With growing concerns over an upcoming recession, stock market crash, and increasingly high inflation rates, many savvy investors are looking to precious metals as a safe way to protect their wealth during tough economic times. One way investors can hedge against inflation and a stock market crash is by rolling over their 401(k) into a gold IRA plan.
What is a gold IRA?
A gold IRA is a self-directed individual long-term retirement account that allows an investor to purchase gold bars and coins. A custodian must hold possession of the precious metals on behalf of the individual investor. What’s interesting with a gold IRA is that you can also purchase approved silver, platinum, and palladium bullion. All precious metal purchases must fall under IRS fineness requirements. The IRS has a list of approved coins featured down below.
Why gold?
For thousands of years, gold has proven to be one of the most stable assets you can invest in. Gold is viewed as a hedge against inflation. As fiat currencies lose strength, gold continues to gain tremendous value. Moreover, gold is a scarce asset that is highly liquid, which makes it even more lucrative.
Selecting the right gold IRA
Opening a gold IRA is very easy. First, you will have to select a reputable IRA company to fund your account. Some gold IRAs offer services for managing portfolios and taking custody of physical gold. If an IRA does not serve as a custodian, you will need to search for an IRA-approved depository. Approved depositories provide customers with added security since these institutions provide unmatched protocols to protect your assets.
How to rollover your 401(K) to a gold IRA
As soon as your account is ready to fund, contact your 401(k) managing company and start the rollover process. You can withdraw the funds through an indirect rollover, which allows you to receive the check for the amount requested and then deposit it to your new fund. Note, you will have a 60 day grace period for you to transfer funds without receiving a 10% early withdrawal penalization and taxes.
Another option you can choose is a direct rollover which initiates a transfer directly from one institution to the next. Comparatively, this is a safer and more convenient alternative than an indirect rollover. After your gold IRA account receives the transfer, the rollover is complete and you can now securely purchase gold. Only specific bullion items are authorized for an IRA-Account, including some popular high-quality coins and bars. Pick your desired gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products from the IRA-Eligible list and the dealer will supply the custodian with the selected metals.
Conclusion
Hedging your portfolio against inflation and a serious economic downturn with gold can be a great option for protecting your retirement assets. If you are worried that a stock market crash could deplete your 401(k), rolling over your funds to a gold IRA might provide the security you will need to enjoy your retirement.
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