Central Bank Digital Currency in USA – Is it being introduced?

January 21, 2023 by admin 25 Comments

You have probably heard the word CBDC lately, right? What is CBDCs? Is a Central Bank Digital Currency in USA being introduced? Introducing the future of digital currency. Read further and know more about it.

Approximately 87 countries thinking about launching of CBDC as a digital currency. This will show that soon this centrally authorized digital currency change the game of assets. Here today in this blog post we’re going to explain central bank digital currency or you can say CBDC.

P.S.

CBDCs & inflation on the rise, it might be a good idea to go with a more “traditional” asset in these times instead, right?

==> See our Top-5 List of The Best Gold Investment Companies (USA edition)

What is CBDCs!?

CBDCs are simply a short word for Central Bank Digital Currencies. A central bank issues and creates digital currency known as a central bank digital currency (CBDC). CBDCs are intended to be more secure and useful than other forms of digital money. They also serve as a backup in case of an economic crisis.

One of the biggest advantages of a central bank digital currency is its ability to make payments safer and cheaper. This has the potential to increase financial inclusion and ensure that the financial system works efficiently. It also enables the financial system to become more secure and less vulnerable to hacks and fraud.

In addition to providing a more convenient and secure means of paying and transferring funds, they are likely to boost financial inclusion in the United States. As more people move into a cashless society, they need a better means of making their purchases.

Some countries, such as Australia, have already launched pilot projects that are experimenting with CBDCs. Others, such as Jamaica, are beginning to roll out digital coins. While it’s impossible to know the future of CBDCs, it’s clear that technology has the potential to transform the way we pay.

Whether the CBDC of tomorrow is a token or a physical coin, its most important function is to facilitate easier and faster payments. Merchants no longer need to pay the risk of holding an untraceable form of cash, as they can instead rely on the electronic tokens held in digital wallets. Moreover, the technology behind CBDCs will enable them to verify payments with a click. During the recent COVID-19 financial crisis, this feature was a major contributing factor in the rapid decline of cash use.

Although the United States is a long way from issuing a digital currency, the Federal Reserve is investigating the possibility of doing so. Meanwhile, other countries are following suit.

Types of CBDC

CBDC (Common Digital Currency) is a neologism, meaning “digital cash” and is a new technology that has gained significant traction in recent months. It is an alternative to fiat currency, providing a faster, cheaper transaction mode. However, there are legal challenges that users face when utilizing financial services.

Several countries are currently testing CBDC technologies. Some of these are Brazil, Mexico, Poland, and Spain. One of the first large economies to conduct a pilot project was China. Another was Nigeria. Meanwhile, many European countries and a few Asian countries are also studying the feasibility of this technology.

There are two primary categories of CBDCs in technological terms.

The first is a centralized system, with numerous entities managing a shared ledger. While this can work, it is not suitable for larger territories. A more efficient architecture would be a token ecosystem. This type of system would ensure universal access, and would probably be able to provide good privacy by default.

The second kind of CBDC infrastructure is an indirect one, based on the premise that multiple entities manage the ledger cooperatively. There are a number of ways to implement this model, including chip-embedded cards and mobile service providers.

It can facilitate the transfer of funds from one central bank account to another. With this system, money can be moved in real-time. To facilitate this, the currency is modeled as a fungible digital asset.

Another notable feature of digital money is programmability. This could enable smart contracts to execute any number of actions depending on platform software. These may include payments for interest or automatic code execution. Also, they may have constraints on automated code execution.

In addition to these factors, there are other technological features that can enhance the functionality of a CBDC. For example, a special token number can be used to restore value in case the device is lost.

The other major benefit of a CBDC is that it can act as a substitute for physical cash. In particular, a retail CBDC would allow unbanked individuals and households to access the financial system. The total amount of cash that consumers have available to spend can rise as a result.

To conclude, the development of CBDC has significant risks, and it is crucial that the government ensures that the system is robust.

Overall, CBDCs can be a useful tool to promote financial inclusion. They shouldn’t, however, take the place of physical cash. Rather, they should be encouraged to complement them. At the same time, it is important that the central bank stays on top of the latest innovations in the field.

As with any new technology, there are several factors to consider when designing and implementing a system. The design should be a reflection of the needs of both the user and the institution.

Dangers of Central Bank Digital Currency?

So, are central bank digital currencies dangerous? Well, there are absolutely risks associated with central bank digital currency. These risks include:

Central banks can create more money than the free market economy can provide, which could lead to inflation and devaluation of the currency.
The risks associated with digital currency are similar to those associated with fiat money, but they are magnified by the fact that its value is not tied to any physical asset.
The central bank could create a digital currency that is so valuable it will become worthless, or it could create a digital currency that inspires confidence in the economy but is not backed by anything tangible.
It is not as widely accepted as traditional forms of currency and not stable as traditional forms of currency.
Financial institutions may lose confidence in their ability to store and transfer digital currencies because of their lack of physical value, which could lead to the failure of those institutions due to their inability to meet their obligations (this is often called “bank runs”).

Social Credit System in the US?

Those are some of the dangers, then there is also some even more dystopian dangers… like that it could be used to track everything you buy.

