Find the Right Gold IRA Company for Your Investment Needs

• Gold has traditionally been an important asset for investors.
• In times of crisis, people move their assets into gold to preserve their wealth.
• The precious metal is also a hedge against inflation and interest rates.
• Gold is sometimes referred to as a "hedge against uncertainty." However, gold does not hedge against all types of uncertainty.
• Gold does not hedge against political uncertainty, for example.
• Gold still plays an important role in a portfolio, but it should not make up more than 10% of the portfolio.

Gold has traditionally been an important asset for investors. In times of crisis, people move their assets into gold to preserve their wealth. The precious metal is also a hedge against inflation and interest rates. Gold is also considered a safe haven for investors who are concerned about their investments.

Types of Gold IRAs

There are two main gold IRA types: self-directed and trusteed accounts.
Self-Directed
In a self-directed account, you are in charge of all investment decisions. This includes the choice of gold IRA company, the depository, and the gold, silver, and platinum coins and bars that you purchase with your retirement savings.
Trusteed
In a trust account, a trustee, such as a bank, custodian, or gold IRA company, makes all investment decisions on the customer's behalf.

Gold Bullion

Gold bullion is the actual gold itself, which can either be in the form of gold coins or bars. This type of gold investment is highly liquid and very popular.
Gold Stocks
Buying stocks of gold mining companies is another popular way to invest in gold. However, gold stocks also carry a certain degree of risk.
Gold ETFs
Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are traded just like stocks on an exchange and can be purchased as easily as a share of Microsoft.

Gold Certificates

Unlike coins or bullion, gold certificates can be bought and sold at value above their face value. They're usually backed by gold held in government vaults. Like coins, they're nonportable.
Gold IRAs
A gold IRA is an account held with a trustee that invests its assets in gold. Gold IRAs allow investors to diversify their portfolio, receive tax benefits, and avoid the trouble of maintaining gold in their own possession.

Gold Coins

The most common physical gold investment is gold coins, which come in 1-ounce, 1⁄2-ounce, and 1⁄4-ounce sizes. Gold coins are minted in denominations of $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, $150, and $200. You'll find these coins at coin shops, jewelry stores, and on eBay.
Gold Bars
For investors with larger budgets, gold bars can be a great investment choice. Gold bars are available in 1-ounce, 5-ounce, 10-ounce, and 1 kilo sizes. Gold bars can also be minted in fractional denominations, such as 1⁄2-ounce, 1⁄4-ounce, and 1/10-ounce.
Gold Coins and Bars as a Whole
Gold coins and bars are one of the most popular investment choices for IRAs because they are easily and securely stored. To buy gold bars and coins, you need only find a reputable dealer, such as Kitco, and place an order.

Gold Stocks

Gold mining stocks are an alternative option for those who want to invest in gold but do not have an IRA.
If buying physical gold is not an option, investing in stocks of gold mining companies is one way to gain exposure to gold.
Gold ETFs
Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are another popular way to invest in gold.

Gold ETFs

Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) typically trade like stocks and are easy to buy and sell. The downside is that gold ETFs don't perform like gold bullion. Gold ETFs can be affected by market swings and may not move price.
Gold stocks
Gold stocks are individual companies involved in the gold mining industry. They produce gold bullion and may also buy gold from miners. While gold stocks trade like stocks, their prices can fluctuate with the market.
Gold bullion
Gold bullion is the metal itself. You can hold gold bullion directly, but you must be okay with the metal's price fluctuations.