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Last years gold prices lead to this years strong prices

Gold prices made steady progress last year and have continued that with a very strong start to this year, said George Milling-Stanley, chief gold strategist at State Street Global Advisors. That has led to April gold’s settlement at $3,001.10 an ounce on Comex Friday, the highest most-active contract finish on record.

Source – Market Watch

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  • Securing Your Retirement NOW with a Precious Metals IRA

    Did you know that during the 2008 financial crisis, while the S&P 500 dropped by 38.5%, gold prices increased by 5.5%? This stark contrast highlights why more people are turning to precious metals IRAs to diversify their retirement portfolios. There’s never been a more critical time to consider this powerful retirement strategy.

    Let me share something that might surprise you: many people don’t realize that they can hold physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their retirement accounts! Whether you’re worried about inflation, market volatility, or simply want to diversify your retirement savings, a precious metals IRA could be your answer.

    Holding precious metals is what I’m doing to put into an IRA for my future. There are more and more people, of all ages, that are thinking or doing this or are already doing this. It’s never to late and again in these uncertain times so it’s wise to start thinking ahead.

    Let’s dive into everything you need to know about securing your retirement with this unique investment vehicle.

    What Is a Precious Metals IRA?

    A precious metals IRA, also known as a gold IRA, is a specialized individual retirement account that allows you to hold physical precious metals as part of your retirement portfolio. I remember when I first learned about these accounts – I was honestly skeptical! But after seeing how they’ve helped protect peoples wealth during market downturns, I became a true believer.

    • Operates similarly to traditional IRAs but holds physical precious metals
    • Offers the same tax advantages as conventional IRAs
    • Requires a specialized custodian who handles storage and compliance
    • Follows specific IRS regulations regarding metal purity and storage
    • Can be established as traditional or Roth IRA

    Eligible Precious Metals for Your IRA

    Let me tell you about a mistake I realized when I started doing research about gold IRAs. I was looking to purchase some beautiful collectible gold coins for a future IRA, not realizing till later, that it wouldn’t qualify! The IRS has strict requirements about which metals can be included in your precious metals IRA.

    • Gold must be 99.5% pure (except American Gold Eagles)
    • Silver must be 99.9% pure
    • Platinum must be 99.95% pure
    • Palladium must be 99.95% pure

    Approved coins and bullion include:

    • American Eagle coins (gold, silver, platinum)
    • Canadian Maple Leaf coins
    • Austrian Philharmonic coins
    • Australian Kangaroo/Nugget coins
    • Several types of bars and rounds meeting purity requirements

    Setting Up Your Precious Metals IRA

    The setup process is actually simpler than most people think! As I am learning it seems overwhelming but it’s actually quite straightforward when broken down.

    Choose a Custodian

    • Research reputation and track record
    • Compare fees and services
    • Check customer reviews and ratings
    • Verify IRS approval status

    Fund Your Account

    • Roll over existing retirement accounts
    • Make new contributions
    • Transfer from another IRA
    • Consider contribution limits

    Select Your Metals

    • Work with approved dealers
    • Choose eligible products
    • Consider diversification strategy
    • Review premium over spot prices

    Storage Requirements and Options

    Here’s something that will surprise many of us – you can’t keep your IRA-held precious metals in your home safe! The IRS requires specific storage arrangements, and getting this wrong can result in painful tax consequences.

    • Must use IRS-approved depositories
    • Segregated or non-segregated storage options
    • Regular auditing and insurance requirements
    • Geographic location considerations
    • Security and access protocols

    Tax Benefits and Considerations

    One aspect I have grown to like about precious metals IRAs is their tax advantages. Just like traditional IRAs, they offer powerful tax benefits that can help accelerate your wealth building.

