The Golden Standard
Knowledgebase

Every gold IRA guide, in one place

New to gold IRAs? Start with the first three guides. Already decided? Jump to fees, storage and choosing a company.

Browse by category

Gold IRA Precious Metals Silver IRA Palladium IRA Platinum IRA Silver Bars Silver Coins Gold Coins Gold Rounds News

Start here

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 rules
The IRS rules on metals, storage and withdrawals.

Deciding if it's right for you

How to open a gold IRA
Six steps, start to finish.
Pros and cons
An honest scorecard.
Is a gold IRA worth it?
When it makes sense, and when it doesn't.

Taxes and withdrawals

Gold IRA taxes
When you pay and when you don't.
Withdrawals and RMDs
Taking money or metal out.

Comparing your options

Gold IRA vs gold at home
Which way to own it.
Gold IRA vs gold ETF
Owning metal or owning shares.
Minimum investment
How much you really need.
Custodians explained
Who actually holds your account.

Moving your money

TSP to gold IRA
For federal employees and military members.
403(b) to gold IRA
For teachers, nurses and nonprofit staff.
Rollover vs transfer
Move money without a tax bill.
457(b) to gold IRA
For public employees.
IRA to gold IRA transfer
The simplest move there is.
Roth gold IRA
Tax-free growth on physical metals.
Gold vs stocks
What each does in a retirement portfolio.

Costs and safety

Gold IRA fees
Every cost, and how to compare them.
Gold IRA storage
Segregated vs commingled, and why not at home.
Gold IRA scams
Red flags and sales tactics to walk away from.
Best gold IRA companies
Six providers compared side by side.

Company reviews

Goldco review
Fees, minimums and who it suits.
Augusta review
Built for large accounts.
Goldco vs Augusta
Which fits you?

The metals

The four IRA metals
Purity rules and what drives each price.
Silver IRA
Higher swings, lower price per ounce.
Platinum IRA
When it fits and when it doesn't.
Palladium IRA
A specialist metal for experienced investors.
Gold and inflation
What history shows.
How much gold to own
Sizing it sensibly.
Gold in a recession
What recent downturns show.

Buying guides

Gold coins
Which ones your IRA can hold.
Gold rounds
Cheaper than coins, with trade-offs.
Silver coins
Eagles, Maples and what to skip.
Silver bars
Sizes, premiums and refiners.
Gold bars
Lowest cost per ounce.
IRS-approved list
What your IRA can hold.
American Gold Eagle
A buyer's guide.
Proof vs bullion
Why the shiny one costs more.

News

Precious metals market update: October 2026
Where gold, silver, platinum and palladium stand this month.