Gold IRA’s offer an appealing diversification option for many investors, but they should only make up a small percentage of a portfolio. In addition, they’re not a great way to earn income or grow your savings.

A Gold IRA is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) designed to allow the purchase of physical precious metals. These include gold, silver, platinum and palladium. These can be purchased directly from a precious metals dealer. They must meet the IRS’s purity and weight requirements to be included in your IRA.

The IRA can be set up as either a traditional or Roth IRA, and the account can be funded with pre-tax or after-tax dollars. A Roth IRA allows you to withdraw your funds tax-free in retirement, while a traditional IRA requires you to pay taxes when you take your money out.

In order to purchase precious metals for your IRA, interesting review written by Precious Metals Advice you must first open an account with an IRS-approved custodian. Custodians are typically credit unions, banks or brokerage firms that have gained federal approval to provide asset custody services. They will manage your account and help you buy the precious metals you want to add to your IRA.

Once your gold IRA is established, you can then fund it by rolling over assets from another account, such as a 401(k), 403(b) or TSP. In most cases, a rollover can occur without any tax consequences, but it is important to check with your accountant before you do so.

You should also choose a custodian that offers a variety of investment options. This will give you the freedom to invest your IRA in the best ways for your specific needs. You should look for a custodian that has a strong track record and is committed to providing superior customer service.

Your IRA custodian will charge a one-time fee for setting up your account. This fee may vary depending on the institution you use. The amount of the fee will depend on the type of IRA you are opening, as well as your investment goals.

Other fees that you should be aware of are storage and insurance fees. You can expect these to range from a flat rate to 1% of the total value of your account, depending on the custodian. These fees are separate from the account setup fee, and they can be a significant portion of your overall expenses.

If you are interested in investing in a gold IRA, it is best to work with an experienced company. Augusta Precious Metals is a company with a proven history of handling gold and other physical precious metals, as well as a reputation for excellent customer service. The company works with a network of trustworthy custodians and is available to assist you in any way needed.

While there are benefits to investing in a gold IRA, it’s important to note that it’s not an easy investment to navigate. You should hire a professional to assist you with the process, and you should be sure to research your chosen company thoroughly before deciding on an IRA provider. It’s also a good idea to talk with your financial, tax and legal advisors about your goals before you make any decisions about your IRA.