    • Tax-deferred growth potential
    • Possible tax deductions for contributions
    • Roth IRA options available
    • Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules
    • Early withdrawal penalties and exceptions

    Costs and Fees to Consider

    Let’s talk money – because understanding the full cost structure is crucial for making an informed decision. I encourage everyone to look beyond just the obvious fees. *these may or may not be subject to change*

    • Setup fees ($50-$300)
    • Annual custodian fees ($75-$300)
    • Storage fees (0.5-1% of assets annually)
    • Transaction fees for buying/selling
    • Insurance costs
    • Dealer premiums over spot prices

    Investment Strategies and Portfolio Allocation

    Through research, I’ve learned that successful precious metals IRA investing isn’t just about buying gold – it’s about strategic allocation and understanding your goals.

    • Recommended allocation percentages (typically 5-15% of portfolio)
    • Rebalancing strategies
    • Market timing considerations
    • Long-term vs. short-term planning
    • Risk management techniques

    Conclusion

    Securing your retirement with a precious metals IRA can be a smart move in today’s uncertain economic environment. Whether you’re looking to protect against inflation, diversify your portfolio, or simply add a tangible asset to your retirement savings, a precious metals IRA offers unique advantages worth considering.

    Remember, the key to success is working with reputable custodians, understanding the rules and requirements, and maintaining a balanced approach to your overall retirement strategy.

    Consider speaking with a financial advisor to determine if a precious metals IRA aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. It never hurts to ask questions it will only benefit you.

    Ready to take the next step? Start by researching IRS-approved custodians and comparing their services and fees.

    Your future self might thank you for taking this important step toward securing your retirement!


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    Gold and Silver up by 1%

    Gold prices rose more than 1% on Tuesday as a weaker dollar and uncertainty over U.S. tariffs, along with concerns about the country’s fiscal outlook, drove investors towards safe-haven assets.

    Spot gold climbed 1.4% to $3,349.32 an ounce by 1203 GMT while U.S. gold futures jumped 1.6% to $3,361.70.

    Spot silver firmed 0.9% to $36.41 an ounce, platinum was down 0.1% at $1,351.80 and palladium gained 2.5% to $1,124.79.

    Source – Reuters

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    Copper futures up 5%

    U.S. copper futures rallied nearly 5% on Wednesday, rising more than other global benchmarks, after President Trump said imports of the metal would be subject to a 25% tariff; the front-month May Comex contract (HG1:COM) currently +4.6% at $4.76/lb.

    Trump’s comments in last night’s speech to Congress sparked a surge in Comex copper prices in Asian hours, as traders reacted to the possibility that copper tariffs could be larger than expected.

    “A 25% tariff was clearly not what the market was expecting before those comments, and now traders are scrambling to price in the correct level, whatever that might end up being,” Saxo Bank’s Ole Hansen said. “Whatever the final tariff is, the disruption to global trade flows is very real.”

    Source – Seeking Alpha

  • Where to Buy Physical Gold & Silver

    I just want to keep this short because if you’re here then that means you just want to know right away so I will make this short and sweet.

    OF COURSE you can buy gold and silver through reputable places that make IRAs for you but if you want to buy your precious metals and keep it safely in your own care then this is for you. I am on your side as I feel that is the easiest way to start before making it into a retirement plan.

    I won’t list the IRA places because we already know those so lets do a short list of local places you can find in any state and in person.

    Walmart

    I know, I know Walmart. One of the last places in the world I would go and maybe most people would go to buy gold. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they sell grams, bars and coins. Not to mention their jewelry. When I found out that Walmart sold gold bars I got the app right away to check it out. Honestly I’m impressed!

    Going on the website you will find that there are lots of options to choose from. The smallest that I have found (in price) is 1/2 a gram of .999 fine gold bar at $73. WOW! You can also buy 1oz gold bars at various prices. All are sold from different distributors going through Walmart but it’s pretty convenient to find and that’s the greatest part about this.

    I have also found some gold coins and my personal favorite (besides anything silver) is Goldbacks. The $1 Goldback is the cheapest on the website but you cannot spend everywhere and that topic is for a different post I will do here soon.

