Gold IRA vs. Physical Gold: Which is best?
Did you know that gold is the only yellow (golden) metal worldwide?
Did you also know that it’s one of the densest metals?
Whether you knew those facts or not, I’m sure you are aware that everyone from kings and queens in the past, to modern-day hipsters, has been in love with the idea of owning gold.
However, as far as investors go, there is considerable debate about whether investing in physical gold or a gold IRA is the better choice.
There are fundamental differences that make one more appealing than the other, and it all depends on your investment goals.
In this article, I’ll compare gold IRA vs. physical gold to help you decide which is the better investment.
Let’s get right into it.
Gold IRAs Vs. Physical Gold
Answering the question of which is better – a Gold IRA or buying physical gold – depends on each individual’s investment goals.
The physical form of gold has been used as a currency and store of value for thousands of years.
Its portability, divisibility, and durability have made it a popular choice for those looking to protect their wealth.
This type of investment allows for buying and holding for the long term, as its value will typically not be eroded by inflation.
Since it’s also a finite resource that’s difficult to produce, it can’t be easily devalued by governments.
Investors are attracted to physical gold because they can do what they do best with this type of asset – hold it for the long term.
Here are a few key considerations when it comes to investing in physical gold:
- Knowing what the spot price of gold is and how it’s trending is essential, so you know when to buy and sell.
- Shipping and handling will add to the costs of investing in physical gold, as you’ll need to pay to deliver it to your door.
- And finally, using a reputable dealer is essential, as there are many unscrupulous characters peddling fake or overpriced gold.
On the other hand, various gold IRA providers offer investors the ability to hold gold in a retirement account.
Retirement accounts are often more stable than other investment options, making them a good choice for those looking to protect their wealth over the long term.
Gold IRAs also offer tax advantages, which can help investors maximize their returns.
Let’s explore the two types of investment in more detail.
What Is Physical Gold Investment?
From an investing perspective, there are various forms of gold that you can purchase.
You can buy gold bullion coins, bars, or even jewelry.
One of the most popular ways to invest in gold is through Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).
These funds trade on a stock exchange and hold a basket of assets, including gold.
As such, gold ETFs are a convenient way to invest in gold without taking physical possession.
Another popular option is to purchase gold mining stocks.
This is a more speculative way to invest in gold, as you’re betting on the performance of gold miners rather than the price of gold itself.
Before considering it, investors should be aware of the risks involved in this type of investment.
What is a Gold IRA?
A Gold IRA is a retirement account that allows you to hold gold in your retirement portfolio.
Gold IRAs are self-directed, meaning you have more control over your investment choices than other retirement accounts.
Gold IRAs also offer many of the same advantages as other retirement accounts, including tax-deferred growth and a wide range of investment options.
However, some particular rules and regulations apply to Gold IRAs.
For example, you must choose a custodian for your account, and all of your own gold must be stored with that approved depository.
Trusting that this custodian or trustee will act in your best interests can be challenging for some investors.
It’s also good to know that Gold IRAs can hold alternative assets.
This means that associated IRS regulations and fees also apply to Gold IRAs.
One of these rules is that there’s a contribution limit that needs to be considered.
This limit is $6,000 per year of earned income, allowing another $1000 for those in their 50s and beyond.
There is also the concept of required minimum distributions.
These are the minimum amounts that need to be withdrawn from a retirement account each year, starting at age 72.
If you’re serious about investing in a gold IRA, consider past gold IRA scams to ensure you work with a reputable firm and don’t end up falling into any traps.
IRS and Taxes
The law makes a difference between short-term gains and long-term gains.
Short-term refers to assets you’ve sold within a year of buying.
Long-term assets are those you’ve held for more than a year.
The tax rates for these two types of gains are different.
Short-term gains are usually taxed at typical income rates, which can be higher than long-term ones.
Long-term gains will have capital gains tax charged on them that’s usually lower than the one you pay based on your income tax bracket.
This generally only goes up to a maximum of 28%, irrespective of how high your income bracket is.
There is also specific reporting that must be done with the IRS for physical gold, as this department needs to track its value to tax any gains made when sold.
For example, with certain gold types, you’ll need to let the IRS know as soon as the purchase is made.
As such, the moment one finalizes the purchase of $1,000 face value U.S. 90% silver coins or quarter and half dollars, as well as 25 1-ounce Gold Maple Leaf, Gold Krugerrand, or Mexican Onza coins (amongst others), the owner must fill out Form 1099-B.
Other gold types, like the American Eagles, do not require this form to be filled out.
Getting professional help might be worth considering when it comes to the IRS and buying physical gold, as there can be significant penalties for getting it wrong.
Matching The Investor To The Investment
Here are a few critical criteria to consider.
Who Is A Gold IRA For?
The following are examples of individuals that may find IRA investing suitable for them:
- An investor looking to diversify their portfolio beyond the stock market
- An investor nearing retirement age who wants to protect their assets from potential market volatility
- An investor interested in the tax benefits of an IRA
- An investor that knows which gold IRA custodian to use
Who Is Physical Gold For?
The following are examples of individuals for whom physical gold may be better suitable:
- An investor who is looking to hedge against inflation
- An investor who wants to diversify their portfolio beyond stocks and bonds
- An investor who is interested in buying and holding gold for the long term
- An investor who is knowledgeable about the gold market and comfortable with the risks associated with it
- An investor who doesn’t want time-based IRA rules to dictate when they can access their assets
- An investor that likes gold coins and other collectibles that can appreciate over time
Investing In Both Assets
Let’s now explore the process to follow in both investment situations.
