Investing in Alternative Assets: Why Smart Investors Are Rethinking Retirement Strategy

For decades, retirement investing followed a predictable path: contribute to an IRA or 401(k), allocate between stocks and bonds, and let the market do its thing. But more investors are realizing that traditional strategies have limits—and investing in alternative assets offers a better way to diversify, protect wealth, and unlock unique opportunities.

At Rocket Dollar, we make it possible to use your retirement dollars to invest in what you actually believe in—from real estate and private startups to crypto and private credit.

What Does It Mean to Invest in Alternative Assets?

Alternative assets are anything outside the stock-and-bond portfolio most retirement accounts are limited to. Think:

• Real estate (residential, commercial, farmland)
• Startups and private equity
• Crowdfunding platforms
• Cryptocurrency and digital assets
• Private loans and debt deals
• Precious metals

These aren’t fringe investments—they’re the tools institutions and high-net-worth investors have used for decades to generate outsized returns and reduce correlation to public markets.

Now, with self-directed retirement accounts, investing in alternative assets is accessible to everyone.

Why More Investors Are Going Alternative

Let’s face it—public markets are unpredictable, and diversification isn’t always enough when everything moves in the same direction. Investing in alternative assets gives you more control and a broader opportunity set.

Here’s why it’s gaining momentum:

• True diversification: Alternatives don’t move in lockstep with stocks and bonds.
• Access to private market returns: Real estate and startups can outperform public benchmarks.
• Inflation resilience: Assets like real estate, gold, and crypto can preserve value.
• Invest in what you know: Use your expertise to drive returns, not just market trends.

Why Retirement Accounts Are Ideal for Alternatives

Most people don’t realize they can hold alternatives in an IRA or 401(k). But with a self-directed account, you can.

And because many alternative investments are long-term plays—real estate appreciation, startup exits, or passive cash flow—they’re perfectly suited for tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

Rocket Dollar customers use their accounts to:

• Join real estate deals and syndications
• Buy shares in private companies
• Lend capital through private debt platforms
• Hold crypto assets long term
• Invest through platforms they already know and trust

Getting Started with Rocket Dollar

We’ve simplified the process so you can focus on your investments, not paperwork.

1. Open – Choose a Rocket Dollar IRA or Solo 401(k) and sign up in minutes.
2. Fund – Transfer or roll over funds from an existing retirement account.
3. Invest – Start investing in alternative assets through your preferred platform or directly via checkbook control.

👉 Learn more: How fast can you open a Rocket Dollar account?

Ready to start investing in alternative assets with your IRA or Solo 401(k)?

Open a Rocket Dollar account today