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Inflation is a daunting topic for anyone, but it's horrifying for someone nearing retirement. Your money is less powerful than it was when you were younger, but you may be living on smaller amounts and inflation makes it difficult to maintain the standard of living to which you have grown accustomed.
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is an excellent way to save for your future, but your retirement savings could be at risk if not appropriately managed. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your IRA from inflation, ensuring your retirement savings are safe and sound.
By understanding the basics of inflation, learning about the different types of IRAs and taking advantage of the right investment strategies, you can protect your IRA and ensure your retirement dreams become a reality.
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Defining Inflation
Any time you hear the word inflation, you might think of a severe economic crisis and runaway prices of necessities. While this is certainly possible, it's important to understand that inflation can occur more subtly. Inflation occurs when more currency is put into circulation. When there is more money on the market, prices tend to go up, regardless of whether there are shortages or surpluses in the economy.
Several factors can cause inflation. In the past, wars, natural disasters and political upheaval have led to inflation. These days, inflation is often caused by national monetary policies created by central banks and enacted by the government. Because central banks can make money out of thin air, they can also cause inflation.
Inflation also affects the economy slowly. The costs of goods can gradually increase over time without an increase in currency value. Over time, the prices of goods may increase by a relatively small amount, but in the long run, it can be challenging to keep up with inflation.
The critical measure of inflation is the cost of living or CPI. To keep things simple, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses a formula to calculate the inflation rate for the average American household. The formula considers food, clothing and shelter, utility bills, health care costs and other items that cover American households' life basics.
The BLS also takes into account different measures of inflation. According to their definition, if a cost rises more than 2 percent from its previous level in a given year, it's considered "inflation. If a cost goes up less than 2 percent, it's considered "deflation. The BLS considers deflation a negative phenomenon since it decreases prices and can even cause the economy to stall.
Defining IRA
Your IRA is a retirement savings account that allows you to invest money and earn tax-deferred returns. It is different from a 401k plan, which allows contributions from your employer without taxes being withheld until your funds are distributed to you as a retirement benefit. IRAs also offer flexibility and a tax deduction if you take advantage of it.
An IRA can come in a variety of forms:
Inflation Factor in Choosing an IRA Type
If you're starting and want to invest in an IRA, choosing among the three most common types is a good idea. Traditional IRAs are best for people who are single and have low incomes. Their main advantage is that you only have to pay taxes on your investment income once you take money out of the account at retirement. If you're married, your contributions can be limited if both spouses earn a significant income.
Roth IRAs are typically used by people who don't mind paying some taxes now but want to enjoy tax-free withdrawals later. However, Roth IRAs are better for those who aren't self-employed and make substantial contributions. Topics like employer-sponsored plans are typically better for these people.
Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP) are created by small businesses and allow you to contribute up to $49,000 annually. Although the contribution limit can't be adjusted, it's still higher than that of a Roth IRA.
Determining the Appropriate Investments for Your IRA
Once you know which type of IRA is best for you and how much money to put into it, the next step is finding suitable investments. Even if you are inexperienced, you can still get ahead in the market.
Several simple tips will help guide your investment choices.
Does Precious Metal IRA Offer Protection Against Inflation?
A Precious Metal IRA is an individual retirement account (IRA) that allows investors to store physical gold, silver, platinum and palladium in a self-directed IRA. These assets can be used to fund retirement savings, providing an opportunity to diversify beyond traditional investments like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. A Precious Metal IRA can also hold other precious metals, including gold, silver and platinum coins.
Most Precious Metal IRAs allow investors to invest funds in different physical metals, providing an opportunity to diversify beyond traditional investments like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Investors typically have the flexibility to decide how their assets are allocated within their account and whether they wish to place restrictions on the types of assets they may invest in.
A Precious Metal IRA can be structured to include a variety of precious metals. The most common combination includes investing some portion of the account in physical gold, silver and platinum. Investors can also add a small portion of palladium to their accounts.
The maximum value of an IRA account that may be invested in precious metals and a list of approved custodians for your Precious Metal IRA can be found on the IRS website.
How Do I Open A Precious Metal IRA?
Opening a Precious Metal IRA is a great way to diversify your retirement portfolio and take advantage of the potential tax savings associated with investing in precious metals. To open a Precious Metal IRA, you must find a custodian and a dealer. The custodian holds your assets, while the dealer handles all transactions.
