How to set up a gold IRA or 401(k) rollover to your current plan
A quick introduction to transferring some of your retirement funds into gold and silver
Setting up a precious metals IRA need not be difficult, expensive or time consuming. We are happy to assist you in filling out your account set-up forms. This can be done online over the phone quickly and easily. Your call is welcome.
Account Form: IRA New Precious Metals Account or Rollover
Q. Can I buy physical gold for my Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or 401(k)?
A. You can buy gold coins and bullion, and other precious metals, in a self-directed IRA or 401(k) established with a trust company. A self-directed plan empowers the individual to make his or her own investment decisions and adds to the available investment options. The precious metals are among those options. Here is a list of items that you can include in your IRA.
Q. Can I do a rollover from my current IRA or 401(k)?
A. Yes. As a matter of fact, most precious metals’ retirement plans at USAGOLD begin with a rollover. The current law allows for both transfers from IRAs as well as rollovers from qualified retirement plans, such as 401(k), 401(a), 403(b), 457, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and annuities. We have a great deal of experience with this process and can help you navigate it with a minimum of brain damage.
Q. Should I buy gold for my IRA or 401(k)?
A. For the conservative, risk-averse investor who is concerned about economic uncertainties and instability in the financial system — the answer is an unequivocal “yes.” Former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan recently remarked that “Gold is a good place to put money these days given its value as a currency outside of the policies conducted by governments.” The rationale for gold ownership within a retirement plan is the same as it is outside the plan.
Q. What is the difference between my current plan and a self-directed IRA or 401(k)?
A. All the rules, particularly pertaining to tax treatment, that apply to conventional retirement plans also apply to self-directed plans. Generally, conventional plans do not allow for diversifications into physical gold because of the special circumstances that accompany precious metal ownership – storage, insurance and custodial responsibilities. Typically, the client planning for retirement who wishes to purchase precious metals in physical form, i.e., coins and bullion, must establish a new account with a trustee that allows self-directed retirement plans. The client then transfers funds from his or her current trustee to a new trustee that allows these special transactions.
Q. Can USAGOLD help me choose a trustee that sponsors self-directed IRAs or 401(k)s?
A. Yes. At this time, we have direct working relationships with two trust companies that offer self-directed plans.
Q. What is the role of the trustee in my retirement plan?
A. Self-directed trustees do not render investment advice. They simply provide the administrative and reporting services, and work with various vendors, like USAGOLD, that offer specific, permitted precious metals investments (listed here) under the Internal Revenue code. Of course, the trustees charge fees for their services and those charges are generally listed on their websites. As a result, the client planning for retirement can get a sense of what the costs will be before making a commitment.
If you are looking for in-depth, cutting-edge coverage of the gold and silver markets, our monthly newsletter might be just what you are looking for. A contemporary web-based client letter with a distinctively old-school feel. Prospective clients welcome.
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