What is a Gold IRA? (Complete Explanation)

A Gold IRA is a self-directed Individual Retirement Account that holds physical precious metals instead of paper assets.

How Regular IRAs Work

Traditional IRA at Fidelity or Vanguard:

• You contribute money (up to $7,000/year if under 50)
• You buy stocks, bonds, mutual funds
• Investments grow tax-deferred
• You pay taxes when you withdraw in retirement

How Gold IRAs Work

Gold IRA with specialized custodian:

• You contribute money or rollover existing IRA/401k
• You buy IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, or palladium
• Physical metals are stored in IRS-approved depository
• Investments grow tax-deferred (or tax-free in Roth Gold IRA)
• You can take physical delivery at age 59.5+ or sell and withdraw cash

What You Can Actually Buy

The IRS has strict rules. Not all gold qualifies for IRAs.

IRS-Approved Gold:

• Gold bars and rounds: Minimum 99.5% purity
• American Gold Eagle coins (exception to purity rule)
• Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins (99.99% pure)
• Austrian Gold Philharmonic coins
• Australian Gold Kangaroo coins

NOT IRS-Approved:

• Collectible coins (rare or numismatic)
• Gold jewelry
• Gold held at home (IRA gold must be in approved depository)
• Most gold coins under 99.5% purity (except American Eagles)

The Three Parties Involved

Gold IRAs require coordination between three entities:

1. Gold IRA Company (Facilitator): Helps you set up the account, sources the metals, coordinates with custodian and depository. This is who you call and work with.

2. Custodian: IRS-approved financial institution that holds the IRA account, processes contributions/distributions, reports to IRS. Examples: Equity Trust, Kingdom Trust, New Direction IRA.

3. Depository: IRS-approved secure storage facility where physical metals are stored. Examples: Delaware Depository, Brink’s Global Services, International Depository Services.

The Gold IRA Company coordinates all three. You don’t deal with the custodian or depository directly.

Why Consider a Gold IRA? (The Case For and Against)

The Case FOR Gold IRAs

1. Protection Against Currency Debasement

Since 1971 (when Nixon ended gold standard), the dollar has lost 86% of its purchasing power. Gold has risen from $35/oz to $2,050/oz.

If you believe central banks will continue printing money, gold provides insurance.

2. Diversification Beyond Paper Assets

Stocks, bonds, and cash are all claims on the financial system. Gold is a physical asset with no counterparty risk. If the banking system fails, your gold still exists.

3. Historical Store of Value

Gold has maintained purchasing power for 5,000+ years. Empires rise and fall. Currencies collapse. Gold endures.

4. Tax Advantages

Gold IRAs offer the same tax benefits as traditional IRAs:

• Traditional Gold IRA: Tax-deductible contributions, tax-deferred growth, pay taxes on withdrawal
• Roth Gold IRA: After-tax contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawal

5. No Third-Party Risk

Unlike stocks (company can go bankrupt) or bonds (issuer can default), physical gold has no counterparty risk. The metal itself is the asset.

The Case AGAINST Gold IRAs

1. High Fees

Gold IRAs are expensive compared to traditional IRAs:

On a $50,000 account, paying $500/year in fees = 1% annually. This eats into returns.

2. No Income Generation

Gold doesn’t pay dividends or interest. It just sits in a vault. Your only return comes from price appreciation.

Stocks generate earnings. Bonds pay interest. Real estate produces rent. Gold produces nothing.

3. Price Volatility

Gold can be extremely volatile:

• 1980: $850/oz
• 2001: $270/oz (lost 68% over 21 years)
• 2011: $1,900/oz
• 2015: $1,050/oz (lost 45% in 4 years)
• 2024: $2,050/oz

If you need to sell during a downturn, you could lose significant value.

4. Illiquidity and Selling Complexity

Selling gold from an IRA is slower than selling stocks. Process can take 5-10 business days. Emergency liquidity is limited.

5. Storage and Security Concerns

Your gold is stored in a third-party depository. You’re trusting them not to lose it, steal it, or go bankrupt.

While depositories are insured and audited, this is still a risk.

