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Pat Collins

Senior Vice President of Gold IRA Services at Certified Gold Exchange

Pat Collins is Senior Vice President of Gold IRA Services at Certified Gold Exchange and the author of The Complete Guide to U.S. Retirement Accounts | Bedrock Financial Press.

For more than fourteen years, Pat has helped thousands of investors understand and navigate U.S. retirement accounts, including traditional and Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, retirement-account rollovers and transfers, self-directed IRAs, and precious metals IRAs.

His experience comes from thousands of individual client conversations and completed account transitions. Much of his work has involved explaining retirement-account rules in practical language and helping investors understand the steps, paperwork, custodians, depositories, funding procedures, and transaction decisions involved in moving retirement assets.

Retirement Account and Gold IRA Experience

Pat’s expertise extends beyond precious metals IRAs.

His work and educational writing cover the major retirement accounts used by individuals, employees, business owners, and self-employed investors, including:

  • Traditional and Roth IRAs
  • 401(k) plans
  • 403(b) plans
  • 457(b) plans
  • SEP IRAs
  • SIMPLE IRAs
  • Solo 401(k)s
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Defined benefit plans
  • Spousal IRAs
  • Inherited IRAs
  • The federal Thrift Savings Plan
  • Self-directed IRAs
  • Precious metals IRAs

He also writes about rollovers, Roth conversions, required minimum distributions, contribution rules, retirement-account taxation, inherited-account rules, employer plans, custodians, depositories, and retirement-account mistakes that can create unexpected taxes or penalties.

Author of The Complete Guide to U.S. Retirement Accounts

Pat is the author of The Complete Guide to U.S. Retirement Accounts, a practical guide designed to help investors understand how America’s major retirement accounts work and how the rules affect real financial decisions.

The book covers topics including account selection, employer matching, vesting, contribution limits, Roth conversions, rollovers, required minimum distributions, inherited IRAs, HSAs, retirement plans for business owners, Social Security taxation, Medicare surcharges, self-directed IRAs, and retirement-account tax considerations.

Rather than promising investment returns or promoting financial shortcuts, Pat’s approach focuses on explaining the rules, tradeoffs, potential mistakes, and practical decisions investors encounter throughout their working and retirement years.

Areas of Expertise

Pat writes and contributes to educational content covering:

  • Gold IRAs and self-directed IRAs
  • 401(k) rollovers and IRA transfers
  • U.S. retirement accounts
  • Traditional and Roth IRAs
  • Retirement-plan rules and procedures
  • Precious metals purchasing
  • Gold and silver bullion
  • IRA-approved precious metals
  • Precious metals pricing and dealer markups
  • Gold IRA custodians and depositories
  • Precious metals storage
  • Gold IRA liquidation
  • Required minimum distributions
  • Roth conversions
  • Inherited retirement accounts
  • Retirement-account taxation
  • Consumer protection in precious metals transactions

A Practical Approach to Investor Education

Retirement accounts can involve complicated rules, multiple financial institutions, changing tax requirements, and decisions that may have long-term consequences.

Pat’s approach is to explain those issues in straightforward language.

For Gold IRA clients, that means helping investors understand the roles of the dealer, custodian, depository, and existing retirement-plan provider, as well as the steps required to establish, fund, purchase metals for, and eventually liquidate a self-directed precious metals IRA.

His educational work also emphasizes understanding what is being purchased, comparing precious metals pricing carefully, recognizing the difference between widely traded bullion and higher-premium products, and understanding the costs and risks associated with precious metals ownership.

Helping Investors Understand Their Options

Pat’s work is built around education rather than predictions or promises.

He encourages investors to understand the rules governing their accounts, the costs associated with transactions, the products they are purchasing, and the potential tax consequences of retirement-account decisions.

Certified Gold Exchange does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice. Precious metals specialists assist clients with precious metals transactions and the mechanics of establishing and funding self-directed precious metals IRAs, while investment decisions remain with the client.

