SDBA: Is it Right for You?

Unlimited investment options and complete control over how your money is invested — those are the major advantages of a self-directed brokerage account, or SDBA. If you’re looking for greater flexibility in saving for retirement, an SDBA may be something to consider.

How it Works

Your financial professional can help you open an online account with a discount broker if you don’t have one. You’ll then be able to invest in a variety of mutual funds;* buy individual stocks and bonds, and have access to markets and investments that typically aren’t available to you in a retirement plan account. Because you can choose from a wide selection of investments, you and your financial professional can tailor your portfolio to meet specific investing needs.

A Little Help

Your financial professional probably helped you choose your current investments and, therefore, may be in the best position to help you make selections for an SDBA that will complement your portfolio. In addition to monitoring the performance of the investments in your SDBA, your financial professional can review the investments in all your accounts to ensure they are working together to earn returns that outpace inflation.

Best of Both Worlds

Can an SDBA be a good option if you currently have a retirement plan? If you’ve already reached the maximum contribution limits in a 401(k) account, an individual retirement account (IRA), or another sponsored retirement plan, an SDBA allows you to add to your retirement savings.

Before you invest, consult your financial and tax professionals and consider commissions on trades and any account fees. You may be able to reduce your investing costs by selecting investments having lower expenses.

*Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. Contact the issuing firm to obtain a prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing or sending money. Because mutual fund values fluctuate, redeemed shares may be worth more or less than their original value. Past performance won’t guarantee future results. An investment in mutual funds may result in the loss of principal.