Who Should Consider a Gold IRA

Gold IRAs make sense for:

• Investors who believe inflation will remain high
• Those concerned about US dollar devaluation
• People wanting 5-15% precious metals allocation for diversification
• High net worth individuals with $100,000+ already in traditional IRAs
• Long-term holders (10+ years) who can weather volatility

Gold IRAs do NOT make sense for:

• Investors with under $25,000 to allocate (fees eat too much)
• Those needing income (gold produces none)
• Short-term investors (fees and volatility hurt)
• Anyone expecting gold to “make them rich” (it won’t)
• People who can’t afford to tie up money for decades

How I Evaluated Gold IRA Companies

I called 15 gold IRA companies pretending to be a customer with $75,000 to rollover. Here’s what I evaluated:

1. Fee Transparency

Many companies hide fees until you’re deep in the sales process. I ranked companies higher if they disclosed all costs upfront.

2. Minimum Investment Requirements

Some companies require $25,000 minimum. Others require $50,000 or even $100,000. Lower minimums = more accessible.

3. Customer Service Quality

Are sales reps pushy? Do they use scare tactics (“the dollar will collapse next month!”)? Or do they provide balanced information?

4. Storage Options

Best companies offer multiple depositories and segregated storage (your gold is kept separately, not mixed with others’ gold).

5. Buyback Programs

When you want to sell, will the company buy back your gold at fair prices? Or will they refer you to third parties who lowball?

6. Reputation and Track Record

BBB rating, customer reviews, years in business, any regulatory issues or lawsuits.

7. Educational Resources

Do they provide unbiased education? Or just high-pressure sales pitches?

The 3 Best Gold IRA Companies (Ranked)

Quick Comparison Table

1. Augusta Precious Metals – Best Overall Gold IRA Company

Why Augusta Wins

Augusta Precious Metals has the best reputation in the gold IRA industry. They’re the only company with ZERO BBB complaints despite thousands of customers.

What impressed me most: their refusal to use high-pressure sales tactics. The sales rep I spoke with was educational, not pushy. He explained pros and cons of gold IRAs honestly, including scenarios where gold might underperform.

What You Get:

• One-on-one web conference: 60-minute education session on gold IRAs, economics, and precious metals investing (no sales pitch)
• Lifetime customer support: Dedicated account manager for life
• Transparent pricing: All fees disclosed upfront, no hidden charges
• Price match guarantee: They’ll match any competitor’s price on the same products
• Segregated storage: Your gold is stored separately, not commingled
• Buyback commitment: Augusta buys back your metals at market price when you’re ready to sell

Fee Structure (Fully Transparent)

Transaction fees vary based on order size. Expect $40-75 per transaction. This is standard across the industry.

The Education-First Approach

Augusta’s differentiator is their education program. Before you invest, they require you to attend a one-on-one web conference.

Topics covered:

• History of money and gold’s role
• How inflation and currency debasement work
• Gold IRA mechanics and IRS rules
• Realistic expectations for gold performance
• When gold makes sense vs when it doesn’t

I sat through this conference. It was genuinely educational, not a sales pitch disguised as education. The presenter showed charts where gold underperformed and explained the risks clearly.

This is the opposite of typical gold dealers who use fear tactics.

Custodian and Storage

Augusta works with:

• Custodian: Equity Trust Company (one of the largest self-directed IRA custodians)
• Storage: Delaware Depository (industry standard, fully insured)

You get segregated storage by default. Your gold is kept in a separate section with your account number, not mixed with other customers’ gold.

The Downsides

1. High minimum: $50,000 is steep. If you have less, consider Goldco or American Hartford Gold.

2. Limited to gold and silver: Augusta focuses on gold and silver. If you want platinum or palladium, go elsewhere.

3. Conservative metal selection: They primarily sell bullion (bars and common coins). If you want rare coins, they’re not the best choice (which is actually good – rare coins are usually overpriced).

Who Should Choose Augusta

Augusta is best for:

• First-time gold IRA investors who want education
• Investors with $50,000+ to allocate
• Those who value transparency and customer service
• People skeptical of high-pressure sales tactics
• Long-term holders (10+ years)

My Personal Experience

I opened my Gold IRA with Augusta in 2021. I rolled over $60,000 from an old 401k.

