The Preferred Way: A Retirement Podcast

In this episode of The Preferred Way , host Alysia Ball sits down with Mason Weiler, Director of Operations at Connect Invest, to break down how investors can access hands-off real estate investing using both self-directed IRAs and cash accounts . Mason explains how Connect Invest structures fixed-income real estate notes that offer: Defined terms and exit dates Monthly interest payments Diversifi...

If you wait until the last minute every tax season, this episode is your wake-up call. Preferred Trust Company CEO Carrie Cook sits down with CPA Larry Pendleton of The Investors CPA to break down why procrastinating your taxes is costly, what MUST be done before year-end, what extensions really mean, how retirement accounts and IRS Form 5498 work, why entity changes can't wait, and how to stay ah...

In this episode of The Preferred Way , CEO Carrie Cook sits down with CPA Larry Pendleton for a tactical deep dive into last-minute tax saving strategies you can still execute before the calendar hits 2026. From “machetes and steak knives” to cost segregation, entity elections, bonus depreciation, health reimbursement arrangements, retirement plans, family involvement, and the Augusta Rule — Larry...

In Part 2 of our Family Legacy series, Carrie Cook and CPA Larry Pendleton dive deeper into the real-life challenges families face when building, protecting, and transferring wealth. If you’ve ever wondered when to establish a trust , how to protect your assets , or how to avoid family conflict after you're gone , this episode will open your eyes. From irrevocable trust misconceptions to the emoti...

How do you decide between buying property with cash or through your IRA? And more importantly—how do you turn those investments into a lasting family legacy ? In this episode of The Preferred Way , Carrie Cook sits down with CPA Larry Pendleton to reveal powerful tax strategies, pitfalls to avoid when investing through an IRA, and practical steps to protect your family’s financial future. From cos...

In this continuation of The Preferred Way’s two-part series on Audits, Recordkeeping & Reporting , CEO Carrie Cook dives deeper into what happens after an audit begins — including fair market valuations, UBIT/UDFI taxes, custodian recordkeeping responsibilities, and the true meaning of “transparency” in financial services. You’ll discover: ✅ Why accurate tax reporting and fair market valuatio...

Ever wondered what could trigger an IRS audit on your self-directed IRA? In this episode of The Preferred Way, CEO Carrie Cook and Client Service Agent, Alysia Ball pull back the curtain on IRS red flags, prohibited transactions, and the critical importance of accurate recordkeeping. Learn how to: Avoid prohibited transactions that could disqualify your IRA Identify warning signs when choosing a c...

Ever wondered how long it actually takes to fund an investment inside your Self-Directed IRA? In this episode of The Preferred Way, we sit down with Alysia Ball from the investment department to break down the step-by-step timeline of using an SDIRA—from transferring funds, gathering documents, compliance reviews, to ultimately funding your investment. Whether you’re investing in trust deeds, prom...

In this episode of The Preferred Way , Carrie sits down with Troy Eckard of Eckard Enterprises to discuss the opportunities and pitfalls in oil & gas investing, mineral rights, and how technology is reshaping the energy industry. You’ll learn: Why Eckard Enterprises has stayed private and thrived The truth about mineral rights vs. real estate Red flags every investor should watch for in oil &a...

In this episode of The Preferred Way Podcast , Carrie Cook continues the conversation with CPA Larry Pendleton on how both younger and older generations can strategically use self-directed IRAs, manage debt, and prepare for retirement that leaves a legacy. Larry shares insights on: Why it’s never too late to start retirement planning (even at 50+) The difference between good debt vs. bad debt The...

Welcome back to The Preferred Way Podcast , hosted by Carrie Cook, President of Preferred Trust Company. In this episode (Part 1), Carrie sits down with Investor’s CPA, Larry Pendleton , to break down critical tax strategies, the rise of alternative investments, and why the younger generation is rethinking retirement planning. From Roth IRAs and self-directed IRAs to new legislation opening doors...

Welcome back to The Preferred Way podcast Part 2 of our in-depth conversation with John Jordan of PetroPeak Investments . If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out here . In this episode, we dive even deeper: The impact of politics on oil & gas activity Why “Drill Baby Drill” is a risky strategy today Smart ways to split cash vs. IRA for energy investing The 3 questions every oil & gas...

