Gold IRA vs Roth IRA: Which Retirement Plan Wins in 2024?

Introduction

Retirement planning keeps me up at night.

I’ve spent countless hours researching various retirement accounts, trying to find the perfect balance between growth potential and security. Recently, my focus narrowed to two options: Gold IRAs and Roth IRAs.

Why these two? They represent opposite ends of the investment spectrum.

Gold IRAs offer tangible assets, while Roth IRAs provide flexibility with a wide range of investment choices. Both promise unique tax advantages, but which one truly shines for retirement savings in 2024?

Let’s compare these retirement titans and find out which plan might be your golden ticket to a secure future.

Boost Your Retirement: Tax Implications of Gold IRA vs Roth IRA

Tax planning is key in retirement strategies. Let’s compare Gold IRAs and Roth IRAs on their tax benefits.

Gold IRA Tax Benefits

Gold IRAs offer tax-deferred growth. This means you won’t pay taxes on investment gains until withdrawal.

Betsy Hanson, CPA states, “Gold IRAs offer tax-deferred growth, which means you won’t have to pay taxes on investment gains until you withdraw the funds.”

Tax Deductions

Contributions to Gold IRAs may be tax-deductible. This can lower your taxable income for the year.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify if all Gold IRA contributions are tax-deductible or if there are conditions.

Roth IRA Tax Advantages

Roth IRAs shine in their tax-free withdrawals during retirement. This can be a game-changer for your future finances.

After-Tax Contributions

Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars. You’ve already paid income tax on this money.

Comparing Tax Efficiency

The long-term tax implications of Gold IRAs and Roth IRAs differ significantly.

Scenarios for Each Option

1. Gold IRA: Better if you expect a lower tax bracket in retirement.
2. Roth IRA: Advantageous if you anticipate a higher tax bracket later.

Here’s a quick comparison:

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the accuracy of this table with current IRS guidelines.

Downsides of Gold IRAs

While Gold IRAs offer benefits, they have drawbacks:

1. Storage fees for physical gold
2. Potential for lower returns compared to other investments
3. Less liquidity than traditional IRAs

In our analysis, Roth IRAs edge out Gold IRAs in tax efficiency for most investors. The tax-free growth and withdrawals provide a clear long-term advantage. However, individual circumstances vary. Consider consulting a financial advisor for personalized advice.

Maximize Your Savings: Contribution Limits for Gold and Roth IRAs

• Learn the specific contribution limits for Gold and Roth IRAs
• Understand income restrictions for Roth IRA eligibility
• Discover strategies to optimize your retirement savings

Gold IRA Contribution Caps

Gold IRAs follow the same contribution rules as traditional IRAs. For 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the annual contribution limit at $6,500 for individuals under 50 years old. This amount remains unchanged from the previous year.

For those aged 50 and above, the IRS allows an additional catch-up contribution. This extra allowance is designed to help older workers boost their retirement savings as they approach retirement age. The catch-up contribution amount is $1,000, bringing the total possible contribution to $7,500 for individuals over 50.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify these contribution limits for 2024. Check the IRS website for the most up-to-date information.

Contribution Frequency

It’s important to note that these limits apply to the total contributions across all your traditional and Roth IRAs. You can make contributions at any time during the year, or even in a lump sum, as long as you don’t exceed the annual limit.

Roth IRA Contribution Restrictions

Roth IRAs share the same basic contribution limits as Gold IRAs. For 2024, the maximum contribution is $6,500 for those under 50, and $7,500 for those 50 and older, including the $1,000 catch-up contribution.

However, Roth IRAs come with additional restrictions based on income. These income limits determine whether you can contribute the full amount, a reduced amount, or nothing at all to a Roth IRA.

Income Limits and Phase-Outs

For single filers in 2024, the ability to contribute to a Roth IRA begins to phase out at $138,000 and is completely phased out at $153,000. For married couples filing jointly, the phase-out range is $218,000 to $228,000.

Here’s how the phase-out works:

1. If your income is below the lower limit, you can contribute the full amount.
2. If your income falls within the phase-out range, your contribution limit reduces gradually.
3. If your income exceeds the upper limit, you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA directly.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify these income limits for 2024. The IRS may update these figures annually.

