A Gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds physical, IRS-approved bullion instead of paper assets. The idea is simple. The details (custodians, depositories, purity rules, fees) are where people get confused, and where sales pitches tend to gloss over the trade-offs.
The guides in this section are written for readers who are still deciding. They cover the mechanics, the honest advantages and disadvantages, the questions to ask before you move money, and the mistakes that cost first-time buyers the most.
Start with the core guides
Gold IRA BasicsHow a Gold IRA Works: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026How a Gold IRA works in 2026: choosing a company, opening a self-directed IRA, funding by rollover, buying IRS-approved metals, depository storage and RMDs.Core guide
Gold IRA BasicsWhy Open a Gold IRA? The Case For (and Against) Physical Gold in Your Retirement PlanThe honest case for a Gold IRA in 2026: inflation hedge, record central-bank demand and diversification, plus the real risks, fees and volatility to weigh.Core guide
Gold IRA BasicsGold IRA Frequently Asked Questions (2026)35+ Gold IRA questions answered for 2026: rollovers, contribution limits, IRS-approved metals, home storage, fees, RMDs, taxes and choosing a company.Core guide
All Gold IRA Basics articles
Gold IRA BasicsWhat Is a Gold IRA?A Gold IRA is a self-directed retirement account that holds physical gold instead of stocks. Here is how it works, what it costs and who it suits.November 7, 2026
Gold IRA BasicsIs a Gold IRA a Good Idea? When It Makes Sense and When It Doesn'tIs a Gold IRA a good idea for you? A five-question decision framework, three worked scenarios by age and balance, and the downsides that decide it.November 7, 2026
Gold IRA BasicsGold IRA Scams and Sales Tactics: 9 Red Flags to AvoidGold IRA scams explained: home storage pitches, 30%+ coin markups, fake urgency, free silver and celebrity ads. How to verify a company and where to complain.November 7, 2026
Gold IRA BasicsGold IRA Pros and Cons: An Honest Balance SheetGold IRA pros and cons laid out plainly: diversification and tax shelter on one side, no income, fees, volatility and RMD friction on the other. Who it suits.November 7, 2026
Gold IRA BasicsGold IRA Minimum Investment: How Much You Really Need to StartGold IRA minimum investment by company ($10,000 to $50,000), why minimums exist, what flat fees do to small balances, and your options if you have less.November 7, 2026