The Golden Standard
Independent retirement education

Protect the savings you spent a lifetime building.

Learn how a gold IRA works, what it really costs, and whether moving part of your 401(k) or IRA into physical precious metals makes sense for you — explained in plain English, before you talk to anyone.

Request Your Free Gold IRA Kit See how a rollover works

We are not a dealer or custodian. We may earn a fee when you request a kit through our links — read our disclosure.

Inside the free kit

Mailed to you at no cost, no obligation.

How to roll over a 401(k), 403(b), TSP or IRA without triggering taxes
Which gold and silver products the IRS allows in an IRA
How storage, custodians and annual fees work
Questions to ask before you sign anything
41
Free in-depth guides on gold IRAs and precious metals
6
Gold IRA companies compared side by side
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Metals we sell. We're an education site, not a dealer
Why The Golden Standard

Clear answers before you make a big decision.

Moving retirement savings into gold is a decision worth getting right. We explain how gold IRAs work, what they really cost and which rules matter, in plain English, so you can decide with confidence and at your own pace.

When you're ready to take the next step, we'll point you to a provider we trust and explain exactly why we chose it.

Plain-English guides

Rollovers, transfers, eligible metals and tax rules, without the jargon.

Fees and minimums up front

Setup, storage and custodian costs, plus account minimums, before you call anyone.

Honest about the downsides

Gold pays no dividends and prices move. We cover the trade-offs, not just the pitch.

How it works

Three steps from your current account to physical metals.

1

Open a self-directed IRA

A specialist custodian opens an IRA that's allowed to hold physical metals. Your provider usually handles the paperwork.

2

Fund it with a rollover or transfer

Move money from an existing 401(k), IRA or similar plan. Done correctly, a direct transfer isn't a taxable event.

3

Choose metals, stored for you

Pick IRS-approved gold or silver. It's shipped to an insured, approved depository and held in your IRA's name.

Ready to see if a gold IRA fits your plan?

Request the free gold IRA kit from our recommended provider. It covers everything above in more depth, and a specialist can answer your questions if you choose to talk.

Best fit if you have $50,000 or more in retirement savings you'd consider diversifying.

Get My Free Gold IRA Kit

Takes about a minute. No cost, no obligation.

Start here

Free guides to read before you decide

What is a gold IRA?
How it works, what it costs and the rules that matter.
401(k) to gold IRA rollover
Move a 401(k) into gold without a tax bill.
Gold IRA fees
Every cost, with a worked example.
9 red flags to watch for
Sales tactics that should make you walk away.
Best gold IRA companies
Six providers compared side by side.
All 41 guides
Rules, storage, metals, coins and more.
Jack and Linda Harper
Behind The Golden Standard

Jack and Linda Harper, Founders

Jack and Linda also host Golden Years Together, a channel for adults 55 and better about retirement, healthy living and life's next chapters. Here, they bring the same warmth to one of retirement's biggest questions: how to protect what you've saved.

Common questions

Is a gold IRA rollover taxable?

A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer generally isn't. Taking a check yourself starts a 60-day clock and can trigger withholding, so most people use a direct transfer. Confirm your situation with a tax professional.

Can I keep the gold at home?

Not while it's in the IRA. Metals must be held by an approved depository. Home-storage schemes can put the account's tax status at risk.

What does it cost?

Expect a one-time setup fee plus yearly custodian and storage fees, along with the dealer's markup on metals. Ask for every fee in writing before you fund.

How much should I put in gold?

That depends on your age, goals and other holdings. Many people use metals as one part of a diversified plan rather than all of it. A licensed advisor can help you decide.