AND Not only that, it could be used to stop you from buying certain things that the government don´t want you to buy, for example to much meat or a maybe a “carbon usages” limit in general on your spendings…

The real sceptics of the CBDCs claim it is going to be used as a social credit system like the one they use in China to score citizen on their behaviour, where good behaviour gets rewarded and bad behaviour gets punished… Creepy dystopian future sci-fi movie deluxe, right?

Here is a realistic (video) example of how it could look as well:

So, what do you think?

Do you think they are going to introduce a social credit system in the US and would that be good or bad in your opinion? Do you think they will do it in other countries?

Please tell us in the comment section below this article!

Are Central Bank Digital Currencies Cryptocurrencies?

It seems that a lot of everyday people think that CBDCs are the same thing as cryptocurrencies, however, this is absolutely not the case. I do not blame you if you think that yourself, afterall, both cryptocurrencies and CBDCs are kind of a new thing, right? However, below I will explain the difference:

Cryptocurrencies Vs. CBDC – What’s The Difference?

Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that you can use like cash to buy things and pay for services. They’re not regulated by any government or bank, and they don’t have a central administrator or clearinghouse. Instead, they run on blockchain technology—a decentralized database that allows users to verify transactions without relying on a third party, like a bank.

CBDCs (central bank digital currencies) are digital currencies that are backed by the world’s largest central banks. They can be used to make payments and store value like cryptocurrencies, but their value is determined by fiat currency such as dollars or euros rather than market forces.

Cryptocurrencies are more transparent and secure than CBDCs: Cryptocurrencies use encryption algorithms to secure transaction from being altered in any way, while CBDCs can be manipulated by governments or private entities who control them through fiat currency reserves. Cryptocurrencies also offer more privacy because there’s no need for an intermediary like a bank to hold onto customer data—it all stays on the blockchain and can be accessed by anyone who wants it.

CBDCs and cryptocurrencies are two types of digital assets used to store, move, and exchange value. They’re both decentralized and open-source systems that use blockchain technology to facilitate their transactions.

What Are Some Notable Features of Central Bank Digital Currency?

A digital currency is one that is stored electronically and used primarily for transactions between two parties. Central bank digital currencies are a type of digital currency that operates through a central authority.

Some key features of central bank digital currencies include:

No need for a financial institution as the platform provider – eg. banks, credit unions, or online wallets – to hold the currency
Security is enhanced as transactions are verified by a central authority
Possible reduction in demand for physical currency as a result of increased adoption of digital currencies.

What is the future of Central Bank Digital Currencies?

There is much speculation about the future of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Some say they will become more popular and widespread, while others are sceptical that they will take off.

CBDCs are similar to traditional money, but they are not backed by anything physical. This means CBDCs can fluctuate in value, making them risky for investors.

Some experts believe CBDCs could become more popular if they are used as a way to reduce volatility in global financial markets. Others think CBDCs could be used as an alternative currency by people who do not trust traditional banks.

FAQs For Central Bank Digital Currencies

Q How is Central Bank Digital Currency different from cryptocurrencies?

Central bank digital currency is a digital token that is issued and controlled by a central bank. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies are decentralized, meaning they are not subject to government or financial institution control.

For example, central bank digital currency is backed by the assets of the central bank, whereas cryptocurrencies are not. Central bank digital currency also has a fixed supply, which is determined by the central bank. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, have a limited supply and are designed to be deflationary.

Q Why Would a Company Want to Issue a Central Bank Digital Currency?

There are a number of reasons a company might want to issue a central bank digital currency. For example, a company might want to issue a central bank digital currency to raise money. A company might also want to issue a central bank digital currency to experiment with new technologies.

Q What Are Some Potential Uses for a Central Bank Digital Currency?

Some potential uses for a central bank digital currency include payments, remittances, and financial services.

Final words

So, do you think a Central Bank Digital Currency in USA is being introduced? AND do you think it can lead to a social credit system in the US being introduced? What´s your thoughts about this?

Please tell us in the comment section below! Also, make sure to share this as well if you think it´s an important subject.

Thank you for reading, and all the best to you!

Michael, founder of Goldretired.com

How to Invest in a Bitcoin IRA | A Quick Guide For Beginners

July 4, 2022 by Eric Leave a Comment

In today’s post, we shall look at how to invest in a Bitcoin IRA. Whereas many people are aware of the fact that they can make an income investing in cryptocurrencies, not many know about how they can utilize an IRA structure to invest for their retirement years. Herein, we’ll discuss all you need to know about Bitcoin IRA investing, to help you decide whether this is a path worth taking. Read on to find out more.

Introduction

The last decade has been quite dramatic in the world of finance. Investors have found themselves having to revisit their investment strategies, and rebalancing their portfolios, with the hope of surviving some tough times that have troubled most people in all corners of the world.

Even in the very severe financial storms, however, some investors have still managed to put up a good fight, and have managed to still grow their wealth.

Cryptocurrency investors have been in the limelight from time to time, receiving admiration and contempt in almost equal measures. As the crypto industry still takes shape and carves unique niches for itself in the present-day financial world, there are some investors who have seen it fit to establish ways to enable the general population to invest in cryptocurrencies as part of their retirement investment strategy.

