Looking for a way to diversify your investments, secure your purchasing power and safeguard your retirement? Self-directed precious metals IRAs continue to grow in popularity — and for good reason.

This type of account works exactly the same as a traditional IRA or 401(k), but instead of putting wealth into fluctuating stocks and bonds, accounts are backed up by real gold and other precious metals held in a secure, insured IRS-approved facility.

You Call the Shots in a Self-Directed IRA

If you’re not familiar with a self-directed IRA, here’s a brief primer on the basics. This type of account provides two significant benefits — more control, and a broader array of investment options.

As the self-directed IRA account holder, you make the investment decisions — like where to invest and how much. Along with this greater amount of control, a self-directed IRA also provides increased flexibility with your investments.

Your self-directed IRA enables you to also invest in the following (and more):

• Precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum and palladium
• Real estate
• Debt
• Businesses
• Cryptocurrencies and more

A Solid Track Record: Performance Endurance

Precious metals are tangible items of value — not printed promises. That’s what makes a self-directed precious metals IRA so powerful.

When the value of the dollar or a bond goes down, the value of gold tends to rise. Investing a portion of your portfolio into precious metals can help round it out and grow its worth over time.

From 2007 to 2009, the U.S. stock market faced one of its worst crashes to date. Nearly 60% of Americans lost a portion of their retirement savings. But while the S&P 500 continued to crash, gold’s price rose.

During the 2008-2012 recession, silver also proved its ability to endure through economic crisis, jumping in value by almost 450%. And those who smartly invested in these precious metals were rewarded for their foresight.

No one can predict how the financial markets will react with any real certainty. But the current fluctuations may be an indicator that we’re about to return to a bear market.

Historically speaking, all metals deemed precious have proven to be a strong hedge against economic downturns. Moving retirement funds into a precious metals IRA may provide the protection against risk you’re looking for.

4 SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS OF A PRECIOUS METALS IRA

1. Diversification helps protect your savings from market volatility.
2. The inverse relationship between the U.S. dollar and precious metals helps investors maintain purchasing power.
3. Limited supply and sustained demand are strong factors in future gains.
4. It’s simple and straightforward to convert your eligible 401(k), IRA or other retirement account to an IRA backed by precious metals.

Take the First Steps Toward Risk Mitigation

Open your account

Consider how to fund your new self-directed precious metals IRA account. Gold Gate Capital recommends beginning with an account value of at least $10,000. The following accounts are eligible to be rolled over:

• Traditional IRA
• SEP or Simple IRA
• Roth IRA
• Eligible 401(k), 403(b), 457 or TSP

Keep in mind, like a conventional IRA, you can move your retirement account to a precious metals IRA with no tax penalties.

A Gold Gate Capital specialist will guide you through the process as you transfer your funds to a reputable, qualified custodian who specializes in precious metals IRAs, such as Equity Trust Company. Your custodian will facilitate tax compliance, so your investments remain legal over the long term. All custodians are held to the highest standards by Gold Gate Capital, receiving A+ ratings from the Better Business Bureau.

SELECT YOUR PRECIOUS METALS FOR INVESTMENT

Your Gold Gate Capital specialist will provide you with information and recommendations to help make the best decision based on your retirement goals and timeline. Four precious metals are currently approved for your IRA because of their proven investment track record:

Gold

(.995 minimum fineness, except for the American Eagle)

• American Eagle Coins (Bullion & Proof)
• American Buffalo
• Canadian Maple Leaf
• Austrian Philharmonic
• Austraian Nuggest / Kangaroo
• Gold bars androunds from approved mints & refiners

Silver

(.999 mininum fineness)

• American Eagle (Bullion & Proof)
• Canadian Maple Leaf & Twin Maple Leaf (2oz)
• Austrian Philharmonic
• Australian Kookaburra
• Mexican Libertad
• Silver bars and rounds from approved mints & refiners

Platinum

(.9995 minimum fineness)

• American Eagle
• Australian Koala
• Austrian Philharmonic
• Canadian Maple Leaf
• Platinum bars and rounds from approved mints & refiners

Palladium

(.9995 minimum fineness)

• Canadian Maple Leaf
• Palladium bars and rounds from approved mints & refiners

Complete Your Purchase

After walking you through the necessary paperwork, your Gold Gate Capital specialist will help you close the deal. Your metals will be sent to a depository on your behalf. Your custodian will be responsible for completing transactions, executing withdrawals and handling paperwork. They keep track of your account and ensure your assets are where they should be.

Store Your Precious Metals at a Depository

Your Gold Gate Capital specialist will go over your storage options, including the Delaware Depository, where your metals are insured up to $1 billion, and Brink’s Global Service, the largest non-bank, non-government holder of precious metals in the world.

Check in on Your Investment

You’ll continue to work with your Gold Gate Capital specialist who’s readily available to provide you with an up-to-date buy-back quote. These quotes are typically more accurate than the statements you’ll receive from your custodian.

Fee Structure for a Self-Directed Precious Metals IRA

• Account set-up: $50
• Wire transfer: $30
• Annual storage/insurance: $100
• Annual management: $100

Don’t risk losing everything by relying on a single plan for retirement success. A precious metals investment offers a safe-haven approach to diversification, acting as a shield against an unpredictable stock market, fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar and other economic uncertainties.