growth is wildly motivating.

    • Give yourself grace. We all start somewhere. You’re not behind—you’re beginning.

    Final Thought: Retirement Is a Vibe, Not a Number

    At the end of the day, retirement isn’t about hitting some magic dollar figure. It’s about freedom. Flexibility. Waking up and deciding how you want to spend your day, not how your boss wants you to.

    So invest in that. Invest in your future. Make “retirement you” proud.

    Now go open that account. Pour some coffee. Put $50 in. And repeat every month.

    You’re gonna crush it. 🧠💪

  • Why Investors Should Have a Self Directed IRA

    superbrewUncategorized

    Alright folks, it’s time to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of self-directed IRAs. Now, I know some of you might be wondering, “What the hell is a self-directed IRA?” Well, let me break it down for you in terms that even your grandma could understand.

    First, let’s talk about the good. The beauty of a self-directed IRA is that it puts you in control of your retirement savings. Instead of relying on a financial advisor to make decisions for you, you get to call the shots. You can invest in everything from real estate to precious metals, and you can do it all tax-free until you retire.

    However, as with any investment strategy, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. One of the most significant drawbacks of a self-directed IRA is its vulnerability to fraud. This sector has attracted the attention of bad actors who often target inexperienced investors. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to conduct thorough due diligence and partner only with a trustworthy, IRS-approved custodian.

    Another concern lies in the inherent complexity of alternative assets. Investments such as real estate require a deep understanding of market dynamics, property management, and legal compliance. Navigating these elements demands considerable effort and expertise. For those willing to commit the necessary time and resources, the long-term benefits may prove substantial.

    To provide additional context, a self-directed IRA is a retirement account that extends investment options well beyond traditional stocks and bonds. It allows for diversification into alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, and even digital currencies—offering greater control and flexibility, but also requiring heightened responsibility and oversight.

    This has many investors asking, “Can you buy physical gold in an IRA?”, and the answer is yes you can, but you need to work with a company that knows how to setup these accounts correctly because there are some important rules you must follow to steer clear of the IRS.

    However, with great power comes great responsibility. You’ll need to ensure that your investments are compliant with IRS regulations and that you’re not engaging in any prohibited transactions. This is where a good custodian comes in – they’ll help you navigate the complex rules and regulations of the self-directed IRA space.

    Now, let me lighten the mood a bit with a joke. Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing! Okay, maybe I’m not as funny as Dave Attell, but I try.

    A self-directed IRA can be a powerful tool for taking control of your retirement savings. However, it’s not without its risks and complexities. So, if you’re thinking about going the self-directed route, make sure you do your homework and work with a reputable custodian. And, as always, remember to keep your sense of humor – life’s too short to take everything too seriously.

    I get a lot of questions from new investors and I am happy to help out my fellow investing newbies.

    Here are some questions and answers to help you better understand self-directed IRAs:

    When is it better to use a self-directed IRA over a traditional IRA?

    A self-directed IRA can be a powerful tool for investors who want more control over their retirement savings and a wider range of investment options. Here are some situations in which a self-directed IRA might be a better choice than a traditional IRA:

    You’re interested in investing in alternative assets: If you’re looking to invest in things like real estate, private equity, or cryptocurrency, a self-directed IRA can give you the flexibility to do so. Traditional IRAs are typically limited to ETF’s, mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

    You have a solid understanding of the markets and investments: With a self-directed IRA, you’re responsible for making your own investment decisions. If you have experience and knowledge of the markets and specific investments, you may be better equipped to manage your own portfolio.

    You’re comfortable with the potential risks and complexities: Self-directed IRAs can be more complex than traditional IRAs, and there’s a higher potential for fraud and other risks. If you’re up for the challenge and willing to do your homework, a self-directed IRA could be a good fit for you.

    That being said, a traditional IRA can still be a great option for many investors. They’re typically simpler and easier to manage, and they offer tax benefits that can be quite valuable.

    Can I invest in anything I want with a self-directed IRA?

    While the range of potential investments is quite broad, there are some restrictions to be aware of. You cannot invest in collectibles, life insurance, or anything that involves a disqualified person, such as a close family member.

    How do I find a good custodian for my self-directed IRA?

    It’s important to do your due diligence and research potential custodians carefully. Look for a company with a strong track record, good customer reviews, and a commitment to compliance. Ask for referrals from other investors or do a Google search for “best self-directed IRA custodians” to get started.

    What are the tax implications of a self-directed IRA?

    The tax benefits of a self-directed IRA are similar to those of a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, depending on which type you choose. You won’t pay taxes on your gains until you begin making withdrawals during retirement. However, it’s important to note that there are different tax rules for different types of investments, so make sure you’re aware of the tax implications of each investment you make.

    Do I need to be an experienced investor to have a self-directed IRA?

    Not necessarily, but it does help to have a solid understanding of the markets and investments you’re interested in. If you’re new to investing, consider starting with a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA and working your way up to a self-directed IRA. And don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out resources to help you learn.

    Can I manage my own self-directed IRA?

    Yes, you can manage your own self-directed IRA, but it’s important to remember that this is a big responsibility. Make sure you’re up for the challenge before diving in. Alternatively, you can work with a professional advisor or investment firm to help you manage your self-directed IRA.

    Hope that helps! As always, do your homework, be careful, and remember to have a little fun along the way.