These investors have worked for hand in hand with the relevant institutions to establish unique retirement investment accounts that can be used to hold cryptocurrencies, known as Bitcoin IRAs.

***What Are The Differences Between Gold and Bitcoin? Facts!

How does a Bitcoin IRA work?

A Bitcoin IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that can be used to hold cryptocurrencies. It differs from a traditional IRA, where investors are limited to investments such as stocks, bonds, and ETFs.

Since the IRS Notice 2014-21, cryptocurrencies held for retirement investment in retirement accounts are treated as property, which means that they are taxed in the same manner as other assets. Due to this, any investor who wants to include cryptos in their IRA must enlist a custodian to help them comply with the set regulations.

The difference between using a traditional IRA and a Bitcoin IRA for retirement investment is that with a Bitcoin IRA, you will most likely be interacting with the following entities:

The Bitcoin IRA service providers

These are companies that you will turn to when adding cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin to your IRA. You can view them as the bridge that will help you cross over to your dream to own cryptocurrencies as part of your retirement investment strategy.

Self-directed IRA custodians

Custodians are financial institutions that have been cleared by the IRS to hold assets in individual retirement accounts. Traditional IRA custodians oversee the investment of assets such as mutual funds and stocks, while self-directed IRA custodians oversee the investment of alternative assets such as cryptocurrencies, precious metals, etc.

****How Can I Buy Bitcoin With an IRA? Safe & Legit Approaches?

The wallet service providers

Bitcoin IRA service providers usually partner with trusted wallet solutions that are entrusted with holding on to the keys to Bitcoin investors’ holdings.

Previously, it was almost impossible to come across a custodian that lets you hold Bitcoin in an IRA, but this has since changed with the inception of reputable Bitcoin IRA custodians. Note that the custodian does not have any fiduciary responsibility to you, hence choosing the right Bitcoin IRA service provider is the most important aspect of bitcoin IRA investing.

Generally, Bitcoin IRAs have:

Minimum monthly account administration fees
Holding fees
Transaction fees for the transfer of funds and the buying of assets.
Establishment fees

These are the types of fees that you are highly unlikely to encounter as a Traditional IRA owner.

Why do investors hold cryptocurrencies through Bitcoin IRAs?

Some of the reasons that seasoned investors cite for opening Bitcoin IRAs today include:

1. The diversification of their portfolios

You may have already heard the saying “ Do not put all your eggs in one basket”. Investors have found that including the right combination of cryptocurrencies in their retirement investment portfolios may help them diversify their portfolios.

Specific asset classes may exhibit different behavior from time to time, but cryptocurrencies generally move independently from the global economy, and this may be the protective element you need in the event that an economic downturn occurs.

2. Protection from inflation

Cryptocurrencies are harder to obtain as their supply increases, a phenomenon known as adaptive scaling. With most cryptocurrencies, there is a limited number of tokens that are in supply, which is unlike what we have with paper money which can be printed on demand. Investors take advantage of this property to hedge their retirement savings from inflation.

3. Protection from the influence of central bank policies

Cryptocurrencies are decentralized, in that they do not rely or thrive on the premise of the performance or control of central authorities or institutions. Cryptos do not have a single entity that the tokens have to flow through, which implies in part that your retirement funds will not be subjected to any manipulation by the government or central banks.

4. Tremendous growth

Cryptocurrencies have offered unparalleled growth to investors who have managed to make timely entries and exits into the market. If anything, you may know a thing or two about the massive returns that early Bitcoin adopters amassed. The fact that mainstream financial institutions such as PayPal have recently begun supporting cryptocurrencies goes a long way to validate their value in the present-day world. This value could culminate in massive growth in the future.

5. Tax savings

The IRS Notice 2014-21 made it possible for Bitcoin to be treated as property. This means that all gains that an investor accrues can be retained in their IRA tax-free until it is time for them to start taking retirement distributions.

****Can I Convert my 401k Savings to Bitcoin? | Is It Possible?

Frequently Asked Questions on “ How to Invest in a Bitcoin IRA”

1. Is a Bitcoin IRA a risky investment?

Cryptocurrencies have been seen to be quite volatile at times, and this has led to many people perceiving them as risky. If you have a low tolerance to risk, then volatility can be such a major downside. Witnessing your retirement funds fall by over 10% in a single day can be too much to stomach. Risk lovers, on the other end, understand that volatility could also work in their favor, and cause the value of their portfolios to rise by several percentage points in a matter of hours.

2. Will the cryptocurrencies invested through a Bitcoin IRA be safe?

There are no guarantees that your cryptos will be safe, but you can maximize the chances of your holdings being safe by:

Using a wallet service provider that offers cold storage
Utilizing the services of a company that has high customer satisfaction ratings and reviews
Keep your wallet keys private.

3. Is Bitcoin IRA investing expensive?

A common drawback to investing using Bitcoin IRAs is the fact that investors have to pay higher fees than regular IRA holders. The account set-up fees vary from one IRA service provider to the next one, but they may always end up being higher than those charged by traditional IRAs.

Investors who open Bitcoin IRAs know, however, that there are tax advantages to be gained by using such a retirement structure. They also understand that it is necessary to keep all fees and charges as low as possible, to ensure that the tax advantages are not eaten into. This is something that you ought to also have in mind as you are deciding which Bitcoin IRA service provider you will turn to.

