Self Directed IRA's may be the answer for the investor to access and direct the money that they thought they couldn't touch until they were 59 1/2.  By using the Self Directed IRA they can have the ability to make the decisions of were their IRA is invested.  The possibilities are endless and the returns can be great.  Once you set up a Self Directed IRA LLC you have control over where you invest your IRA monies.  You can buy investment real estate, precious metals, you can lend your money secure or unsecured.  Current lending interest on first deeds of trust are around 10%.  How would you like to earn 10% secured with real estate and take the volatility out of your retirement?  How would you like to use leverage to value up your porfolio?  All this can be accomplished using self directed IRAs.