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When your employer's retirement plan isn't yielding satisfactory results, it might be time to explore options for diversifying your investment portfolio.
Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans often restrict you to a predefined selection of traditional asset classes.
Achieving a well-rounded portfolio may necessitate looking beyond conventional investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
For those considering alternative investments, there are numerous possibilities, including real estate, collectibles, and even cryptocurrency.
Before we get started, investing your savings is a serious task. When it comes to adding precious metals to your portfolio, how do you know which companies to trust?
That is why we have researched every company in the industry and selected the very few with the highest customer service standards.
This way you can easily compare the best companies in the business, and choose one that fits your needs and investment goals.
Read the list to see if 1st National Reserve passed our strict customer service standards to become one of our top recommendations.
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However, many alternative investments introduce higher levels of risk and volatility into your portfolio. If you want to diversify your portfolio with stable alternative investments, you may want to explore investing in precious metals.
Precious metal investments include coins, bars, and bullion. You also may invest in mining stocks and precious metal dealer stocks. These investments can provide a hedge against inflation. When the stock market declines, precious metals often hold or increase in value.
Before you purchase your first gold or silver investments, you should be aware that the IRS sets rules and regulations for precious metal investments. Purchases must be investment grade, meaning they have a high quality or fineness rating.
You also must hold your investments in a self-directed IRA, often known as a gold IRA. These special IRAs give you greater control over your investment decisions. You decide what to purchase with your funds, and the IRA custodian carries out your wishes.
Not all banks or investment firms offer IRAs approved for precious metal investments. Many companies advertise gold IRA services on late-night television and the Internet. Before selecting your gold IRA firm or precious metals dealer, do your research. Look for industry accreditations and positive customer reviews. A reputable company will offer a detailed fee schedule and buyback policy.
Once you select your precious metals company, you also need to select an approved depository to store your investments. The depository must be insured against fire, flood, theft, and other losses. Some depositories store multiple investors' precious metals together in one vault.
Other depositories separate each investor's precious metals. Investors also may choose to take physical possession of their precious metals and store them in an gold IRA FDIC-insured safe deposit box.
To start investing in precious metals, new customers can search online for precious metal dealers. One dealer you'll find is 1st National Reserve in Beaumont, Texas.
What is 1st National Reserve?
Founded by experts in numismatics, 1st National Reserve connects new and experienced coin collectors with gold, silver, and other rare coins. 1st National Reserve specializes in rare United States coins and bullion.
Using the latest technology, the company's expert buyers access nationwide numismatics trading networks. Through these networks, the company's buyers can locate, buy, and sell high-quality, rare coins and bullion.
If the coin you're looking for isn't in the company's current inventory, 1st National Reserve's buyers can locate the item you want in their network of contacts. In addition to buying and selling coins, the team also helps investors with diversification strategies, such as opening a Gold IRA.
1st National Reserve offers numerous articles on its website. These articles focus on topics like investment strategies, market performance, and coin grading. The company's goal is to help new and experienced investors learn more about their precious metal investment options.
1st National Reserve is a member of numismatics professional organizations including PCGS, NGC, ICTA, and others. They are a registered precious metals dealer in Texas and the city of Beaumont. In 2002, 1st National Reserve received Better Business Bureau accreditation. Since 1989, 1st National Reserve has served over 112,000 customers and conducted $316 million in business.
Company Info & History
In 1989, 1st National Reserve opened its doors and began serving coin collectors. The Better Business Bureau opened a file for the company in 1992. In 2002, 1st National Reserve received accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.
Since the company's founding in 1989, they have served over 112,000 customers across the United States. To date, they have conducted $316 million in numismatic transactions.
Management Team
Numismatic Consultant: Mike Fuljenz serves as the numismatic consultant for 1st National Reserve. Known as America's Gold Expert, Fuljenz has over 50 years of experience in the numismatics industry. He is the winner of over 60 national and regional awards, including the American Numismatics Association's Presidential Service Award and the ANA 2021 Dealer of the Year award.
Fuljenz is the author of numerous award-winning books and newsletters. He frequently appears on radio and television to educate investors about precious metals. He is a frequent presenter at organizations that train law enforcement to recognize and stop counterfeiting. Due to his contributions to the industry, he received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, McNeese State University, in 2015.