4. Can I withdraw the cryptocurrencies held through my Bitcoin IRA?

You are allowed to withdraw the cryptocurrencies held in your Bitcoin IRA after hitting 59 ½ years, which is the legal retirement age. Investors who attempt to withdraw their tokens before they are penalized for taking an early withdrawal. You ought to, as such, plan accordingly on the amount of money you will allocate to cryptocurrency investments.

Or you may also be interested in this other asset:

That will be all for today’s post on how to invest in a Bitcoin IRA. I hope you enjoyed reading it and that you gained information that will help you make better investment decisions. Let me know what your thoughts are about Bitcoin IRA investing, by dropping a comment in the section below.

I wish you well,

Eric, Investor and Team Member at Gold Retired!

What is Rocket Dollar? | Reviews & Complaints to be Found?

May 23, 2022 by admin Leave a Comment

Today we will look at the Rocket Dollar reviews from consumer protection agencies. What is Rocket Dollar? They are an IRA custodian company that specializes mainly in investment opportunities for individual retirement accounts. Let´s look into this new company in the industry!

Company: Rocket Dollar

Website: www.rocketdollar.com

Founder: Henry Yoshida

Price: $360 Setup fee +$15 per month

Who is it for?: Self-directed investors, retirees

Overall rating: (3.8 / 5)

Warning!

There are many scammers who will trick you into giving them your hard-earned cash.

They employ high-pressure sales techniques like calling you every day.

To avoid this, please do your own research before you decide what firm to invest with.

You can do this by checking the reviews and ratings independent 3rd party consumer protection agencies give them.

To discover which IRA investment firm consumers rate the highest… who won’t bother you with pushy sales calls… and who you can trust to protect and grow your wealth… then take a look at the top-5 lists of our Self-Directed IRA Dealers.

With that being said, let´s continue with the review on Rocket Dollar!

What is Rocket Dollar?

The company started in 2018 as a fairly new investment platform that positions itself as a low-cost platform for self-directed investors. They are there to ensure that their clients get all the help they need whenever they want to set up a Self-directed IRA or Solo 401k investment plan. The IRA or individual retirement account exists under a trust that holds investment assets acquired with an individual’s earned income for their eventual benefit in old age. The taxpayer is allowed by an IRA account to save their retirement benefits on a tax-deferred basis.

Address of the company: 2028 East Ben White Boulevard Suite 240-4010 Austin, TX 78741

How Does Rocket Dollar Work?

Opening an account through Rocket Dollar is pretty simple. A client signs up online, after which he/she signs the required documents, then funds their investments. Once a client funds an investment plan, they can start buying any legal investment. It may seem simplistic, but a deeper review of the factors involved assists the understanding of the complexity of the work put into Rocket Dollar as well as how easy it is to go wrong.

By opening an account through Rocket Dollar, an individual also opens a limited liability company. This company is opened under the ownership of the client’s account. The funds used in investments and the returns go through the LLC’s checkbook since one cannot combine personal funds and investment funds.

The LLC’s control of an individual’s investments account is meant to assist in staying compliant with set laws concerning self-directed investments. However, the account holder should note that they still have to apply caution when buying and selling assets. Rocket Dollar emphasizes that it is illegal to “self-deal” or buy or sell assets you or your business own. Due to this reason, Rocket Dollar offers to help fill the form 5500 for a client whenever it’s required as part of the client’s customer service.

What products do they offer?

Self-directed retirement accounts

Rocket Dollar facilitates the operation of self-managed retirement accounts by handling back-office documentation and connecting its users with prospecting investment partners. The platform offers self-directed IRAs and solo 401(k) accounts. Like retirement accounts, a Rocket Dollar user’s investment can save a huge amount of money in tax savings with high-yielding investments.

The self-directed retirement account offers investors a broad universe of IRS-approved investments.

The investments opportunities available to Rocket Dollar clients include:

Real estate
Metals: including IRA-approved gold and IRA-approved silver, among others.
Precious metals are available in bars, bullion, and even coins.
Commodities
Cryptocurrency
Equity Crowdfunding
Private equity lending
Start-up lending
Conventional lending
Peer-to-peer lending

With Rocket Dollars, a client can invest in options that are not on the platform through the “Bring Your Deal (BYOD)” provision, which turns an unlisted option into an investable opportunity.

As a client, one gains a wide selection of investment options to choose from whenever one needs to invest. With your hard-earned dollars positioned correctly, you will be at peace, knowing you will not lose it all in a moment. Even with the current economic and political scenario’s complexity of existing risks, you will still reap the benefits of your investment in your assets many years later.

**Also read:

Gold in war (hedge against inflation)

How to protect your 401(k) from a market crash

How to get started?

The company’s excellent customer service makes starting an investment plan with them fairly simple. However, it is advisable for you to start by accessing their website and reviewing the different products they offer. On the website, you will also get a free guide that can provide you with more information concerning IRA plan investment and factors to keep in mind when investing. The guide is considerably helpful to investors looking to open a self-directed IRA account for their retirement.

This will also provide some background into the company their history. Staying informed will assist you as a client in assessing the viability as well as the security of the intended investment. Should you prefer their services, the next step should be to contact the company through one of the various options given on their website.

