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Investing in precious metals through a Gold IRA can help you diversify your investments and make sure that you're able to retire when you're ready. Gold, silver, and other precious metals are sought after across the globe and have shown to be a good investment over the years. With their limited supply and the new ways that have been discovered to use these metals, it stands to reason that they will continue to be in high demand over the coming years.
If you're ready to open a Gold IRA, the first thing you must do is to find the right company to work with. Many people wonder whether Vanguard offers a Gold IRA. Let's explore this question and learn more about investing in precious metals in the sections that follow.
What is a Gold IRA?
Before we get into answering whether Vanguard offers Gold IRAs, let's take a small step back and discuss exactly what Gold IRAs are. Gold IRAs are one type of Self-Directed IRA where the account holder can invest in precious metals instead of stocks and bonds. These retirement accounts, which also called Precious Metals IRAs, can help you diversify your portfolio so that you aren't so heavily invested in the stock market. Too much exposure in the stock market leaves you too highly impacted by market drops.
When you diversify your portfolio with a Gold IRA, a smaller percentage of it is held in the stock market, leaving you less severely impacted by downturns. As a Gold IRA holder, you'll enjoy the favorable tax laws in place for all IRA holders. This means that your money can grow tax deferred, helping you to maximize your retirement savings. Gold IRAs are an exceptional opportunity to hold precious metals and benefit from all the promise they hold. Gold, silver, and other precious metals have proven to be smart investment decisions over the years, and many experts say that it is likely for them to continue on this path.
Does Vanguard Offer a Gold IRA?
Vanguard does not offer their clients the opportunity to invest in precious metals through an IRA. Companies that offer Gold IRAs specialize in precious metals. While Vanguard can be a top company to work with when you want to invest in the stock market, they won't be able to help you set up a Gold IRA or add any physical coins or bars to your portfolio.
Is There Any Way to Invest in Gold with Vanguard?
If you're a satisfied Vanguard customer, you may be looking for the best way to stay with Vanguard and still benefit from diversifying your portfolio with gold and other precious metals. Vanguard does not offer any options to invest in physical gold, silver, palladium, or platinum. You cannot add their metals to a Gold IRA or purchase them as a personal investment with Vanguard.
The only way you could add some exposure to gold through a Vanguard IRA is by investing in one of their funds that would offer a more indirect exposure to precious metals. For example, about 25% of the VGPMX fund is invested in mining companies or precious metals.
However, even if you're happy with Vanguard, you may want to explore other alternatives if you really want to invest in Gold. Some financial experts see Gold IRAs superior to investing in mining companies and gaining indirect exposure to precious metals. This is because a Gold IRA allows you to hold physical precious metals in your portfolio. With physical precious metals, you won't have to be as concerned with the ups and downs of the stock market as the price of gold is not dependent on how the stock market performs. You can rest easy knowing you'll always have your physical gold coins and bars to sell when you need money upon retirement.
Can I Rollover a Vanguard IRA into a Gold IRA?
If you already have a Vanguard IRA, you can roll it over into a Gold IRA. It just won't be able to be held with Vanguard anymore since they do not offer Gold IRAs. You can work with a reputable precious metals company to learn more about setting up a Gold IRA and getting the funds from your current account transferred to a new Gold IRAs. A Gold IRA custodian will work with you during the rollover process. They are knowledgeable about the IRS regulations regarding rollovers and will work to make sure that you aren't charged any taxes or fees during the process.
What Precious Metals Can You Hold in an IRA?
Before you start the process of setting up a Gold IRA, you should start deciding which coins and bars you want to add to your account. Depending on the company you choose to work with, you can add gold, silver, platinum, and/or palladium bars and coins to an IRA. You may also see a Gold IRA referred to as a Precious Metals IRA, which helps explain why you are not limited to only adding gold to your account.
The IRS has released requirements regarding the purity levels of precious metals that can be held in an IRA. Not all coins and bars will meet these minimum purity requirements, so there are some limitations on what you'll be able to add to your account. Below are the purity requirements outlined by the IRS for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars:
Each precious metals company will offer a different selection of coins and bars. Some may have a more extensive selection than others, and some may only offer the option to invest in gold and silver but will not offer platinum and palladium coins and bars. Before deciding which precious metals company you want to work with, you should check on which coins and bars they offer. Below are some of the more popular options that you may find during your search.
Gold
Silver
Platinum
Palladium
Where are Precious Metals for IRAs Stored?
When you open a Gold IRA, the IRS requires that your precious metals be stored in an IRS-approved depository. One misconception people have before opening a Gold IRA is that they'll be able to keep their precious metals in their own home safe or in their bank vault. This isn't the case, however. With rare exceptions, if you take possession of the metals from your IRA before you are old enough to retire, you'll face penalties.
