(Ad) For millennia, gold has been used as a store of wealth and is one of the most reliable assets in today’s market. Investing in precious metals through gold individual retirement accounts (IRAs) has grown in popularity recently as a technique for diversifying retirement portfolios and potentially lowering volatility. Several respectable gold IRA providers can help you set up these specialized accounts and acquire gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. However, selecting trustworthy organizations that offer excellent services can be challenging. This guide will provide vital information to assist you in identifying the best gold IRA companies for your financial needs.
5 Best Gold IRA Companies of 2023 at a Glance
- Augusta Precious Metals: Editor’s Choice Best Gold IRA Company Overall (4.9/5)
- American Hartford Gold: Runner up - Best Price for Bullion (4.8/5)
- Goldco: Best Buyback Program (4.6/5)
- Birch Gold Corporation: Great Staff Overall (4.5/5)
- Lear Capital: Top Gold IRA Firm Offering a Simplified and Easy Transaction Process
A Comparison of the Best Precious Metals IRA Providers
#1 Augusta Precious Metals: Editor’s Choice Best Gold IRA Company Overall (4.9/5)
Pros:
- Zero complaints from customers
- Great education system for beginners and more advanced investors
- Lifetime support for retirement savings journey
- Free shipping on all orders and has zero fees for up to 10 years
Cons:
- The $50,000 minimum investment
- Because Augusta focuses on precious metals, there may be better places to invest in other assets.
Precious Metals Available
- Gold
- Silver
- Palladium
- Platinum
Minimum Investment
- $50,000
Company Background
Augusta Precious Metals, co-founded by Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana and a team of financial advisors, is a well-known gold IRA company that has received numerous accolades for its services since its establishment in 2012.
In addition to cash purchases, Augusta provides gold IRAs and requires customers to have a qualifying IRA and rollover funds to their gold or silver IRA, with a minimum investment of $50,000.
You can speak with a live agent who will assist you with your purchase and provide economic advice to educate you on precious metal IRAs. You can then set up your IRA account with the representative’s help, fund it with your current retirement account, and purchase gold or silver through Augusta’s order desk.
Augusta also offers the option of purchasing physical gold and silver outside of an IRA, with free and secure delivery and access to the company’s precious metal experts. Funding your account with a cash transfer, choosing between gold and silver, and signing for delivery at your preferred location are the required steps for this option.
Augusta offers a range of gold and silver products, including commemorative coins from Canada and the United States. The company works with reputable custodians like Equity Trust and Gold Star Trust Company to manage your new IRA.
The Augusta Precious Metals website features a video resource collection with Harvard-trained economist Devlyn Steele, providing valuable economic insights. Overall, we highly recommend Augusta Precious Metals to anyone looking to start a reliable precious metals IRA.
#2 American Hartford Gold: Runner up - Best Price for Bullion (4.8/5)
Pros:
- BBB A+ rating and five star reviews from hundreds of happy customers
- Guaranteed lowest pricing with no buyback fees
- Endorsements from Bill O’Reilly, Rick Harrison, and other notable personalities
- Free precious metals consultation available
- Featured on Newsmax, Fox News, RSBN, and Epoch Times
- Lower minimum investment requirement when compared with other gold IRA companies
Cons:
- Lack of transparency in the pricing of gold and silver on the website
Precious Metals Available
- Gold
- Silver
- Palladium
- Platinum
Minimum Investment
- $10,000
Company Background
American Hartford Gold is a highly respected gold IRA company with a five star customer satisfaction rating on review platforms like Trustpilot and Google. The company has operated since 2015 and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, demonstrating its reliability and success.
Moreover, American Hartford Gold has been recognized as the top gold company by the prestigious Inc. 5000’s list of America’s fastest-growing private companies in 2021 and 2022. American Hartford Gold is also the exclusive precious metals company endorsed by renowned personalities such as Lou Dobbs, Bill O’Reilly, and Rick Harrison. Its outstanding credibility and reputation position American Hartford Gold as one of the best gold IRA firms online.
American Hartford Gold aims to help individuals and families diversify their wealth by investing in precious metals such as gold and silver. They provide various services, including precious metal IRAs, gold and silver IRA rollovers, and direct purchases of gold and silver coins and bars. The minimum investment for direct purchases is $5,000, while for gold IRA rollovers, it’s $10,000.
