Invest in Gold with a Roth IRA
Alex Long- Investors can invest in gold through a Roth IRA.
- Gold investments in a Roth are only allowed by qualified retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k) plans, and 403(b) plans.
- As, 401(k) plans, and 403(b) plans are all qualified retirement accounts that determine what assets can be held within them.
- A Roth IRA allows investors to buy gold, while traditional IRAs do not allow this.
Gold is traditionally thought of as a standard that measures the value of currency. Historically, gold has been a store of value that has maintained its purchasing power over time.
Investors can invest in gold through a Roth IRA. Gold investments in a Roth are only allowed by qualified retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k) plans, and 403(b) plans.
The Benefits of a Roth IRA
A Roth IRA differs from a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA in two important ways:
Contributions to a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA are made with pre-tax dollars, meaning that you deduct the amount from your income now and pay taxes on it later.
Contributions to Roth accounts are made with after tax dollars, meaning that you pay tax now on the amount you contribute, but you don't pay taxes on it later.
This means that you pay less in taxes now than you would if you'd invested the same amount in a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA.
Your contributions may never be taxed. Once you reach the age of 59 1/2, you can take out money tax-free.
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA
The popularity of Roth IRAs has spiked in recent years as individuals seek alternatives to 401(k)s and traditional IRAs, which are subject to obligatory minimum distributions.
Like 401(k)s and traditional IRAs, a Roth IRA is subject to federal taxes. Unlike 401(k)s and traditional IRAs, a Roth IRA doesn't impose an obligatory minimum distribution.
Unlike 401(k)s and traditional IRAs, a Roth IRA allows withdrawals to be taken tax-free in retirement.
Unlike 401(k)s and traditional IRAs, a Roth IRA doesn't have income limits.
Unlike 401(k)s and traditional IRAs, a Roth IRA doesn't impose a penalty on withdrawals before age 59 1/2.
Buying Gold with an IRA
Gold IRAs are a popular savings option, especially for investors who don't want to take a physical delivery of the metal. Investors can purchase gold (bullion) or gold stocks (stocks) from a custodian.
Gold IRAs are an attractive investment vehicle because:
Gold is a traditional asset that retains its value over time.
Gold has political and geographic independence.
Gold has low correlation to stocks and bonds.
Gold has low correlation to the U.S. dollar.
Gold can be held in a self-directed IRA.
Gold has low correlation to other commodity funds.
Gold is not subject to market manipulation.
Gold is already a recognized asset class.
You can invest in gold bullion or gold stocks in a gold IRA.
A gold bullion IRA is an account in which you own physical gold. You can also purchase gold bars and coins from a bank or other financial institution. The custodian will hold the gold in storage, and you must provide proof of your ownership.
A gold stock IRA is an account in which you own shares in a gold company.
Gold Bullion and Gold Coins
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows precious metals and collectible coins to be held inside an IRA account.
If you are buying gold bullion or gold coins, you must buy at least 99.5% fine 24-karat bullion. Any gold coins that are not 24-karat bullion, such as Morgan and Peace dollars, must be held outside of your IRA. Additionally, if you are buying gold bullion or coins, they must be from a third-party dealer. You cannot buy or sell gold bullion or coins from your own IRA.
Gold ETFs
Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a type of exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of gold bullion. Gold ETFs can be purchased and held inside your IRA account. Gold ETFs can be purchased from most major brokerages. Check with your broker to see if gold ETFs are available to purchase.