Welcome to The Preferred Way—where retirement savers meet alternative investments. In this powerful Part 1 episode, we sit down with John Jordan, Managing Partner at PetroPeak Investments, to unpack how oil and gas royalties operate like real estate, why they’re a hidden gem for retirement portfolios, and how everyday investors can get started for as little as $25,000. We break down: What mineral...

Is your retirement money stuck earning low returns in a traditional account? Ready to tap into recession-resistant investments like medical office real estate — even with your IRA? In this episode of The Preferred Way, we're joined by Gannon Coffman of The Streamline Companies. He shares how his team is reshaping communities with high-impact real estate while offering accredited investors — includ...

What if skipping a coffee run or fast-food splurge could fund your future retirement? In this episode of The Preferred Way, we break down how small lifestyle shifts, just $25/month can translate into millions in tax-free retirement savings. Whether you're 20 or 50+, it's never too late (or too early) to take control of your financial future. Join Carrie Cook and Chris Trembley as they walk through...

Is your current self-directed IRA custodian costing you time, money, and investment opportunities? In this episode of The Preferred Way, Chris Trembley and Christina Ramirez expose what really happens behind the scenes when clients try to transfer IRAs from other custodians. From unreachable support to missing deeds, mis-titled assets, and costly delays, this candid conversation is a must-watch fo...

From goat farms to green leafy machines, this episode of The Preferred Way with Carrie Cook and Director of Operations Chris Trembly dives into the unusual — and surprisingly allowable — investments you can make using a Self-Directed IRA. Think IRAs are just for stocks and bonds? Think again. We break down: What the IRS doesn’t allow The fine line between creative and disqualified How Preferred Tr...

Are you an investment sponsor struggling to raise capital in today's uncertain market? Discover how to unlock IRA funds and scale your raise through our new Preferred Partner Masterclass, led by Preferred Trust Company CEO Carrie Cook. In this episode of The Preferred Way, Carrie’s team breaks down what’s inside the 9-part Masterclass—actionable steps, onboarding support, and real-world capital-ra...

Are you ready to take your investments beyond traditional markets? In this episode of The Preferred Way Podcast, we sit down with Tenny Tolofari, Chief Growth Officer and Head of Acquisitions at Xsite Capital, to dive deep into the world of multifamily investing and how alternative assets can help you build wealth. Tenny shares: ✅ His journey from cybersecurity to real estate investing ✅ How Exc...

Welcome to The Preferred Way podcast! In this episode, we dive into the exciting and evolving world of alternative investments with Jeffrey Tesch, CEO of RCN Capital. Whether you're a seasoned investor or exploring new opportunities, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you succeed in today’s dynamic market. Discover how private money lending is revo...

Join us for a special 10-year anniversary episode of The Preferred Way podcast, where we sit down with John from Strategic Wealth Preservation (SWP) in the stunning Cayman Islands! ✨   We discuss: ✅ The origin story of SWP and how it became a trusted global precious metals dealer and storage provider ✅ The unique advantages of investing in gold and silver through a Self-Directed IRA ✅ The impo...

  In this exciting episode of The Preferred Way Podcast, we sit down with Chris Anthony, co-founder of Aptera, to discuss the revolutionary solar-powered electric vehicle designed for maximum efficiency and innovation. ☀️ Discover how Aptera is transforming the transportation industry with aerodynamic design, lightweight engineering, and solar charging capabilities. Learn how you can invest in Apt...

Discover how the Best of Las Vegas awards are transforming the community and providing valuable recognition for local businesses! In this episode of The Preferred Way Podcast, Carrie Cook chats with Deidre Stroud from the Las Vegas Review-Journal to uncover the behind-the-scenes process of the Best of Las Vegas awards. From the voting process to how businesses benefit from winning, learn why this...

In this special episode of The Preferred Way , we take a unique dive into the iconic Best of Las Vegas awards with Deidre Stroud, Director of Operations at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Deidre shares insights on the history, growth, and integrity of this beloved contest that gives locals a voice in spotlighting the best businesses in town. Discover how categories are selected, how votes are counte...

In this episode of The Preferred Way , we sit down with Larry Pendleton, CPA and co-founder of PC Financial Services, to explore tax strategies that can maximize returns on alternative investments within self-directed IRAs. Larry brings his expertise to discuss everything from the basics of tax-free growth opportunities to complex strategies, like Roth conversions, and the risks of prohibited tran...