A customer support specialist will get in touch with you and provide you with the guidance that you need to open a self-directed IRA or a Solo 401k account. They will also assist you through the investment process.

Whom Are Rocket Dollar’s Partners?

With Rocket Dollar, you can invest in almost anything with the self-directed IRA. The company has several online investment partners that assist when investing in the various options listed above. However, you should not take my word for this; it’s advisable to do your research on these companies.

The point to note is that, even if the partners are not impressive to you, with a self-directed IRA, you have the option to invest and set up accounts in the name of your IRA or Solo 401k, even when they don’t partner with Rocket Dollar.

What Are Rocket Dollar’s Fees?

Each account requires a $360 setup fee and an additional $15/month maintenance fee in Rocket Dollars’ silver option. Considering your account balance, this can be a preferable deal. Any additional fees incurred are included alongside these fees charged by Rocket Dollar.

Rocket Dollar has a Rocket Dollar Gold option for an expedited funding option. This option requires a $600 fee and a $30/monthly maintenance fee for people in need of support closing a deal quickly.

Comparing these fees with the free solo 401k plans by the major brokerage firms, they come out as expensive. However, this option allows you to control and invest in a greater variety of options.

How Do They Compare?

Rocket Dollar isn’t the only company in this trade. When looking for a Solo 401k or a Self-Directed IRA, the options are not limited to just a few companies, there are plenty of alternatives out there.

**On this page you can see our top-6 list of Self-Directed IRA Custodians.

However, here’s how Rocket Dollar compares to a couple of them (see more from link above):

RocketDollar ALTO My Solo 401k Financial

Setup Fee: $360 $49 $425

Annual Fee: $180 Up to $499 $125

Plan Types: IRA & 401k IRA IRA & 401k

What can we make out of these results?

This shows the slightly higher overall fees for Rocket Dollar; however, the effect it has on the company’s success, we are yet to see; as the company is fairly young, there haven’t been a lot of customer responses and reactions to derive from.

How good is their support?

The Rocket Dollar platform is a self-directed IRA and solo 401k provider. It bases its operation on keeping its plan easy to set up and manage. This ensures clients can focus on other demands. They have excellent customer service, which makes their support great.

Is Rocket Dollar a Scam?

So, is Rocket Dollar a scam? No. The company is not a scam but a legitimate IRA investment company. They have real owners documented on their website as well as a real physical address. However, the company is still fairly young, so we are yet to know how well it develops.

Though it is a young company, it has the advantage of numerous alternative investment opportunities, so if you are experienced as a trader, the company will provide the universe of options you need as long as the high fees don’t scare you.

Rocket Dollar Reviews & complaints

One of the best way to research a company is, without a doubt, to look at reviews of the particular company, in this case, Rocket Dollar. However, we do not like to just look at “any” review but we focus mainly on the most well-knwon and trusted independent third-party consumer protection agencies. The reason why we look at those places and put the most weight on that is because only real customers of a product or service can leave their testimonials there.

Below are the reviews on Rocket Dollar:

BBB (Better Business Bureau)

Rating: N/A

Trustpilot

Rating: N/A

BCA

Rating: N/A

Trustlink

Rating: N/A

Yelp

Rating: N/A

As you clearly can see above we didn´t find anything on the most well-known and trusted consumer watchdogs… Again, Rocket Dollar is a very young company so that might be the reason for it.

Rocket Dollars PROS

Self-directed IRA or Solo 401k easy setup
Alternatives investment options in an IRA
An expedited setup option great for those with urgency

CONS

Slightly higher than average annual fees

Do you own or represent this company?

Are you the owner or a representative of Rocket Dollar? Would you be interested in clarifying any of the details we have provided above or adding some details concerning the review? Any information will be added to ensure IRA prospecting investors get the best image of your platform.

The quickest and easiest method to get in touch with us is to post a note in the comments section below or to send us an email at the following address: contact@goldretired.com.

Final words & Verdict

Verdict: Legit

Overall rating: (3.8 / 5)

Rocket Dollar makes it cheap and easy to invest retirement funds in alternatives. For an experienced person, this is a compelling opportunity. I would be reluctant to invest my retirement dollars in alternative investing. The company is still too young to predict its future capabilities.

For now, I would think it wise to wait until that platform has established a track record of successful investing outcomes. An alternative investment is a risky trade that depends on the prowess of the individuals involved. This is not a trait one can judge on impulse; it requires actual scenarios of triumph over the challenges in the business world to make what I would call “an informed decision.”

As of now, I give the platform a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. However, this may change to a higher or a lower index in due time as we update our reviews on this site as soon as new trends come up on the platform.

Recommendation + resources

Please make sure to due your due diligence and ALWAYS compare different alternatives before you make any decisions to move forward with your investment. You are a smart person, I know that because you clearly understand the consept of doing your own research, you wouldn´t have read this far otherwise, right? So I am absolutely sure that you will find the company that suits your particular needs the best, and that you feel comfortable doing business with!

I hope you found this short review to be helpful and that you now got a better idea on what Rocket Dollar is and if it is something for you or not. We didn´t find any reviews from the consumer watchdog sites, so if you have experience yourself with this company then please share it in the comment section below as it can help others!

