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Savings

What is a SDIRA & How Does it Work?

What is a Self-Directed IRA & How Does it Work? A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) is a retirement account that lets you manage and choose your own investments. While financial institutions typically manage traditional IRAs with a set range of investment options, SDIRAs allow you to invest in a wider array of assets. These can include real estate, tax liens, private companies, and physical precious metals. SDIRAs offer the same tax advantages as Traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs. Whether you choose a traditional Self-Directed IRA (tax-deferred) or a Roth Self-Directed IRA (tax-free withdrawals), the key difference is the broader range of investment opportunities and more control over where and how your money is invested. How Does a Self-Directed IRA Work? Open a Self-Directed IRA AccountTo open a Self-Directed IRA, the account holder must first choose a custodian or trustee who specializes in these types of accounts. These custodians ensure that your investments comply with IRS regulations but don’t offer financial advice. SouthStar Bank is allowed to provide custodial services for SDIRA account holders. Fund Your AccountSDIRAs are typically funded through rollovers from other retirement accounts (e.g., 401k, traditional IRA) contributions or transfers from other IRAs. Select Your InvestmentsOnce the account is funded, SDIRA account holders have the flexibility to invest in a wide range of assets, including: Real estate Precious metals like gold or silver Private equity or venture capital Tax liens Private loans or promissory notes Follow IRS RulesWhile account holders control their investment decisions, following IRS guidelines is essential. For example, you can’t invest in businesses you or close family members are involved with. All investments must comply with IRS regulations to avoid penalties. Monitor and Manage Your PortfolioAs the account holder, you are responsible for managing your investments, including researching opportunities and ensuring IRS compliance. Why Consider a Self-Directed IRA? The main appeal of a Self-Directed IRA is the ability to diversify your retirement portfolio. Traditional retirement accounts often focus on stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, which can be affected by market volatility. Investing in alternative assets like real estate or precious metals can spread your risk across different asset classes. A Self-Directed IRA allows you to invest in what you know best, such as real estate or businesses you are familiar with, offering the potential for better returns and more control. Interested in opening a Self-Directed IRA? SouthStar Bank is proud to offer a range of IRA products, including our SDIRA offering, the Custodian Checkbook IRA. Our experts would be happy to assist you with the account opening process or any questions you may have! Contact ira@southstarbank.com or call our dedicated IRA line at (512) 384-3948 to begin. SouthStar Bank S.S.B. is an independent passive Custodian and is not associated or affiliated with and does not recommend, promote or advise any specific investment, investment opportunity, investment sponsor, investment company or investment promoter or any agents, employees, representatives or other of such firms or entities. Investments are not insured, have no guarantee, and may lose value. SouthStar Bank […]

Youth Savings Account Scholarship

Looking to jump start your child’s savings? Our Youth Account Scholarship could be the perfect fit! Open a Shooting Star Savings Account for your child before 4/30/25 and receive a $100 Scholarship Bonus with your $25 Minimum Opening Deposit. Starting your child’s saving journey early can be a great way to educate them financially and set them up for long term success! Shooting Star Savings Account Details: Ages 0-17 $25 Minimum opening deposit No monthly service fees No minimum balance requirement 00% APY* Visit your local branch today to claim your child’s scholarship bonus! While you’re there, ask about our other Youth Account offerings along with our wide variety of accounts and lending products or learn more here!  *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Interest rates are variable and may change at any time without notice. APY valid as of 3/1/2025. Fees may reduce earnings. Not eligible for checks or debit card. One account per person. Customers currently holding a Rising or Shooting Star Account, or those who previously had a Rising Star Account are not eligible. Account changes to regular savings upon student’s 18th birthday. Scholarship Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS 1099-INT. Scholarship valid for first 1000 accounts through 4/30/25, one per person deposited into savings.

America Saves Week: Saving Automatically

America Saves Week has arrived! America Saves offers a number of helpful resources and tips on how to save effectively. To kick things off we are sharing their article on the importance and effectiveness of Saving Automatically: Regularly contributing to a savings account is the best way to work toward your future goals…….and the best way to make regular contributions is through saving automatically.   It’s our favorite way to save!   Saving through automatic deposits or transfers is the most effective way to save and helps make it easy by allowing you to choose what and when you’ll save.    How To Start Saving Automatically   First, you’ll want to have a clear view of your finances, so you know what you are capable of stashing away. Start with our list of 6 Steps to Establishing a Spending and Saving Plan. These steps will walk you through gathering your financial documents like pay stubs, utility bills, mortgage statements, etc., and will help you calculate your income and expenses as well as setting goals and making a plan to achieve them.   Don’t worry or get discouraged if it’s not as much as you would like at first. At America Saves, we say Start Small, Think BIG! Even small amounts add up over time.   Once you determine the amount you’d like to start saving, there are two ways to start saving automatically:    No matter how you choose to save automatically, the most important thing is building the habit of saving – there is no amount too small to save!   Saving is a Habit, Not a Destination  That’s right – Saving is a Habit….and, practice makes perfect!  By definition, a habit is something you do on a regular basis consistently until it becomes second nature. Eventually, it will become something you do automatically without even thinking about it.   Saving is no different!   A series of small steps, like setting up a direct deposit or auto transfer, can get you closer to your goal and lead to big rewards in the long run.   Every step matters – no matter how big or how small. The more you do it, the more likely you are to stick with it.   Read more and view all the resources America Saves has to offer here: Home | America Saves SOURCE: America Saves

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