Buy Gold with 401k for Your Retirement

• Gold is one of the most valuable metals, and has been used in jewelry, coins, and bars for centuries.
• Buying gold in physical form can be costly, as can storage fees.
• Gold is seen as a hedge against inflation risk and declining paper currencies.

Investing in gold is a time-honored tradition meant to protect and safeguard wealth from the ravages of inflation. Gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation risk, or as a hedge against declining paper currencies.
Many investors with 401(k) plans, as well as self-directed IRAs, can invest in gold through physical gold bullion, gold mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or gold futures. But investors should be careful about the risks of investing in gold, just as they should with any investment.

What Is Gold?

Gold is a precious metal. It has been used as a form of money for more than 5,000 years. Gold has been used as currency because it is rare, strong, and lasts a long time.
Gold has value because it is a commodity. The price of gold is based on supply and demand, just like the price of any other commodity. The price of gold changes as demand increases or decreases.

Gold's Role in a Retirement Plan

Gold has traditionally been a hedge against inflation, and inflation is the single greatest threat to retirees and those who are nearing retirement. The risk rises as retirement approaches and pensions are replaced by 401k's.
Inflation can erode the value of retired workers' savings, and as inflation rises, retirees risk running out of money. With a little planning, gold in a defined contribution plan (401k) can play an important role in reducing this risk.
Gold's Role in a 401k Plan
Gold is traditionally held in many retirement accounts, including most 401k plans. Gold is often held in 401k plans because it is viewed as a liquid asset, and, unlike real estate, it is not sensitive to local economic conditions.
In most cases, 401k plan participants can invest in gold in three ways: a gold mutual fund, a gold stock fund, or a gold exchange-traded fund (ETF). Each way, gold can be an important part of a retirement plan.

Gold's 401k Tax Advantages

Gold has a number of tax advantages that make it an attractive investment for retirement savings.
Gold is not considered a taxable asset. That means gold is not taxed upon purchase. Nor are capital gains added to gold when it's sold. This can help investors avoid a tax hit when selling gold.
Gold also isn't subject to estate, inheritance, or gift taxes.
Gold's price doesn't fluctuate as the stock market does. That means gold is less volatile than stocks. That makes gold a safer investment for retirement savings.
Gold is considered a guaranteed investment. Gold is stored in vaults so it's not subject to the market's ups and downs.
Gold is not impacted by inflation. Gold's value keeps pace with inflation. Gold's value also appreciates as inflation increases.

Gold Tax Return

Gold has been a favorite investment for many Wall Street investors for a long time. The precious metal has performed well during times of turmoil, and it tends to see strong demand in times when investors are seeking safe, stable investments.

Gold's Risks

Investors who think that gold is a good long-term investment should consider the risks involved. Though gold has historically been a good inflation hedge, the recent surge in the precious metal has made it less volatile than in the past.
Gold and inflation typically move in opposite directions. As inflation rises, the price of gold should fall. When inflation rises and the price of gold rises, it is called hyperinflation. Hyperinflation is exceedingly rare and usually occurs in times of war, depression, or severe shortages.

Gold IRA: Should You Open One To Save For Retirement?

The Bottom Line

Gold is, without doubt, one of the most popular investments out there. Many investors buy gold for their retirement, but they might not realize there are better options than a traditional IRA, or Individual Retirement Account. By investing in a gold 401k, you can bolster your retirement nest egg more effectively, and avoid many of the pitfalls that come with a traditional IRA.