Most people who reach out to KEPM already know they want to own precious metals. The question that comes up most often isn't whether to buy, but how. And for most people, it comes down to two paths: a straightforward cash purchase, or a Self-Directed IRA.

Both give you ownership of real, physical gold and silver. The right choice depends on where your money is right now, what your goals are, and how you want to access your metals down the road.

Here's how each one works.

Cash Purchase

A cash purchase is the most direct way to own precious metals. You're taking funds from a checking or savings account and converting them into physical gold or silver. Once the transaction is complete, you own the metal outright.

It's simple, and for a lot of people, that simplicity is exactly what they're looking for.

Where Does the Metal Go?

With a cash purchase, you have two options.

Home Delivery

If you want your metals within arm's reach, we can ship them directly to your door. Once your purchase is processed and your funds clear, your metals ship to your door with discreet, insured delivery. You retain 24/7 access with no monthly storage fees. When you are ready to sell metals you store at home, your consultant will walk you through the current return-shipping arrangements, with insured shipment to the depository at your cost.

Professional Depository

If you are purchasing a larger amount and prefer the peace of mind that comes with professional storage, Texas Precious Metals Depository is a strong option. Your metals are held in a monitored, insured vault for an annual fee.

One important detail: your metals are fully segregated, meaning they are held separately from anyone else's holdings. What you buy is what sits in that vault with your name on it. Another benefit of depository storage is a simpler sell-back. Your metals are already documented at the depository, so when you decide to sell, your consultant arranges the sale and payment follows acceptance of the trade.

A practical note: We generally recommend keeping no more than $5,000 worth of metals at home and storing the rest in the depository. But the choice is always yours.

Self-Directed IRA

Most people think of retirement accounts as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. But a Self-Directed IRA lets you hold physical gold and silver inside a tax-advantaged account. Same IRA benefits, real metal in the vault.

How to Get Started

There are two ways to get started with a Self-Directed IRA.

Roll Over an Existing Account

If you have an old 401(k) from a previous employer or a traditional IRA, our team can help you roll those funds into a new Self-Directed IRA. When structured as a direct custodian-to-custodian transfer, the funds do not touch your personal bank account, which generally avoids a taxable event. For specifics on how a rollover applies to your situation, we always recommend speaking with your tax professional.

Open a New Account

If you don't have an existing retirement account to move, we can help you open a new Self-Directed IRA from scratch.

Where Does the Metal Go?

With a Self-Directed IRA, your metals are stored at Texas Precious Metals Depository in a monitored, insured vault for a nominal fee. Just like with a cash purchase, your holdings are fully segregated. Your metals are yours and yours alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay sales tax when I buy?
It depends on your state. Some states exempt precious metals from sales tax, while others do not. Your KEPM consultant can walk you through what applies to you.

Can I sell my metals back easily?
Yes. With KEPM, you pay a standard 8% over wholesale when you buy, and current KEPM clients pay 0% commission when they sell to KEPM.

What happens when I turn 59 1/2 and want to withdraw from my IRA?
You have two options. You can take an "In-Kind" distribution, where the depository ships the actual physical bars and rounds directly to your home. Or you can liquidate the metals for cash, which KEPM helps facilitate at 0% commission for current KEPM clients.

Can I put coins or bars I already own into a Self-Directed IRA?
No. All contributions to a Self-Directed IRA must be made in cash. The only exception is transfers and rollovers from existing retirement accounts.

Is the rollover process complicated?
Not when you have help. A direct transfer moves funds from custodian to custodian without ever touching your personal bank account. Our team walks you through the entire process so the account stays in good standing.

How do I decide which option is right for me?
That is exactly the kind of question our consultants are here to help with. The right path depends on where your funds are, your timeline, and what you are trying to accomplish. When we connect, we will walk through how each path works so you can decide which fits your goals.

Have questions? After you schedule a consultation, and before your conversation with a KEPM consultant, jot down any questions that came up while reading. Having them handy will help you get the most out of your time together.

Disclosures

KEPM cannot provide tax or legal advice and will not advise as to the tax or legal consequences of purchasing or selling precious metals or opening a Precious Metals IRA. Individuals should consult with their own tax, legal, or investment professionals for guidance specific to their situation. Physical precious metals spot prices fluctuate and involve risk of loss. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future results.

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