Gold IRAs are a specific type of individual retirement account (IRA) that allows investors to hold gold in their portfolio. Gold, a notably reliable precious metal for its ability to withstand the ups and downs of the economy, is a very effective investment opportunity for many people. Yet, investing in gold IRAs is a bit different than what could be expected from a traditional IRA.
Investments in a gold IRA are helped separately from a traditional retirement account. There are some similarities between gold IRAs and traditional IRAs, including the amount you can contribute and the distribution rules remaining the same.
Before you make the move towards a gold IRA, consider the following:
Setting Up a Gold IRA: A Step-By-Step Guide
Once you decide it’s wise to invest in a gold IRA (and speak to your investment professional about doing so), it’s time to consider how to set up a gold IRA so that it meets the requirements set by the IRS to achieve the tax-advantaged benefits you desire. Follow these steps:
#1: Choose a gold IRA custodian
Look for a specific gold IRA custodian (many do not have the ability to offer this strategy). You can open the IRA specifically based on your goals. No matter what company you decide to choose, make sure to research:
- Fees
- Track record of the organization
- Customer support services
- Accountability
- Transparency
You can actually open the gold IRA directly through these organizations.
#2: Selecting your gold investment
Once you have the company you desire to work with in mind, it’s time to consider the type of gold investment. You can choose a gold-related paper investment, such as the following, or purchase physical gold that is then stored in a depository (which also must be approved by the IRS).
- Exchange-traded funds
- Stocks in gold mining companies
- Precious metals commodity futures
- Precious metals mutual funds
Research options thoroughly before choosing. There is no single method applicable or best suited for everyone.
Types of Gold You Can Hold in A Gold IRA
Another advantage of gold IRAs is that you have options. You can choose from these two specific types:
Physical gold IRAs
One of the options is to purchase physical gold IRAs. These allow you to invest in physical gold and other precious metals, but you must meet the standards for quality set by the IRS.
Gold equivalent IRAs
Another option is to invest money into gold-based investments. This means you do not actually hold physical gold.
Are Gold IRAs Worth the Investment?
Gold provides a different avenue for investment strategy than typical methods, and for many investors, that type of diversification is ideal, if not critical. With a gold IRA, investors benefit from the tax-advantaged account but can also put their money into the precious metal. Some of the benefits of doing so include:
1. Hedge Against Inflation
Gold IRAs increase in value when the value of the dollar drops. The US dollar is very much a precarious investment strategy. If you put money into a stock market, you have to be concerned with how much the stocks rise and fall but also how much inflation impacts your investment value. As inflation rises, your investment is worth less.
This is not the same with gold. Since gold tends to be the favored investment strategy when inflation is rising, it offers a better solution for investors.
2. Tangible Asset
Another key benefit is that you are buying gold. It’s not ownership in a company that could shutter its doors at any time, or an investment into a digital currency that is so vulnerable to the ups and downs of the market could be very limitedly beneficial. Gold is a tangible asset.
3. Diversification
Gold also provides a key benefit in being a type of investment method that’s different from the others. When stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial strategies struggle under the weight of inflation or political unrest, that’s not the case with gold. It tends to maintain its value, though it may slow in growth percentage over time. In short, it provides you with a way to preserve your asset’s value when other strategies may be struggling.
4. Potential tax benefits
A gold IRA allows you to get the benefits of tax savings that traditional retirement accounts offer. For many investors, this is an excellent way to reduce taxable income each year while also ensuring they are putting money aside to grow in value until retirement.
Protecting Your Wealth with Gold IRAs
IRAs are a type of tax-advantaged account. That means you can put money into them, and they will grow with some type of tax benefit. Gold makes this a very different type of strategy than the average mutual fund-based IRA, though. Gold has long been considered a safe haven type of investment strategy because the precious metal has long held its value no matter the instability of other markets.
For many, gold is an excellent way to diversify a portfolio, especially heading into times when investors believe the traditional stock market could suffer the most. It is possible to structure your IRA investment as a gold IRA, meaning that you are investing in gold rather than other financial instruments.
There are several key ways that gold can help to protect your wealth:
- It may help reduce your tax burden. That’s because these are tax-advantaged retirement accounts. If you choose a traditional gold IRA, that means you’ll invest pre-tax dollars and pay tax when you begin to cash in the account. A Roth gold IRA allows you to invest with after-tax dollars and then not pay taxes on those funds later.
- Gold IRAs also minimize estate concerns. Roth IRA distributions are tax-free for both you and your heirs. It also allows you to pass those assets on to your heirs without going through probate.
- Gold does better with inflation. Inflation is a serious concern for all investment types, but gold tends to head in an upward value when the value of the dollar drops (meaning inflation rises).
For these reasons, you really do want to consider how gold can be an important part of your portfolio.
Is a Gold IRA Right for You?
Numerous investors can and should consider a gold IRA. Though you should consider your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and overall age until retirement, gold IRAs are an essential tool for many, especially those who want diversification within their portfolio.
Unlike other types of investment strategies, gold does well against inflation and unstable economic conditions. Even with downturns, gold tends to maintain its value over time.
Key Considerations Before Investing in a Gold IRA
Prior to making any investment, speak to a financial advisor about the best strategy for your situation.
Understand your risk tolerance
At the heart of the decision making for any investment strategy is knowing how much risk you are willing to take and how much risk any specific investment strategy offers. Your age, flexibility with investment, and overall desired outcome are critical consdierations.
Beware of scams
Like all investment strategies, there are often bad actors, organizations that are not providing accurate information or investment tools. Research the organization thoroughly reading positive and negative reviews online.
Diversification is key
Gold may not always be the best option for you. There are many situations where gold’s value may not grow, or it may not meet your expectations as climates change. Diversification may help to reduce some of that risk.
Tax implications of gold IRAs
There are some situations where gold IRAs will be subjected to additional taxes and fees. Also, note that you cannot liquidate them prior to your retirement agent without paying a significant fee.
Gold IRA FAQs
- Is a gold IRA right for me?
- To determine if a gold IRA is the right financial investment for you, consider the risk tolerance you wish to take on, your objectives in owning precious metals, and the current market conditions. Make sure you seek out financial advisor insight for specific guidelines on how to manage your assets, diversification, and investment strategies.
- What are the fees associated with gold IRAs?
- To determine if a gold IRA is the right financial investment for you, consider the risk tolerance you wish to take on, your objectives in owning precious metals, and the current market conditions. Make sure you seek out financial advisor insight for specific guidelines on how to manage your assets, diversification, and investment strategies.
- What are the fees associated with gold IRAs?
- There are various types of potential fees associated with gold IRAs. This includes an account setup feel, which can range from $100 to $150. There are also custodial or administrative fees, which are charged on an annual basis. These range from $50 to $150. There are also storage fees to consider, which can range widely based on value.
- How do I store my physical gold in a gold IRA?
- You must send your gold to an authorized custodian approved by the IRS. This is a requirement in order to see the benefits of an IRA, or tax-advantaged account.
- What are the tax implications of withdrawing from a gold IRA?
- Because a gold IRA is a tax-advantaged investment account, it is meant to be put in place and maintained long-term as an investment to pay for retirement. If you withdraw funds from your account before your retirement age, you may pay a 10% penalty for doing so, along with taxes at your current tax bracket rate.
For many investors, a gold IRA is an ideal investment tool for diversification in a troubling investment climate. Finding a trusted custodian and comparing investment strategies can be critical.