Investing in a Precious Metals IRA

Like many Americans, you may be feeling leery of dabbling in the stock market. As the economy has fluctuated in the past decade, many people have lost their life’s savings, and those who lost it all were forced to start from scratch.

Due to volatility of the stock market since 2000, do you keep your money in savings accounts or CDs, even if they offer little in return? This "preservation method" may not be the best way to protect your hard-earned cash.

Based on your personal goals for retirement, it may make more sense for you to invest in a precious metals IRA. A precious metals IRA is an IRS-approved individual retirement account backed by precious metals like physical gold or silver. What attracts many investors to precious metals IRAs are their ability to safeguard savings while offering the same tax benefits that come with any other government-approved retirement account.

The First Step, Determine if a Precious Metals IRA is Right For You

The value of the dollar continues to go down, which endangers any of your savings that aren't keeping up with the pace of this decline. Some experts are concerned that as the Federal Reserve prints more money in an attempt to prop up the economy, the Fed is causing even greater damage to the value of the dollar.

Given current interest rates, holding your money in a traditional savings account probably won’t protect you from such risks like the declining value of the dollar. Investing in precious metals provides unique protection against the declining dollar and inflation for the simple reason that you can't easily print more gold and silver. In fact, when policies enacted by the Federal Reserve cause the dollar to decline, this further increases the relative value of precious metals.

An investment in a precious metals IRA can also protect from stock market fluctuations. So much instability continues to surround the world’s economy, and investors who rely heavily on paper assets may face tough times in the future. With a precious metals IRA, you can steer clear of stocks altogether, which makes many feel more secure about their financial future.

Choose when, where and how you invest. A precious metals IRA allows you to have flexibility and options. If you decide to transfer your retirement savings into a precious metals IRA, you don’t have to put all of your eggs in one basket. You can allocate your investments any way you would like, which allows you to invest in a wide variety of assets.

The rollover process is simple. If your retirement savings are invested in a 401k or IRA, your accounts may be eligible to be rolled into a precious metals IRA, which would allow you to retain the same tax benefits you currently receive. Best of all, in most cases there are no tax implications and no penalties for making the move. The process is easy, and Birch Gold Group can help you each step of the way.

Whether you are nearing retirement age, or new to investing, the financial moves you make today could be the difference to achieve a secure financial tomorrow. Protect your retirement today with a precious metals IRA.

All You Need To Know About Gold-Backed Roth IRAs

With so much instability in today’s stock market and uncertainty in the economy, many investors are choosing to protect their retirement savings with gold-backed IRAs.

Everyone’s retirement portfolio will be different, so depending on your particular circumstances and objectives it may be smart to change your eligible IRAs or 401ks to a gold-backed Roth IRA. This move allows you to benefit from the same tax advantages that are built into any government-approved retirement account, while also diversifying into a hard asset like gold.

If you have questions about gold-backed Roth IRAs, or how to add gold to an existing Roth IRA, Birch Gold Group can help teach you about it.

Seven Facts About Roth IRAs and Gold

      1. While a traditional IRA allows you to make tax deductions on contributions to your account, ultimately you will be taxed on withdrawals. A Roth IRA is great because it allows investors to make tax-free withdrawals from qualifying accounts.

      2. Each type of IRA has recognizable benefits, so it is a good idea to speak to a qualified tax professional about your choices.

      3. If you choose to change your eligible 401k or IRA into a gold-backed Roth IRA, your new account will be considered a self-directed Precious Metals Roth IRA. With a self-directed IRA, you can often choose among more asset classes.

      4. There are a few types of gold authorized to be placed in a gold-back Roth IRA, such as gold bullion and gold proof coins (like the Proof Gold American Eagle).

      5. Other precious metals (like silver, platinum and palladium) and other assets (like stocks, mutual funds and real estate) can be added to your gold-backed Roth IRA.

      6. For 2013 to 2014, after your transfer your funds into your gold-backed Roth IRA, you still may contribute up to $5,500 annually.

      7. Gold purchased for your Roth IRA stays protected in a qualified precious-metals depository or vault.

Industry experts like Birch Gold Group make opening a gold-backed Roth IRA simple. Whether you are transferring funds from other investment accounts or you are a new investor, Birch Gold Group will guide you every step of the way.

We have precious metal IRA specialists standing by to address your specific needs and investment goals. For more information about investing in gold, or to speak with a professional, contact us right away.

