
- 29 Dec 2022
- Bonds
- Precious Metals
- Comments: 0
Disclaimer: Many or all of the companies listed here may provide compensation to us. This is how we maintain our free service for consumers. Compensation, along with hours of in-depth editorial research, determines where & how companies appear below.
It is difficult to determine precisely how much gold the average American owns, as it depends on several factors, such as income, financial stability, and personal preferences. Some Americans may choose to invest in gold as a hedge against inflation or as a way to diversify their investment portfolio, while others may not own any gold at all.
Data from the World Gold Council indicates that the United States is the largest market for gold jewelry and the third largest market for investment demand. In 2020, total U.S. gold demand was 681.4 metric tons, with jewelry accounting for 38% of demand and investment demand accounting for 62%.
It is worth noting that gold can be owned in a variety of forms, including physical gold (such as coins and bars), gold jewelry, and gold-based financial products (such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and gold futures contracts). The average American may own gold in one or more of these forms, or they may not own any gold at all. There are several ways that people can own gold, including purchasing real gold in the form of coins or bars, investing in gold mining stocks or mutual funds, or buying gold futures or options. Some people may also own gold through their retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA if those accounts offer gold investments.
The value of gold can fluctuate based on various factors, including market demand, economic conditions, and geopolitical events. As such, owning gold can diversify an investment portfolio and protect against inflation or other financial risks.
Quick Start
If you are looking to get started investing in precious metals right away checkout our top companies list. We did hundreds of hours of research and testing to find the top companies for this year...
>> Click Here For The Top Precious Metals Investment Companies For This Year <<
Advantages of Investing in Gold
Gold has been considered a valuable investment for centuries and is a popular choice for many investors today. The advantages of investing in gold include the following:
Diversification
Gold is considered a "non-correlated" asset, meaning it performs differently than other assets such as stocks or bonds. As such, it can be an excellent way to diversify an investment portfolio and potentially reduce overall risk.
Hedge Against Inflation
Gold has traditionally been seen as a hedge against inflation, as it tends to hold its value over time. This is because the supply of gold is limited, and demand for it can increase as the purchasing power of other currencies decreases due to inflation.
Haven Asset
Gold is often considered a "haven" asset, meaning it can be a good investment during economic uncertainty or market volatility.
Liquidity
Gold is a liquid asset that can easily be converted into cash when needed. This can make it a good choice for investors who may need to sell their assets quickly.
Tangible Asset
Owning physical gold allows investors to own a tangible asset they can hold and touch. This can appeal to some investors who prefer a physical investment over financial instruments such as stocks or bonds.
It is important to note that investing in gold carries its risks, and it may not be appropriate for all investors. It is always a good idea to consider your investment goals and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.
Most Americans have retirement accounts such as 401(K), and most of them are converting them into gold IRAs. Gold IRA accounts have benefits above the standard 401(k) accounts. A Gold IRA account helps you invest in physical gold, which does not depreciate.
How to Roll Over from a 401(k) Account to a Gold IRA Account
Rolling over a 401(k) account to a gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA) involves transferring the assets from your 401(k) to a self-directed gold IRA:
Steps to Roll Over from 401(k) to Gold IRA
Choose a Gold IRA Custodian
You will need to find a company that specializes in gold IRAs and can act as the custodian for your account. You can research reputable company that meets your needs online, such as Goldco, Augusta Precious Metals, and American Hartford Gold.
Open a Gold IRA Account
Once you have selected a gold IRA custodian, you need to open a gold IRA account with them. You will need to provide personal and financial information and choose how to fund the account (such as by transferring assets from your 401(k)).
Transfer Your 401(k) Assets
What's a Direct Rollover from 401(k) to Gold IRA
A direct rollover from a 401(k) to a gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a process by which the assets in a 401(k) account are transferred directly to a gold IRA without being distributed to the account holder. This is typically done to avoid paying taxes on the distribution and preserve the asset's tax-deferred status.
To initiate a direct rollover from a 401(k) to a gold IRA, you must choose a gold IRA custodian and open a gold IRA account with them. You will then need to contact your 401(k) plan administrator and request a direct rollover of the assets to your new gold IRA. The plan administrator will typically provide you with the necessary forms to complete the rollover process.
What's an Indirect Roll Over?

An indirect rollover from a 401(k) to a gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a process by which the assets in a 401(k) account are distributed to the account holder and then deposited into a gold IRA within a specific time. This is different from a direct rollover, in which the assets are transferred directly from the 401(k) to the gold IRA without being distributed to the account holder.
An indirect rollover can be a good option for investors who want to temporarily hold the assets in their name before rolling them over to a gold IRA. However, it is essential to note that some specific rules and restrictions apply to indirect rollovers, including:
Time Limits
The assets must be deposited into the gold IRA within 60 days of receiving the distribution from the 401(k) to avoid paying taxes.
Tax Implications
An indirect rollover from a 401(k) to a gold IRA may attract income tax and a potential 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are below 59 1/2 years.
Rollover Limits

There are limits on the number of indirect rollovers an investor can do in a given year.
It is essential to consider the tax implications and other potential risks before deciding to do an indirect rollover from a 401(k) to a gold IRA. It is good to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional before proceeding.
It is important to remember that a direct rollover from a 401(k) to a gold IRA is a complex process. It is essential to consider the tax implications and other potential risks before deciding. Consulting with a tax professional or financial advisor is recommended before progressing.
Choose Your Gold Investments
Once your assets are in the gold IRA, you must choose the specific gold investments you want to hold in the account. This may include physical gold such as coins, bars, gold mining stocks, or mutual funds.
It is important to remember that rolling over a 401(k) to a gold IRA is complex. It is essential to consider the tax implications and other potential risks before deciding.
Who is Eligible for a Rollover?

