- 13 Apr 2023
- Bonds
- Precious Metals
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Investing in precious metals can be a sound strategy for diversifying your investment portfolio and protecting your assets against inflation and market volatility. Working with a trustworthy and trustworthy dealer is crucial when buying and selling precious metals.
Pacific Precious Metals is one such dealer that has been serving the precious metals industry for over a decade. This article will take a closer look at Pacific Precious Metals, including its history and product offerings.
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About Pacific Precious Metals
Pacific Precious Metals (PPM) is a well-known and respected precious metals dealer founded in 2008. The company's owner, Dan Barrett, has over 30 years of experience in the precious metals industry, which is a significant asset to the company.
The company's headquarters is located in Sausalito, California and they have an excellent reputation for providing high-quality precious metals and exceptional customer service.
PPM is also known for its transparency and ethical business practices. They have maintained an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since their accreditation in 2011. This rating is the highest possible rating that the BBB offers, indicating that PPM has consistently met the BBB's high standards for trust and integrity in business.
PPM's BBB accreditation is a testament to the company's commitment to providing its customers with the highest service and satisfaction.
Products and Services
Pacific Precious Metals offers a range of products and services related to precious metals. The company primarily deals in gold, silver, platinum, palladium bullion, coins and bars. The products offered by PPM are sourced from reputable mints and refineries worldwide, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.
In addition to selling precious metals, PPM also offers storage services for its clients' precious metal holdings. The company has secure, insured storage facilities compliant with all relevant regulations. Clients can choose between allocated and unallocated storage options depending on their preference.
PPM also offers precious metals IRAs, allowing investors to diversify their retirement portfolios with physical gold and other precious metals. The company has a team of experienced IRA specialists who can assist clients with setting up and managing their precious metals IRAs.
Another service offered by PPM is appraisals of precious metals. The company has a team of qualified appraisers who can evaluate and value precious metal items such as coins, bars and jewelry. This service is especially useful for individuals looking to sell their precious metal holdings.
Pacific Precious Metals Shipping Cost
When Pacific Precious Metals ships your bullion, shipping costs vary depending on your shipment's total value. The shipping cost is calculated based on the weight of the package and the insurance coverage required. The fees are also designed to cover packing and shipping your precious metals safely and securely.
Approximately 95% of all packages shipped by Pacific Precious Metals cost between $15 to $40, depending on the total value of the shipment. However, the shipping cost may be higher or lower based on the weight and value of the items you have purchased.
It is worth noting that the cost of shipping precious metals is often higher than for other items due to the added insurance required for the valuable content. This insurance protects your package from potential loss or damage during transit.
If you require faster shipping for your bullion, Pacific Precious Metals offers expedited shipping options for an additional fee. This service is especially useful if you need your metals delivered quickly or want to track your shipment more closely.
How Does Pacific Precious Metals Ship the Metals to You?
Pacific Precious Metals takes great care to ensure that your precious metals arrive safely and securely. They choose a reputable carrier to ship your bullion and coins to achieve this. The carrier is selected based on various factors, including the destination and the value of the shipment.
When your package is shipped, it will be insured and require a signature upon delivery. This ensures that the package is only received by the intended recipient and minimizes the risk of theft or loss. If anything happens to your shipment during transit, Pacific Precious Metals' insurance will cover it.
However, if you instruct the carrier to leave the package at your doorstep without a signature, Pacific Precious Metals will not accept responsibility for any loss. This is because leaving the package unattended increases the risk of theft and loss.
If you provide an alternate delivery address that is not your residence or instructs the carrier to leave the package with someone else, Pacific Precious Metals will not cover your package. This is because their insurance only covers packages delivered to the address provided during the order.
What Is a Precious Metals IRA?
A precious metals IRA is an individual retirement account allowing investors to hold physical precious metals in their retirement portfolio. While most IRAs invest in traditional paper assets such as stocks, bonds and cash products, a self-directed IRA can invest in precious metals in accordance with the tax codes.
However, under the tax code, not all precious metals qualify for a precious metals IRA. Only certain types of gold, silver and platinum coins, as well as gold, silver, platinum and palladium bars that meet a certain standard of purity, are acceptable. Items such as jewelry and collectible coins that contain precious metals do not qualify.