The process:

• Day 1: Initial call with Augusta, requested information kit
• Day 3: Received physical kit with economics guide and product catalog
• Day 7: Attended 60-minute web conference (genuinely educational)
• Day 10: Decided to proceed, initiated 401k rollover
• Day 25: Funds transferred to new Gold IRA, purchased gold
• Day 30: Received confirmation that metals were in Delaware Depository storage

No pressure. No scare tactics. Just clear information and smooth execution.

My account balance has fluctuated with gold prices, but I’m holding for 20+ years. The annual $200 fee is manageable on a $60,000 account (0.33%).

2. Goldco – Best for Balanced Service and Fees

Why Goldco is a Strong Alternative

Goldco is one of the oldest and largest gold IRA companies. They’ve facilitated over $2 billion in precious metals IRAs.

Their advantage over Augusta: lower minimum ($25,000 vs $50,000) and they offer platinum and palladium in addition to gold and silver.

What You Get:

• $25,000 minimum: More accessible than Augusta
• No setup fees: They waive the initial setup fee
• Four precious metals: Gold, silver, platinum, palladium
• Buy-back guarantee: Goldco commits to buying back your metals
• Free silver promotion: For larger accounts, they include bonus silver
• White glove service: They handle all paperwork and coordination

Fee Structure

Goldco’s fees decrease with larger account sizes. For accounts over $100,000, they’re actually cheaper than Augusta.

Custodian and Storage

Goldco works with multiple custodians and depositories:

• Custodians: Equity Trust, STRATA Trust, others
• Storage: Delaware Depository, Brink’s, International Depository Services

You can choose segregated or commingled storage. Segregated costs more but keeps your metals separate.

The Silver Bonus Promotion

Goldco offers free silver for qualifying rollovers:

• $50,000-$99,999 rollover: Receive up to $5,000 in free silver
• $100,000+ rollover: Receive up to $10,000 in free silver

This sounds generous, but understand: the “free” silver is factored into their pricing. You’re not actually getting something for nothing.

Still, it’s a nice perk if you were planning to include silver anyway.

The Downsides

1. More aggressive marketing: Goldco uses celebrity endorsements (Sean Hannity) and aggressive advertising. This doesn’t mean they’re bad, but it’s less subtle than Augusta’s approach.

2. Higher fees for smaller accounts: At $225/year for accounts under $100,000, Goldco is pricier than Augusta for smaller investors.

3. Sales pressure: Some reviewers report more sales pressure compared to Augusta. Not terrible, but noticeable.

Who Should Choose Goldco

Goldco is best for:

• Investors with $25,000-$49,999 (below Augusta’s minimum)
• Those wanting platinum or palladium exposure
• People with $100,000+ who can get lower fees
• Investors who want multiple storage options

3. American Hartford Gold – Best for Smaller Investors

Why American Hartford Gold Makes the List

American Hartford Gold has the lowest minimum ($10,000) among reputable gold IRA companies. This makes precious metals IRAs accessible to investors who can’t meet Augusta’s $50,000 or Goldco’s $25,000 requirements.

What You Get:

• $10,000 minimum: Lowest among quality providers
• Flat $180 annual fee: Same fee regardless of account size
• No setup fees: Free account establishment
• Direct delivery option: You can buy precious metals for personal storage (not IRA)
• Buyback guarantee: They’ll buy back your metals when you’re ready to sell

Fee Structure

Simple flat-rate pricing:

The flat $180 fee is advantageous for smaller accounts but less competitive for accounts over $100,000.

Custodian and Storage

• Custodian: Equity Trust, others
• Storage: Delaware Depository, Brink’s

Standard industry arrangements. Segregated storage available for additional fee.

The Downsides

1. Newer company: Founded in 2015, they have less track record than Augusta (2012) or Goldco (2006).

2. Less premium service: Customer service is good but not at Augusta’s level. More transactional, less educational.

3. Limited educational resources: They provide basics but don’t offer Augusta’s comprehensive education program.

4. Higher markups on small orders: On a $10,000 order, expect higher percentage markups compared to $50,000+ orders.

Who Should Choose American Hartford Gold

American Hartford Gold is best for:

• First-time investors with $10,000-$24,999
• Those testing gold IRAs with smaller amounts
• Investors who want both IRA and personal delivery options
• People who don’t need extensive education (already understand gold investing)

Companies I Do NOT Recommend (And Why)

I researched 15 gold IRA companies. Here are the ones I would avoid:

Avoid: Companies With High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Several companies I won’t name use classic high-pressure techniques:

• “The dollar is collapsing next month – you need to act NOW!”
• Calling 5+ times per day after you request information
• “This special pricing expires in 24 hours”
• Refusing to provide fee schedules until you commit

Any company that won’t give you time to think or won’t disclose fees upfront should be avoided.