Here are American Hartford Gold's most notable benefits:
- Free Gold IRA Investor Kit: New investors receive a free guide that provides all the information necessary to invest in a gold IRA.
- Free Silver: American Hartford Gold offers up to $10,000 worth of free silver with qualifying purchases.
- Customer Privacy: American Hartford Gold protects and does not share its clients’ data.
- Excellent Customer Service: American Hartford Gold’s precious metal specialists are friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to answer client queries. They make the gold and silver acquisition process as simple as possible.
- 100% Free IRA Rollover: American Hartford Gold offers up to three years of free storage, maintenance, and insurance.
- Buyback Commitment: American Hartford Gold offers buyback programs without imposing additional liquidation fees, making gold and silver transactions stress-free.
- Free Shipping: American Hartford Gold offers free shipping, ensuring the safety and security of your precious metals purchase.
To get started on setting up an IRA through American Hartford Gold, follow these three steps:
- Request a free gold investor kit.
- One of American Hartford Gold’s expert consultants will guide you on how to create a self-directed IRA. If you’re transferring assets from an existing IRA or 401(k), they will help you every step of the way.
- Choose the gold or silver bars and coins to add to your IRA. American Hartford Gold will cover the rest, transferring the precious metals to an IRS-approved storage facility. American Hartford Gold will ship them directly to your door if you buy gold or silver.
Overall, American Hartford Gold has established itself as one of the most reputable and trustworthy gold IRA companies, making it an ideal choice for diversifying and protecting retirement portfolios.
#3 Goldco: Best Buyback Program (4.6/5)
Pros:
- Has over 4,500 positive reviews
- Get up to $10,000 in free silver for qualified accounts
- Reputable private firm that specializes in wealth and asset protection
- Completing a contract on its website allows you to start a gold IRA with Goldco.
- Goldco provides free information packages that include printed, audio, and video aids to assist clients in answering inquiries about precious metals investing and retirement account expansion.
- With its highest-price buyback guarantee and A+ BBB rating, Goldco is among the finest gold IRA providers in terms of customer service.
- Some investors can get free storage from Goldco.
Cons:
- The website does not reveal any precise charge structures or precious metal values.
- Annual maintenance and storage expenses for precious metal IRAs may apply, reducing the profitability of the investment.
- Goldco does not ship internationally.
Precious Metals Available
- Gold
- Silver
- Palladium
- Platinum
Minimum Investment
- $25,000
Company Background
Goldco is a private wealth and asset protection organization helping customers convert their IRAs, 401(k)s, or 403(b)s to precious metal IRAs. As a trustworthy gold IRA firm, Goldco offers a range of investment options, including gold and silver IRAs, with the ability to use gold IRA-approved coins to finance your account.
Goldco sources its gold IRA coins directly from mints—including Gold Eagles, Gold Maple Leafs, Gold Freedom and Hope coins, gold bars, and other options—to ensure high quality. Silver coin alternatives include Silver Eagles, Silver Maple Leafs, Lucky Dragon silver coins, and silver bars.
Opening a gold IRA with Goldco is streamlined through its website, where you can sign an agreement to begin the process. If you have existing retirement assets, you can roll those over into a precious metals IRA, which is tax-free. If you don’t have a retirement account to transfer funds from, you can also open a new precious metals IRA.
After funding your account, you can ship your gold or silver to your house or depository for direct retirement savings. Goldco also provides some investors with free storage.
One unique offering from Goldco is its complementary information package, which addresses common concerns about investing in precious metals, retirement account growth, and how precious metals can increase asset control. Additionally, qualifying accounts may be eligible for a 10% free silver bonus.
Goldco is a trustworthy gold IRA company with years of experience and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Its investment alternatives, competitive pricing, and buyback guarantee at the highest price make it an excellent choice for people wishing to diversify their retirement portfolio with precious metals.
#4 Birch Gold Corporation: Great Staff Overall (4.5/5)
Pros:
- The minimum deposit for investment is low, making it more accessible to a broader range of potential investors.
- The company has strong security standards, ensuring your investments remain secure.
- The company offers four types of precious metals for a range of diversification.
Cons:
- The company does not offer a repurchase guarantee, which could concern some investors looking for a guaranteed buyback option.
