Articles Categorized in: Blog

Tax Implications of Gold Investments

Your tax liability for gold investments depends on which kind you select; for instance, the IRS considers precious metals such as bars and coins to be collectibles, which means their tax treatment differs from that of financial investments. Whenever you sell precious metals for more than their cost basis, capital gains tax must be paid. How much you owe depends on both your individual tax rate and how long the metals were held before being sold. Collectibles Gold investments can...
Read More

Are Gold Dealers Regulated?

Regulation of precious metals may appear complex and daunting. But there are certain trends to watch out for. Some gold dealers can advertise on conservative radio programs to attract politically conservative investors. Other important criteria of a reliable bullion provider include transparent pricing and risk disclosures. Legality Gold dealers’ lack of regulation provides them with a competitive edge when marketing themselves to consumers, as they can use celebrity endorsements and client reviews as draws to draw customers in. Furthermore, they...
Read More

How Do I Choose an IRA Custodian?

Self-directed IRA custodians are responsible for recording and processing transactions within an individual retirement account (IRA). As such, they should have extensive knowledge regarding regulations surrounding self-directed IRAs to steer investors away from prohibited transactions while providing clear communication. Selecting an IRA custodian is an important decision, with several considerations such as fees and investment options to take into account. Look for an institution without charging annual account maintenance fees, mutual fund loads or trade commissions as this could reduce...
Read More

What Accounts Can I Roll My 401k Into?

Rolling your 401(k) over is relatively straightforward, as all that is necessary to transfer it over is selecting a financial company and opening an IRA account with them, before having your assets shipped directly to them and depositing within 60 days to avoid paying taxes or penalties. IRAs Rollovers are the process of moving retirement savings from one account into another, making the transfer easier and safer than ever. While direct rollovers from former employer to current account are generally...
Read More

Why is My IRA Losing So Much Money?

Stocks and bonds have experienced losses over the last quarter, yet you can protect your investments by diversifying and monitoring them closely. Furthermore, make sure that your IRA portfolio aligns with both your long-term goals and risk tolerance. As you approach retirement, it may be prudent to transition your IRA funds away from riskier investments to more stable ones in order to preserve your retirement nest egg. IRAs are tax-deferred Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) offer an effective method for tax-deferred...
Read More

Can a Traditional IRA Be Rolled Into a Roth IRA?

A traditional IRA is an individual retirement account designed to help save for retirement. Your contributions may be tax deductible at present; however, when it’s time to withdraw the money in retirement there will be tax obligations associated with its withdrawal. If you hold a traditional IRA from a previous employer, it can be transferred into another IRA without incurring the 10% IRS penalty. Learn more about its advantages. Tax-deferred growth Traditional IRAs allow individuals to contribute money that may...
Read More

What Gold Coins and Bars Are IRA Approved?

Although only certain precious metals are approved to be included in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), that doesn’t mean any gold you find washing up on the beach can be added – the IRS sets very specific purity requirements and standards for coins and bars that qualify. Gold bars that meet IRA eligibility are more cost-effective than coins since their price reflects the weight rather than collectability. Here are a few popular examples that fit these requirements. Australian Kangaroo/Nugget Coins...
Read More

Can You Buy Gold in an IRA?

Purchase of precious metals through an IRA is possible in several ways. First, locate a custodian that allows precious metals and is approved by the IRS to manage retirement accounts; typically this is an independent brokerage firm that specializes in self-directed IRAs. Physical gold bullion and coins are an attractive investment choice that provides both diversification and an insurance against inflation, yet they may not suit everyone. Self-directed IRAs Self-directed IRAs provide investors with a means of investing in precious...
Read More

Should You Invest in a Gold IRA?

Answering this question depends on your retirement savings goals, time horizon, risk tolerance and fees associated with gold purchases. Establishing a gold IRA requires working with a precious-metals dealer, custodian and depository. Your chosen provider should be accredited and meet IRS fineness standards. 1. It’s a hedge against inflation Gold IRAs provide you with the ability to diversify and protect your retirement portfolio against inflation, while providing an asset class diversification solution. However, before choosing this investment vehicle it’s essential...
Read More

Medallion Signature Guarantee Stamp

Medallion Signature Guarantees (MSGs) are provided by financial institutions such as banks, brokerage firms and stock exchange member firms; some also offer them as customer services. Most MSGs are provided by banks that belong to an approved medallion program and use green high-security ink to ensure that signatures on MSGs are genuine and that any forgeries can be held against them by accepting liability for them. It’s a form of security Signature guarantees and medallion stamps are two forms of...
Read More