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.

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.

Choosing the right gold firm can mean the difference between success and failure as a gold owner.  Choose the right firm and it will help you stay the course on protecting your assets from economic uncertainties.  Choose the wrong firm and your funds can be diverted to an assortment of bullion-related investments and/or derivative investments that are not truly asset preservation vehicles.  Gold stocks, for example, are an investment in stocks first and gold bullion second.  Mint state and proof coins graded by independent services usually sell for high mark-ups over their gold value that immediately put the buyer at a disadvantage.  Precious metals exchange-traded funds and certificates introduce counter-party and systemic risk to the investment equation.  These are just three examples of the kinds of investments that can lead the investor away from the stability of conventional coin and bullion investments, and generally should be avoided by investors whose goals include building a hedge against economic certainties or a long-term store of value.

Related: Please see “Beware proof gold and silver American Eagles including graded PF70, American Buffalos and Eagles graded MS70“

First, and most important: Check the Better Business Bureau’s profile on a company before you do business with it. Check not only its rating but the number of complaints lodged against it and how those complaints were handled. A consistent record of complaints can be a warning sign even if the company has managed to keep an A+ rating. This is a simple and straightforward step every first-time investor should take, but it is amazing how many ignore it. Second, choose a gold firm that has a solid track record. Ten years in business is good; fifteen years or more is even better. Third, choose a firm with a commitment to keeping you informed, i.e., one that is interested in answering your questions now and keeping you informed in the future. If a sales person gives you short shrift or hits you with a heavy sales pitch take it as a warning. (Note: USAGOLD has been awarded the Better Business Bureau’s Gold Star Certificate, its highest accolade. In addition, the firm has been rated A+ by the BBB with zero consumer complaints. The firm has been accredited since 1991.)