Question 1

What is a precious-metals IRA?

Accepted Answer

A precious-metals IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that can hold eligible physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of only paper assets. The account is opened with an independent IRA custodian, and the metals are held at an approved depository on behalf of the account. Aurum Wealth Group provides education and coordination support; the custodian maintains the account and the depository stores the metals.

Question 2

Which retirement accounts may be eligible?

Accepted Answer

Depending on plan rules and your employment status, funds from a traditional IRA, Roth IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), TSP, or certain pension plans may be eligible to move into a self-directed IRA. Eligibility varies by plan and by individual circumstances, so we encourage you to confirm details with your current plan administrator and your own tax professional.

Question 3

Is a transfer or rollover a taxable event?

Accepted Answer

A direct trustee-to-trustee transfer between like retirement accounts is generally not treated as a distribution. Indirect rollovers and conversions can have different treatment, and rules change over time. Aurum Wealth Group does not provide tax advice — please review your specific situation with a qualified tax professional before initiating any movement of retirement funds.

Question 4

Which metals are eligible for an IRA?

Accepted Answer

The IRS sets minimum fineness standards for metals held inside a retirement account, and certain coins and bars meet those standards while collectibles generally do not. Your custodian and depository will confirm what may be accepted. We can walk you through commonly used IRA-eligible products so you understand the categories before you decide.

Question 5

Where are the metals stored?

Accepted Answer

Metals held inside a precious-metals IRA are stored at an independent, insured depository selected in coordination with your custodian. Metals purchased outside a retirement account can be shipped directly to you or, in some cases, stored at a depository if you prefer.

Question 6

What is the difference between segregated and commingled storage?

Accepted Answer

Segregated storage keeps your specific items separated and identified as yours. Commingled (also called non-segregated or allocated pooled) storage holds like items together while your ownership of a specific quantity and type is recorded. Fees and availability differ by depository, and your custodian can confirm the options and costs.

Question 7

Can I take physical possession of IRA metals?

Accepted Answer

While metals remain inside a retirement account, they must be held by the approved depository. Taking personal possession is generally treated as a distribution and may carry tax consequences or penalties. Many clients later take an in-kind distribution at retirement age; your custodian and tax professional can explain how that works for you.

Question 8

What fees are involved?

Accepted Answer

Costs typically include a custodian account setup and annual maintenance fee, an annual depository storage fee, and the dealer spread built into the price of the metals themselves. Shipping or wire fees may also apply. We believe fees should be explained plainly in writing before you commit to anything, and we encourage you to compare providers.

Question 9

How is the price of gold and silver determined?

Accepted Answer

Precious-metals pricing is based on the live global spot market plus a premium that reflects the specific product, its mint, its size, its condition, and current supply and demand. Premiums vary between product categories — for example, common bullion bars and coins usually carry lower premiums than limited-issue items.

Question 10

What is a bid-ask spread?

Accepted Answer

The bid is the price a dealer will pay to buy metal from you; the ask is the price at which the dealer will sell it to you. The difference is the spread. Understanding the spread on a product before you purchase helps you evaluate what the metal would be worth if you later chose to sell.

Question 11

Is there a minimum purchase?

Accepted Answer

Minimums differ between cash purchases and retirement accounts, and custodians may set their own account minimums. We will explain any applicable minimum before you begin so there are no surprises.

Question 12

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

A cash purchase can often be completed within a few business days once payment clears. A retirement-account funding timeline depends primarily on how quickly your existing custodian or plan administrator releases funds, which commonly takes anywhere from several days to a few weeks.

Question 13

How is my order shipped?

Accepted Answer

Cash-purchase orders are shipped discreetly, fully insured, and require a signature on delivery. Tracking is provided. Metals purchased inside a retirement account ship directly to the depository rather than to your home.

Question 14

Can I sell my metals later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Physical precious metals can generally be sold back to a dealer, including Aurum Wealth Group, or to other buyers in the market. The amount you receive depends on prevailing market prices and the applicable buy-back spread at that time. No specific resale price can be promised in advance.

Question 15

Are precious metals risky?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Precious-metals prices fluctuate and can decline. Metals do not pay interest or dividends, may involve storage and insurance costs, and can be less liquid than publicly traded securities. They are generally considered a long-term holding and should be evaluated as one part of a broader plan.

Question 16

Do you provide investment, tax, or legal advice?

Accepted Answer

No. Aurum Wealth Group provides educational information about physical precious metals and helps coordinate transactions. We are not a registered investment adviser, law firm, or tax adviser, and we do not provide individualized investment, legal, or tax advice. We encourage you to consult your own licensed professionals.

Question 17

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The simplest first step is to request our free information guide or schedule a short call. We will answer your questions, outline the options that may apply to your situation, and let you decide at your own pace whether to move forward.

Question 18

How do I contact Aurum Wealth Group?

Accepted Answer

You can reach us at 424-484-3843 or info@aurumwg.com. Our office address is 11755 Wilshire Blvd, 7th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

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