How To: Buy Gold With 401k

In these uncertain economic times, many Americans are concerned with the protection of their retirement savings and, effectively, the protection of their financial future. The volatility of the stock market and the declining purchasing power of the dollar have many considering purchasing gold with their 401k to safeguard their retirement and financial future.

Buying gold with 401k is an easy process – all you need to do is roll over your 401k into a precious metals IRA and allocate funds to invest in gold. If this sounds like a difficult process, it doesn’t have to be – we’ll go over it step-by-step.

          Speak to a precious metals specialists

Seeking advice of an experienced precious metals specialist, from a reputable company like Birch Gold Group, will help to simplify the process. They can answer any questions you might have and help you determine whether your 401k is eligible for the conversion. Many will also guide you through your options, help you with paperwork and answer any questions you might have along the way.

      Set up a precious metals IRA and roll your 401k over

You will need to set up a self-directed precious metals IRA – it will allow you to transfer as much funds as you feel comfortable with towards purchasing gold and other precious metals (should you choose to diversify your portfolio even further). You can transfer all the funds from your existing 401k into your new IRA or just a part of it, whatever you feel comfortable with. Your precious metals specialist can help you with all the necessary steps to open your IRA.

          Choose your type of gold

Once the funds are available in your new IRA, you can choose which type of gold you want to buy. Two types are available for IRAs - bullion and proof. Bullion gold’s value is determined by the gold content and weight. Proof gold coins, however, are produced in limited quantities each year so another factor that determines their value is their rarity.

You can further diversify your retirement portfolio by investing in other precious metals, such as silver, platinum and palladium.

A precious metals specialist can go in depth over each available option and their benefits in greater detail and help you decide which one is right for you and your particular situation.

These are the basic steps it takes to buy gold with your 401k, but every situation is different, so it’s strongly advisable that you seek help from an experienced precious metals IRA specialist at Birch Gold Group. They can answer any and all of your questions about converting your 401k into physical gold and make sure you are confident about your investment.

Do’s and Don’ts of American Silver Eagle Coins

If you have already invested in gold or are considering it, and are also looking for a way to diversify your portfolio, you may want to also look into investing in American Silver Eagles coins. The coin was originally introduced in 1986 and was available in two versions – bullion (the first silver bullion coin of the United States) and a proof edition. Both variants feature A. A. Weinman’s “Walking Liberty” design on one side, and a shielded eagle on the other. 

As with any other investment, we recommend that you should do your own research and understand your options before making any decisions – this will increase your chances of getting the most benefit out of your portfolio. Use our checklist below to make sure you have taken all the right steps to purchasing your American Silver Eagles.

1.   1. DON’T invest with your eyes closed

Investing in precious metals is not a guessing game, so don’t make hasty decisions – have a clear strategic plan for obtaining the assets you want and how you can maximize their benefit for your financial growth.

DO understand the difference between bullion and proof American Silver Eagles

While the coins may appear similar to the casual observer, each offers unique benefits, so talk to a precious metals specialist to learn more about each of them and pick the one (or an allocation of each) that suits your goals best.

2.   2. DON’T leave your silver coins unprotected

Should you choose to take physical possession of your coins, make sure they are securely stored – don’t hide them in your sock or under your wife’s rose bush! Choose a safety deposit box in your bank or consider an insured non-segregated depository. 

DO talk to an experienced precious metals specialist

When you are looking for a precious metals advisor, look for the one with a solid reputation and extensive experience in the market. Prepare a list of questions to ask and find out as many details as you can. True professionals will answer any and all of your questions and will take their time to make sure you understand your options and what is involved in the process of investment in your particular situation.

3.    3. DON’T make investment you are unsure about

If you are dealing with an “aggressive” salesperson, don’t give in and invest because of the pressure. “Pushy” sales tactics should be a warning sign that you want to find another precious metal dealer.

DO plan ahead for retirement

Both versions of American Silver Eagle coins offer great potential to shield your IRA or 401k from stock market volatility and the declining purchasing power of the dollar. While every situation is different, adding this additional level of protection for your retirement savings may be a smart move to safeguard your wealth and lifestyle.

Should you have any questions about American Silver Eagles, feel free to contact BirchGold Group, one of the nation’s leaders in precious metals investing. Our friendly and knowledgeable advisors will answer any questions you might have and help you choose the best option to protect your savings for your particular situation.