Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Should You Consider A Gold IRA Retirement Plan

By Benedict McAlpine


Gold coins or bullions could very well be the definitive retirement asset as it retains value over long periods of time. This precious metal does not actually rely on the performance a set institution to determine its value, making it an ideal way to save for those golden years. Should you consider a Gold IRA retirement plan it would be key in helping you secure a solid nest egg.

Firstly, you will establish a self-directed account that will permit you to make personal investment choices. A trustee will be put in charge of executing any requests, as well as keep a record of the gold spot price. Opening these self-directed accounts is simple and merely involves completing some forms, transferring money to the account and from there, instructing the trust company to buy precious metal for you.

These bullions and gold coins are put directly into the account; here they are stored at a depository with full insurance. Stipulations are that coinage has to be ninety nine percent with the exception of the American Eagle coins which can be ninety one point six percent, these guidelines are as per the Internal Revenue Code. Bullion bars can be any percentage as long as it is manufactured from the approved refineries. You will want to keep track of the spot price of gold as well, as this may determine any future plans.

The account could take up to 10 days to set up. When purchasing for an IRA, it is best to only choose products from approved lists to avoid loosing any money. Transferring from any traditional IRA over to a gold based one is quite simple. It is however vital that you monitor the spot gold price before making any purchases or transfers.

This transferring of money from an existing plan is called a "rollover". This transfer may only be performed if an employee is no longer employed by the company. Making a decision to include precious metals as part of your retirement plan is in essence a good concept but only trustworthy companies must be used. All the standard guidelines will relate to ownership of valuable metals in spite of it being put into an IRA.

Quite a lot of people these days do not have sufficient funds set aside for their old age. This is largely due to the fact that many people are living longer. Basic retirement planning involves determining or estimating future income, expenses and trying to manage these into a plan that will stand the test of time.

When you reach your middle age, putting money aside for your old age will shift from simply saving to a more focused amount. Unfortunately, nowadays there are more individuals claiming from social security than those that are actually contributing. This is putting immense strain on this fund and at the rate it is presently, it may not be able to offer much support to retirees.

Similarly relying only on a company pension could also not always guarantee any one any future revenue; therefore individuals need to be pro active when securing their future nest egg. Those who do not satisfactorily plan for their old age may end up selling their children's intended inheritance to get by. An even more unacceptable scenario would be placing the financial burden over onto your children in your senior years.

When you in fact retire depends largely on many specific factors, certain jobs allow their employees to retire at the age of 55 with comprehensive health care as well as pension benefits, for instance military personnel, fire fighters and policemen. On average 62 is considered as early retirement for Social Security claims and may incur a penalty, but any if you claim when you are 70 no penalties will be needed. Most plans have a specific age from which one may be allowed to claim.

Five years from normal retirement age it is suggested that one start putting additional money aside for retiring, besides what may be in a 401 or IRA account. During the planning years it is acceptable to take chances in high risk accounts, but as you near the actual date it is best to start putting your money into safer investments. It would be best to also live as if you are already retired in the last year.

If you find at this stage that your retirement income is not sufficient to sustain you, then hard choices will have to be made. Look for ways to reduce the amount of tax one will pay and transferring some of your funds to another plan will certainly lower tax implications. This may be the perfect time, should you consider a gold IRA retirement plan.
Understand the Importance how a Gold IRAs help you achieve your retirement goals.





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