It might seem safer to use old-fashioned retirement plans than grandma’s quilt, but gold seems to shine a little brighter as the world wobbles on. Let’s be honest: money isn’t always king, especially when inflation is eating away at your savings like a rodent in a cupboard. That’s where best gold IRA come in. They offer more than just a place to put your eggs.

First of all, why put gold in your IRA? Banks manufacture money like it’s a flyer for Black Friday. Paper markets twist on rumors from around the world, and people are nervous about tech stocks one minute and oil the next. But gold seems to be stuck. It stays calm during market crashes year after year. A gold IRA isn’t a way to get rich quickly; it’s more like a marathon than a sprint. People like gold largely because they can touch it. You can really hold this stuff if things become crazy. Give that a shot with an index fund.

But don’t just leap in without thinking. If you’re not careful, the hoops around a gold IRA might trip you up. There are two sets of rules for regular IRAs and gold IRAs. You’re trying to keep track of IRS restrictions, approved custodians, and storage needs. There are also differences between different types of gold. You don’t want to buy a gold-plated coaster by accident, so be careful with bars, coins, and particular purities. A lot of people mess up here because they think that shiny things are worth more. It’s wise to double-check the IRS’s gold rulebook so that your retirement plan doesn’t turn into a gilded headache.

So, who should think about it? For starters, anyone who is tired of their portfolio feeling like a roller coaster. A gold IRA can provide you the “steady Eddie” stability you need if you look at your statements and feel like you need to breathe into a paper bag. Gold doesn’t pay interest, but it keeps your investments safe when paper assets go up and down. Some investors add gold to their retirement savings, but just 10 to 15 percent of it. Some people lean more. How much sleep you lose because of Wall Street’s mood swings will determine the sweet spot.

People don’t talk about this much: storage. You can’t hide your gold IRA assets under your mattress or in a bunker in your backyard, according to the IRS. You need a depository that isn’t yours. And don’t even think about trying to sneak a look or “keep” your bars for safekeeping. That move could lead to taxes or fines, and no one wants Uncle Sam to come knocking.

Fees also sneak up on you. There are usually setup costs, yearly maintenance costs, and storage costs. It’s like paying rent on gold that you can’t keep. That hurts, therefore look at different custodial and storage choices. Ask about how they sell things. Some stores push coins and collectibles with huge markups, but you only need one or two of the IRS-approved options.

Then there’s the buy-back game. Are you going to sell your gold before you retire? Check to see if your dealer or caretaker has a clear path out. Some will pay the market price, while others will try to get a better deal. Don’t let someone take your golden goose.

The most important thing is to always be aware. Where money moves, scams happen. If someone promises you assured profits, get out of there fast. Gold is worth a lot, yet it doesn’t float. If something smells bad, it probably is.

Finally, consider of a gold IRA as one more thing you may use to manage your money. It won’t repair everything, but it can make your retirement picture look a bit better with little added security. Don’t put all your money in one place; instead, spread it out. Gold should be your insurance, not a magic bullet.