Gold Price Versus Inflation: Has Gold Kept Up?

For a good reason, inflation remains at the top of many consumers’ minds. The Consumer Price Index—a measure of the cost of living—recently estimated increases of 3.3% across the board for all items, which means the price of living is more expensive than ever.   Even as companies make a show of reducing their prices, inflation remains a sticking point for many Americans.  However, rising inflation offers a real opportunity for investors to preserve their assets by turning to precious metals. Let’s explore how to hedge... Continue Reading

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Tips for Investing in Gold During an Election Year

Regardless of your political leanings, election years always bring a little bit of anxiety. That’s especially true of the presidential election cycle. However, federal elections can have lasting consequences for investors, who could stand to lose—or gain—significant value depending on which political party takes power in November.  Trying to figure out what makes the most sense for your money before (and after) the election can lead to lots of questions, including whether it makes sense to move funds in and out of traditional IRAs, what... Continue Reading

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Devaluation of the Dollar: What You Should Know

The devaluation of the dollar is a topic that earns significant attention in worldwide economic discussions, drawing attention from retail investors, financial analysts, and various other stakeholders. The phenomenon has roots in a decline in the U.S. dollar’s value relative to other currencies, but it has wide-ranging implications for the domestic and global economy.  The U.S. dollar’s value influences international trade dynamics and affects your individual purchasing power. That’s why understanding the nuances of a devalued dollar is critical to navigating the financial landscape.  Let’s... Continue Reading

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Gold IRA Withdrawal Rules: What You Need to Know About Taking Distributions

Gold IRA ownership is a fantastic way to diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation. However, just like traditional individual retirement accounts, the IRS has specific rules about when and how to take fund distributions. Knowing the Gold IRA withdrawal rules is essential for avoiding hefty tax penalties and early withdrawal fees.  Before you consider taking physical possession of precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, or palladium or selling them off, heed the following rules regarding mandatory minimum distributions, age requirements, and other regulations.   Gold... Continue Reading

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What Are Precious Metals Mutual Funds?

You’ve probably done your investor homework on Gold IRAs, but did you know there are alternative ways to invest in precious metals?  Precious metals mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool funds from multiple investors at once. These mutual funds then purchase a diversified portfolio that includes actual precious metals or companies that work in the industry. Unlike other methods of buying physical metals, mutual funds provide exposure to the metals market via a managed approach. This differs from a self-directed IRA, which gives you... Continue Reading

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What Happens to the Stock Market During Election Years?

Election years are a major concern for investors. The fiscal, foreign, and domestic policies of presidential candidates and parties can have a profound influence on the economy. Financial professionals and retail investors alike keep a close watch on their policy leanings. Many adjust their investments accordingly. But are election years good for the stock market? The past few election cycles can give us a good idea of what might change. But, like anything else, the answer is more complicated than you’d expect.  Let’s explore what... Continue Reading

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Gold IRA Custodians: What Are They, and What Do They Do?

One of the most common questions we hear about Gold IRAs and other precious metal investments is where the materials go after you purchase them. As it turns out, gold you buy as part of a self-directed Gold IRA cannot remain with you. Instead, this gold (or other precious metals) must be placed in the hands of a trusted company called a Gold IRA custodian.  While you may prefer the idea of holding onto your precious metals for safekeeping, there are plenty of reasons Gold... Continue Reading

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Home Storage Gold IRAs: A Guide

Gold IRAs offer a fantastic way for investors to diversify portfolios, and they’ve become an increasingly popular method to hedge against inflation and protect assets. But they’re also subject to stringent storage requirements that practically never allow for home storage.  That presents a challenge for some investors, who want to extend the “hands-on” approach to self-directed IRAs to where they keep the precious metals they’ve purchased. You can keep purchased precious metals in your home, but not as tax-advantaged assets that are part of a... Continue Reading

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5 Tips to Avoid Gold IRA Scams

Everyone who invests wants to protect their financial security. That includes those who turn to Gold IRAs to diversify their portfolios and hedge against inflation. That said, the increase in popularity among gold and other precious metals has led to an uptick in Gold IRA scams.  A Gold IRA is a reputable investment vehicle. You deserve to invest your hard-earned money with confidence. If you have concerns about how to identify Gold IRA scams and want to learn more about how to avoid them, the... Continue Reading

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Does a Gold IRA Earn Interest?

Whether you’re an investor approaching retirement or dabbling in the market for fun, you have plenty of options to grow your wealth: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, savings accounts, and more.  But today’s economic environment is more chaotic than it has been in decades. And the savviest investors are on the prowl for better ways to preserve their wealth. That includes seeking ways to diversify their portfolios, such as moving investments away from traditional stocks and bonds to tangible assets like gold.  One of the most... Continue Reading

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