Investing in gold has long been viewed as a timeless store of value — a tangible asset that holds its worth when paper markets fluctuate. In October 2025, Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio reiterated that belief, advising investors to hold as much as 15% of their portfolios in gold. Speaking at the Greenwich Economic Forum, Dalio said, “Gold is a very excellent diversifier in the portfolio… it is one asset that does very well when the typical parts of the portfolio go down.”
With gold prices recently surpassing $4,000 per ounce — up more than 50% this year — many investors are rethinking their exposure to traditional assets. Inflation concerns, growing fiscal deficits, and global instability are echoing the early 1970s — an era Dalio says today’s economy resembles closely.
For retirement investors, this shift raises an important question: How can you invest in gold safely, strategically, and in compliance with IRS rules?
Key Takeaways
- Gold is a proven hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and market volatility.
- Self-directed retirement accounts like the Self-Directed IRA and Solo 401(k) allow investors to hold physical gold and other alternative assets.
- IRA Financial empowers investors with compliant structures, control, and education to help you invest freely and retire confidently.
Why Invest in Gold and Other Metals Today
When Ray Dalio compares today’s market to the early 1970s, his message is clear: the current economic cycle is marked by high debt, government spending, and monetary debasement — conditions that tend to favor hard assets.
Gold has historically performed well during times of inflation and uncertainty. As Dalio explained, “When you are holding money and you put it in a debt instrument, and when there’s such a supply of debt… it’s not an effective storehold of wealth.”
Key Reasons Investors Turn to Gold
- Inflation Hedge: Gold maintains its purchasing power when the value of the dollar declines.
- Diversification: It often moves inversely to stocks and bonds, helping balance risk.
- Tangible Security: Unlike digital or paper assets, gold is physical and universally valued.
- Geopolitical Hedge: In times of global tension, gold tends to appreciate as investors seek stability.
Beyond gold, other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium also offer diversification benefits. While gold remains the most popular choice for retirement portfolios, a mix of metals can enhance protection against various economic scenarios.
Understanding Self-Directed Retirement Accounts
Most traditional IRAs and 401(k)s restrict you to conventional assets such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. A Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) expands those options, allowing you to invest in real estate, private businesses, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals — all within the same tax-advantaged structure.
With a Self-Directed IRA, you maintain the same tax benefits as a traditional or Roth IRA, but you also gain the freedom to diversify beyond Wall Street.
Self-Directed IRA
A Self-Directed IRA allows you to purchase IRS-approved gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins or bullion through a qualified custodian. Your assets are stored in an approved depository for security and compliance.
- IRS-approved metals must meet specific purity standards.
- Popular options include American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and gold bars from accredited refiners.
Checkbook IRA
For investors who want more direct control, a Checkbook IRA structure allows you to manage investments from a dedicated LLC owned by your IRA. This setup lets you act quickly when opportunities arise — including purchasing gold or other precious metals — while maintaining IRS compliance.
Solo 401(k) Plan
Self-employed individuals and small business owners can open a Solo 401(k), which offers:
- Higher contribution limits (up to $70,000 for 2025, plus catch-up contributions).
- The ability to invest in alternative assets, including gold.
- Full checkbook control and loan flexibility (up to $50,000).
- Roth option and Mega Backdoor Roth structure.
IRA Financial specializes in setting up each of these structures, ensuring they meet IRS rules and are tailored to your investment goals.
What Is a Gold IRA?
A Gold IRA is a Self-Directed IRA specifically designed to hold physical gold or other IRS-approved precious metals. It provides all the same tax advantages as a traditional IRA, but allows your portfolio to include hard assets rather than paper securities.
Highlights
- Eligible Metals: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium that meet IRS fineness standards.
- Approved Storage: Metals must be held in an IRS-approved depository; home storage is generally prohibited for IRA-owned metals.
- Tax Benefits: Depending on the account type, you can enjoy either tax-deferred or tax-free growth.
Through IRA Financial, investors can open a Gold IRA quickly and securely, with guidance on selecting metals, choosing a custodian, and ensuring IRS compliance.
The Case for Gold as a Long-Term Hedge
Gold’s appeal isn’t just short-term speculation. Historically, gold has preserved wealth across centuries of currency changes, inflationary cycles, and market corrections. While gold doesn’t generate dividends or interest, its store of value is unmatched during economic instability. In diversified portfolios, gold often acts as a counterbalance — softening losses when equities fall.
A recent trend among top investors, including Dalio and DoubleLine Capital’s Jeffrey Gundlach, has been to increase gold allocations. Gundlach even suggested a 25% portfolio weighting in gold as inflation and currency pressures intensify.
For retirement investors, a smaller but consistent allocation to gold through a self-directed plan can offer powerful long-term stability.
Getting Started with IRA Financial
Investing in gold through your retirement account doesn’t need to be complicated. IRA Financial’s streamlined process helps you stay compliant while maintaining control over your investments.
How It Works
- Choose your plan — Self-Directed IRA, Checkbook IRA, or Solo 401(k).
- Fund your account — transfer or roll over funds from an existing IRA or 401(k), or make a direct contribution.
- Select your metals — choose IRS-approved gold and other precious metals.
- Secure storage — metals are held at an approved depository for safekeeping.
With expert guidance at every step, you can confidently invest in gold knowing your account structure meets IRS standards.
Conclusion
Ray Dalio’s recent remarks highlight what many long-term investors already know — when uncertainty rises, gold shines. Whether you’re concerned about inflation, government debt, or market volatility, diversifying with gold can help protect your retirement savings.
With a Self-Directed IRA or Solo 401(k) from IRA Financial, you can invest in gold and other precious metals while maintaining full IRS compliance and personal control over your financial future.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free consultation with an IRA Financial specialist today to learn how to open your Gold IRA or other self-directed retirement plan. Start taking control of your retirement by opening an account now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the IRS rules for holding gold in a retirement account?
The IRS allows specific gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bullion that meet fineness standards. Metals must be held by an approved custodian or depository — not personally stored at home.
Can I hold physical gold at home through my IRA?
No. IRS rules require that IRA-owned metals be stored in an approved, insured depository. Home storage may trigger penalties and disqualify your IRA.
What are the benefits of a Self-Directed IRA vs. a traditional IRA for gold?
A Self-Directed IRA expands your investment choices beyond stocks and bonds, giving you access to alternative assets like gold, real estate, and crypto while keeping the same tax advantages.
How much of my retirement portfolio should be invested in gold?
Allocation depends on your risk tolerance and goals. Many experts recommend 5–15%, though Ray Dalio suggests up to 15% in the current economic environment.