- There is no method to track portfolio performance, making it difficult for investors to monitor the success of their investments over time.
Precious Metals Available
- Gold
- Silver
- Palladium
- Platinum
Minimum Investment
- $10,000
Company Background
Birch Gold Group has been a trusted precious metals dealer for over 18 years, serving more than 13,000 satisfied customers and earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company offers a variety of coins, bars, and rounds of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that can be purchased directly or through a precious metals IRA.
To open a gold or silver IRA, create an account and select a financing source. You can fund your account by rolling over a 401(k) or transferring funds from an existing IRA. With the help of a precious metals professional, you can review your accounts, transfer funds, and receive expert guidance.
After funding your precious metals IRA, you can select the metals you wish to acquire and indicate your preferred quantity. Your specialist will verify and confirm your order before they finalize the purchase. Birch Gold Group works with reputable depositories such as Brink’s Global Services and Delaware Depository to keep your gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins, with up to $1 billion in insurance coverage.
You can reach out to your precious metals specialist at any time to track the performance of your assets or make adjustments to your account. The Birch Gold Group team is committed to supporting you throughout the investment process, ensuring you maintain a productive investment portfolio.
Birch Gold Group also offers direct purchases of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. These can be funded via wire transfer or personal check and shipped in discreet packaging with fully insured delivery options.
For those interested in learning more about Birch Gold Group, the company offers a free information kit, including a brochure with valuable advice on diversifying your savings with precious metals.
Birch Gold Group is widely recognized as a top-tier gold IRA business thanks to its expert team’s specialized counsel and assistance. With years of experience in self-directed IRA transfers and rollovers, a comprehensive range of precious metals investment options, and various storage alternatives, Birch Gold Group is an excellent choice for investors looking to hedge against inflation and secure their financial future.
#5 Lear Capital: Top Gold IRA Firm Offering a Simplified and Easy Transaction Process
Pros
- Customer service is accessible 24/7.
- New information is updated regularly on a daily and weekly basis.
- A proud AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance is held.
- Trusted transactions valued at $3 billion have been conducted.
- A 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee is offered.
- Fast shipping directly to your doorstep is ensured.
- Free IRA setup and storage are provided.
- An impressive 4.9 rating on Trustpilot is maintained.
Cons
- Self-directed IRAs come with a nominal annual fee.
- There's a minimum purchase requirement.
Precious Metals Available
- Gold
- Silver
- Palladium
- Platinum
Minimum Investment
- $25,000
Company Background
Since 1997, Lear Capital has been a trusted ally in the American precious metals market. It's not merely about transactions but also about fostering enduring relationships and offering diverse investment options such as bullion purchases, rare coins, and adding physical gold and silver to IRAs.
Lear Capital simplifies the purchasing process for speed and convenience. Dedicated representatives keep customers updated on spot pricing and market news in a secure ordering environment.
Being an AAA-rated PCGS Authorized Dealer, Lear Capital ensures accurate coin grading and authenticity, following the NGC's Standard of Integrity.
Lear Capital is a comprehensive destination for precious metals investing. Its website provides real-time pricing, daily updates, and email alerts. It features prices for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium alongside fresh articles and news.
One unique advantage of Lear Capital is the offer of free IRA setup and storage, contrasting with other companies that impose high fees for account management.
Lear Capital waives setup and storage fees based on the investment amount:
- Above $10K: $50 setup fee waived
- $25K-$50K: First year free, with a reimbursement check after the first month of storage
- $50K-$75K: Fee-free for the first two years
- Above $75K: No fees for the first three years
Their services include:
- Bullion Purchase: Diversify with bullion coins at real-time prices.
- Premium Rare Coins: Guard against inflation by investing in their high-grade gold coins.
- Retirement Center: Learn how precious metals can enhance your retirement account.
- Market Charts: Access real-time spot prices to determine your market entry point.
- Price Alerts: Set your price and receive an email when it's met.
- Coin Selling: We guide you through selling your gold coin portfolio.
- Coin Encyclopedia: Get familiar with various American coins.
Free Information: Stay informed with our free newsletter, Insight, for updates on precious metals and investment rare coins.
What Is a Gold IRA?
Gold IRAs are a subset of retirement accounts designed to facilitate the purchase of precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium while retaining the majority of the advantageous regulations of standard IRAs.
