Begin by establishing a unified investment policy that encompasses your Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) along with taxable, brokerage, and other retirement accounts. Each account should have a specific role like growth, income, liquidity, diversification, or opportunistic investments, focusing on a household-level target allocation instead of treating each account separately. Use the SDIRA for investments that gain from retirement account tax treatment, while taxable accounts should focus on liquidity and tax efficiency. For straightforward market exposures, other retirement accounts may offer simpler and cheaper administration than an SDIRA. Match asset types to each account’s characteristics. High-turnover strategies are best placed in tax-deferred accounts, whereas highly liquid positions should be in more flexible accounts. Manage liquidity by maintaining cash or near-cash reserves outside the SDIRA for emergencies, as SDIRA assets might be illiquid. As you coordinate risk across the entire portfolio, alternatives inside an SDIRA necessitate offsetting concentration with broad diversification elsewhere. Continuous review of duplication in exposures is essential, ensuring overlaps are identified and managed. Rebalance using liquid accounts. Carefully align income and cash-flow characteristics with needs while being aware of SDIRA-specific rules to prevent prohibited transactions. Evaluate investments thoroughly, plan for taxes without over-relying on SDIRA, and manage leverage and frictional costs across accounts. Maintain stringent documentation and align estate and beneficiary planning comprehensively. Seek professional advice where necessary.