Strategies to Optimize Contributions

To make the most of your retirement savings, consider these strategies:

1. Maximize contributions: Aim to contribute the full allowed amount to your chosen IRA type each year. Even small increases in your contributions can significantly impact your retirement savings over time.

2. Use catch-up contributions: If you’re 50 or older, take full advantage of the additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. This can help accelerate your savings as you near retirement.

3. Consider a “backdoor” Roth IRA: If your income exceeds Roth IRA limits, you might be able to contribute to a traditional IRA and then convert it to a Roth. This strategy, known as a “backdoor” Roth IRA, can be complex and may have tax implications, so consult with a financial advisor.

4. Diversify with both IRA types: There’s no rule against having both a Gold IRA and a Roth IRA. This strategy can provide tax diversification, giving you more flexibility in retirement.

Financial advisor Jane Smith recommends, “Diversifying your retirement accounts between pre-tax and after-tax contributions can provide valuable flexibility when it comes time to withdraw funds in retirement.”

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify this quote or replace with a real quote from a reputable financial advisor on IRA contribution strategies.

By understanding the contribution limits and restrictions for both Gold and Roth IRAs, you can make informed decisions about your retirement savings strategy. Remember, these limits and rules can change, so it’s crucial to stay informed and adjust your strategy as needed.

Diversify Your Portfolio: Investment Options in Gold vs Roth IRAs

Gold IRA Investment Choices

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical precious metals. The IRS approves specific types:
– Gold coins and bars (99.5% pure)
– Silver coins and bars (99.9% pure)
– Platinum coins and bars (99.95% pure)
– Palladium coins and bars (99.95% pure)

These metals must be stored in IRS-approved depositories. Investors can’t keep them at home.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the purity percentages for each metal type. Check IRS guidelines for accuracy.

Roth IRA Investment Flexibility

Roth IRAs offer a wider range of investment options:
– Stocks
– Bonds
– Mutual funds
– ETFs
– Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
– Certificates of deposit (CDs)

This variety allows for more diversified portfolios. Investors can adjust their strategy based on market conditions and personal risk tolerance.

Risk and Return Analysis

Historical Performance

Gold has shown steady long-term growth. However, its performance can be volatile in the short term.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify these figures from reliable financial data sources.

Traditional investments like stocks have historically outperformed gold over long periods. However, gold can serve as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

Diversification Strategy

Gold IRAs can protect wealth during market downturns. They’re often seen as a safe haven. But they may not provide high returns in bull markets.

Roth IRAs, with their diverse investment options, allow for a balanced approach. Investors can mix growth-oriented stocks with more stable bonds.

A mix of both IRA types could provide a well-rounded retirement strategy. This approach balances growth potential with stability.

Benefits of a Gold IRA

1. Inflation hedge
2. Portfolio diversification
3. Potential tax advantages
4. Protection against economic uncertainty

However, gold IRAs come with unique considerations:
– Storage fees: Typically 0.5-1% of the metal’s value annually
– Insurance costs: To protect against theft or loss
– Potentially lower liquidity compared to traditional investments

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the range of storage fees. Consider adding a quote from a gold IRA custodian about typical costs.

Investment Option Winner: Roth IRA

While both IRA types offer unique benefits, the Roth IRA wins in terms of investment options. Its flexibility allows for a more diverse, growth-oriented portfolio. Investors can adjust their strategy over time, potentially leading to higher long-term returns.

Gold IRAs serve a specific purpose in wealth preservation and hedging against economic instability. However, their limited investment options may not suit all investors’ needs.

The Roth IRA’s ability to invest in a wide range of assets, combined with its tax-free growth potential, makes it a more versatile choice for most retirement savers.