About Certified Gold Exchange

Certified Gold Exchange was founded in 1992 and assists investors with physical gold and silver purchases, precious metals IRAs, and precious metals liquidation.

The company focuses primarily on widely recognized bullion products, including American Gold Eagles, Canadian Gold Maple Leafs, American Silver Eagles, Canadian Silver Maple Leafs, and recognized bullion bars.

Certified Gold Exchange’s approach centers on transparent pricing, investor education, personal service, and helping clients understand what they are purchasing before completing a transaction.

Articles and Guides by Pat Collins

Pat Collins contributes to Certified Gold Exchange educational articles and consumer guides covering Gold IRAs, retirement-account rollovers, precious metals purchasing, pricing, storage, liquidation, retirement-account rules, and related investor questions.

Professional Information

Name: Pat Collins
Title: Senior Vice President of Gold IRA Services
Company: Certified Gold Exchange
Author: The Complete Guide to U.S. Retirement Accounts | Bedrock Financial Press
Experience: More than 14 years working with U.S. retirement accounts and self-directed IRAs
Specialties: Gold IRAs, retirement-account rollovers and transfers, self-directed IRAs, U.S. retirement accounts, precious metals transactions, bullion pricing, custodians, depositories, storage, and liquidation

Transparent & Competitive Pricing
Exceptional Service.