Before opening a Precious Metal IRA, it is important to understand the different types of accounts available and the associated rules and regulations. You can open either a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA and each has its eligibility requirements, contribution limits and tax benefits.
Once you have chosen the type of Precious Metal IRA you would like to open, you will need to select a custodian and a dealer. You should research each one thoroughly to ensure they are reputable and have a good track record.
When selecting a custodian, you want to ensure they are insured, bonded and have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, read the custodian's terms and conditions carefully to ensure you are comfortable with their services.
Once you have selected a custodian and dealer, you will need to fill out an application and submit it to the custodian. Once the custodian has verified your information, they will set up an account for you and transfer any funds you choose to invest.
The custodian will purchase the precious metals from the dealer according to your instructions. They will store the metals in a secure storage facility and keep records of all transactions.
In addition to setting up your Precious Metal IRA, you should learn more about the tax benefits of investing in precious metals. Since these assets are considered collectibles, they are not eligible for standard IRA tax benefits. However, Precious Metal IRAs are eligible for different tax benefits that you should take advantage of.
Our Top 3 Precious Metals IRA Investing Companies:
Augusta Precious Metals (WINNER)
What Are the Benefits of Opening a Precious Metal IRA?
Precious metals are known for their stability in the face of economic uncertainty, so investing in them through an IRA can provide you with a secure retirement savings plan. Here are some of the key benefits of opening a precious metal IRA.
Diversification
Precious metal IRAs allow investors to diversify their retirement portfolio away from stocks and bonds. This helps to balance the risk associated with traditional investments while also offering the potential for long-term growth.
Tax Benefits
Investors can avoid taxes by purchasing precious metals through an IRA. This means you won't have to pay taxes on the gains you earn when you sell your holdings. This is why many investors choose to hold physical precious metals in an LLC, which allows them to avoid capital gains taxes typically incurred when selling investments like stocks.
Asset Protection
Precious metal IRAs are held in physical form, which means they are not subject to market fluctuations and stock prices. This provides investors with a secure form of asset protection, as the value of their IRA is not affected by economic downturns or recessions. In addition, precious metals are known to be a sought-after commodity, which means they can be liquidated when necessary or when your Precious Metal IRA has grown.
Political Risk Protection
Investing in coins, bars and bullion is one way to eliminate exposure to the political risks associated with traditional investments. By investing in precious metals through an IRA, investors can avoid the geopolitical threats likely to affect stocks and bonds.
More Control over Your Investment
Another benefit to investing in precious metals is your control over your investments. Unlike stocks susceptible to market fluctuations, physical precious metals are unlikely to lose their value and can be sold for cash whenever needed. Plus, since Precious Metal IRAs are not subject to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations, investors do not need to worry about complying with additional rules and regulations.
Portability
Precious metal IRAs are portable and can easily transfer from one custodian to another. This allows you to move your retirement funds from one company to another if you feel your current custodian needs to meet your needs.
Security
Unlike stocks and bonds, precious metals are tangible assets with intrinsic value. Also, as physical assets, they are not subject to cyber-attacks or hacking, adding an extra layer of security to your retirement savings. With this, you can rest assured that your metal will have value when needed most, as it will be converted into cash on demand.
How Do You Make Money with a Precious Metal IRA?
The goal of most investors is to make money with a Precious Metal IRA. However, unlike stocks and bonds, precious metals do not typically make money for investors similarly. Instead, investing in precious metals protects your assets from inflation and other economic uncertainty.
You will have to monitor your metals and sell them when the price increases or you need money. Experts recommend that investors wait until the value of their metal has doubled before they sell it. This is considered a sign that investors have sold high and can use the money they earned to make additional investments.
The Bottom Line on IRAs and Inflation
Investing in precious metals through an IRA is a good strategy for protecting your investment from economic uncertainty. Still, it is important to remember that precious metals do not necessarily make money for investors. This is why investing with a firm that provides sound financial advice and offers a secure way to store your metals is vital.
We have recommended IRA companies that are qualified to provide precious metal IRAs. These companies hold metals in a vault within a segregated account for your benefit. These companies are ideal for investing in precious metal IRAs by providing maximum security and flexibility. We recommend contacting one of them to determine if you qualify for such an IRA.
