Credit Crisis Fuels 131% Increase in Private Lending Since 2005

Bellevue, Wash. (June 24, 2008) – Guidant Financial Group released investment data today that indicated private loan investments inside IRAs have increased 131.1% since 2005. The statistic was derived by comparing data from past and present surveys of self-directed IRA investors who can direct their retirement funds into both traditional and non-traditional assets.

In a 2005 survey, 10.3% of Guidant’s self-directed IRA clients indicated they were currently investing in notes and/or loans. In 2007, however, 23.8% of Guidant clients directed their retirement savings into notes and/or loans, indicating a dramatic increase in private lending in just two years.

“This increase in private lending is really a matter of supply meeting demand,” says Guidant’s CEO and Co-founder David Nilssen. “In 2005, institutional loans were made freely to both qualified and unqualified borrowers. Today, however, the lending and housing climates have changed dramatically. Today, people are losing their homes and are unable to refinance through traditional mortgages. Self-directed IRA investors see the need for private loans and are taking advantage of the current economy to the benefit of their retirement savings.”

Guidant’s self-directed IRA enables investors to direct their tax-deferred or tax-exempt retirement savings into both the securities market and non-traditional investments such as real estate, tax liens, private loans and foreign property.

About Guidant Financial Group

Guidant Financial Group provides investors with safe and innovative options to invest for their retirement futures. Guidant is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business funding solutions through an individual’s IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant's services allow investors the freedom to make alternative investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more. For more information on self-directed IRAs or small business financing please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.