In an era of economic uncertainty, inflation, and volatile stock markets, American savers are increasingly seeking ways to diversify their retirement portfolios with tangible assets like gold and silver. For decades, traditional 401(k) plans—employer-sponsored retirement accounts that allow pre-tax contributions up to $24,500 in 2026—have been limited to stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.
Direct investments in physical precious metals were off-limits due to IRS restrictions on “collectibles” in qualified plans. However, an executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump on August 7th, 2025, is set to change that landscape.
Starting February 2026, select 401(k) plans can incorporate IRS-approved gold and silver bullion and coins, offering a hedge against market downturns and a path to greater portfolio stability.
Direct investments in physical precious metals were off-limits due to IRS restrictions on “collectibles” in qualified plans. However, an executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump on August 7th, 2025, is set to change that landscape.
Starting February 2026, select 401(k) plans can incorporate IRS-approved gold and silver bullion and coins, offering a hedge against market downturns and a path to greater portfolio stability.
The IRS Rules: What Counts as “Allowable” Precious Metals?
The IRS has long classified most art, antiques, and gems as collectibles, prohibiting them in retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs to prevent speculative abuse. But exceptions exist for certain precious metals under Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m).
These “non-collectible” assets include:
The IRS has long classified most art, antiques, and gems as collectibles, prohibiting them in retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs to prevent speculative abuse. But exceptions exist for certain precious metals under Internal Revenue Code Section 408(m).
These “non-collectible” assets include:
- Gold bullion with at least 99.5% purity, or specific U.S.-minted coins like American Gold Eagles (91.67% pure).
- Silver bullion with at least 99.9% purity, or one-ounce American Silver Eagles.
- Platinum and palladium bullion at 99.95% purity, plus state-minted coins.
How It Works: Adding Gold and Silver to Your 401(k)Incorporating precious metals into a 401(k) isn’t as simple as buying stocks, but it’s feasible through self-directed options or specialized funds. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Check Plan Eligibility: Not every employer’s 401(k) will offer this. Starting February 2026, participants in plans with “brokerage windows” or alternative investment arms can allocate a portion (typically 5-20%) to approved metals. If your plan lags, consider rolling over to an Individual 401(k) (Solo 401(k) for self-employed) or a self-directed IRA for more flexibility.
- Select Approved Assets: Work with your plan’s custodian to purchase bullion or coins.
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Tax Advantages Intact: Contributions remain pre-tax, growing tax-deferred until withdrawal. Unlike traditional investments, physical metals don’t generate dividends, but their value appreciation is sheltered. Withdrawals before age 59½ still incur penalties, and required minimum distributions (RMDs) start at 73.
What Savers Should Do Next
As February 2026 approaches, review your 401(k) statement and consult a fiduciary advisor to assess fit.
If your plan doesn’t adapt, a direct rollover to a Precious Metals IRA preserves tax benefits while unlocking full access.
With contribution limits rising—$24,500 base plus $8,000 catch-up for those 50+—2026 is primed for strategic shifts.
This evolution in 401(k) rules democratizes access to time-tested assets, empowering Americans to fortify their golden years—literally—with gold and silver.
Stay informed, diversify wisely, and let your retirement shine.
As February 2026 approaches, review your 401(k) statement and consult a fiduciary advisor to assess fit.
If your plan doesn’t adapt, a direct rollover to a Precious Metals IRA preserves tax benefits while unlocking full access.
With contribution limits rising—$24,500 base plus $8,000 catch-up for those 50+—2026 is primed for strategic shifts.
This evolution in 401(k) rules democratizes access to time-tested assets, empowering Americans to fortify their golden years—literally—with gold and silver.
Stay informed, diversify wisely, and let your retirement shine.
From WhiteHouse.gov:
President Donald J. Trump Democratizes Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors
EXPANDING INVESTMENT CHOICES FOR 401(K) PLANS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to allow 401(k) investors to access alternative assets for better returns and diversification.
- The Order directs the Secretary of Labor to reexamine the Department of Labor’s guidance on a fiduciary’s duties regarding alternative asset investments in ERISA-governed 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans.
- The Order instructs the Secretary of Labor to clarify the Department of Labor’s position on alternative assets and the appropriate fiduciary process associated with offering asset allocation funds containing investments in alternative assets.
- The Order directs the Secretary of Labor to consult with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other federal regulators to determine whether parallel regulatory changes should be made at those agencies to give effect to the purpose of the Order.
- The Order directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to facilitate access to alternative assets for participant-directed defined-contribution retirement savings plans by revising applicable regulations and guidance.
PROMOTING RETIREMENT SECURITY THROUGH DIVERSIFIED INVESTMENTS: President Trump wants to give American workers more investment options in order to attain stronger and more financially secure retirement outcomes.
- More than 90 million Americans participate in employer-sponsored defined-contribution plans, and most of those are currently restricted from investing in alternative assets, unlike wealthy investors and retirement plans for government workers.
- Alternative assets, such as private equity, real estate, and digital assets, offer competitive returns and diversification benefits.
- Regulatory overreach and litigation risks have limited ERISA-governed plan fiduciaries from including alternative assets in their investment portfolios, hindering workers’ retirement growth.
- President Trump is expanding access to these assets to ensure a dignified and comfortable retirement for all Americans.
BUILDING WEALTH AND SECURING RETIREMENT FOR ALL AMERICANS: President Trump is delivering on his promise to enhance financial opportunities and retirement security for all Americans, ensuring they can build wealth and thrive.
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President Trump’s Department of Labor has already rescinded guidance put place by the Biden Administration regarding digital assets.
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President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on his promise to ensure retirees can keep more of their hard-earned benefits.
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President Trump promised to make the United States the “crypto capital of the world,” emphasizing the need to embrace digital assets to drive economic growth and technological leadership.
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Through tax cuts and deregulation, President Trump is delivering on his promise to Make America Wealthy Again, empowering workers to save and invest more for their retirement.