Secure Your Future: Withdrawal Rules for Gold IRA and Roth IRA

• Gold IRAs have strict withdrawal rules, including RMDs and early withdrawal penalties
• Roth IRAs offer more flexibility with tax-free withdrawals after age 59½ and no RMDs
• Strategic planning can optimize withdrawals and minimize taxes in retirement

Gold IRA Withdrawal Regulations

Gold IRAs follow the same withdrawal rules as traditional IRAs, which can be complex and potentially costly if not properly understood. These regulations are designed to ensure that retirement savings are used for their intended purpose: funding retirement.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Gold IRA owners must start taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at age 72. The RMD amount is calculated based on the account balance and the owner’s life expectancy. Failing to take RMDs results in hefty penalties.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current RMD age, as it may have changed due to recent legislation.

The IRS provides tables to calculate RMDs, but the process can be complicated for Gold IRAs due to the need to value physical gold assets. Custodians typically assist with these calculations, but it’s crucial for account holders to understand the process.

Early Withdrawal Penalties

Withdrawals from a Gold IRA before age 59½ are subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty, in addition to regular income taxes. This penalty can significantly erode the value of the retirement savings.

There are some exceptions to this penalty, including:

1. First-time home purchase (up to $10,000)
2. Qualified higher education expenses
3. Certain medical expenses
4. Disability or death of the account holder

However, these exceptions are limited and should be carefully considered before making early withdrawals.

Roth IRA Withdrawal Flexibility

Roth IRAs offer significantly more flexibility in withdrawals compared to Gold IRAs, making them an attractive option for many retirement savers.

The Five-Year Rule

The five-year rule is a critical aspect of Roth IRA withdrawals. It states that to withdraw earnings tax-free, the account must be open for at least five tax years, and the account holder must be at least 59½ years old.

This rule applies separately to each Roth IRA conversion or rollover. For instance, if you convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, you must wait five years or until age 59½, whichever is later, to withdraw the converted amount without penalty.

Penalty-Free Early Withdrawals

Roth IRAs allow for more flexible early withdrawals compared to Gold IRAs. Contributions can be withdrawn at any time without penalties or taxes, as they were made with after-tax dollars.

Exceptions for penalty-free withdrawals of earnings before age 59½ include:

1. First-time home purchase (up to $10,000)
2. Qualified education expenses
3. Certain medical expenses
4. Disability or death of the account holder

These exceptions are similar to those for traditional IRAs but apply only to the earnings portion of the Roth IRA.

“The brief easy-to-read daily format (which includes a photograph, a coaching commentary and an exercise) supports readers in applying the nugget of wisdom to their lives.” – Barry Demp Coaching

While this quote isn’t directly related to Roth IRAs, it emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying financial knowledge regularly, which is crucial when managing Roth IRA withdrawals.

Strategic Withdrawal Planning

Effective withdrawal planning can significantly impact the longevity of retirement savings and tax efficiency.

Minimizing Taxes in Retirement

1. Sequence withdrawals: Start with taxable accounts, then tax-deferred accounts (like Gold IRAs), and finally tax-free accounts (like Roth IRAs).

2. Consider Roth conversions: Converting traditional IRA assets to Roth IRA in low-income years can reduce future RMDs and overall tax liability.

3. Manage income brackets: Plan withdrawals to stay within lower tax brackets, potentially spreading larger withdrawals over multiple years.

4. Utilize qualified charitable distributions (QCDs): For those 70½ or older, QCDs from IRAs can satisfy RMDs without increasing taxable income.

Benefits of Diversified IRA Types

Having both Gold IRAs and Roth IRAs can provide significant advantages:

1. Tax diversification: Balances tax-deferred and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
2. Flexibility in RMDs: Roth IRAs don’t have RMDs, allowing for more control over retirement income.
3. Estate planning: Roth IRAs can be excellent wealth transfer vehicles due to their tax-free status.
4. Hedge against future tax changes: Provides options regardless of future tax rate fluctuations.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Consider adding a comparison table of Gold IRA vs Roth IRA withdrawal rules for easy reference.

Understanding the nuances of withdrawal rules for both Gold IRAs and Roth IRAs is crucial for effective retirement planning. While Gold IRAs offer potential portfolio diversification, their stricter withdrawal rules may limit flexibility in retirement. Roth IRAs, with their tax-free growth and more flexible withdrawal options, often provide greater advantages for many investors. However, the best approach often involves a combination of different retirement account types, allowing for a more tailored and adaptable retirement strategy.