Storing your precious metals in an approved depository comes with many benefits that you may not realize right away. First, the IRS only approves highly secure facilities. These depositories feature the latest in security and will work to keep your investments secure. IRS-approved depositories have been in the industry for a long time and have developed a highly positive reputation. All precious metals held in the facility are also protected by a full-coverage insurance policy.
Different precious metals companies may work with different depositories. Some only work with one location, while others may provide you a choice about where you want your precious metals to be stored. Some of the trusted options you may find available include:
Vanguard Gold IRA Alternatives
If you're happy with the quality of service you receive from Vanguard, you'll want to be selective when choosing a Gold IRA company. The companies highlighted below all offer exceptional service and a wide selection of precious metals. However, every company that offers Gold IRAs is not like this, which is why we'd recommend reading through the information we've shared about our favorite companies below.
#1. Goldco
If you want to find the best precious metals company to work with to set up a new Gold IRA, we'd suggest choosing Goldco. Founder Trevor Gerszt started the company in 2006. He wanted to support customers in benefitting from precious metals and help them grow their wealth. Now, over two decades later, it looks like he has certainly met this goal. Goldco is among the most well-known and trusted names in the precious metals industry. They offer top-notch service, which should be clear when you read through the reviews of past customers. The Business Consumer Alliance and Better Business Bureau have also awarded their highest ratings possible to Goldco (AAA and A+, respectively).
Goldco offers several gold and silver coins and bars for their investors to add to their portfolio. Before you'll be able to choose which coins or bars you want to invest in, you'll work with an account representative to open your new account. They'll help you with the paperwork needed for a rollover and work with a Gold IRA custodian until the funds have been successfully transferred. Once all of this is complete, your representative will also be able to help you decide which bars or coins to add to your account.
Currently, Goldco is running one of the best promotions we've seen for IRA customers. Open a new Gold IRA, and you can earn as much as 10% back in free silver. This is huge and can really help you maximize your earning potential with precious metals.
Augusta Precious Metals is another leading name in the industry. As shared on the company's website, they prioritize service, transparency, and simplicity. They want to work with each customer to help them set financial goals, make the best investment decisions to meet these goals, and ultimately reach their goals. Augusta Precious Metals also comes highly recommended from past customers, the BBB, and the BCA. Their team will be available as your complete the transfer of funds and get your new account up and running. Precious metals added to IRAs through Augusta Precious Metals are stored in the respected Delaware Depository.
We think you'll also want to take a look at American Hartford Gold. Founded in 2015 by Sanford Mann, American Hartford Gold works hard to offer the best service and products to each customer. They have earned high ranks from the BBB and BCA, along with glowing reviews from several happy customers. Multiple celebrities also endorse American Hartford Gold and share some benefits of choosing them over other companies with their viewers. Some of these celebrities include Lou Dobbs, The Hodge Twins, Liz Wheeler, Rob Carson, Rick Harrison, and Bill O'Reilly.
When you open a Gold IRA with American Hartford Gold, you can also benefit from the special promotion they are running. With a qualified new account, you can receive up to three months with no IRA fees and up to $5,000 in free silver.
#4. Birch Gold Group
For two decades now, Birch Gold Group has been working with their clients to help them open up a Gold IRA. During this time, they have consistently demonstrated their commitment to the needs and goals of each of their customers. This dedication is evident based on the high reviews left about the company on Trustpilot, Google, and other review sites. Birch Gold Group has also been awarded an AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance—the top rating possible. Similarly, the Better Business Bureau has given the company an A+ rating, the highest they offer as well. You may have heard information about investing in precious metals and Birch Gold Group on the Ben Shapiro Show; leaders from the company are regular guests of the show.
Rolling over an existing retirement account to a Gold IRA is very easy with Birch Gold Group. You'll never feel alone during the process and will be able to find answers and support to questions you may have. The representative you work with will also be available as you complete the necessary paperwork and decide on which bars or coins are the right fit for your needs. The renowned Delaware Depository and Brink's Global Services are the two options available to Birch Gold Group customers for Gold IRA storage.
#5. Noble Gold
We can't forget about Noble Gold in our list of the best Gold IRA companies. They are a bit newer to the precious metals investment scene but have been providing excellent services since 2016. Noble Gold has earned the top score possible from the BBB (A+) and the second-highest rating offered by the BCA (AAA). They have also shown their dedication to their customers, which is clear based on the higher customer ratings awarded to the company.
When you want to open a Gold IRA with Noble Gold, just reach out to a member of the team. They'll work with you to choose which precious metals you want to add to your account. In addition to the standard gold and silver bars and coins available through most other companies, as a Noble Gold customer, you'll also be able to add platinum or palladium bars and coins to your new Precious Metals IRA.