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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Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD turns negative near 1.1850

EUR/USD turns negative near 1.1850

EUR/USD has given up its earlier intraday gains on Thursday and is now struggling to hold above the 1.1850 area. The US Dollar is finding renewed support from a pick-up in risk aversion, while fresh market chatter suggesting Russia could be considering a return to the US Dollar system is also lending the Greenback an extra boost.

GBP/USD change course, nears 1.3600

GBP/USD change course, nears 1.3600

GBP/USD gives away its daily gains and recedes toward the low-1.3600s on Thursday. Indeed, Cable now struggles to regain some upside traction on the back of the sudden bout of buying interest in the Greenback. In the meantime, investors continue to assess a string of underwhelming UK data releases released earlier in the day.

USD/JPY consolidates around 153.00 favoured by lower Fed easing bets

USD/JPY consolidates around 153.00 favoured by lower Fed easing bets

USD/JPY steadies around 153.00 after hitting two-week lows at 152.25. A strong US Nonfarm Payrolls report provided some support for the US Dollar on Wednesday. The Yen remains on track for a 2.6% weekly rally, boosted by Takaichi's victory at Sunday's elections.


Editors’ Picks

Gold plunges on sudden US Dollar demand

Gold plunges on sudden US Dollar demand

Gold drops markedly on Thursday, challenging the $4,900 mark per troy ounce following a firm bounce in the US Dollar and amid a steep sell-off on Wall Street, with losses led by the tech and housing sectors.

EUR/USD turns negative near 1.1850

EUR/USD turns negative near 1.1850

EUR/USD has given up its earlier intraday gains on Thursday and is now struggling to hold above the 1.1850 area. The US Dollar is finding renewed support from a pick-up in risk aversion, while fresh market chatter suggesting Russia could be considering a return to the US Dollar system is also lending the Greenback an extra boost.

GBP/USD change course, nears 1.3600

GBP/USD change course, nears 1.3600

GBP/USD gives away its daily gains and recedes toward the low-1.3600s on Thursday. Indeed, Cable now struggles to regain some upside traction on the back of the sudden bout of buying interest in the Greenback. In the meantime, investors continue to assess a string of underwhelming UK data releases released earlier in the day.

LayerZero Price Forecast: ZRO steadies as markets digest Zero blockchain announcement

LayerZero Price Forecast: ZRO steadies as markets digest Zero blockchain announcement

LayerZero (ZRO) trades above $2.00 at press time on Thursday, holding steady after a 17% rebound the previous day, which aligned with the public announcement of the Zero blockchain and Cathie Wood joining the advisory board. 

A tale of two labour markets: Headline strength masks underlying weakness

A tale of two labour markets: Headline strength masks underlying weakness

Undoubtedly, yesterday’s delayed US January jobs report delivered a strong headline – one that surpassed most estimates. However, optimism quickly faded amid sobering benchmark revisions.

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