Independent Gold IRA ResearchBuilt for Due Diligence, Not Hype
We help American pre-retirees answer the real questions: Is a Gold IRA right for you? What are the actual costs, rules, and risks? Our research across 15+ providers shows first-year costs can range from 3.5% to over 13% of the account balance. We built the Trust Triangle — Sourcing, Suitability, Scoring — so you can audit every rating we publish.
We publish our methodology. Our ratings are auditable.
The Trust Triangle — three auditable pillars that hold every page on this site accountable.
Sourcing: every claim traces to a source
IRS publications, SEC filings, provider fee schedules, BBB records. If we state a number, you can verify it. We don't cite marketing brochures and we don't paraphrase sales reps.
How we researchSuitability: fit before comparison
Most Gold IRA sites jump straight to “Top 5 Companies.” We start with whether a Gold IRA even makes sense for your situation — because for many people, it doesn't. That's a conclusion that takes intellectual honesty to reach.
Start with the fundamentalsScoring: ratings you can audit
Our 100-point review model is public. Five categories, weighted criteria, documented for every provider. If you disagree with a rating, you can trace it to the exact line item and tell us why we're wrong.
Read the full methodologyIs a Gold IRA Right for You?
Before comparing providers or worrying about fees, answer the fundamental question first.
Understand the Rules
Gold IRAs follow specific IRS regulations on eligible metals, storage requirements, contribution limits, and distributions.
Read the tax rulesKnow the Real Costs
Setup fees, annual storage, custodian charges, and dealer markups all eat into returns. We break them down transparently.
See fee breakdownWeigh the Risks
Limited liquidity, price volatility, scam risks, and opportunity costs are real. We cover what the sales pages leave out.
Understand the risksStart Here
New to Gold IRAs? These articles cover the essentials in a calm, no-pressure format.
Free Research Tools
Interactive tools to help you calculate costs, compare providers, and check your rollover readiness.
Latest Research
Recent articles covering fees, tax rules, risks, and retirement planning for Gold IRA investors.