Unlike typical IRA and 401(k) accounts, which invest in paper assets, gold IRAs allow you to buy precious metals.
However, the resulting coins or bullion must be housed in a secure repository with a reputable custodian, not at your home. A good gold IRA business may assist you in opening an IRA account, purchasing precious metals, and locating a suitable custodian to store your investment. Gold is frequently a more stable and less volatile investment option than paper-based assets, making gold IRAs an effective tool for portfolio diversification.
The tax benefits of investing in a gold IRA include tax-free contributions and gains in many situations, as well as contributions that may be tax-deductible. If you want to diversify your portfolio and reduce volatility, a gold IRA investment is a great option.
Consider a gold IRA rollover, which allows you to transfer cash from your existing IRA to a gold IRA.
How We Ranked the Best Gold Investment Firms
Suppose you want to start a gold or other precious metals IRA. Working with a recognized, trustworthy provider is critical. Gold IRA investments can be expensive, and choosing a questionable provider may be costly.
When selecting the five finest gold IRA firms for our list, we looked for various indicators that a company is trustworthy, competent, and respectable. While compiling our list of top gold IRA companies, we considered the following factors:
Reviews and Reputation
Companies have favorable or unfavorable reputations for a reason. When looking for a gold investment company to help with your IRA, choosing one with a good industry reputation can ensure an excellent overall experience.
One way to assess a company’s reputation is to look it up on the Better Business Bureau. The BBB allows customers to publish online reviews and, in some cases, complaints about firms. It rates businesses from A+ to F, with A+ being the best.
We looked at each company’s Better Business Bureau reviews and ratings before deciding on the five top gold IRA firms to add to the list. The companies on our list all have BBB ratings of B or better and have more good gold IRA reviews than negative ones.
The Setup Is Simple
Reliable precious metals IRA providers go to great lengths to recruit new clients, including making the establishment procedure as simple and stress-free as possible. These firms allow new clients to open gold IRAs in days, or less, and provide skilled guidance from investing professionals.
The gold IRA firms on our list have simple setup procedures. These organizations also allow you to speak with a financial advisor or a consultant immediately during the account-opening process, ensuring you get the help you need as soon as possible.
Fees and Costs
Most gold IRA firms demand a fee for their services. These fees cover starting up your account, keeping it open over time, and securely storing your precious metals.
If you come across an IRA company that offers its services free, be cautious. It may not devote the necessary skill and time it takes to ensure a trustworthy gold IRA or provide the assistance and knowledge that a higher-quality company would.
On the other end of the spectrum, companies that charge ridiculously high fees may be more concerned with maximizing profits than offering customers quality services.
When deciding which gold IRA firms to include on this list, we looked for companies that charge reasonable rates for their services.
Gold and Silver Product Selection
One of the primary reasons people open gold IRAs is to diversify their investment portfolios. As a result, working with a gold IRA company that offers a range of gold, silver, and other precious metals goods makes sense.
Some companies on our list sell only gold and silver products and gold coins, but they have a large assortment of each type. Other companies allow you to buy gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in coins or bars.
Buybacks
You need to decide what type of precious metal to buy in an IRA and may be concerned about the process, so you should work with a company that offers potential buybacks. Clients can sell their precious metals to these companies without incurring additional expenses.
The top gold IRA businesses provide buybacks and make the procedure as simple as possible. Suppose you acquired your precious metals directly from these companies. In that case, they might even offer to ship them back to their facilities for free.
Several organizations on our list provide simple and dependable buybacks, giving you a safety net if you decide to sell your precious metals back to them.
Finding a Gold-Based IRA Broker or Custodian
When you buy precious metal IRAs, you will be in charge of storing the metals, and the IRS does not let gold IRA members retain precious metals in their residences. Instead, you must keep your money with a gold IRA custodian.
Custodians are usually credit unions, banks, brokerage firms, or other financial institutions approved by the federal government to provide asset custody services. Although gold IRA firms may suggest specific custodians, their clients can keep their precious metals with any reputable custodian.
Choosing the best custodian for your gold IRA storage might take time and effort. We recommend that you investigate different caretakers, paying close attention to their qualifications. Custodians must be licensed, insured, and registered to provide dependable services and preserve their assets.