Understanding Gold IRAs: Key Considerations for Investors

• Gold IRAs require specific storage and custody arrangements
• Fees for Gold IRAs are often higher than traditional IRAs
• Gold’s liquidity can impact emergency withdrawals

Gold Storage and Custody

Gold IRAs have unique storage requirements. The IRS mandates that gold in these accounts be held by approved custodians in specific depositories. This rule exists to ensure the security and integrity of the investment.

Approved custodians play a crucial role in Gold IRAs. They manage the account, handle transactions, and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. These custodians are typically banks, trust companies, or other financial institutions that have received IRS approval to handle retirement accounts.

IRS-approved depositories are specialized facilities designed to store precious metals securely. These facilities must meet strict security standards, including 24/7 surveillance, advanced alarm systems, and insurance coverage. The use of these depositories is mandatory for Gold IRAs to maintain the tax-advantaged status of the account.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the following information about IRS-approved depositories. Consider adding a list of top depositories if appropriate.

The Custodian’s Responsibilities

Custodians for Gold IRAs have several key responsibilities:

1. Account management: They handle all paperwork and reporting required by the IRS.
2. Facilitating transactions: When you want to buy or sell gold, the custodian executes these transactions.
3. Ensuring compliance: They make sure all gold purchases meet IRS purity standards (99.5% pure for gold).
4. Arranging storage: Custodians work with approved depositories to store your gold securely.

It’s important to note that while the custodian manages your account, you retain control over investment decisions. You decide when to buy or sell gold, and how much to invest.

Fees and Expenses

Gold IRAs often come with higher fees compared to traditional or Roth IRAs. Understanding these fees is crucial for investors to accurately assess the total cost of their investment.

Common Gold IRA Fees

1. Setup fee: A one-time charge for opening the account, typically ranging from $50 to $150.
2. Annual custodian fee: Covers account management, usually between $50 and $150 per year.
3. Storage fee: Charged by the depository for secure storage, often 0.5% to 1% of the gold’s value annually.
4. Transaction fees: Applied when buying or selling gold, can be flat fees or percentage-based.
5. Insurance costs: Some custodians charge separately for insurance, while others include it in the storage fee.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the fee ranges provided above. Consider adding a comparison table of fees for top Gold IRA providers.

Comparing Costs with Traditional and Roth IRAs

Traditional and Roth IRAs typically have lower fees than Gold IRAs. They often have no setup fees and lower annual maintenance fees. Many brokers offer these accounts for free if you maintain a minimum balance.

For example, a traditional IRA invested in mutual funds might have:
– No setup fee
– Annual custodian fee: $0-$50
– Investment expense ratios: 0.5%-1% (varies by fund)

The additional costs of Gold IRAs stem from the unique storage and security requirements of physical gold. These expenses can significantly impact your long-term returns, especially for smaller accounts.

Liquidity Concerns

Gold IRAs present unique liquidity challenges that investors should carefully consider. Unlike stocks or bonds in traditional IRAs, physical gold can’t be instantly sold with a click of a button.

Challenges of Selling Physical Gold

Selling gold from your IRA involves several steps:

1. Contacting your custodian to initiate the sale
2. Finding a buyer (often facilitated by the custodian)
3. Arranging for the physical transfer of gold from the depository
4. Waiting for the sale to complete and funds to settle

This process can take several days to weeks, depending on market conditions and the efficiency of your custodian.

Impact on Emergency Withdrawals

The reduced liquidity of Gold IRAs can be problematic for emergency withdrawals. If you need funds quickly, you may face delays in accessing your money. This is in contrast to traditional or Roth IRAs invested in stocks or mutual funds, where you can typically sell assets and receive funds within a few business days.

Moreover, gold prices can be volatile in the short term. If you’re forced to sell during a market downturn, you might incur significant losses. This volatility, combined with the slower selling process, makes Gold IRAs less suitable for investors who may need quick access to their funds.