Investing in a Gold IRA
The steps to investing in a gold IRA are relatively simple.
First, you need to find a custodian that offers gold IRAs and open an account with them.
Custodians act as the middleman between you and the gold dealer.
Once your account is open, you’ll need to fund it.
The custodian will then use the money to buy gold on your behalf.
When it comes time to retire, you can either take the gold out of the IRA or leave it there.
If you take it out, you’ll need to pay taxes.
If you leave it in the account, you can withdraw from it as needed without having to pay taxes on the withdrawals.
Early withdrawals typically come with a penalty, so it’s best to wait until you’re at least 59 1/2 to take the money out, as you don’t want your retirement savings to be diminished.
Investing in Physical Gold
The steps to investing in physical gold are relatively straightforward.
First, you need to find a reputable gold dealer.
Once you’ve found a dealer, you’ll need to decide how much gold you want.
Keep in mind that gold prices can fluctuate, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
Once you’ve decided how much gold you want, you’ll need to pay for it.
The dealer will then ship the gold to a storage facility, like a vault.
You’ll likely have to pay a monthly fee if you store it at a facility.
Alternatively, you can have the gold shipped to your home if you prefer to be in possession of it.
When you want to sell the gold, you’ll need to find a buyer and agree on a price.
If you stored the gold at a facility, you’d need to pay to have it shipped to the buyer.
You could also negotiate this fee with the buyer.
Special Costs When Buying A Gold IRA
While your retirement plans should involve relaxing times and a lack of stress, you don’t want to have to worry about whether your gold IRA will be there (in its entirety) when you need it.
This means that knowing about the costs involved in setting up and maintaining a gold IRA is essential.
You may encounter the following costs when investing in a gold IRA.
Custodian fees
A gold IRA account will typically have an annual fee charged by the custodian.
This fee covers the costs of maintaining the account, storage fees, and insurance.
The fee will depend on the custodian you choose, but it’s typically a few hundred dollars per year.
Cash-Out Costs
If you choose to take the gold of your IRA before you retire, you’ll have to pay taxes on it.
You may also be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Retirement Account Setup
A financial advisor or brokerage will charge a fee to set up your gold IRA.
This fee can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size of your account and the complexity of your financial situation.
Gold IRA vs. Physical Gold – FAQ
What is a Roth IRA?
Compared to a traditional gold IRA, a Roth IRA offers several advantages, including the ability to withdraw funds without penalty (after five years) and the potential for tax-free growth.
Also, a gold IRA may require you to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) starting at age 70½, while a Roth IRA does not.
The type of IRA right for you will depend on your circumstances and retirement goals; this means that a Roth gold IRA may be a good choice in specific cases.
Is Gold Bullion The Same As Gold Coins?
Gold bullion refers to bars, ingots, or other forms of unrefined gold.
Gold coins are refined and typically have a legal tender face value.
Similar to gold bars, gold coins can be bought and sold based on the current spot price of gold.
Are Mutual Funds A Good Investment For Retirement?
Mutual funds can be a good investment for retirement if they are part of a diversified portfolio.
However, it’s important to remember that all investments come with risk, and there is no guarantee that you will make money.
Before investing, be sure to research the mutual fund and understand the fees and expenses associated with it.
What Does A Self-Directed IRA Mean?
A self-directed gold IRA means you have control over the investments in your account.
A traditional IRA makes investment choices typically limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
With a self-directed IRA, you can invest in a wider range of assets, including real estate, precious metals, and private equity.
Does Owning Physical Gold Have Any Benefits?
Being a tangible asset, physical gold can be a hedge against inflation and a way to diversify your investment portfolio.
Physical gold can also be purchased and sold without a broker.
However, physical gold has some drawbacks, such as storage costs and insurance.
How Are Precious Metals Iras Different From Other Types Of IRAs?
Precious metals IRA account holders can choose to invest in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and other physical precious metals.
What Asset Class Is The Most Suitable For A Retirement Portfolio?
Diversification is critical when it comes to retirement investing.
A mix of stocks, bonds, and cash can provide stability and growth potential.
Adding gold and other precious metals to your portfolio can help protect your savings from inflation and market volatility.
What Is A Gold IRA Rollover?
A gold IRA rollover happens when you move the assets from your traditional IRA or 401(k) into a gold IRA.
How Does A Tax-Free Gold IRA Work?
Knowing what pre-tax and tax-deductible contributions are required is vital to understanding how a tax-free gold IRA works.
An IRS-approved gold dealer can help you set up and manage your account.
With a tax-free gold IRA, you can choose to invest in gold and other precious metals without paying taxes on your investment growth.
This can help you save for retirement and take advantage of the many benefits of gold IRA accounts.
Wrap Up.
Personal finance is a big topic for many people.
Whether investing in real estate, stocks, or other assets, one must understand the basics of personal finance.
When it comes to gold IRAs vs. physical gold, working with the right company is critical in both situations.
For example, a trust company specializing in gold IRAs can help you set up and manage your account.
On the other hand, physical gold can also provide stability in an uncertain economic climate, and the right advice can make or break your investment.
Finally, it’s important to compare all your options before deciding which type of investment is right for you.
Further reading on AdamEnfroy.com: Did you know you can have the best of both worlds and physically possess your gold IRA?
In addition, here are a few gold IRA company reviews that can help you choose the right business to work with:
In addition, check out these precious metals IRA companies that can help you get started with investing in various precious metals.