You may also establish a custodian’s dependability by looking at its reputation. Reading BBB reviews can help you understand previous customers’ experiences with custodians, giving you a sense of what to expect.
You’ll need to work with a broker to invest in a gold IRA, just like with a traditional one. Thankfully, the companies on our list operate as brokers by easing all the steps necessary to obtain precious metal IRAs.
Gold Types That Can Be Held in a Precious Metal IRA
The IRS has rules regarding the precious metals that can be held in IRAs. Gold, platinum, and palladium must be at least 99.5 percent pure in these accounts, while silver must be 99.9 percent pure.
Furthermore, when purchasing gold for your IRA, you must do so in one-, half-, quarter-, or 10-ounce gold coins.
Working with a professional gold IRA business can ensure that the precious metals you buy meet IRS requirements. However, it never hurts to double-check the gold you want to buy for your IRA against IRS requirements.
Arguments for Investing in Gold for Retirement
Is investing in gold for retirement funds more advantageous than maintaining a regular IRA or 401(k)? Is it worthwhile to expend the time and effort to move assets to a gold IRA?
Investing in gold can be a good move for various reasons. Here are some of the most persuasive arguments for investing in gold for retirement.
Gold’s Value Remains Stable
Gold is a steady investment because it holds its value over time. Consumers regard gold as one of the most valuable commodities, and this opinion has not altered significantly over several hundred years. Gold also does not tarnish and retains its lovely tone throughout time.
Gold Is an Effective Inflation Hedge
You’ve probably heard of inflation, which occurs when the dollar’s value continues to fall. A 1,000-square-foot house, for example, costs significantly more today than it did 50 years ago. As a result, to remain profitable, all your paper investments must increase in value faster than the inflation rate.
Gold, on the other hand, serves as an inflation hedge. The price of gold fluctuates regularly because of supply and demand, gold in bank reserves, and investment activity. As a result, when the dollar’s value falls, the price of gold often climbs.
Gold Protects Against Deflation
Along with hedging against inflation, gold can protect your assets against deflation. When prices fall dramatically because of decreased demand, as during the Great Depression, people often look for a safe way to stash their money.
Because gold is a very stable investment, its purchase power increased during the Great Depression and similar periods of deflation.
Gold Has the Potential to Diversify Your Investing Portfolio
Have you ever heard the expression, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket?” This proverb is quite applicable to the stock market. Investing in only one sort of good can expose you to non-systemic dangers, causing your investment values to plummet dramatically.
Diversifying your portfolio, on the other hand, can assist you in managing risk and lessening the volatility of your assets when gold prices move. Investing in a gold IRA with your typical retirement assets is a simple way to diversify your portfolio.
What Is a Gold IRA Rollover?
A gold IRA rollover happens when an investor moves their existing retirement funds into a Gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA). It allows such investors to diversify their portfolio by taking advantage of the potential gains from precious metal investments such as gold. Transferring assets from one IRA to another is known as a “rollover,” and it’s an increasingly popular option for those looking to diversify their portfolios.
Gold IRA rollovers allow investors to protect their funds from market volatility while providing them access to tangible assets. In addition, gold can act as an inflation hedge, protecting against significant losses if there is economic turmoil. Converting Roth IRAs/IRAs/401(k)s to gold also provides investors with tax-deferred growth. It is an effective means of preserving wealth for retirement.
For those interested in gold IRA rollover, it’s essential to ensure you understand the process and know how to evaluate your options properly.
Investors should research the various types of gold products available, familiarize themselves with transferring funds from an existing IRA to a gold IRA, and ensure that they understand any fees associated with the rollover. Additionally, investors should research the custodian holding their investments and evaluate the safety and security of their gold.
By researching and understanding all aspects of gold IRA rollovers, investors can make an educated decision and decide whether this type of investment is right for them. With the potential to diversify an investor’s retirement portfolio while protecting assets from market volatility, gold IRA rollovers remain a popular option among those looking to invest in precious metals. The gold IRA companies listed in this article all offer rollover services.
The procedure of rolling over an IRA is more involved than transferring funds from one IRA to another. However, rollovers are often completed in 60 days or less, as opposed to transfers. The organizations on our list can assist you in facilitating gold IRA rollovers to make the process as simple as possible and to avoid any additional costs due to miscalculation.