I wish you success!

Glanz, investor and team member at Gold Retired

What Are The Differences Between Gold and Bitcoin? Facts!

April 20, 2022 by Eric Leave a Comment

What are the differences between Gold and Bitcoin? Are there any similarities between these two assets? What do I need to know before adding either asset to my retirement investment portfolio? If you have been asking yourself such questions, then you are in luck because, in this article, we shall cover content that will help you understand what you need to, before deciding on which of the two assets you will invest in. If that sounds interesting to you, then read on to find out more.

P.S.

See my top-recommended Gold & Silver IRA investment solutions here

Introduction

Many market observers have drawn parallels between gold and bitcoin. Both of these have proven to be beneficial to investors, and both have been used as speculative investments at times and safe-haven assets at others. While some analysts have compared the two, there are significant differences between bitcoin and gold.

These range from the simple tenure of investment to the very nature of these assets themselves: gold is tangible, whereas bitcoin is a digital asset. Investors considering trading either of these can benefit greatly from comparing and contrasting the two.

The Fundamentals of Gold

For over 2,000 years, gold has been used as a form of currency. Every time miners extract gold from the ground, the supply of gold—that is, what we can access—increases. Gold finds its use in the manufacture of jewelry after it has been mined in this manner. Furthermore, investors can purchase precious metals in a variety of forms. They can purchase bullion or gain exposure to its price movements through a variety of financial instruments such as gold exchange-traded funds and gold futures.

Gold has for quite some time been getting a lot of attention as a safe-haven asset. In late 2011, the price of this precious metal reached an all-time high of more than $1,800, as debt problems arose on a global scope.

Augusta Precious Metals | Review on a No-Nonsense IRA Dealer

The Fundamentals of Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency that is mined in the same manner as gold is, but the process is entirely electronic. Bitcoin miners, in essence, are tasked with verifying transactions and combining them into blocks, which form the blockchain of the digital currency.

When the Bitcoin miners successfully complete a block, new bitcoins are released. The new tokens are generated in 10-minute intervals according to the bitcoin protocol. The digital currency units can then be used to make transactions. They can also use the units to make investments.

How Can I Buy Bitcoin With an IRA? Safe & Legit Approaches?

Can I Convert my 401k Savings to Bitcoin? | Is It Possible?

Important distinctions

For a long time, gold has been perceived as one of the best assets in different economies and markets in which it has been used as a means of exchange and wealth storage. Bitcoin was launched as the first mainstream crypto back in 2009, but it barely gained widespread acceptance until a couple of years later. Other key differences discussed below will be of help as you decide which one to include in your portfolio.

Liquidity

The liquidity of Bitcoin is a major concern for investors looking to it as a safe haven. Cryptocurrencies are typically very liquid assets, but this is not always the case. It is sometimes more liquid than other assets, and sometimes it isn’t. For example, if you had several hundred Bitcoin, you might have difficulty liquidating them if you needed to get out of cryptocurrency quickly—exchanges such as Coinbase only allow for $50,000 in cryptocurrency liquidation per day.

If the price of Bitcoin exceeds the daily limit set by your exchange, you will only be able to withdraw in smaller increments. If you don’t have a large number of Bitcoins, it could be a much more liquid asset for you. Furthermore, if the market swings wildly and many investors begin selling their Bitcoin, the price will plummet dramatically as a result.

Regulation

The gold industry happens to have an established system for trading and weighing, and the tracking processes are mostly flawless. It is extremely difficult to steal or forge, and it is also highly regulated. Many countries prohibit crossing borders with gold unless you have regulatory permission.

When it comes to investing in gold, you should only purchase it from registered and approved dealers and brokers; one caveat is that you should only buy physical gold if you can safely store it. Investors who purchase gold through gold IRAs are actually required to store their gold in an IRS-approved depository.

Owing to its encrypted and decentralized blockchain system, Bitcoin is also quite difficult to steal and forge. With several exceptions, it is legal to use this crypto across national borders. However, the regulatory infrastructure that could exist to ensure user safety is not yet in place; additionally, the anonymity of cryptocurrency makes it difficult to regulate.

Volatility

Bitcoin has historically been influenced by the media, investor sentiment, regulatory actions, and hype. News from the crypto industry may, however, cause investors to panic and make miscalculated decisions, sending Bitcoin’s price either rapidly upward or downward. Because of reasons similar to the ones highlighted above, gold does not have this volatility, making it a potentially safer asset.

Several alternative cryptocurrencies have been launched in recent years with the goal of providing greater stability than Bitcoin. These coins are referred to as “stablecoins” because their values are tied to fiat currency or another stable asset. Tether, for example, is linked to the value of the US dollar.

Utility

Gold has historically been used in a variety of applications, including currency, luxury items, and specialized applications in dentistry, electronics, and other fields. This multi-functional utility has given gold the ability to retain its value when the value of other assets falls.

Bitcoin’s utility is limited. It is currently only used as a speculative investment and a digital currency. However, there is a new financial technology called decentralized finance that uses cryptocurrency for financial transactions.

Bitcoin can be used for lending, borrowing, and possibly more in this emerging technology. It has the potential to be involved in nearly as many applications as gold, but, in the same vein, it has the potential to become both useless and valuable.

