Self-Directed IRA Investors Stay the Course Despite Volatile Market

In a sampling of self-directed IRA holders, Guidant Financial Group discovered that 86% had not made any major changes to their investment portfolios due to the current mortgage crisis.

Bellevue, WA (Vocus) September 30, 2008 -- In a sampling of self-directed IRA holders, Guidant Financial Group (www.guidantfinancial.com) discovered that 86% had not made any major changes to their investment portfolios due to the current mortgage crisis. The majority of survey respondents, all users of Guidant's self-directed IRA with checkbook control, indicated they were involved in long-term investing and broad diversification of assets.

"On the surface, this percentage seems unusually high, especially in light of the floundering housing market," says Guidant's CEO David Nilssen, who points out that many of Guidant's clients are still investing their IRA funds in real estate. "However, we've seen that those who roll funds into a self-directed IRA are particularly cautious investors seeking ways to lessen risk."

According to Nilssen, Guidant's clients can use the company's self-directed IRA vehicle to invest their retirement funds into both traditional and non-traditional assets, and this ability to diversify their portfolio has helped them avoid the downside of volatile securities and housing markets.

"Many of these account holders had already diversified their investments in order to avoid the dangers of betting all their money on one 'horse,' says Nilssen. "So when the housing bust hit, they were already in pretty secure positions, especially since their real estate assets were primarily long-term investments."

About Guidant Financial Group

Guidant Financial Group is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business-funding solutions through IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant's services allow investors the freedom to make investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more by accessing their retirement accounts without penalty before retirement age. For more information on Self-directed IRAs (http://www.guidantfinancial.com/products/auriga/default.aspx) or Small Business Financing (http://www.guidantfinancial.com/products/audeo/default.aspx) please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.

Contact: Katie Lawrence

Phone: 888.472.4455 ext. 3212

Mobile: 425.829.0772

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