Gold and other precious metals have been used as stores of value for thousands of years, so naturally investors are curious about adding them to their portfolio. Curiosity typically peaks not when the markets are quiet and things are going well, but when things are volatile and the future is uncertain. Whereas common investment classes like stocks and bonds generate growth and income for a portfolio, and provide liquidity, gold provides none of these. It doesn't produce income, it doesn't compound, and is not as liquid. As Matt says, gold is not a plan, it's a compliment to a plan.

Before you buy, it's important to ask yourself what the actual problem is you are trying to solve. Adding gold to a good financial plan doesn't necessarily improve the plan, it just changes it. If anything it adds more complexity to the plan, which carries its own risk. Moreover, buying gold carries opportunity cost, shifting assets away from growth and income production. So ask yourself, what are you trying to do by buying precious metals? Are you looking for stability, protection, diversification, or something else? Most of these questions point to structural issues that you may need to address elsewhere in your plan before buying gold.

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Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.

This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index.

Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date.
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including
the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value.

Follow Matt Murphy

Web: https://www.benetaswealth.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/jb7SNc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmurphycfp

Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.

This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index.

Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date.
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including
the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value.

Retirement income is not like income from a job. It's a layered system, and it can be confusing. Matt explains how retirement income shows up on a tax return, and how each piece -- IRA distributions, Social Security, etc -- builds up to your taxable income. He also explains why people are sometimes surprised by their tax bill in retirement, and why financial planning that looks at your income throughout your retirement years (not just the beginning) is so important.

Follow Matt Murphy

Web: https://www.benetaswealth.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/jb7SNc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmurphycfp

Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser.

This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index.

Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date.
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including
the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value.