Final Thoughts: Gold IRA Companies
Investing in precious metals through a gold IRA company can help preserve and diversify your retirement portfolio. Choosing a reputable company with transparent fees, excellent customer service, and ample knowledge of IRS rules for retirement accounts is essential for a successful investment. With thorough research and careful consideration, you can find a trusted gold IRA company that can guide you every step of the way. Remember to keep an open mind when considering new investment strategies. Take advantage of the unique tax benefits and potential stability of gold IRAs.
Precious Metal IRA Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the bare minimum for a gold IRA?
The IRS does not demand a minimum investment amount when starting up a gold IRA. However, many gold IRA companies have minimum investment requirements. When purchasing gold and other metals, Augusta Precious Metals, for example, requires buyers to invest at least $50,000.
Other businesses have substantially higher minimum investment amounts. Suppose your existing retirement accounts have not accumulated much value since they were opened. In that case, you might look for a gold IRA provider with a modest minimum investment requirement.
- Is it possible to retain a gold IRA at home?
Many people ask whether they may set up a home storage unit for the gold they buy with a gold IRA. Unfortunately, you cannot keep gold bullion at home when you invest in a gold IRA.
Instead, gold IRA owners must keep their gold with an IRS-approved custodian, such as a bank, credit union, or other financial institution.
If you ignore this law and retain your gold at home, it will be considered a distribution, which may result in a 10% tax penalty. You’ll also have to pay income taxes on the distribution, reducing the gold’s overall worth.
Worse, storing your gold investment at home may result in a tax audit and further IRS penalties.
If you’d rather own gold and keep it wherever you choose, you may buy it directly from one of the gold IRA providers on our list. These firms may ship your gold directly to your door and provide insurance to minimize risk during transit. You can keep this gold at home, store it with a custodian, or do whatever you choose once you receive it.
- Which IRS-approved coins are permitted in a gold IRA?
As previously stated, the metals purchased for an IRA investment must fulfill IRS quality and purity standards. The purity of gold, platinum, and palladium must be 99.5%, while silver must be 99.9% pure.
The IRS accepts gold bullion and other precious metal coins as meeting these standards. For gold IRAs, for example, the IRS accepts the following gold coins:
- Proof and bullion American Gold Eagle coins
- Uncirculated American Gold Buffalo coins
- Gold Panda coins from China
- Kangaroo/Nugget coins from Australia
- Gold Maple Leaf coins from Canada
- Gold Philharmonic coins from Austria
When you work with a reliable gold IRA supplier, you can rest assured that the gold you buy will meet IRS requirements.
- What costs are involved in starting up a gold IRA account?
When you invest in a gold IRA, you should expect to pay at least three fees.
First, most IRA providers charge an upfront account-setup fee to cover the work required in establishing your investment. This cost is usually between $50 and $150. Some companies, however, waive this cost for higher investment deposits.
Following that, many IRA providers impose an annual administrative fee to cover the cost of maintaining your account year after year. This fee ranges from $50 to $150 and is usually proportional to your account size.
Finally, you’ll have to pay a storage fee to the depository where your money is kept. Some custodians charge an annual flat price, while others impose storage costs based on the amount of gold in the account.
In addition to these basic fees, IRA providers can charge a commission for purchasing gold for their clients.
Unfortunately, gold IRA fees are frequently higher than the fees of standard IRAs and 401(k)s. However, many investors believe that the benefits of investing in gold outweigh the increased fees.
- Where are the precious metals housed in your gold IRA?
When you open a gold IRA account, your investment must be stored with a custodian, such as a bank. You can, however, select which custodian will retain your gold investments for you.
Some gold IRA providers partner with depositories, making transferring money to such locations simple. You can, however, opt to work with these caretakers or others.
We recommend you ask a depository for its licenses and registrations before entrusting it with your gold investment. Please do these background checks to avoid losing your investment.
*This article is provided by an advertiser and not necessarily written by a financial advisor. Investors should do their own research on products and services and contact a financial advisor before opening accounts or moving money. Individual results will vary. Foreign companies and investment opportunities may not provide the same safeguards as U.S. companies. Before engaging with a company, research the laws and the regulations around that service, and make certain the company is in compliance. For comprehensive guidance on U.S. investments and financial regulations, visit the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s Investor.gov.