As you can see, the question of whether Bitcoin is a better investment than gold comes down to your investment objectives, whether you enjoy speculating, your risk tolerance, and how much capital you can afford to lose if the market turns. A financial advisor can assist you in setting investment goals and determining whether Bitcoin is a good investment for you.

Final Verdict

Gold and bitcoin are two investments that have received a lot of attention as safe-haven assets. There are some significant differences between them, such as gold being a physical commodity and bitcoin being entirely electronic.

However, there are some parallels between the two. They are both speculative investments in the sense that their prices are not based on more fundamental factors such as revenue, earnings, or interest payments.

Investors can benefit greatly from conducting thorough due diligence before purchasing or speculating on gold or bitcoin. Furthermore, they should remember that risk is inherent in investing, so they should not invest any money they cannot afford to lose.

Diversification

Overall, however, the two assets play an important role in portfolio diversification. Diversification of a portfolio can help to reduce risk and potential loss. Most investors incorporate this strategy in some way into their investment strategy; many argue that Bitcoin and gold can help.

Bitcoin is classified as a non-correlated asset, which means it is not directly linked to the stock market. As a result, a small allocation to Bitcoin in a traditional account has the potential to improve returns while not increasing overall volatility significantly. Gold can also protect your finances by diversifying them. It can also help you hedge against inflation or a financial crisis because it moves in the opposite direction of the dollar. This option would be better suited to investors seeking additional security.

Which is The Safest Gold Investment? (The Best Choice?)

How Do I Make Money With a Gold Investment? Realistic Ways?

How do I open a Bitcoin IRA? | Some Top Things To Consider!

Frequently Asked Questions on “What are the differences between gold and bitcoin?”

1. Is Bitcoin more valuable than gold?

Gold is a relatively rare metal. Bitcoin is uncommon in comparison to other cryptocurrencies, and gold is uncommon in comparison to other metals. They are both uncommon in their respective fields.

2. Is investing in Bitcoin the same as investing in gold?

Bitcoin, like gold, has become an alternative investment for some investors. It has a wide range of applications and can be a worthwhile investment if used correctly.

3. Is Bitcoin a Better Buy Than Gold?

Which is better depends on your risk tolerance, investment strategy, the amount of capital available, and the amount you can afford to lose. Bitcoin is significantly more volatile than gold, making it a riskier investment.

4. Can I invest in Bitcoin and Gold Using an IRA?

Yes, you can. You, however, have to open a type of IRA known as a self-directed IRA ( SDIRA). An SDIRA has a host of advantages over regular IRAs, including the fact that investors can use them to invest in a wider variety of assets, including precious metals, cryptocurrencies, and real estate.

==> See my #1 Recommended Gold & Silver IRA Solution

==> See Top-5 Recommended Cryptocurrency IRA Solutions

That will be all for this article in which we have looked at what the differences between gold and bitcoin are. I hope you found it helpful and that you now know which of the two assets is worthy of your time, money, and resources. If you still have questions pertaining to today’s post, do not hesitate to let me know. All you need to do is drop them in the comments section and I will get back to you ASAP.

I wish you well,

Investor and Team Member at Gold Retired!

What is a Cryptocurrency IRA Account? What Are Its Benefits?

January 26, 2022 by Eric Leave a Comment

What is a cryptocurrency IRA account? Is it necessary to open one if you are investing in cryptocurrencies? Which benefits does it present that you should be well-conversant with? Welcome to today’s post in which we shall see what crypto IRA accounts have to offer, in a bid to equip you with sufficient information to help you maneuver this industry.

P.S.

See our top-5 recommended cryptocurrency IRA service providers

Introduction

Planning for your retirement will in most cases entail opening some type of retirement account, defining your investment strategy, and maybe even hiring a financial planner. Historically, this has meant turning to traditional financial institutions for such needs to be fulfilled.

In the present day and time, however, many people believe that cryptocurrency is the way to go, in that it will play a very significant role in the exchange of value. This has in itself led to people thinking about investing in anything related to cryptocurrencies as part of the definition of the future financial world.

One of the products that are perfectly bridging the gap that exists between the future world and the traditional financial world is a cryptocurrency IRA. A crypto IRA is essentially a modern spin on the regular IRAs you may have already come across.

In the current world, having a financial product such as an IRA ( often perceived as traditional) being associated with cryptocurrencies ( which are quite digital by nature), may seem quite out of place. You will, however, be surprised to learn that investing in cryptocurrencies through an IRA may prove to be the best decision for you, more so due to the significant tax advantages that it presents.

How does a cryptocurrency IRA work?

Like any Individual Retirement Account, a cryptocurrency IRA is essentially a retirement account in which one invests and stores their cryptocurrencies. One faces the same procedures and standards as if they were investing in other asset classes, such as stocks and bonds, including the tax benefits.

There, however, maybe some differences in the case of the crypto IRA, such as:

Storage – Your cryptocurrency assets are usually stored in a digital wallet
Crypto exchange – To purchase your cryptocurrency assets
Custodian – You will need to work with a custodian who supports crypto assets.

What are the advantages of using a crypto IRA?