If you wish to set up a precious metals IRA, you must first find a custodian who will allow you to hold the metal in the IRA. You must also specify a depository for your metal, as it must be securely stored outside your home.
Once these steps are completed, you can look for a dealer in the gold, silver, platinum and palladium products approved for the precious metals IRA. When the metal is purchased, it is transferred to the approved depository under the management of the custodian.
Examples of precious metal products acceptable for a precious metals IRA include most platinum bars, the PAMP Suisse gold bars, the silver and gold Canadian Maple Leaf and American Eagle coins and the Austrian Philharmonic coin.
It is important to note that the value of precious metals can fluctuate and investing in them may carry some risk, but they are often seen as a valuable addition to a diversified investment portfolio.
Benefits of Investing in Precious Metals IRA
Investing in a precious metals IRA offers several benefits for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and protect their wealth.
🟩 Diversification
A precious metals IRA allows you to diversify your portfolio beyond traditional investments such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Precious metals have historically been a haven during economic uncertainty and can hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.
In market turbulence, precious metals have often performed well and held their value, providing a stable anchor to an investment portfolio.
🟩 Potential for Growth
Precious metals have the potential to appreciate over time, especially during times of economic and political instability. Gold and other precious metals have a long history of holding their value and can provide a high return on investment.
While the value of precious metals can fluctuate in the short term, they can be a good long-term investment strategy for those looking for stability and growth.
🟩 Tax Benefits
Precious metals IRAs offer several tax benefits such as tax-deferred growth or tax-free gains if held in a Roth IRA. Additionally, you can roll over an existing 401(k) or IRA into a precious metals IRA without incurring any taxes or penalties. This can be a valuable tool for investors looking to minimize their tax burden while investing for their future.
🟩 Protection Against Market Volatility
Precious metals have a low correlation with other asset classes, meaning they tend to move independently of other investments. This can protect against market volatility and reduce overall portfolio risk. Even during times of economic uncertainty or recession, precious metals have the potential to maintain their value and provide a stable source of wealth.
🟩 Security
Precious metals held in a precious metals IRA are stored in secure, IRS-approved depositories, providing an extra layer of security for your investment. These depositories are typically located in secured facilities with state-of-the-art security measures, providing peace of mind for investors concerned about the safety of their investments.
🟩 Liquidity
Precious metals are highly liquid assets that can be easily sold or traded if you need to access your funds quickly. Unlike other investment vehicles such as real estate or private equity, precious metals can be quickly sold or traded on the open market, giving investors greater flexibility and control over their investments.
🟩 Inflation Protection
Precious metals can be a valuable tool for protecting against inflation. As the value of paper currency decreases, the value of precious metals tends to rise. This can provide a hedge against inflation, preserving the value of your investment over time.
Types of Precious Metals IRA Accounts
There are various types of precious metals IRA accounts, each with features and benefits.
Traditional IRA
A traditional IRA is a tax-deferred retirement savings account. Contributions to the account are tax-deductible and the funds grow tax-free until withdrawn. The withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.
The contribution limit for a traditional IRA is $6,500 per year for individuals under 50 and $7,500 per year for those 50 or older. Traditional IRAs have required minimum distributions (RMDs) beginning at age 72.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA is a retirement savings account allowing for tax-free contributions and earnings withdrawals. Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after-tax dollars, but the funds grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals are not taxed.
The contribution limit for Roth IRA is the same as a traditional IRA, but income limits exist to be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. There are no required minimum distributions for Roth IRAs.
SEP IRA
A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA is a retirement savings plan for self-employed individuals and small business owners. Contributions are tax-deductible and the funds grow tax-free.
The contribution limit for SEP IRA is higher than traditional and Roth IRA and is based on a percentage of compensation. The contribution limit for 2023 is 25% of compensation or $66,000, whichever is less. SEP IRA has required minimum distributions beginning at age 72.
SIMPLE IRA
A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA is a retirement savings plan for small businesses. It allows both employers and employees to contribute to the plan. Contributions are tax-deductible for employers and pre-tax for employees and the funds grow tax-free.