    Now as far as buying in store and in person you will have to call the locations or select online to pickup in store. Taxes wise, again you will have to call and find out but other than that you can’t argue that’s pretty cool to go through your local Walmart.

    Costco

    For most people (like myself) would never think to go to flippin’ Costco for gold are you kidding me! But recently there have been gold sales at Costco that started in 2023. You can buy the gold but of course you have to be a member to buy. That’s the only downside but it’s easy to get one. If not, maybe you can go in person or online with your family member who does have a membership and purchase that way.

    The gold is 1oz 999.9 minted bar. If they are in store you’ll have to find out from the location in your area but you might get lucky and see them there waiting for you. If you’re ordering online it might have a shipping cost and you can only get 2 per 24 hrs. As far as tax, that I am unclear on so please don’t hesitate to give them a call or email before you buy.

    (I think I will have to get my membership now just to get this)

    The obvious……

    We all know (unless you’re not a seasoned investor) there are so many places that buy and sell gold. Well lets just take a moment to talk about these places.

    Pawn Shops

    This is probably a 50/50 for most people. Now I have not gone to a pawn shop to purchase gold but they do have gold jewelry and very nice pieces too. I will not say they are all the same because some are very nice and some are not. Remember that when you go the gold will be marked up than elsewhere in price so don’t go in blind but expect a realistic price.

    At some pawn shops you may be able to haggle a price or you can trade in your personal gold for some cash. You can always walk out if the dealer doesn’t sell gold at the same or better price you found elsewhere. Generally speaking, many pawn shops will buy your gold and silver between 40 – 60% from the price you paid. So be aware before you go to the pawn shop.

    If pawn shops are a maybe don’t worry there are other places to visit. The great thing about this option is that you can trade or get cash and that’s pretty nice.

    Gold and Silver Shops

    These stores are not in every city or small town but if you find one you will be pleasantly surprised at what you may find.

    Gold and Silver shops will have bars, coins, oz, grams and jewelry. You may also find some notes that will fetch a good price if that’s another form of investment you’d like to dip your toe into.

    What’s so great about these shops is that they generally stay around the market price *no tax*. Please take that with a grain of salt. Not all dealers are the same. Talk to them and find out how they do the taxes on gold and silver bullion.

    I have given more time to add a very helpful directory dedicated to finding Gold and Silver dealers in your area. There you will find gold buyer, coin sellers and buyers, collectible stores, estate buyers, and more.

    Main Idea

    Gold is rising and it doesn’t look like its slowing down anytime soon. Silver has shown to be a great hedge to inflation as well with prices getting into the $60 range. This post is to think about buying gold and silver locally, educating yourself gradually as prices constantly shift and give you some options you might not have thought of to look for this particular investment.

    Gold and Silver are a great way to hedge against inflation and boost your portfolio. Having it in hand in you own personal safe is a great way to start storing your investments till you’re ready to put in an IRA.

    Don’t be afraid to ask questions to any of these dealers in fact it benefits you!

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    Gold and Silver latest forecast

    Gold (XAU/USD) falls toward $3,270 as weak Chinese demand and mixed U.S.-China trade signals weigh on sentiment.

    Silver (XAG/USD) slips to $32.96 amid softer Chinese demand and cautious market mood fueled by trade uncertainty.

    Gold defends the $3,270 triple-bottom zone, while silver stabilizes near $32.96.

    Source – FX Empire

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    Discover Silver aims to grow production

    Discovery Silver is making a significant move into the gold sector with its acquisition of the Porcupine mine in Ontario, Canada, from Newmont. The deal, discussed by CEO Tony Makuch in an interview at the 2025 BMO Global Metals Mining and Critical Minerals Conference, marks a shift for the company, which has been primarily known as a silver developer in Mexico.

    “The other part of value creation here is you take assets that are not Tier 1 assets at this point in time, and you convert them to Tier 1 assets,” he explained.

    Source – KITCO News