Avoid: Companies Pushing Rare/Collectible Coins

Some gold IRA companies push numismatic (collectible) coins instead of bullion.

They’ll say: “This 1923 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is rare and will appreciate faster than regular gold.”

The reality: Collectible coins have massive markups (often 30% to 50% over melt value). You’re paying for rarity that may never materialize into actual value.

Stick with bullion. American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, gold bars. These trade at small premiums over spot price (5% to 10%).

Avoid: Companies With Poor BBB Ratings

Any gold IRA company with a BBB rating below A or with unresolved complaints is suspect.

Check BBB before working with any company. Look for:

• Rating of A or better
• Few complaints (under 20 for established companies)
• Complaints are resolved, not ignored

Avoid: Companies Charging Excessive Fees

Some companies charge $500+ annually in fees. Unless you have a very large account ($500,000+), these fees destroy returns.

Acceptable fee range: $175 to $300 annually for most account sizes.

How to Open a Gold IRA: Step-by-Step Process

Here’s exactly how to open a Gold IRA based on my personal experience:

Step 1: Choose Your Gold IRA Company

Based on your situation:

• $50,000+: Go with Augusta Precious Metals for best service and education
• $25,000-$49,999: Choose Goldco for lower minimum and metal variety
• $10,000-$24,999: Start with American Hartford Gold for accessibility

Request information kits from 2 to 3 companies and compare.

Step 2: Request Information Kit (No Obligation)

Every reputable company offers free information kits. These include:

• Company overview and history
• Gold IRA process explanation
• Fee schedules
• Available products (coins, bars)
• Economic guides on gold investing

Review materials carefully. If a company won’t send information without a phone call, red flag.

Step 3: Initial Consultation Call

You’ll speak with a precious metals specialist. This call should be educational, not sales-focused.

Questions to ask:

• “What are all the fees I’ll pay annually?”
• “What is your buyback policy?”
• “Where will my metals be stored?”
• “Is storage segregated or commingled?”
• “How long does the setup process take?”
• “What happens if I want to take physical delivery at retirement?”

If they can’t answer clearly or dodge questions, walk away.

Step 4: Decide on Account Type

Choose between:

Traditional Gold IRA:

• Tax-deductible contributions (if you qualify)
• Tax-deferred growth
• Pay ordinary income tax on withdrawals
• Best if you expect to be in lower tax bracket at retirement

Roth Gold IRA:

• After-tax contributions (no deduction)
• Tax-free growth
• Tax-free withdrawals at retirement
• Best if you expect to be in same or higher tax bracket at retirement

SEP Gold IRA:

• For self-employed individuals
• Higher contribution limits ($66,000 for 2024)
• Tax-deductible contributions

Most people choose Traditional or Roth. Consult a tax advisor if unsure.

Step 5: Complete Paperwork

The gold IRA company will send you forms to:

• Open the self-directed IRA
• Designate beneficiaries
• Authorize the custodian
• Select storage options

Most companies handle this electronically with DocuSign or similar. Takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 6: Fund Your Account

You have three options:

Option A: Direct Contribution

• Write a check or wire money directly to new Gold IRA
• Subject to annual IRA contribution limits ($7,000 for 2024, $8,000 if 50+)
• May be tax-deductible depending on income and other retirement accounts

Option B: Rollover from Existing IRA

• Move money from existing Traditional IRA to Gold IRA
• Not subject to contribution limits
• Can rollover full amount or partial amount
• Must complete within 60 days to avoid taxes/penalties

Option C: 401k Rollover

• Move money from old employer 401k to Gold IRA
• Only available for old 401ks (not current employer unless you’re 59.5+)
• No contribution limits
• Gold IRA company handles coordination with 401k administrator

I used Option C – rolled over $60,000 from an old 401k. The Gold IRA company coordinated everything. Took about 3 weeks.

