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Gold IRA Learning Center

A source-backed guide to physical gold IRAs, traditional and Roth account rules, costs, and gold alternatives.

Start with the structure. Then examine the costs.

A gold IRA isn't inherently better than an ordinary IRA; it is an IRA holding a particular class of investment. Our library separates IRS rules, ownership methods, metal selection and the real economics of buying and selling.

New · October 2026

More practical guides: transfers, custody and the exit

Six new and existing beginner guides now cover rollover procedure, home storage, withdrawals and common seller tricks.

Illustrative retirement landscape with two people looking across a lake at sunrise
Start here · 11 min read

Why Put Gold in an IRA? Benefits, Costs, and When It May Not Make Sense

Why someone might hold physical gold in a tax-advantaged retirement account—and when a simpler investment may be preferable.

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Illustrative secure precious-metals depository interior, not an actual IRA storage facility
Start here · 10 min read

Can You Hold Physical Gold in an IRA? Ownership, Storage & the Rules

Yes—but “owning” metal inside an IRA is different from taking it home. Here is the custody chain and what to check.

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Illustrative assortment of historical and modern gold and silver coins
Account basics · 10 min read

Gold IRA vs. Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: The Category Mistake Explained

A “gold IRA” describes an investment strategy, not a different tax regime. Understand the real choices.

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Illustrative magnifying glass examining a precious-metals purchase fee document beside a calculator
Costs & risks · 13 min read

Gold IRA Fees Explained: Dealer Premiums, Storage, Custody & Exit Costs

A complete, plain-English guide to all the charges that can separate your initial deposit from the amount you eventually receive.

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Illustrative antique balance scale weighing gold bullion and silver coins
Compare strategies · 11 min read

Gold IRA vs. Gold ETF vs. Physical Bullion: Which Ownership Route Fits?

Compare custody, liquidity, expense structures, possession and tax treatment without confusing products with accounts.

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Illustrative gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion specimens against a mountain landscape
Explore metals · 12 min read

Gold, Silver, Platinum & Palladium: What Precious Metals Can Go in an IRA?

Gold is not alone. Explore all four potentially eligible metals, qualifying products, and costly exceptions.

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Two retirement planners considering financial paperwork near a lake, illustrative
Rollovers · 12 min read

How to Roll Over a 401(k) Into a Gold IRA Without Missing the Rules

Direct rollovers, 60-day transfers, withholding, eligible 401(k) distributions, and the questions to ask before buying bullion.

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Illustrative secure metal depository with vault doors
Custody & storage · 11 min read

Can You Keep Gold IRA Coins at Home? What the IRS and McNulty Say

How the custody rules work, what an IRA-owned LLC changes, and why home storage can trigger taxable distributions.

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Illustrative retirees seated outdoors near the mountains at sunrise
Retirement exits · 11 min read

What Happens to a Gold IRA When You Retire? Selling, Taxes & RMDs

Selling versus distributing metal in kind, tax reporting, required minimum distributions, and retirement exit planning.

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Illustrative gold-investment proposal with a warning stamp and magnifying glass
Consumer protection · 10 min read

Gold IRA Scams: 12 Warning Signs and a Written-Quote Defense

Hidden dealer spreads, high-pressure tactics, collectible premium claims, and a step-by-step way to compare offers.

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