Reviews and Complaints
1st National Reserve has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The company has one rating of 4 out of 5 stars on the BBB website. The review from 2022 states that 1st National Reserve added a large markup to the collector coin price.
This customer states that they called a dealer in Houston who offered a price that was over $400 lower. The customer also experienced communication issues around sending a check for the purchase. 1st National Reserve did respond to the issues raised by the reviewer.
Although 1st National Reserve has a profile on TrustPilot, they do not have any reviews or ratings. On another review site, Birdseye.com, 1st National Reserve has an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews. One reviewer states that 1st National Reserve sells coins at about twice what they are worth.
On Facebook, 1st National Reserve has seven customer reviews with an average rating of 5 stars. Reviewers praise the company for offering great prices and fast shipping. Google also has reviews of 1st National Reserve that state the company sells coins at competitive prices. Customers also state the 1st National Reserve's account executives were very professional.
Custodian and Storage
1st National Reserve does not provide information about custodians or depository storage on its website. Customers should contact the company directly for custodians and depository recommendations.
Reserve
Customers may contact 1st National Reserve using their toll-free customer service phone number. The company website also offers a live chat service. If chat is unavailable, customers may fill out the online form to request a callback from an account executive. 1st National Reserve customers also may contact the company through email.
Consultation
The company's website does not mention consultations specifically. Customers should contact the customer service line to speak with a gold and silver expert.
Account Setup
Customers can set up a free online account with 1st National Reserve. Using this account, customers can track orders and view previous orders. Account holders also enjoy a quicker shopping experience and exclusive discounts.
If you are interested in opening a self-directed IRA for precious metal purchases, contact 1st National Reserve directly. The company does not provide information about opening an IRA on its website.
Funding
When you set up a Gold IRA, you can fund your new account with a cash contribution, transfer, or rollover. If you are transferring or rolling over funds from an employer account, you may pay taxes if you are under the age of 59 and a half or still employed there.
Purchase
1st National Reserve does not require a minimum order amount for purchases. Customers may pay for their purchases with a credit card, check, wire transfer, or Paypal. 1st National Reserve must receive a payment within 5 business days, or they will cancel the purchase.
For most transactions, prices are locked in at the time of the order. The company may require a credit card on file for check purchases.
If you pay for your order with a check, wire transfer, cashier's check, or money order, 1st National Reserve will give you a 3.85% discount. Credit card and phone orders are not eligible for the discount. For transactions paid for with a check, 1st National Reserve may hold the transaction for 10 days to ensure the check clears.
Delivery and Storage
Customers won't pay for shipping for orders over $199. For orders $199 and under, shipping is $9. Shipment times vary depending on payment. Presale orders may ship later than other orders. 1st National Reserve ships orders via USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Depending on the order size and type, you may have to sign for your delivery.
Products
1st National Reserve offers the following gold and silver products:
Buyback Policy
Customers may return items within 30 days of purchase. Items must be in their original packaging. There are no refunds for special orders or bullion orders.
Fees
1st National Reserve states in its customer agreement that the ask prices for common bullion coins include a fee between 1 and 5 percent. Common date antique coin prices include a 10-15 percent fee. The rarest coins may have larger markups. For IRA purchases, 1st National Reserve adds between 1 and 10 percent to the cost price.
Our Rating
Pros & Cons
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Conclusion
1st National Reserve's experts have a combined 50 years of experience in the numismatics industry. The company primarily focuses on buying and selling coins. They also are market makers for several popular coins.
1st National Reserve's consultant, Mike Fuljenz, is a recognized expert in the numismatics industry. New customers will appreciate the educational materials and live price information on the website.
Although the company has been in business since 1989, they do not have a lot of reviews on sites like TrustPilot or the Better Business Bureau.
Customers give mixed reviews on the company's prices. Some customers complain about higher prices than other area dealers. Before purchasing from any dealer, customers should compare prices, read reviews, and check return policies.
Remember to read out list of the Top Gold Companies to see if 1st National Reserve made the cut.
>> Click HERE to read our Best Precious Metals Investment Companies list <<
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At Digital Financing Task Force, we provide research and analysis for people that want to take control of their financial future and protect the savings that they have.