Generally, anyone with a 401(k) account and eligible to take a distribution from that account may be eligible to roll over the assets to a gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA). However, there are some specific rules and restrictions that may apply, such as:
Age
To take a distribution from a 401(k) account, you must generally be 59 1/2 years old. If you are younger than this, you may still be able to roll over the assets to a gold IRA, but you may face certain restrictions or penalties.
Employment Status
You must generally be separated from your employer to take a distribution from a 401(k) account. If you are still employed with the company sponsoring your 401(k) plan, you may still be able to roll over the assets to a gold IRA, but you may need to wait until you are no longer employed.
Plan Type
Some 401(k) plans may have specific rules or restrictions that affect your ability to roll over the assets to a gold IRA. For example, some programs may only allow rollovers to another employer's 401(k) plan or an IRA after you have terminated employment.
It is essential to carefully review the terms of your 401(k) plan and consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand your specific options and any potential restrictions or limitations.
What's a Gold IRA Account

A gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a type of retirement account that allows investors to hold physical gold and other precious metals as part of their investment portfolio. Gold IRAs are self-directed IRAs, which means that the account owner can choose the specific assets held in the account, subject to certain rules and limitations set by the IRS.
To open a gold IRA, you will need to find a company that specializes in precious metal IRAs and can act as the custodian for your account. You will then need to open a gold IRA account with the custodian and choose the specific gold investments you want to hold in the account. This may include physical gold such as coins, bars, gold mining stocks, or mutual funds.
Gold IRAs allow investors to diversify their investment portfolio and protect against inflation or other financial risks.
Benefits of Owning Physical Gold
Physical gold can be owned in several ways, including collectible coins, mutual funds, ETFs, and mining stocks. One significant benefit of owning physical gold is that it cannot be stolen online, unlike money in bank accounts. Having physical gold offers you financial security.
Additionally, you can invest in physical gold anonymously. Governments often freeze funds in bank accounts, but physical gold is hard to freeze. Also, creditors can easily access your paper and digital assets, but they need help accessing your physical gold, depending on where it is stored. Investing with a reputable company such as Goldco will offer you security.
Another main benefit of owning physical gold is the absence of potential losses. The effectiveness of your stock holdings is contingent on outside factors, such as the company's board of directors. Unlike stocks, gold has inherent worth. Therefore, your investment will never be correlated with fund management or other outside entity.
Companies That Can Help You Invest in Gold IRA
Numerous companies assist in gold IRA investment, but only a few are reputable.
#1. Goldco

Goldco is a company specializing in precious metal investing, including gold and other precious metals. It was established in 2006 and offered various products and services to help investors diversify their investment portfolio and protect against inflation or other financial risks.
Products and Services Offered by Goldco
❑ Gold and Silver IRA
Goldco offers gold and silver Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that allow investors to hold physical gold and silver, as well as other precious metals, as part of their retirement portfolio. New accounts that invest in silver attract a benefit of 10%. However, it would help if you had 25,000$ to create a gold IRA account with Goldco.
❑ Precious Metal Storage
Goldco offers secure storage options for precious metal investments, including gold, silver, and other metals.
❑ Precious Metal Coins and Bars
Goldco offers a wide range of unique metal coins and bars for investors to choose from, including gold, silver, and platinum.
❑ Education and Support
Goldco provides various educational resources and support services to help investors understand the precious metal market and make informed investment decisions.

The company has existed for over ten years and has been rated a top choice by most Americans. The company specializes in precious metal investing, including gold, silver, and other precious metals. The company offers various products and services to help investors diversify their investment portfolios and protect against inflation or other financial risks.
Products and Services Offered by Augusta Precious Metals Include:
❑ Precious Metal IRA
Augusta Precious Metals offers Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that allow investors to hold physical gold, silver, and other precious metals as part of their retirement portfolio.
❑ Precious Metal Coins and Bars
Augusta Precious Metals offers a wide range of precious metal coins and bars for investors to choose from, including gold, silver, and platinum.
❑ Precious Metal Storage
Augusta Precious Metals offers secure storage options for precious metal investments, including gold, silver, and other metals.
❑ Education and Support
Augusta Precious Metals provides various educational resources and support services to help investors understand the precious metal market and make informed investment decisions.

The company has existed since 2016 and is based in Los Angeles, California. American Hartford Gold provides a section on its website that allows consumers to track stock prices and industry updates for gold, platinum, and silver if they want to manage their gold IRA accounts effectively. The company requires you to pay an annual fee of 180$ once you open an account with them.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, investing in gold and other precious metals that do not lose value, like currency, is crucial. Contact the three reputable companies listed above if you are ready to roll over your 401(k) account into a Gold IRA. They will guide you on opening and managing your account.
