You are probably familiar with how Venezuela’s inflation has skyrocketed. If you have been following market news, it is no secret that the economy is in poor condition. Some people are also losing out on their retirement money, which means it’s a great time to check out precious metals IRAs.
If you’ve already explored IRAs, it’s also best to check the status of your investments. Is your gold IRA eligible? Have you invested in approved precious metals? Find out more as you read into this article!
Unlike other precious metals businesses, Augusta Precious Metals displays a breakdown of all their product and service costs in the first meeting. This practice enables investors to be ready for the amount they need before picking them as custodians.
Despite having a wide range of rare metal assets, their selection has restrictions. They only have gold coins, bullion, and silver bullion. Augusta Precious Metals do not offer palladium and palladium options.
#2Goldco: Runner up – Best Customer Service and Pricing
This particular gold and silver IRA company engages in a “white-glove” level of customer assistance. This is where a company specialist assists a designated client in every transaction. However, this company’s downside is its non-disclosure gold IRA prices.
Still, Goldco is among the most reputable gold and silver IRA dealers. They manage and control investment plans for gold rollover IRA account proprietors, making investing more secure and seamless.
American Hartford Gold (AHG) delivers its customers complete access to content libraries. It includes various topics, including how investors can acquire precious metals and develop better investment judgments.
To top things off, they operate with a variable fee structure. American Hartford Gold’s annual service costs are proportionate to the amount their clients use in their gold IRA account for a specific time.
This gold IRA firm deals with numerous investment options perfect for every client. Another thing that makes them stand out among its competitors in the market is that they have an affordable minimum investment.
Birch Gold Group breaks down service and administrative costs on a single page on its website. But what’s interesting is that when figures vary, this company adjusts the prices months before implementing them online.
Pros
Transparent fee structure
Strong focus on platinum and palladium choices
Has numerous options for depository services
With a flat rate option for customers who buy in bulk frequently
Noble Gold has already secured about a billion dollars for loyal customers. You can say that they take the security and safety of their client’s money to their highest level. They also offer a copy of your proof of order free of charge.
Aside from that, Noble Gold helps clients with their investment education. They can deliver an in-depth understanding and awareness of how to appraise their clients’ investment values. After all, their primary vision is to ensure clients’ wealth protection and appreciation.
Pros
Has a team of trusted financial consultants
Has an easy buyback program
Supplied with a wide selection of gold and silver offerings
These gold assets meet Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standards and purity requirements if you want to put them in an individual retirement account. This is to avoid involving gold and silver collectibles in the mix.
However, there are some peculiarities to the rule. Gold is also legal tender, meaning you can put some of them in a self-directed IRA. The list includes the following:
Gold bullion and rounds:These physical precious metals should be 99.5% pure. Further, small gold bars must satisfy the exact weight specifications.
Gold coins:Similar to bars and rounds, gold coins should have a 99.5% purity level, except the well-known American Gold Eagle coin. These physical gold coins must arrive with a certificate of authenticity, be in mint condition, and have original packaging.
How Can You Invest In IRA-Eligible Gold?
For beginners, you must buyIRA-eligible goldand work with an IRS-approved custodian tasked with ensuring your precious metals meet strict regulations. In addition, all eligible gold assets in an individual retirement account must be inside an IRS-certified depository.
You do not have to worry about this because gold and silver IRA firms can assist you with the different processes. This includes choosing the custodian to arrange your precious metals in storage.
Knowing the basic requirements for purchasing IRA-eligible gold assets is also crucial. You should know and meet the base investment requirement and pay account setup, storage and maintenance, and shipping costs.
What Are The Benefits Of Investing In IRA-Eligible Gold?
If you are not a fan of paper assets but want to keep your investments safe and secure, investing in gold might be an excellent option. Gold is one of the safest investments available today, and it can also help protect your assets if market circumstances change.
If you purchase gold bars or rounds, their worth closely follows the “spot price” of gold. This reflects the current market value per ounce.
Now that you have seen the basics of gold IRAs, it is time to know why you should consider investing in them.
IRA-eligible gold assets provide a hedge
Note that gold has an inverse association with the dollar’s worth. For instance, when the dollar value declines, gold’s worth tends to increase and vice-versa — as such, putting a portion of a gold IRA into your retirement portfolio could shield you against inflation.
IRA-eligible is a long-term asset
You are probably familiar with the fact that gold assets are long-term investments. Precious metals like gold are an excellent fit for retirement accounts as they grow for many decades.
IRA-eligible gold delivers tax-deferred growth
Similar to a traditional IRA, a gold IRA provides a tax-deferred increase in earnings. Additionally, you will enjoy tax-deductible contributions for your gold IRAs. You can also do this to your Roth account.
How Much Should You Invest In IRA-Eligible Gold?
If you are younger than 30 years old, the most you can contribute to your gold IRA is 6,000 USD annually. The limit for those 50 years and older can rise to 7,000 USD.
Generally, many investment professionals recommend allocating no more than 5 to 10% of an individual’s portfolio to precious metals like gold. While gold commodities can ideally diversify your portfolio and can provide protection against inflation, it is not volatility-proof.
What To Consider When Purchasing IRA-Eligible Gold
Individuals need to weigh the pros and cons regarding their new ventures. While you do not technically need a precious metals IRA to invest in gold and silver assets, opening one can provide substantial tax benefits.
Remember that funds deposited into a traditional IRA are deductible up to allowable limits per year. On the other hand, you can withdraw your Roth IRA tax-free during retirement.
Here are the factors you must consider before investing in gold individual retirement accounts (IRAs):
Contribution limits
According to the IRS, workers younger than 50 have a 6,000 USD contribution limit in 2022. For workers 50 and up, they can contribute up to 7,000 USD. If you wish to purchase more gold higher than that yearly, you must do it outside IRA investing.
Fees
Setting up a gold IRA is not cheap. It is more costly than a traditional IRA or buying gold outside an IRA. A gold IRA has account and storage maintenance fees and can sometimes have initial setup expenses.
Minimum investment requirements
Some gold IRAs demand an initial deposit of 25,000 USD or more. Unless you already have an existing IRA balance to roll over, it may be tough to meet the minimum.
Early withdrawal penalty
The national government mint doesn’t want you to spend your retirement funds before retirement. This is why they charge a 10% tax penalty on withdrawals below 59 and a half years old. If you need to liquidate your gold commodities before retirement, an IRA may not be an excellent choice.
Final Thoughts – Gold IRA Eligible
Adding a portion ofIRA-eligible goldis a particular way to count as an inflationary hedge to your retirement portfolio mix. Gold assets are not risk-free and may only be ideal for some investors. But given the market and economic uncertainty, gold is an asset worth investing in.
You must find the right dealer for your account to open a new gold IRA. Augusta Precious Metals is one of the ideal choices for your all-around gold IRA investments. Still, if you’re hesitant, other companies may also be a better fit for your situation.
Studio S
JUNE 15, 2026
A Modern Take on Steak
Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of
Coronado
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let theBalboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
16 Museums, One Pass
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:FleetScience.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Phone: 619-238-1233
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:Niwa.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m. Phone: 619-232-2721
The Old Globe
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:TheOldGlobe.org Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-234-8291
San Diego History Center
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SanDiegoHistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Phone: 619-232-6203
San Diego Junior Theatre
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:JuniorTheatre.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-239-1311
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SDNat.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer Phone: 619-232-3821
WorldBeat Cultural Center
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Website:WorldBeatCenter.org Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone: 619-230-1190
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.
At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.
Try This!
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri
Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.
Try This!
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha
Labora Café
8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111 858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.
Try This!
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.
Happy Medium
4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104 619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com
