Articles Categorized in: Blog

What Is a Non-Bank Custodian?

Non-bank custodians are companies that protect the financial assets of both consumers and institutions. Usually they place customer funds into commingled accounts at banks that qualify for FDIC deposit insurance in case the banks themselves fail. The IRS publishes a list of approved nonbank custodians. Equity Trust meets this criteria due to South Dakota law regulation of custodial services and is qualified for this designation. A custodian is a financial institution that holds customers’ securities for safekeeping. Custodians are financial...
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How Do I Choose an IRA Custodian?

A good custodian should provide low fees, excellent customer service and an intuitive website with user-friendly navigation. Furthermore, they should offer effective security to protect against hackers gaining access to sensitive data. Find a company that specializes in self-directed IRAs. These firms tend to be banks or trust companies approved by the IRS that allow alternative – and sometimes riskier – forms of investments within your retirement account. Qualifications As part of selecting an individual retirement account custodian, it is...
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Is Buying Coins and Bullion With Retirement Funds Legal?

Due to extensive advertising by precious metals dealers, many people are aware that they can buy IRS approved coins and bullion/precious metals using retirement funds – but some remain confused as to whether this practice is legal. As per IRC Section 408(m), coins and bullion/precious metals must be held by a trustee such as a depository for safekeeping. Coins Coins are made of metal or other material which has been stamped to distinguish it and has an intrinsic value, certified...
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Should I Have Gold in My Retirement Portfolio?

Gold can provide diversification and protect against inflation; however, when investing in it it’s essential to take several factors into consideration. Assessing your risk tolerance, exploring investment options, and seeking professional guidance are essential in selecting the appropriate gold investment for your retirement strategy. It’s a safe-haven asset Add gold to your retirement portfolio for inflation protection and crisis insurance, diversifying and lowering risk. However, it’s essential that you assess your risk tolerance before considering various gold investments options available...
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What Does BBB Mean on a Gold Bracelet?

When purchasing gold jewelry, hallmarks are an official way of showing its purity. An Assay Office stamps them after testing. Date letter stamps provide evidence of when your piece was certified as pure, often appearing as letters which do not resemble typical dates in order to prevent fraud and ensure authenticity. British Bullion Brokers British Bullion Brokers is an LBMA-approved bullion dealer with a secure online store and team of experts dedicated to providing their clients with superior service. These...
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Can You Hold ETFs in a Traditional IRA?

ETFs offer investors convenience, diversification and low costs in an easy and flexible investment option. Trading like stocks, these ETFs can be bought or sold anytime throughout the day allowing investors to trade whenever it suits their schedules. Tax-efficient funds also do not typically make capital gains distributions that leave investors with tax bills, making them popular tenants of taxable portfolios. However, ETFs should be carefully considered before including them in a traditional IRA. Costs ETFs offer investors convenience, diversification...
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Should I Put My IRA in Gold?

An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, provides tax-advantaged savings and can be used to invest in various assets – including precious metals. Gold bullion should not be used to invest in an IRA as taking physical possession before age 59 1/2 would constitute a distribution and incur applicable taxes and penalties. Taxes Gold IRAs offer an effective way to diversify your retirement savings portfolio by adding physical precious metals as investments. But be wary of fees and rules associated with...
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Are Silver Krugerrands IRA Eligible?

Silver IRA investments offer an invaluable way to diversify your retirement portfolio, yet it’s vitally important that they align with your financial goals. Therefore, before making an investment decision it is crucial that thorough research be performed in this regard. Precious metals must meet certain standards for purity and minting to qualify as eligible investments within an IRA, set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This rule applies equally to both gold and silver investments. 1. They are minted...
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Personal Finance Expert Dave Ramsey Warns Against Investing in Gold

Gold and silver investments have long been perceived as safe investments, yet personal finance expert Dave Ramsey cautions against investing in precious metals as part of an overall portfolio diversification plan. Instead, he advises diversifying with stocks and bonds. Consideration should always go into every investment decision, including their history and emotional climate, but allowing fear or greed to influence these choices can lead to poor choices. It’s not backed by the U.S. dollar People frequently look to gold as...
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Do You Pay Taxes on an IRA After Retirement?

An Individual Retirement Account, or IRA, provides a tax-advantaged way of saving for retirement. Contributions may reduce taxes when made, as will withdrawals when reaching retirement age. At 72 years of age, you must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA; you can choose to defer these distributions, however. Contributions IRAs are savings vehicles that provide tax-advantaged contributions to retirement accounts. There are various kinds of IRAs, including traditional, Roth, SEP, and ROTH accounts – each has...
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