Fast Facts:

Fast Facts:

Before anything else, get clear on your motive. Are you retiring and need income? Looking to rebalance your portfolio? Concerned about economic signals and want cash in hand? Your reason determines how much to liquidate, when to do it, and whether you’ll take cash or physical gold.

It’s the default retirement vehicle for most Americans. Your job sets it up, you funnel a chunk of your paycheck into it, and sometimes your employer chips in with a match. That match is basically free money, and if you’re getting it, take it. But beyond that? You’re stuck with whatever limited menu of mutual funds or company stock your plan allows.

Fast Facts:

Traditional and Roth IRAs don't allow you to choose physical assets like gold. But a Self-Directed IRA gives you full control over alternative investments—including precious metals.

Gold isn’t printed. It isn’t inflated. It doesn’t get created out of thin air. There’s a finite supply, and mining it is hard, expensive, and time-consuming. Roughly 200,000 metric tons of gold have been mined in all of human history. That’s it. And that scarcity is one reason gold has held value since the dawn of civilization.

Despite claims of “cooling inflation,” retirees are still paying more for basics. Silver is regaining attention as a reliable hedge against a weakening dollar.

Are you worried about your retirement savings? Concerned about market changes and inflation?

Did you know a 2021 Gallup poll showed gold is a top pick for portfolios? It's right up there with real estate and stocks. Gold is seen as a safe choice when the stock market is unsteady. Also, it adds variety to a portfolio.

Get ready for a big shock: gold prices have gone up a lot. They started at about $400 per ounce in the late 20th century. Now, they're up to a huge $2,326 per ounce as of June 2024. The real question is – should you have this precious metal in your retirement portfolio? As people try to figure this out, advisors and experts are talking. They're discussing if gold is a good asset class for the long run or if it's just a way to deal with ups and downs in the market.

Ben Shapiro is the youngest columnist to get a national platform at 17. Now, since 2016, he backs Birch Gold for Precious Metals IRAs. Working with The Daily Wire, Shapiro supports Birch Gold Group's mission.