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  • 5.0 Star Google Review Rating
  • 58,000+ Served In All 50 States
  • Serving Investors
    Since 1992
Have Questions? Call 1-800-300-0715
Certified Gold Exchange helped our family tremendously with the buying of precious metals that we had inherited. Pat Collins and his team including Sheryl, worked tirelessly through the entire process. He explained everything in easy terms and walked us through until the end. I can't say enough about how well we were treated. Thank you all so much! 10/01/26
Edward
2 weeks ago
CGE always responded in a timely manner and very accurate in the response. Selling was made simple and the pricing fair. Karla did an excellent job throughout the process.
Joe From Redondo
2 months ago
I had an excellent experience dealing with Certified Gold Exchange with Patrick Collins!!! Pat was swift and precise on liquidating our precious metals account in a timely fashion and paid us well! I highly recommend Certified Gold Exchange, not only a fast turn around but helped us every step of the way including having our forms filled out, the whole transaction was hassle free and not only that but they bent over backwards and followed up on getting our liquidation funds into a fidelity IRA and guided us the whole step of the way!! Thank you Pat at Certified Gold Exchange!! AAA, two thumbs up, and five stars for Certified Gold Exchange!! 👍🏻👍🏻
Amy Shamburger
2 months ago
Certified Gold Exchange walked me through the entire process of liquidating an inherited IRA. They were able to explain terms, outline all steps of the process, tell me exactly how to fill out forms. They worked with the difficult custodian and I didn't have to. Mary worked hard behind the scenes to get the process completed so smoothly.
Pat Merkel
3 months ago
I twice in the past year had the pleasure of using Certified Gold Exchange to help me to liquidate a portion of my precious metals assets. I had no idea just how easy this process would be. Lisa is a major asset for this company. I was meticulously walked through the process every step of the way. Updated and notified as to the progress constantly, right up to and even after receiving my funds. This is a top notch company I think everyone should be using for their metals needs and concerns. Bravo CGE and many thanks again to Lisa and staff!
Michael
3 months ago
Lifesavers! Got my gold unstuck and liquidated fast."I recently worked with Certified Gold Exchange to finally get my metals liquidated and my custodial account closed. My account was previously stuck with Rosland Capital, and I was getting nowhere with them.From start to finish, the team at Certified Gold Exchange was phenomenal. They are transparent, professional, and handled a complicated situation in just days. What took other brokers months to ignore, CGE handled quickly and without the hassle. I dealt with Emily and Patrick both of whom were incredibly responsive, clear, and truly helpful throughout. They made the whole transition feel stress-free. I highly recommend CGE if you are trying to resolve a frozen account or need to sell your metals safely."
Arturo Gonzalez
3 months ago
I give them a five star just because they are nice people, but i tried selling them my Gold and they said they would only take it if it was over 15 ounces Lol... I probably have about one ounce and refuse to take it to the Pawnshop.
Michael d'Amaral
4 months ago
5-Star Review for Certified Gold Exchange I recently worked with Certified Gold Exchange (CGE) to close out my IRA account after Equity Trust dropped my previous broker, Rosland Capital. From start to finish, the entire process was smooth, professional, and remarkably fast. What took Rosland Capital months to accomplish, CGE handled in just days. They efficiently helped me liquidate my metals and close the account without any hassle. I initially dealt with Patrick, who was excellent—responsive, clear, and truly helpful throughout. He made the whole process feel straightforward and stress-free. I also want to give a special shout-out to Kat in the back office. She and the rest of the team worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to make everything happen so quickly. Patrick was right when he said the credit belongs to the whole team—they clearly work well together and put clients first. If you're looking for a trustworthy company to handle your precious metals IRA, whether buying, selling, or closing an account, I highly recommend Certified Gold Exchange. They delivered excellent service when I needed it most. Thank you, Patrick, Kat, and the entire CGE team!
Victoria Cohen
4 months ago
Excellent company to work with for your precious metal needs. They're extremely professional, caring, and easy to work with Sarah and the team I can't thank you all enough for making my experience so easy. Highly recommend
Sonny Panhead
5 months ago
Pat collins at CGE went above and beyond to help me navigate a complicated transaction that helped me achieve the results I wanted. His knowledge, professionalism and friendly demeanor made the process quick, easy and stress free.....
Rick Richuber
5 months ago
Very impressed. Took care of everything I needed and insured some good information for my future. Made my transition pretty much painless. Highly recommend.
Donna Maloney
8 months ago
I am so blessed to have started my journey with certified Gold Exchange but I cannot say more than enough about Patrick and Sara. What an amazing team honest to the core super helpful when I was down after my husband passed away. Patrick took me by the hand and walked me through every single situation and his Sara was right there making everything happen for him As well. I would never go anywhere to do anything with my investments without those two by my side. Thank You both so much for all the hard work you do and the patients you show me.
Brian Lodovici
11 months ago
Certified Gold Exchange was a great company to work with when selling my gold. Pat Collins was very helpful; knowledgeable, prompt and responsive. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
J B
1 year ago