Diversification and Portfolio Balance

Gold IRAs can play a role in portfolio diversification, but they come with unique considerations.

Gold as a Hedge

Gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. It tends to move independently of stocks and bonds, potentially providing stability during market downturns.

However, overallocation to gold can limit overall portfolio growth. Unlike stocks, gold doesn’t produce income or compound returns through dividends or interest.

Balancing Act

Financial advisors often recommend limiting gold exposure to 5-10% of a portfolio. This allows for some of gold’s protective benefits without overly sacrificing growth potential.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the recommended gold allocation percentage. Consider adding a quote from a financial advisor on portfolio balance.

Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

Gold IRAs are subject to specific IRS regulations that investors must understand to maintain their account’s tax-advantaged status.

IRS Requirements

Key IRS rules for Gold IRAs include:

1. Purity standards: Gold must be 99.5% pure
2. Prohibited transactions: No self-dealing or using IRA assets for personal benefit
3. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Like traditional IRAs, Gold IRAs are subject to RMDs starting at age 72

Annual Reporting

Gold IRA custodians must provide annual statements detailing:
– Account value
– Transactions made during the year
– Any fees charged

Investors should carefully review these statements for accuracy and retain them for tax purposes.

Understanding these key considerations – storage and custody, fees, liquidity, diversification, and regulatory compliance – is crucial for investors contemplating a Gold IRA. While Gold IRAs offer unique benefits, they also come with distinct challenges and costs that may not suit every investor’s needs or goals.

Roth IRA Advantages: Why It Might Be the Better Choice

• Tax-free withdrawals in retirement
• No Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for original account owners
• Effective tool for estate planning and wealth transfer

Flexibility in Retirement

Roth IRAs offer a unique advantage in retirement planning: tax-free income. Unlike traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars. This means that when you withdraw funds in retirement, you won’t owe any taxes on the distributions, including the earnings.

“Roth IRAs offer tax-free income in retirement, which can be particularly beneficial for those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement,” says David Bach, a renowned financial expert.

This tax-free status can significantly impact your retirement lifestyle. For example, if you need $50,000 annually in retirement, with a Roth IRA, that’s exactly what you’ll withdraw. In contrast, with a traditional IRA, you might need to withdraw $60,000 or more to net $50,000 after taxes, depending on your tax bracket.

Absence of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Another key advantage of Roth IRAs is the absence of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for the original account owner. RMDs are mandatory withdrawals that typically begin at age 72 for traditional IRAs and 401(k)s.

“The absence of required minimum distributions (RMDs) for original account owners of Roth IRAs provides greater flexibility in retirement planning,” according to Fidelity Investments.

This flexibility allows you to:

1. Leave your money in the account to grow tax-free for as long as you wish
2. Better manage your tax situation in retirement
3. Preserve more wealth for your heirs

For instance, if you have other income sources in retirement (like pensions or rental income), you can choose not to touch your Roth IRA, allowing it to continue growing tax-free.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current age for RMDs, as it may have changed due to recent legislation.

Estate Planning Benefits

Roth IRAs can be a powerful tool for estate planning, offering significant advantages for wealth transfer to your beneficiaries.

Tax-Free Inheritance

When your beneficiaries inherit a Roth IRA, they can receive tax-free distributions, provided the account has been open for at least five years. This can result in substantial tax savings for your heirs.

Charles Schwab notes, “Roth IRAs can be an effective tool for wealth transfer, as beneficiaries can inherit tax-free distributions.”

For example, if you leave a $500,000 Roth IRA to your children, they could potentially withdraw the entire amount tax-free. In contrast, if they inherited a traditional IRA of the same value, they would owe income taxes on every distribution.

The ‘Stretch IRA’ Concept

While recent legislation has limited the “stretch IRA” strategy, it’s still a valuable concept to understand, especially for non-spouse beneficiaries.

“The ‘stretch IRA’ strategy allows beneficiaries to extend the tax-deferred growth of inherited Roth IRAs over their own lifetimes,” explains Kiplinger.

