New Alto Study Highlights IRA Utilization Gaps in Alternative Investing

July 22, 2025 at 09:00 AM EDT

Survey finds 68% of investors may be missing tax-advantaged diversification opportunities

Alto, the self-directed IRA platform for private markets and alternative assets, today released its proprietary research report titled ‘Tomorrow’s Retirement Is Here: Why Alternatives Are No Longer Optional,’ which uncovers key retirement savings trends in America.

“The investing playbook no longer fits the way we are planning for retirement,” said Eric Satz, Founder and CEO of Alto. "As an industry, we have a responsibility to evolve to empower investors with greater choice, more flexibility, and the tools to take control of their financial futures. This study highlights how knowledge gaps are still holding people back, and we hope it serves as a call to action to reimagine what retirement can look like – modern, inclusive, and built around the investor.”

The report surveyed 1,000 investors across generations. Key findings include:

As confidence in the stock market wanes, many investors turn to alts: Only 12% of investors are very confident the stock market will support retirement.
Investors need avenues to accelerate savings: Despite being closest to retirement age after Boomers, Gen X reports a median retirement savings of only $82,000.
Alts will see increased allocations from existing investors: Two-thirds of surveyed investors report allocating some funds to private markets and alternative assets, and a significant portion (82%) plan to increase their allocations in the next six months.
Education and access are key: Seasoned investors plan to ramp up alt allocations while 83% of those not invested may lack key guidance, citing a need for more information. Nearly half (47%) of investors don’t know what options exist, revealing the need for more targeted resources.
Few Americans take advantage of diversified savings options: While Boomers invest through IRAs, more than 60% of Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z report not taking advantage of IRAs for retirement savings. By solely relying on a 401(k), Americans miss opportunities to diversify their retirement savings.
Low engagement with advisors could lead to under-diversified portfolios: 76% of Millennials and 70% of Gen X don’t work with a financial advisor; compared to 43% of Boomers who do. While 28% of Gen Z do report working with a financial advisor, a higher percentage (34%) report getting their financial advice from TikTok.

“The data shows a clear shift: the future of retirement is becoming more diversified, technology-driven, and shaped by individual investors,” said Scott Harrigan, President of Alto. “With investor-friendly platforms like Alto, today’s investors have more opportunity to personalize their retirement strategies in ways that are resilient, flexible, and aligned with their goals.”

Alto’s self-directed IRA platform empowers individuals to diversify beyond public markets with access to private equity, venture capital, crypto, real estate, and more. Alto’s platform enables investors to utilize their retirement assets to invest in tax-advantaged investment options, breaking down barriers that traditionally limit access to alternative investment opportunities.

For a full breakdown of findings across generations, download the full report on Alto’s website.

About Alto

Alto's self-directed IRA platform enables investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with alternative assets like private equity, venture capital, real estate, private credit, and more. Alto acts as the IRA custodian for over $1.7B in assets with 30,000 self-directed IRA investors and supports more than 2,500 issuers who have raised capital on the platform. With minimal paperwork and competitive fees, Alto offers simplified SDIRA access to investments that are less correlated and have potential for higher returns. Users can establish Traditional, Roth, or SEP IRAs and seamlessly invest in private markets. Learn more at altoira.com.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Investments in private and alternative assets involve significant risks, including loss of principal, lack of liquidity, and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any references to potential tax advantages assume eligibility and may vary based on individual circumstances. Alto is not a fiduciary or investment adviser. Investors should consult their own legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.

Survey findings reflect self-reported responses from 1,000 U.S.-based investors surveyed by Alto in July 2025 and may not be representative of the broader investing population.