A major benefit of cryptocurrency IRAs that cannot be overemphasized is the future potential of cryptocurrencies as an asset class. Even with there being several legal and environmental concerns, as well as an uneven global attitude towards cryptos, there is no denying that cryptocurrencies have gradually increased in value, popularity, and legitimacy.

If nothing tampers with this trend, then it is expected that the potential returns for those who invested in cryptos for their retirement years, could be huge. Besides the promise of high returns, there are several benefits of opening a cryptocurrency IRA.

Tax Benefits

For investors looking for ways to minimize cryptocurrency taxes, a cryptocurrency IRA is a good way to achieve this. The IRS classifies cryptocurrencies as property, hence your earnings are subject to capital gains tax. You can limit the amount of money you can pay in taxes, by opening a cryptocurrency IRA that takes either a Traditional or a Roth IRA structure.

It is worth noting that the timing of the reception of the tax benefits varies, depending on whether one opens their cryptocurrency IRA in a Roth or Traditional structure. With a traditional crypto IRA, you get immediate tax benefits, owing to the fact that the contributions to the crypto IRA are viewed as tax-deductible, hence you do not pay the taxes until getting to your retirement years,

With a Roth cryptocurrency IRA, on the other hand, the contributions you make are not tax-deductible. You, however, get to receive the tax benefits down the road, by avoiding paying any capital gains taxes on the increase in value of your portfolio.

Security

If you work with a reliable crypto IRA service provider, then you can rest assured that your crypto assets will be stored safely. Most of such companies usually invest in state-of-the-art storage facilities that are heavily guarded. Also, the crypto assets are stored in cold wallets, which are very secure, and that hackers cannot access easily.

Diversification of your portfolio

A well-diversified portfolio that is designed to not only cater to your risk tolerance but to also meet your future and current goals, is a valid investment strategy. You can rely on a cryptocurrency IRA alongside your other assets, or your traditional IRA, to diversify your portfolio and to increase your income earning potential.

**You might also want to consider to open a gold & silver IRA to help you achieve the same objective.

Are there any risks of investing in cryptos through a crypto IRA?

Investing in cryptos through a crypto IRA or through any other approach, will more often than not present the same types of risks. It is good to be aware of those risks so that you do not get surprised when your crypto holdings disappoint you.

Some of the common risks you will encounter as a crypto IRA owner include:

High fees
Limited use case in comparison to other assets
Volatility

Volatility

Volatility happens to be the biggest menace when it comes to investing in cryptos. The decentralized nature of these digital tokens makes the path of their prices highly unpredictable. It can take something as minor as a single tweet from one person to send the prices of cryptos soaring or tanking. This is true for most crypto assets, hence the need to diversify one’s crypto assets. Doing this ensures that bad press for a certain crypto company or the entire crypto sector, will not tank your portfolio.

If you, however, fail to take the need to invest strategically seriously, then a bad day could mean massive losses, that could lead to you never attempting to invest in cryptos again.

Frequently Asked Questions on What is a crypto IRA Account?

1. How can I fund my future using a cryptocurrency IRA Account?

To invest in cryptocurrency for your retirement years, then you need to open a self-directed IRA which supports crypto investments. A self-directed IRA that mainly allows investors to invest in cryptos is referred to as a cryptocurrency IRA. All you need to do is to contact the support staff at any reliable crypto IRA service provider to get started. Most of these companies have very streamlined services which make the onboarding process for new clients stress-free.

Are cryptocurrency IRA accounts tax-advantaged?

Yes. Like other types of IRAs, cryptocurrency IRAs are also tax-advantaged. Depending on whether you open a Traditional crypto IRA or a Roth crypto IRA, you can either pay the taxes on your contributions or upon retiring. This is better than having to pay capital gains taxes on the profits you make during your trades. A crypto IRA is to a great extent, the best option for all crypto investors who are out to minimize crypto taxes.

Which assets can I invest in a crypto IRA account?

This depends on the IRA service provider that you are dealing with. Some companies will only allow investors to exclusively hold cryptocurrencies, while others may allow you to hold cryptocurrencies and other assets. This means that you need to confirm whether the company you intend to work with allows for one to invest in other asset classes.

Is a 401(k) a cryptocurrency IRA?

No. Unless in very special cases, your employer-sponsored 401(k) will not allow for you to invest in other assets besides paper assets. You may, as such, have the opportunity to invest in crypto stocks, but not cryptos as assets. To invest in cryptos, you will need to rollover your 401(k) to a cryptocurrency IRA.

Recommendation!

You are a smart person and I am absolutely sure that you will find the right company, that suits your needs the best and that you feel comfortable doing business with. Please ALWAYS make sure to do your research and COMPARE different companies against eachother, especially when it comes to fees. You might be surorised how much it can differ between the top IRA providers out there!

Read our review of the best crypto IRA service providers below:

See Gold Retired’s Top-5 Recommended Bitcoin IRAs

or

See Gold Retired’s Top-5 Recommended Gold & Silver IRAs

That will be all for this article on what a crypto IRA account is all about. I hope you gained some insights that will help you get started on the right foot if you do decide to open your crypto IRA today. If you have any questions pertaining to today’s topic, drop them in the comments section, and I will get back to you ASAP.

I wish you well,

Eric, Investor and Team Member at Gold Retired!