The contribution limit for SIMPLE IRA for 2021 is $13,500 and those 50 and older can contribute an additional $3,000. SIMPLE IRA has required minimum distributions beginning at age 72.
How to Open a Precious Metals IRA
Opening a precious metals IRA involves several steps, but here are the basic steps.
Choose a Reputable Custodian
The first step is choosing a reputable custodian specializing in precious metals IRAs. Some of the top custodians in the market include Equity Institutional, New Direction IRA and GoldStar Trust Company. You should conduct thorough research and compare custodians based on their fees, reputation and experience handling precious metals.
Set Up an Account
Once you have chosen a custodian, setting up an account with them is the next step. You will need to fill out an application form, provide personal identification details and sign the necessary documents. The custodian will also need to verify your identity and review your eligibility for an IRA.
Fund Your Account
After your account has been set up, you will need to fund it with cash or transfer an existing IRA or 401(k) account into your precious metals IRA. The amount you fund will depend on your investment goals and the custodian's minimum investment requirements.
Select a Precious Metals Dealer
Once you have funded your account, you will need to select a precious metals dealer to purchase the metals for your IRA. You should choose a dealer specializing in precious metals for IRAs with a good reputation and competitive pricing.
Purchase the Precious Metals
After selecting a dealer, you will need to instruct your custodian to purchase the precious metals on your behalf. The custodian will provide the necessary paperwork and the dealer will ship the metals directly to the custodian for storage.
Store the Precious Metals
The precious metals will be stored in an IRS-approved depository on your behalf and the custodian will provide you with regular account statements and updates on the value of your investment.
When Can You Withdraw from Precious Metals IRA?
Precious metals IRA, like any other Individual Retirement Account (IRA), comes with specific withdrawal rules and regulations. The rules differ depending on your IRA type - Traditional or Roth IRA.
Withdrawals from a Traditional IRA
In a traditional IRA, you are required to start taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) once you reach the age of 72. RMDs are calculated based on your IRA's value and life expectancy. Failure to take RMDs can result in significant penalties. You can withdraw from a Traditional IRA without penalty after age 59 ½.
If you withdraw before 59 ½, you will face a 10% early withdrawal penalty. However, this penalty has a few exceptions such as qualified education expenses, medical expenses and first-time homebuyer expenses.
Withdrawals from a Roth IRA
Unlike a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA doesn't have RMDs during the account owner's lifetime. You can withdraw your contributions at any time, tax-free and penalty-free. However, if you withdraw earnings before the age of 59 ½ or before the account has been open for at least five years, you will face a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
There are a few exceptions to this penalty such as qualified education expenses, medical expenses, first-time homebuyer expenses and if you become disabled.
Withdrawals from a Precious Metals IRA
Withdrawing from a precious metals IRA follows the same rules as a traditional or Roth IRA. The rules are based on the type of IRA account you have. Traditional IRA holders are subject to RMDs, while Roth IRA holders are not. The penalty for early withdrawal from a precious metals IRA is the same as that of a traditional or Roth IRA.
Final Thoughts
Pacific Precious Metals is a reliable and trustworthy precious metals dealer that provides investors and collectors with a wide range of products. They have built a solid reputation for their excellent customer service and transparency.
One of the advantages of PPM is its dedication to transparency. They provide detailed information on their website regarding pricing, shipping and policies, which can help investors make informed decisions when purchasing.
PPM also offers competitive pricing on its products, with prices that are frequently lower than those of its competitors. Additionally, they have a buyback program that enables customers to sell their precious metals back to PPM at attractive rates.
Furthermore, PPM's shipping and handling procedures are created to ensure that customers receive their orders safely and securely. They employ reputable carriers and provide insurance and signature requirements to reduce the risk of loss or theft.
However, other precious metals dealers and IRA service providers may offer more competitive pricing and a broader range of products and services. Researching and comparing different companies before making any investment decisions is crucial.
If you are looking to invest, don't forget to checkout our highest recommended companies!
>> Click Here To See Our Top 5 Recommended Precious Metals Investment Companies <<
Currently our #1 recommendation is offering up to $10,000 in free silver!