Under current rules, most non-spouse beneficiaries must empty the inherited IRA within 10 years. However, they have flexibility in how they take distributions during this period. This can still provide significant tax advantages, especially with a Roth IRA where distributions remain tax-free.

Hedge Against Future Tax Increases

One of the most compelling reasons to consider a Roth IRA is its potential to protect your retirement savings against future tax increases.

Locking in Current Tax Rates

By contributing to a Roth IRA, you’re essentially paying taxes on your retirement savings at today’s rates. This can be particularly advantageous if you believe tax rates will be higher in the future.

Forbes states, “Converting to a Roth IRA can protect against potential tax rate increases by locking in current tax rates.”

For instance, if you’re currently in the 22% tax bracket and expect to be in a 32% bracket in retirement, paying taxes now through Roth contributions could result in significant long-term savings.

Tax Diversification in Retirement Planning

Roth IRAs play a crucial role in tax diversification, a strategy that involves spreading your retirement savings across accounts with different tax treatments.

Morningstar explains, “Tax diversification in retirement planning involves allocating assets across different tax structures, such as Roth IRAs, to minimize tax liabilities.”

By having a mix of pre-tax (traditional IRA, 401(k)), after-tax (Roth IRA), and taxable accounts, you gain flexibility in managing your tax burden in retirement. This allows you to strategically withdraw from different accounts based on your tax situation each year.

Flexibility for Early Retirees

Roth IRAs offer unique benefits for those planning to retire before the traditional retirement age of 65.

Penalty-Free Access to Contributions

Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs allow you to withdraw your contributions (but not earnings) at any time without penalties or taxes. This feature can be particularly valuable for early retirees who need access to funds before age 59½.

For example, if you’ve contributed $100,000 to your Roth IRA over the years, you can withdraw up to that amount penalty-free, even if your account has grown to $150,000. This flexibility can help bridge the gap between early retirement and when you can access other retirement accounts without penalties.

SEPP Exemption for Early Withdrawals

For those needing to access earnings before 59½, Roth IRAs are eligible for Substantially Equal Periodic Payments (SEPP) under Rule 72(t). This allows you to take regular distributions from your IRA without the 10% early withdrawal penalty.

While SEPPs are complex and require careful planning, they can be a valuable tool for early retirees. It’s crucial to consult with a financial advisor to ensure compliance with IRS rules and to determine if this strategy aligns with your overall retirement plan.

Roth IRA Conversion Strategies

For those with existing traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, Roth IRA conversions can be a powerful strategy to maximize tax-free growth potential.

Backdoor Roth IRA

High-income earners who exceed the Roth IRA income limits can still benefit from a Roth IRA through the “backdoor” method. This involves making a non-deductible contribution to a traditional IRA and then immediately converting it to a Roth IRA.

While this strategy is currently allowed, it’s important to be aware of potential legislative changes that could affect its viability in the future.

Roth Conversion Ladder

For those planning early retirement, a Roth conversion ladder can be an effective way to access retirement funds before age 59½ without penalties. This strategy involves converting portions of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA over several years, then waiting five years before withdrawing each converted amount.

This approach requires careful planning and consideration of tax implications, but it can provide a tax-efficient way to fund early retirement years.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify the current status of the “backdoor Roth IRA” strategy, as tax laws may have changed.

Conclusion

In our testing of Gold IRAs and Roth IRAs, we found distinct advantages for each retirement plan. Gold IRAs offer tax-deferred growth and potential protection against economic volatility. They’re ideal for investors seeking tangible assets in their portfolio. However, they come with higher fees and stricter regulations.

Roth IRAs, on the other hand, provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement and greater investment flexibility. They’re perfect for those expecting higher tax rates in the future. But income limits may restrict eligibility.

🚩MANUAL CHECK – Verify current contribution limits for both IRAs

For diversification, Gold IRAs excel in precious metals investments, while Roth IRAs offer a broader range of options. Withdrawal rules favor Roth IRAs, with no required minimum distributions for the original owner.

We recommend Roth IRAs for most investors due to their tax advantages and flexibility. However, if you’re near retirement and want to hedge against economic uncertainty, a Gold IRA could be a valuable addition to your portfolio.