IRA Financial Group: In-Depth Review

Once you start earning, the IRS recommends putting money aside for retirement, often via an individual retirement account (IRA). Building that nest egg early makes a world of difference later on.

IRA Financial Group positions itself as a leading provider of guidance for growing IRA balances quickly and prudently. Their approach stresses diversification beyond traditional shares, bonds and managed funds.

But does IRA Financial Group truly have the credentials to steer your investment strategy? Or is it another outfit with glossy promises and mixed delivery? Because choosing where to invest is a serious call, I’ve pulled together the key facts to help you decide. Here’s what IRA Financial Group brings to the table.

IRA Financial Group: A Quick Overview

Founded by Adam Bergman, a former tax and ERISA lawyer who advised top-tier firms, IRA Financial Group set out to help retirement savers unlock the flexibility of self-directed accounts. Launched 13 years ago, the business has grown steadily and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

The company’s core aim is to help clients protect and expand their wealth using self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k)s. Backed by modern banking technology, the team guides customers on smarter ways to invest across self-directed IRAs, traditional IRAs, solo 401(k)s and other retirement plans. To date, more than 23,000 people have sought their help to safeguard and grow their assets.

Across its 13-year run, the firm says it has guided clients in allocating over $4.6 billion to alternative investments. Their site’s testimonials frequently highlight transparent communication as a key reason clients stick with them.

Drawing on my extended experience in the alternatives space, I can see why many view their advisers favourably. Below, I unpack the main factors.

The Best Gold IRA Companies in 2025

Before diving into this review, note that I’ve assessed dozens of precious metal IRA providers over the past two decades and compiled my top five gold IRA companies for 2025. It’s worth reading that guide before proceeding with any IRA transfer.

The #1 pick is Augusta Precious Metals, known for its A+ Better Business Bureau rating, hundreds of five‑star reviews, and lifetime account support. You can read my full Augusta Precious Metals review, or visit the official Augusta website for details.

What Makes IRA Financial Group Stand Out?

After more than twenty years analysing alternative assets, these are the factors that, in my view, underpin the company’s reputation.

Three types of self-directed IRAs

Clients can establish three IRA variants through the firm. Each offers broader access to alternative assets than standard IRAs at many financial institutions. Here’s how they differ.

Self-directed Roth IRA

Like a traditional self-directed IRA, but contributions are made with after‑tax dollars, so there’s no immediate tax deduction. If you meet the rules, eligible withdrawals in retirement can be tax‑free.

Income limits apply and are based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). If your MAGI exceeds the threshold, your allowable contribution may be reduced or phased out entirely.

Self-directed IRA

A traditional self-directed IRA via IRA Financial Group aims to minimise friction while broadening access to alternative assets. Beyond conventional exposure to shares, bonds and managed funds, you can consider:

• Real estate: including newly built projects, land parcels and mobile homes.
• Precious metals: notably gold and silver coins to diversify portfolio risk.
• Cryptocurrency: long-term crypto investing (no frequent trading) is supported.

This account still requires a custodian, and investments must be approved. A key benefit with IRA Financial Group is the lack of a minimum investment to get started, helping you move on opportunities early.

Self-directed IRA LLC

The standout feature here is “checkbook control”. The firm sets up a special-purpose limited liability company (LLC) with you as manager.

The LLC is owned by the IRA but managed by you, allowing quicker decisions and fewer fees. In short, a self-directed IRA LLC helps sidestep many delays and costs associated with full‑service custodians.

401(k) options

If you’re catching up on retirement savings, IRA Financial Group can also set up a solo 401(k). You may contribute up to $60,000 in a single year (combined employee salary deferral and employer contributions). For those aged 50 and over, that can rise to $73,500.

You can access up to $50,000 for emergencies without going through a custodian. Importantly, establishing a solo 401(k) generally costs less than forming a self-directed IRA LLC because you’re not funding the creation of a new LLC.

The solo 401(k) structure supports a wide spectrum of alternative investments allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. However, this plan is designed for sole proprietors, consultants, or businesses with no full‑time staff. To qualify, you’ll need:

• Evidence of self‑employment activity
• No full‑time employees

IRA rollovers

Once you register in the app, IRA Financial Group simplifies rolling funds from your current retirement plan into your new IRA. Their team can assist with both direct purchases and rollovers.

Eligible sources for rollovers include:

• IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts)
• Roth IRA (taxes may apply on converted funds)
• SEP, 401(k) and 403(b) plans

Support staff guide you step by step, including advice on which accounts aren’t eligible to be rolled into an IRA.

The ROBS option

One of the more distinctive strategies on offer is Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS).

With the IRA Financial Group ROBS approach, you first establish a corporation (e.g., under an “XYZ” name). You own this corporation entirely. You then deploy retirement funds into the corporation, and it can compensate you thereafter. This structure can enable tax‑advantaged dividends within the rules.

In essence, ROBS lets you put retirement money to work in your own or another small business—without early withdrawal penalties—when used as a company funding source or down payment.

Consultations and client education

Beyond administration, IRA Financial Group acts as a fund administrator for IRAs you open with them, providing ongoing consultations and educational resources on alternative assets.

Their Learn Centre is central to that mission, offering accessible content to lift financial literacy across generations.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A link to their YouTube channel with a well‑organised video library for beginners, covering solo 401(k) and IRA basics, prohibited transactions, investment‑related loans, and insights into the IRAfi crypto platform.
• A link to the company blog, which unpacks essential topics across the investment landscape.
• A link to their podcast network featuring founder Adam Bergman discussing a wide range of investment themes.

From my perspective, the education component is the most impactful. Free, high‑quality learning resources can help families become more self‑reliant in evaluating investment opportunities.

How to invest with IRA Financial Group

IRA Financial Group supports investing through custodian‑controlled IRAs, with sign‑up handled via their mobile app.

Here’s how the process typically works.

Create an account

Register in the IRA Financial app and choose the plan configuration that suits your situation.

Transfer your assets

Fund the account via direct contribution, or transfer/roll over funds from an existing retirement plan.

Make new investments

Deploy capital into IRS‑approved alternative assets offered through IRA Financial. Speak with a support representative to identify options that fit your goals—your plan may include complimentary consultations.

IRA Financial Group fees

Transparent pricing is another reason investors gravitate toward IRA Financial Group.

Here’s the fee schedule listed on their website:

• Self-directed IRA (full service): $400 per year
• Self-directed IRA LLC (checkbook control): $999 setup, $400 per year
• Solo 401(k) (self‑employed): $699 setup, $399 per year
• IRAfi Crypto (crypto only): $100 per year

IRA Financial Group ratings on consumer sites

The verdict

Operating for 13 years and serving 23,000+ clients, IRA Financial Group has built meaningful credibility. Coupled with its broad alternative investment access, it earns my recommendation for many self‑directed investors.

That said, some reviews point to a slower onboarding process—something to confirm directly before you proceed.

If you’re still comparing options, you may also like my guide to the best precious metals companies.