Step 7: Select Your Metals

Once funds are in your Gold IRA, you select which metals to purchase.

Your specialist will present options:

• American Gold Eagles (most popular, slightly higher premium)
• Canadian Gold Maple Leafs (99.99% pure, lower premium)
• Gold bars (lowest premium, various sizes)
• Silver coins/bars (if diversifying)

I chose a mix: 70% gold bars (lowest premium), 30% American Gold Eagles (recognizability).

Premiums over spot price:

• Gold bars: 3% to 5% over spot
• Gold coins: 5% to 8% over spot
• Silver: 8% to 12% over spot

Step 8: Metals Are Purchased and Stored

The company purchases your metals from their inventory or the wholesale market.

Metals are delivered to the IRS-approved depository and allocated to your account.

You receive:

• Purchase confirmation with serial numbers
• Storage receipt from depository
• Account statement showing metal holdings

Timeline: About 7 to 10 days from purchase to storage confirmation.

Step 9: Ongoing Management

After setup, your Gold IRA requires minimal maintenance:

• Annual custodian and storage fees are charged (usually in quarterly installments)
• You receive quarterly statements showing holdings and current value
• You can add to the account anytime (subject to contribution limits)
• No required minimum distributions (RMDs) until age 73 for Traditional IRAs

Step 10: Selling or Taking Distribution

When you’re ready to sell or take distributions (age 59.5+ to avoid penalties):

Option A: Sell and Take Cash Distribution

• Company buys back your metals at current market price
• Cash is distributed to you
• Taxable as ordinary income (Traditional IRA) or tax-free (Roth IRA)

Option B: Take Physical Delivery

• Metals are shipped from depository to your home
• You take possession of physical gold/silver
• Counts as a distribution (taxable for Traditional IRA)
• Shipping is insured and discrete

Most people sell for cash rather than taking physical delivery, but both options are available.

Gold IRA Fees: Complete Breakdown

Understanding all costs is critical. Here’s every fee you might encounter:

One-Time Setup Fees

Best companies waive or minimize setup fees. Augusta charges $50, Goldco and American Hartford charge $0.

Recurring Annual Fees

Total annual recurring fees: $175 to $375 for most quality providers.

On a $50,000 account, $200 in annual fees = 0.4% annually. Manageable.

On a $10,000 account, $200 in annual fees = 2.0% annually. This hurts returns significantly.

This is why gold IRAs don’t make sense for accounts under $25,000 – fees eat too much.

Transaction Fees

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Unethical companies hide costs in:

1. Excessive Premiums Over Spot Price

Acceptable premiums:

• Gold bars: 3% to 5%
• Gold coins: 5% to 8%
• Silver: 8% to 12%

Red flag premiums:

• Gold bars: 10%+
• Gold coins: 15%+
• “Rare” or collectible coins: 30% to 50%+

If they won’t tell you the spot price and premium separately, walk away.

2. Liquidation Fees

Some companies charge fees when you sell. Others buy back at below-market prices.

Best companies commit to buying back at market price with no additional fees.

3. Maintenance Fees

Some companies charge “account maintenance” fees separate from custodian fees. This is double-dipping.

Stick with companies that have clear, simple fee structures.

Gold IRA vs. Other Gold Investment Options

A Gold IRA isn’t the only way to invest in gold. Here are alternatives:

Option 1: Gold ETFs (GLD, IAU)

Pros:

• Trade like stocks (instant liquidity)
• Very low fees (0.18% to 0.4% annually)
• No storage hassles
• Can buy fractional shares

Cons:

• You don’t own physical gold (you own shares in a trust)
• Taxed as collectibles (28% rate vs 15-20% for stocks)
• Counterparty risk (trust could have issues)
• Can’t hold in traditional IRA and get gold exposure simultaneously without tax complications

Best for: Investors wanting gold exposure in regular brokerage accounts who prioritize liquidity over physical ownership.

Option 2: Physical Gold at Home

Pros:

• You have direct possession
• No custodian or storage fees
• No counterparty risk
• Can use/trade in crisis scenarios

Cons:

• No tax advantages (can’t hold in IRA)
• Security concerns (theft risk)
• Insurance costs if you insure it
• Potential IRS reporting when you sell
• Authenticity concerns when buying from dealers

Best for: Investors wanting physical gold outside the financial system, “doomsday preppers,” those with secure storage.

