Articles Categorized in: Blog

What Is Commingled Fuel Storage?

Commingling is the practice of mixing different batches of fuel together for transportation or storage, whether this occurs intentionally or unintentionally (such as through pipeline leaks and other incidents). Commingled fuel may not meet quality or performance standards and could potentially pose safety concerns. Most depositories offer both commingled and segregated storage solutions. Commingled storage involves holding metals belonging to various owners in one general vault; segregated storage features individual lockers or storage units. It is a form of recycling...
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Can I Buy QQQ in My Roth IRA?

The Invesco QQQ ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index and invests in tech companies and transformative industries, while its low 0.20% expense ratio may boost your returns. Apple and Microsoft account for 19% of the portfolio, creating potential concerns among investors seeking broad-based diversification. Expense Ratio The PowerShares QQQ ETF (commonly referred to as triple-Qs) is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index. Heavily weighted toward large-cap technology stocks, it boasts an affordable expense ratio and provides investors...
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Is a Gold IRA Tax Deferred?

Gold IRAs give investors the potential to diversify their retirement portfolios and protect themselves against inflation, but investors must remember that precious metals do not generate cash flows or income and therefore cannot serve as an effective method for mitigating investment risk. Investment in a gold IRA requires careful research in order to find the appropriate company. You should look for one with competitive prices, no hidden fees and an excellent customer education reputation. Taxes on capital gains Gold IRAs...
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Can Government Seize Gold Bars?

Although governments have never taken possession of gold bullion from citizens without paying compensation, people sometimes speculate it could happen as part of high pressure sales tactics used by bullion distributors. Today, few major countries are backed by gold. While confiscating large amounts of bullion may be challenging, in certain circumstances such actions might become necessary. History In 1933, during the Great Depression and as part of a plan to devalue the dollar and stimulate economic activity, the US government...
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What Is IRS Code 408 M3?

Section 408 of the IRS Code plays an essential role in defining which assets may be purchased within an IRA and stipulates that any non-permitted collectible acquired through an IRA should be treated as a distribution equal to its cost. Avoid violating this rule by placing coins, metals and/or bullion in the possession of an approved depository. Coins Each coin holds its own value, but the best way to invest in coins that meet IRS regulations and precious metals/bullion is...
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The Difference Between Segregated and Non-Segregated Gold Storage

Your investment profile and preferred storage type can have an effect on your experience with us. We provide both segregated and non-segregated facilities for gold bullion investments. With our dedicated storage, you own and can withdraw the exact coins, bars or rounds that you send. However, your assets will be commingled with other’s in the depository; while this option is more cost-effective and provides a degree of indirect ownership control. Cost Selecting an ideal storage method for your gold investments...
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Tax Benefits of a Gold IRA

A gold IRA works similarly to any other IRA: contributions are made using pretax dollars that grow tax-deferred until distributions at retirement. Step one is selecting a metals dealer who can set up a self-directed individual retirement account (SDIRA), an account you manage but which includes an IRS-approved custodian and depository institution. Tax-Deductible Contributions Investment in precious metals using an IRA allows for tax-deductible contributions. Your investments will grow tax-deferred until it comes time for withdrawals during retirement – but...
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Can the IRS Take My Gold?

Many individuals invest in gold as part of their retirement portfolios, yet may be unaware that the IRS imposes stringent rules regarding its storage within an IRA account. The Internal Revenue Service classifies gold coins as collectibles and taxes them at a higher 28% rate compared to ordinary long-term capital gains rates for most other assets. There are ways around these taxes though; such as careful overall tax planning. Taxes on Capital Gains Capital gains result from selling assets such...
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Gold Reserves at the International Monetary Fund

The IMF currently holds around 91 million ounces of gold in designated depositories, collected through initial quota subscriptions and various increases over the years. Increases in gold reserves have historically coincided with political and economic uncertainty; however, this correlation can become complicated by sanctions imposed upon countries. What is the IMF? The International Monetary Fund is a global financial institution that keeps tabs on global and member country economies, lends money when countries need assistance (known as conditionality loans), and...
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Who Owns the LLC in a Self Directed IRA?

If you are considering investing in non-traditional assets such as real estate, an LLC may be an appropriate way of structuring the investment and adhering to IRS rules. But before proceeding with such investments it is essential that all necessary steps be taken and understood beforehand. Need advice from an advisor regarding your retirement goals? SmartAsset’s free tool connects you with vetted advisors in your area. Limited Liability Protection One primary motivation for investing in an LLC (commonly referred to...
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