Gold’s reputation as a safe haven isn’t new. When markets get weird, or downright scary, investors start looking for something tangible. And for many, that something is gold. But how does that fit into your self-directed IRA strategy in 2025?

Let’s break it down.

Why Gold Still Has a Seat at the Table

The world’s a little shaky right now. Inflation, geopolitical tension, uncertain interest rate paths, all of it fuels the appeal of hard assets. Gold doesn’t pay dividends, but it doesn’t go to zero either. That stability is exactly why many IRA holders are taking a second look.

Precious metals like gold and silver tend to move independently of stocks and bonds. That non-correlation makes them a potential hedge against volatility.

And the IRS does allow physical gold in IRAs, if you follow the rules. Here’s the IRS guidance on IRA-approved metals.

The Rules: What You Can (and Can’t) Do

You can’t stash gold coins in your closet and call it a retirement plan. If you’re holding physical metals in your IRA, they must:

• Be IRS-approved bullion (like American Gold Eagles or certain bars)or other metals
• Not personally held by you

Some investors choose a Checkbook IRA setup to buy shares of a metals LLC that stores the gold. It’s a gray area, and the IRS has frowned on arrangements that look too much like personal possession.

If you’re not sure whether your structure is compliant, this Forbes Advisor guide breaks down the current best practices.

Is Now a Good Time?

Gold has performed well during inflationary cycles and periods of political uncertainty, both of which are currently in play this year. But prices have also been choppy. Timing the market isn’t the goal. Diversifying is.

If you’re feeling overexposed to traditional equities, a modest allocation to metals could help balance things out. Just keep it in check, because gold isn’t a magic bullet. It’s one piece of a well-rounded portfolio.

Storage Fees and Hidden Costs

Unlike stocks or ETFs, holding physical gold in an IRA involves extra costs:

• Annual storage fees
• Custodian fees
• Possibly insurance fees

Make sure you understand all the layers before jumping in. Those expenses can eat into your returns if you’re not careful.

Final Take

Is gold a safe bet in 2025? Safe might be the wrong word. But stable, uncorrelated, and time-tested? Absolutely.

If you’re thinking long term and want a buffer against financial uncertainty, precious metals deserve a look. Just don’t let the shiny stuff distract you from the fundamentals: compliance, allocation, and long-term planning.