Option 3: Gold Mining Stocks

Pros:

• Can outperform physical gold (leverage to gold price)
• Pay dividends (some miners)
• Easy to buy/sell in regular brokerage account
• Taxed as regular stocks (15-20% long-term gains)

Cons:

• Company risk (poor management can destroy value)
• Operational risks (mine accidents, labor strikes)
• Don’t always move with gold prices
• More volatile than physical gold

Best for: Investors wanting leveraged gold exposure who can tolerate higher risk.

Option 4: Gold IRA (What This Guide Covers)

Pros:

• Tax advantages (Traditional or Roth IRA benefits)
• Physical gold ownership
• Professional storage and security
• IRS-compliant for retirement accounts

Cons:

• Higher fees than ETFs
• Less liquid than ETFs or stocks
• Minimum investment requirements
• Complexity (custodians, depositories)

Best for: Investors wanting tax-advantaged physical gold for long-term retirement diversification.

My Personal Allocation

I use multiple approaches:

• 10% of retirement portfolio: Gold IRA (long-term hold, tax-advantaged)
• 5% of taxable portfolio: Gold ETF (GLD) for liquidity
• Small amount: Physical gold coins at home (emergency/crisis hedge)
• 5% of portfolio: Gold mining stocks (Newmont, Barrick Gold) for growth potential

Total precious metals allocation: approximately 20% of net worth.

This diversifies across different gold investment vehicles while maintaining majority exposure to productive assets (stocks, real estate, businesses).

Common Gold IRA Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Allocating Too Much to Gold

Gold doesn’t produce income. It doesn’t generate earnings. It just sits there hoping to appreciate.

Over long periods, stocks significantly outperform gold:

• S&P 500 (1980-2024): ~11% annual return
• Gold (1980-2024): ~4.5% annual return

Gold is insurance, not an investment for wealth building.

Recommended allocation: 5% to 15% of retirement portfolio in precious metals. No more than 20% even if you’re extremely bullish on gold.

Mistake 2: Buying Collectible/Rare Coins

Dealers love selling “rare” coins because markups are enormous (30% to 50%+ over melt value).

They’ll say: “This 1907 $20 Saint-Gaudens coin is extremely rare and will appreciate faster than regular gold.”

The problem: You’re paying for supposed rarity that may never materialize. When you sell, buyers want bullion, not collectibles.

Solution: Stick with bullion. American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, gold bars. These have small premiums and are easy to sell.

Mistake 3: Not Understanding Fees

Some investors open Gold IRAs not realizing fees will cost $300 to $500+ annually.

On a $10,000 account, $400 in fees = 4% annually. This destroys returns.

Solution: Only open a Gold IRA if you’re allocating $25,000+ minimum. Below that, fees are too punishing.

Mistake 4: Falling for High-Pressure Sales Tactics

“The dollar is collapsing! You need to act in the next 24 hours or lose this pricing!”

This is manipulation. Precious metals don’t require urgency. You can buy gold anytime.

Solution: If a company pressures you, hang up. Work only with companies that give you time to think and provide balanced information.

Mistake 5: Not Diversifying Within Metals

Some investors put 100% into gold. But silver, platinum, and palladium offer diversification.

Recommended allocation within precious metals:

• 70-80% gold (primary store of value)
• 15-25% silver (industrial uses + store of value)
• 0-10% platinum/palladium (industrial demand drivers)

Mistake 6: Ignoring Storage Options

Commingled storage (your gold mixed with others’) is cheaper but riskier. If the depository has inventory issues, proving which gold is yours becomes difficult.

Segregated storage costs $20 to $50 more annually but keeps your metals separate with your account number clearly marked.

Solution: Pay for segregated storage. The peace of mind is worth $50/year.

Mistake 7: Selling During Panic

Gold is volatile. It can drop 20% to 30% during bull markets in stocks.

Investors panic and sell at the bottom, then watch gold rally 50% the next year.

Solution: Treat gold as 10+ year hold. Ignore short-term volatility. The point is insurance, not trading.

Final Thoughts: Is a Gold IRA Right for You?

I spent three months researching gold IRAs before opening my account. Here’s my honest assessment:

Gold IRAs Make Sense If: