Core Insights - The traditional perception of $1 million as a retirement savings goal has diminished due to inflation and tax implications, making its real purchasing power significantly lower than in previous years [2][3]. Group 1: Retirement Accounts - Understanding the tax implications of retirement accounts is crucial, as the timing and size of withdrawals can affect overall tax obligations [3][5]. - Roth IRAs allow for tax-free withdrawals since they are funded with after-tax dollars, providing a significant advantage over traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, which are funded with pre-tax dollars and incur taxes upon withdrawal [4][5]. Group 2: Investment Strategies - Self-directed IRAs offer an opportunity to invest in alternative assets such as commercial real estate, precious metals, and cryptocurrency, while still benefiting from tax advantages similar to traditional IRAs [6]. - Accredited investors can utilize self-directed IRAs to invest in commercial real estate through platforms like First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which focus on grocery-anchored properties with strong historical returns [7].