--- title: Preferred Trust Blog description: Preferred Trust, PTC, Self-Directed IRA, alternative investments in IRA --- [Skip to content](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog#main-content) [![](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Horizontal%20Logo-HighRes%20JPG%20cropped-1.jpg?width=325&height=91&name=Horizontal%20Logo-HighRes%20JPG%20cropped-1.jpg)](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/) - Get Started Show submenu for Get Started - [Schedule Consultation](https://info.preferredtrustcompany.com/preferred-trust-company-consultation) - [Open an Account](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/self-directed-ira-applications/) - [About Preferred Trust](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/about-ira-custodian/) - [Client Testimonials](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/client-testimonials/) - SDIRA Resources Show submenu for SDIRA Resources - [Why Self-Direct?](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/why-self-directed-ira/) - [Inherited IRAs](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/inherited_iras/) - [Prohibited Transactions](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/prohibited_transactions/) - [IRA LLC](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/checkbook-ira-llc/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/faqs/) - [Retirement Industry Glossary](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/retirement-industry-glossary/) - [Media](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/media/) - [Blog](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog) - Community Show submenu for Community - [Company Partnership](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/company-partnership/) - [Investment Resources](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/resources-new/) - [Investment Services](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/investment-services/) - Forms Show submenu for Forms - [Forms](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/forms/) - [Fee Schedule](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/fee-schedule/) - [Pay Your Fees](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/shop/) - [Login](https://icp.infovisa.com/0234) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Get Started Show submenu for Get Started - [Schedule Consultation](https://info.preferredtrustcompany.com/preferred-trust-company-consultation) - [Open an Account](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/self-directed-ira-applications/) - [About Preferred Trust](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/about-ira-custodian/) - [Client Testimonials](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/client-testimonials/) - SDIRA Resources Show submenu for SDIRA Resources - [Why Self-Direct?](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/why-self-directed-ira/) - [Inherited IRAs](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/inherited_iras/) - [Prohibited Transactions](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/prohibited_transactions/) - [IRA LLC](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/checkbook-ira-llc/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/faqs/) - [Retirement Industry Glossary](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/retirement-industry-glossary/) - [Media](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/media/) - [Blog](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog) - Community Show submenu for Community - [Company Partnership](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/company-partnership/) - [Investment Resources](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/resources-new/) - [Investment Services](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/investment-services/) - Forms Show submenu for Forms - [Forms](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/forms/) - [Fee Schedule](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/fee-schedule/) - [Pay Your Fees](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/shop/) - [Login](https://icp.infovisa.com/0234) ![Blog Header](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/Blog%20Header.png "Blog Header") [![](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20Fair%20Market%20Value%201.21.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/what-is-fair-market-value) ### [What Is Fair Market Value? A Clear Explanation of FMV and How It’s Used](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/what-is-fair-market-value) [![Photo shows a woman filling out a check from the checkbook representing checkbook LLC and using it to invest through her checkbook IRA](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20What%20is%20an%20IRA%201.16.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/whats-an-ira) ### [What is an IRA? A Comprehensive Guide to Retirement Savings](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/whats-an-ira) [![Photo shows a woman filling out a check from the checkbook representing checkbook LLC and using it to invest through her checkbook IRA](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20Checkbook%20IRA%20basics%201.9.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/checkbook-ira-basics) ### [Checkbook IRA Basics: A Practical Guide to Control, Structure, and Compliance](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/checkbook-ira-basics) [![Older man holding crypto currency representing Crypto IRA accounts for retirement investing](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20image%20Crypto%20IRA%20for%20Retirement%201.2.26-1.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/crypto-ira-accounts-for-retirement-investing) ### [The Rise of Crypto IRA Accounts for Retirement Investing: What You Need to 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students](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20Roth%20IRA%20students%2012.12.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/roth-ira-for-students) ### [Roth IRA for Students: Is College the Right Time to Start Saving?](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/roth-ira-for-students) [![Business owner contemplating retirement and opening a Roth Solo 401k](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/Blog%20Roth%20Solo%20401k%20%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/roth-solo-401k) ### [Roth Solo 401k: A Breakdown and Guide](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/roth-solo-401k) [![2026 IRS Contribution limits for IRA](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20Contribution%20LImits%2011.24.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/contribution-limits-2026) ### [New IRA and Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 2026 and What They Mean for You with Preferred Trust](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/contribution-limits-2026) [![Business owner looking out window with an open sign in the window](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20IRA%20Distribution%2011.18.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/ira-distribution) ### [IRA Distribution Explained: What It Is, How Disbursement Works, and Key Rules](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/ira-distribution) [![Business owner looking out window with an open sign in the window](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20Capital%20Gains%20on%20Retirement%20Accounts%2011.14.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/capital-gains-on-retirement-accounts) ### [Understanding Capital Gains on Retirement Accounts: What Every Investor Should Know](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/capital-gains-on-retirement-accounts) [![Business owner looking out window with an open sign in the window](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hubfs/PTC%20Blog%20Private%20Equity%20IRA%2011.7.25%201200x628.png)](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/private-equity-iras) ### [Private Equity IRAs: A New Way to Grow Your Retirement Portfolio](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/private-equity-iras) First Prev [1](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog) [2](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/page/2) [3](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/page/3) [4](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/page/4) [5](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/page/5) [Next](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/page/2) [Last](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog/page/14) ![White Horizontal Logo PNG cropped-1](https://blog.preferredtrustcompany.com/hs-fs/hubfs/White%20Horizontal%20Logo%20PNG%20cropped-1.png?width=250&height=67&name=White%20Horizontal%20Logo%20PNG%20cropped-1.png "White Horizontal Logo PNG cropped-1")  Specialist self-directed IRA custodian for alternative investment sponsors and individual investors.  [702-998-7892](tel:702-998-7892) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/preferredtrust) [youtube icon](https://www.youtube.com/@preferredtrust) ##### For Investors - [Open an Account](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/self-directed-ira-applications/) - [Fee Schedule](https://preferredtrustcompany.com/fee-schedule/) - [Investor FAQs](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/faqs) ##### Investment Options - [Precious Metals](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/precious-metals-2/) - [Digital Assets](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/digital-currency/) ##### Client Tools - [Client Portal](https://icp.infovisa.com/0234) - [Forms Library](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/forms/) - [Contact Support](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/contact-us/) - [Blog](https://info.preferredtrustcompany.com/blog) - [IRA Rules](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/inherited_iras/) ##### Company - [About](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/about-ira-custodian/) - [Contact Us](https://www.preferredtrustcompany.com/contact-us/) --- Preferred Trust Company performs the duties of a directed (passive) custodian and does not provide due diligence to third parties regarding prospective investments, platforms, sponsors, dealers, or service providers. 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