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RETIREMENT ASSETS: Gold IRA, Gold ROTH-IRA, Gold SEP

Diversifying our retirement portfolio with physical assets like gold can provide a powerful hedge against inflation and economic volatility. Whether rolling over existing accounts or starting a new plan as a business owner, here is everything needed to know about setting up a gold (Traditional) IRA (ROTH, or, SEP).


Why all of this news about gold, silver and Pre-1933 U.S. coins lately? Judy Shelton, economist and advocate for "sound money," strongly supports gold as a vital monetary asset and hedge against inflation, viewing it as a superior alternative to our current fiat currency. She promotes using gold to restore monetary stability, including proposals for gold-backed Treasury bonds to protect purchasing power.


"America should take advantage of its strong position while the price of gold has achieved significant gains. By issuing a dollar-denominated Treasury bond that offers gold convertibility at maturity, the administration would set a prominent marker for sound money at home while alerting the world that the U.S. intends to take the lead in setting up monetary arrangements among trade partners that are more coherent." - Judy Shelton, Senior Fellow, The Independent Institute, Author “Good as Gold: How to Unleash the Power of Sound Money.”


What prohibits someone from opening a gold IRA, gold ROTH IRA, or, a business owner opening a gold SEP-IRA? Nothing, just know the ground-rules and associated fees ahead of time.


How to Rollover to a Gold IRA or Gold Roth IRA

The most common way to fund a Gold IRA is through a rollover from an existing retirement account, such as a 401(k), 403(b), Traditional IRA, or Roth IRA.

  • Traditional to Gold IRA: Assets move from your current pre-tax account into a "Self-Directed IRA" (SDIRA). Since the funds remain pre-tax, you won't pay immediate taxes on the transfer.

  • Roth to Gold Roth IRA: You can move your existing Roth assets into a Gold Roth IRA. Because these funds were already taxed, your future qualified withdrawals (including any gains on the gold) remain tax-free.

  • The Process: Most investors choose a Direct Rollover, where the money moves directly between custodians. This avoids the "60-day rule" risk associated with indirect rollovers, where you take possession of the funds and must reinvest them within 60 days to avoid taxes and penalties.


Gold SEP-IRAs for Business Owners

If you are a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner, a Gold SEP-IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) allows for significantly higher contribution limits than standard IRAs. To set this up, you must first establish a SEP plan for your business (typically using IRS Form 5305-SEP) and then open a self-directed account with a custodian that permits physical precious metals.


2025 Contribution Guidelines & Limits

The IRS updates contribution limits annually. For 2025, the guidelines are as follows:

Account Type

2025 Contribution Limit

Catch-Up (Age 50+)

Traditional IRA

$7,000

$8,000

Roth IRA

$7,000

$8,000

SEP-IRA

Up to 25% of compensation (max $70,000)

N/A

Note: For Roth IRAs, your ability to contribute may be limited based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). In 2025, the phase-out range starts at $150,000 for single filers and $236,000 for married couples filing jointly.


The U.S. government is taking a fresh look at this age-old asset. Whether it’s a move toward sound money or a strategic revaluation of the world’s largest gold reserves, the yellow precious metal is becoming central to debates about our monetary future. With experts predicting that these trends will continue to push gold to record heights, adding gold to our portfolio—especially through a Gold IRA —could protect and potentially grow our nest egg.

Understanding the Fees

Unlike digital assets, physical gold requires secure storage and specialized oversight, leading to unique fee structures:

  1. Administrative Setup Fees: A one-time fee to open your SDIRA, typically ranging from $50 to $150.

  2. Annual Maintenance Fees: Covers record-keeping and IRS reporting. Expect to pay between $75 and $300 annually.

  3. Depository/Storage Fees: Your gold must be held in an IRS-approved depository. Commingled storage (shared space) is usually $100–$150/year, while segregated storage (private vaulting) can cost $200–$300/year.

  4. Transaction/Seller Fees: Dealers often charge a "markup" (premium) over the spot price of gold, and custodians may charge a small fee per trade (roughly $40).


The 5-Point Action Plan: Setting Up Your Gold IRA

Ready to secure your future with gold? Follow these five steps:

  1. Choose a Specialist Custodian: Traditional banks rarely handle physical gold. Find a reputable Self-Directed IRA custodian that specializes in precious metals.

  2. Fund the Account: Initiate a direct transfer from your current IRA or 401(k), or make a cash contribution for the current tax year.

  3. Select Your Metals: Work with a dealer to buy IRS-approved gold (must be 99.5% pure). Popular choices include American Eagle coins or certified bullion bars.

  4. Designate a Depository: Select an IRS-approved storage facility to house your physical assets. Remember: you cannot store this gold at home.

  5. Execute the Purchase: Once your funds clear, your custodian will pay the dealer, and the gold will be shipped directly to the secure depository on your behalf.


Finally, knowledge is power. Work with a insurance or financial advisor who has a strong team of experienced gold and silver experts who already have a proven and successful working procedure best for assisting in all five steps to your action plan to retirement savings diversity.





 
 
 

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