The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 made it possible for Americans to fortify their retirement accounts with gold and other precious metals in a “Gold IRA.” This protection has proven to be invaluable as conventional IRAs invested in stocks and bonds have experienced unprecedented losses over the past decade.

What Exactly is a Gold IRA?

Gold IRAs are structured like mainstream IRAs, subject to the same rules for contributions and withdrawals. Gold IRAs can be traditional or Roth and have the same tax benefits as the respective conventional IRAs.

Gold IRAs differ in that they allow investment in gold, silver, and platinum bullion in addition to stocks, bonds, and other paper assets.

Gold IRAs are also self-directed. Instead of a trustee controlling and holding the investments, the investor decides where the funds are invested while a custodian holds those assets.

Will My Investment Be Secure in The Hands of a Custodian?

Definitely! Custodial accounts are tightly regulated by the US Government. has partnered with two of the most highly respected custodial firms in the country – Equity Institutional and Self-Directed IRA Services (SDIRA).

Equity Institutional Company

Equity Instititional is a widely recognized leader of the self-directed retirement plan industry. Equity has specialized in the custody of self-directed IRAs, qualified business retirement plans and non-qualified custodial accounts since 1974 and now serves over 110,000 individuals and businesses in all 50 states. Equity Trust currently holds $8 billion in assets under custodial and retirement administration.

Self-Directed IRA Services (SDIRA) Company

Self-Directed IRA Services (SDIRA) is one of the nation’s most comprehensive retirement services custodians. Because SDIRA Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Texas Bank, the Texas Department of Banking closely monitors its financial condition. SDIRA’s financial stability and strong emphasis on customer service have made this company a leader among IRA custodians.

Can I Roll Over My Existing IRA?

That depends. If you are still working where your plan was originated you probably will not be allowed to roll over your account. Ask your plan administrator, and although it is unlikely, ask if your plan allows investment in gold.

If your 401(K), 403(B), or other qualified plan is no longer in service you may roll over all or part of your account into a Gold IRA.

What Can I do if I Cannot Roll Over My Existing IRA?

You can open a separate IRA for your gold investments. The only restriction on having multiple IRAs is that your combined contribution to all of them cannot exceed the limits of a single account.

How Do I Get Started on My Gold IRA?

First call 1-800-300-0715 and ask for our Retirement Department. One of our friendly retirement specialists will answer all of your questions guide you through the entire process.

Once you have selected a custodian you will set up your Gold IRA account and submit the appropriate forms if you intend to roll over an existing IRA. After that you may add gold assets to your account whenever you wish, up to the contribution limits specified by the Government. Your retirement specialist will always be at your disposal to assist you with making the best Gold IRA investments for your unique situation.