Patrick Collins…What can I say about Pat? What an exceptional human being and consummate professional, highly skilled and knowledgeable not to mention genuinely caring, personable and friendly. How very lucky I was to be transferred to Pat when I contacted CGE at a very sobering and low time of my life. I had just read a CGE article about the unscrupulous LA dealers. Twenty-one months earlier I had “invested” with one of them. I was devastated to have made such a foolish mistake but knew I had to urgently do something about it. I contacted CGE nearing the end of their work day. When I told Pat the hot water I was in, he was genuinely empathetic and immediately gave me hope for a solution, freely giving of his time and attention. I knew he was REAL!! Pat then “took my hand” (a guardian angel), reassured me (all the while positive and upbeat) that we could “untangle this mess” (his words). Although I was very despondent over what I had done, I had a glimmer of hope. Through this whole ordeal Pat never let go of me. He guided me at every step and was always there when I needed him with a friendly and upbeat sparkle. I can now say with HUUGE relief that we untangled that mess and I am now very confidently a CGE client for life. I can sleep soundly now knowing that I was treated fairly and respectfully with my precious metals IRA because I am dealing with a FIRST CLASS ACT- Pat Collins and Certified Gold Exchange. I will certainly recommend CGE to friends and family! And THANK YOU Pat!! From the bottom of my heart :)
Robin Mallon
1 year ago
It was my absolute honor to work with Patrick Collins when I needed to liquidate precious metals in an IRA that my siblings and I inherited. Patrick is very knowledgeable and extremely professional, and he provided the guidance and steady hand needed in a very quick time frame. Patrick has amazing inter-personal skills, and he made me feel like my business was the most important piece of business he is handling. Truly, Patrick could teach a master class on how to treat clients. Well done!
Tony Harrod
1 year ago
I just want to tell you thank you for your help selling our Gold. You are awesome to work with and kept us updated regularly. We will definitely contact you when ready to sell again.
jamie blake
1 year ago
Super informative and helpful when looking to invest or do a rollover. Was great at listenings and answering our questions and helped the whole process go fast and smoothly.
George Gomoll
1 year ago
Pat has been a true professional to work with-he stay son top of our requests and always follows up- a pleasure to work with
Malcolm Tate
2 years ago
Working with Patrick Collins was the great total professional. And the company Certified Gold Exchange was fair. I will be sure to refer others to company for all of their precious metals transactions.
Several years ago, I purchased precious metals (within an IRA) through a highly recommended dealer (at the time). Recently, I learned that the dealer in question was found to be "less than reputable". I found myself asking, "under the circumstances, who can I trust to liquidate my account?" My first order of business was to find a dealer that I could trust. After considerable research, Certified Gold Exchange was at the top of my list. When I contacted CGE, I was introduced to Pat Collins. From our first discussion, Pat clearly understood the situation and developed a plan. Long story short, Pat earned my trust with his friendly demeanor, patience, and metals experience. I'll be calling CGE and Pat for my next transaction. Many thanks Pat!
ALAN BROWN
2 years ago
Certified Gold Exchange's website really jumped out to me as I began researching precious metal IRA's. I found it to be incredibly comprehensive and informative, answering questions I did not even know to ask and alerting me to bad practices within the industry as well. So, I called and found the CGE team to be every bit as helpful as the website. They were responsive immediately and throughout the process of establishing an account and funding it. They were particularly helpful when dealing directly with my current custodian and getting funds rolled over. Pat and Mary have been courteous, personable, and very professional working with me and even helped with questions outside the immediate business at hand. I have already referred friends to CGE and will continue to do so.
Diane Bell
2 years ago
Everyone was very helpful and professional. I highly recommend this company.
Joeb41
2 years ago
In the mid-90's I was fortunate to locate CGE and John Halloran. I Found CGE on BBB. They had an A+ rating and received no complaints. I called them and John spent a lot of time with me. I had never purchased metal previously. The one thing that stuck with me was his advice that "you buy metal to hold, not to trade." I still have my original purchase plus some subsequent purchases. All is worth 2--3.5 times what I bought it for, including my TIRA. I feel secure that my portfolio is well diverse and now includes Gold & Silver. Thanks John.
The Phan
2 years ago
Pat Collins, Melissa and the CGE team was incredibly professional in helping me setup my self directed IRA and purchasing the metals for the account. Pat was extremely knowledgable and was always responsive and willing to share his time and expertise to help me better understand each step in the process. I got regular updates from Pat to inform me of the status of each step in the account setup and in the metals purchase transaction. Looking forward to continuing to work with Pat and the CGE team in the future.
Steve Keller
2 years ago
I recently liquidated a portion of my Precious Metals IRA (for the first time) and was concerned about the need to ship and the length of time my custodian, GoldStar Trust, was telling me it would take for the entire process. After a bit of research I found Certified Gold Exchange. What appealed to me in my research was the fact that CGE had accounts at many of the Depositories, including mine. That meant that there would be no shipping process (or delays). I had read stories of shipments disappearing in process and metal purchasers and custodians not being very helpful to the victims of the theft. In addition, CGE was very competitive in their pricing. From the beginning of contacting Patrick Collins the process was efficient and professional. Pat provided regular communication and helped me at every step. The length of time from start to finish was much quicker than I was expecting thanks to CGE. I want to thank Pat and his team at Certified Gold Exchange for a smooth and efficient transaction.
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