Articles Categorized in: Blog

Why Gold Is Important to the International Monetary Fund

Gold has historically played a central role in international monetary systems. When countries pegged their currency rates to gold, they often paid IMF subscriptions in gold. IMF Executive Board approved sales strictly limited to gold acquired prior to April 1978 when they passed Second Amendment of Articles amendment. Profits generated by sales will help bolster low-income country lending through PRGT. What is the IMF’s gold reserve? At one time, the IMF’s gold reserve served two functions: storing members’ reserves and...
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Can I Manage My Own IRA?

Self-directed IRA custodians allow investors to expand their retirement investment options beyond real estate, precious metals and crypto. But investing in these types of assets may pose unique risks. Investors must take care to abide by any applicable rules, such as the self-dealing rule (which prohibits an IRA from buying and selling assets it owns with its own funds), when conducting their investments. Furthermore, it’s essential that independent checks be performed on prices and asset values listed on account statements...
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Gold and Silver IRAs – Diversify Your Retirement Savings

Silver can provide your retirement portfolio with added diversification. As precious metals have historically provided purchasing power during times of inflation and economic instability. Precious Metal IRAs are self-directed individual retirement accounts that enable investors to invest in physical gold and silver. To access this investment opportunity, a custodian who specializes in precious metal IRAs must be selected as your custodian. What is a Gold IRA? Investing in precious metals is a fantastic way to diversify your retirement portfolio and...
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Can Gold Be Liquidated?

Gold bars make an excellent investment option; however, due to its inaccessibility and limited liquidity it may take longer for investors to sell them than anticipated. Investing in gold funds offers many of the same advantages of owning physical gold bullion without its inherent liquidity issues, and is far more cost-effective. Coin dealers Coin dealers are individuals who purchase and sell coins for profit. While coin dealers may advertise through various methods, their advertising dollars should always follow ethical business...
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Who is the Custodian of My IRA?

Custodians are financial institutions licensed to manage IRA investments. They offer both traditional and self-directed IRA options. A good custodian will offer low fees and exceptional customer service, along with user-friendly website navigation and knowledgeable team to answer any queries that arise. What type of IRA do you offer? Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) come in several varieties: Traditional IRAs allow contributions that are tax-deductible and defer taxes until retirement; Roth IRAs use after-tax funds; small business owners can open SEP...
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How to Avoid Tax on IRA Withdrawal

Withdrawals made before age 59 1/2 will usually incur income tax and a 10% penalty; however, exceptions exist, including first-time home purchases and qualified higher education expenses. Traditional IRAs are funded with pretax earnings while Roth IRA contributions come out of after-tax dollars, though there are ways you may be able to avoid taxes when withdrawing your savings from either one. 1. Take a Distribution in a Low-Income Year Once you turn age 59 1/2, withdrawals from traditional IRAs can...
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Can I Hold Silver in My IRA?

Silver, like gold, can provide protection from inflation while offering low risk retirement savings options as it doesn’t offer dividends or interest income streams. However, it is essential that investors select a trustworthy precious metals company which follows IRS regulations when investing. Doing so will ensure their metal meets purity standards and is stored safely at an IRS-approved depository. Taxes Precious metal investments within an IRA offer attractive tax benefits that you wouldn’t otherwise receive from regular investments, but with...
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Pros and Cons of Gold ETFs

Gold ETFs offer investors who prioritize ease of trading and high liquidity an ideal investment choice. Traded on stock exchanges, these ETFs allow buyers and sellers to buy or sell at market hours in real time, offering transparency and cost efficiency compared to physical gold ownership. However, some investors prefer the security that tangible assets provide over digital security issues like cyberattacks or data breaches. 1. They are not backed by physical gold As opposed to physical gold, gold ETFs...
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Can I Hold My Own Gold IRA?

Some investors may be attracted to the prospect of including physical gold in their retirement accounts, yet this investment carries with it many risks. First off, IRA rules do not permit keeping precious metals at home. Instead, an IRA custodian must store assets in an IRS-approved depository and may charge an annual storage fee. What is a gold IRA? Gold IRAs are self-directed retirement accounts that allow investors to invest in physical precious metals instead of traditional paper assets like...
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Can You Contribute to an IRA If You Are on SSDI?

SSDI beneficiaries who meet certain income thresholds may contribute to an IRA as long as their annual income falls within the deductible limit for tax filing status and whether (or both spouses have access) workplace savings plans. However, you must carefully monitor your earnings to make sure they do not go beyond what the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers substantial gainful activity. Contributions are tax-free Contributing to an IRA can be an excellent way to lower your taxable income –...
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