Articles Categorized in: Blog

Why is My IRA Losing Money?

Though an IRA is an attractive investment option, there is some risk in its use. Market conditions fluctuate and investments may suffer in value over time. There are various steps you can take to minimize these losses; the right strategy depends on your age, the reason for your losses and how long before retirement you still have left. Stocks Stocks are one of the main tools investors use to increase savings and pursue long-term financial goals such as retirement or...
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Why a Self Directed IRA Needs a Custodian

Brokerage firms can quickly buy and sell assets with just the click of a mouse; custodians for self-directed IRAs must manage manual transactions involving deeds, wires, titles, insurance, rent payments and property taxes that result in significantly different fee structures. Investors should compare fees and services in order to identify the one which best meets their needs. Tax-Free Investments Self-directed IRAs offer tax advantages comparable to those provided by traditional investments, yet have the potential for greater returns from alternative...
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Can I Buy Gold With a SEP IRA?

Gold has historically offered long-term investors significant returns and can diversify any portfolio. When stored within an IRA, precious metals must adhere to IRS standards regarding security and segregated storage. Patriot Gold Group provides an all-in-one service, from account set up and metal sales, to no annual fees for accounts over $100,000. What is a SEP IRA? SEP IRAs are unique retirement accounts designed specifically for freelancers, contractors and small business owners–and their employees–who use freelance services or employ them....
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How to Account For Losses in an IRA

When it comes to retirement accounts, the IRS is unforgiving when it comes to losses in IRAs. You can only deduct investment losses if all original contributions were nondeductible and the account had a “basis.” But should rebalancing be considered an appropriate response to IRA stock losses? Tax loss harvesting Tax loss harvesting strategies can be effective, but not suitable for everyone. While they can be cost-effective, this strategy requires selling and repurchasing securities which may incur fees that add...
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Should I Buy Gold Instead of Stocks?

Gold offers investors peace of mind against political unrest, financial insecurity and economic turmoil. Investing in gold can be accomplished both physically and through gold stocks; each provides different benefits that make investing worthwhile. Gold stocks are shares issued by companies that mine or manufacture gold, and usually track its price while being affected by other factors like company performance, weather conditions and labor issues. Stability Gold has always been known for its strong market value and stable investment returns,...
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What Gold Coins Are IRA Eligible?

Gold investment has long been seen as an attractive form of portfolio diversification and security for investors looking to maximize returns and security. IRA-eligible coins like the American Gold Eagle and Australian Gold Kangaroo provide a range of choices to choose from when investing. Gold eligible for use in retirement accounts must comply with stringent IRS guidelines, guaranteeing only high-grade, investment-grade precious metals can be included. Read up on these specifications here. American Gold Eagle Since its introduction in 1986,...
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Which Gold Investment is Best?

Dependent upon your resources and risk tolerance, investing in gold can include investing in physical gold bars or shares of gold mining or refining companies as well as futures contracts. ETFs and mutual funds that track gold prices provide newcomers an easy entry point into this regulated market. Physical gold purchases incur additional storage costs and limit liquidity, so experts advise avoiding direct investments in gold. Gold-Backed Funds Investors looking for gold without the hassle of receiving and storing physical...
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Can I Roll My IRA Into Gold?

Gold has quickly become an attractive investment option among investors concerned with currency debasement and inflation. A gold IRA rollover offers you the ability to purchase physical precious metals to diversify your retirement portfolio. Looking for a reliable gold IRA company should not come with hidden fees or promotions offering free precious metals; such schemes could be scams. How does it work? Rollover is the process of moving funds from one retirement account to another. You can transfer pension money...
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How Do I Report an Inherited Roth IRA Distribution?

No matter your status – whether as the surviving spouse, eligible designated beneficiary or someone within 10 years of the deceased account owner – handling an inherited Roth IRA depends on your individual circumstances and advice from a tax professional is always recommended. The IRS website provides detailed guidelines for taking distributions from an IRA. RMDs Non-spouse beneficiaries of an IRA should begin by meeting any required minimum distributions owed by their deceased account owner, which are calculated annually and...
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Do Gold Coin Sales Need to Be Reported to the IRS?

Most sellers of gold coins prefer to conduct the transaction privately due to privacy and theft concerns, yet dealers must inform the IRS of certain sales in order to comply with tax regulations. Your tax liability for selling precious metals depends on both its type and how it’s paid for, but the International Coin and Trade Association has provided guidelines based on discussions with the IRS. What are the reporting requirements? Coin sales typically require lower reporting thresholds than bars...
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