Are you preparing to retire in the future? Nobody wants to work forever, so we have to begin preparations now before it’s too late.
In this particular case, opening a gold IRA account is a great way to shore up your retirement future. This account allows you to buy physical precious metals in the form of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.
Many people realize the benefits of opening this type of account. It’s a valid way to take precaution while protecting your wealth from economic volatility, inflation, and stock market and housing market crashes amongst all the things.
Initiating a gold IRA rollover seems like a complicated process that many people unfortunately fear. There’s a good reason to worry because it’s possible to make a mistake that could lead to an additional 10% penalty and paying early withdrawal taxes.
To avoid this prospect, it’s important to learn about the rules and regulations regarding a gold IRA rollover. I’ll also share information about agold IRA transfer, which is a safer alternative depending on whether or not it’s allowed for your particular account.
Gold IRA Rollover Important Info
The main way to initiate a gold IRA rollover is to take a distribution from a retirement account already in existence, and use the distributed proceeds to fund the gold IRA account. There are many options for investors to choose from as far as personal and employer-sponsored retirement accounts are concerned. The eligible accounts allowed during a gold IRA rollover include:
Traditional IRA
Roth IRA
SEP IRA
Self-directed 401(k)
Employer-sponsored 401(k)
TSP
403(b)
457(b)
When dealing with accounts that are employer-sponsored, the person who owns the account must no longer remain as an employee of their former employer in order to be able to initiate a gold IRA rollover. This is the case all around, but the majority of employers will not allow rollovers from their sponsored retirement accounts.
On the other hand, an employee can initiate a partial rollover once they reach 59 ½ years old as long as their employer allows it.
Please note: when you ask your custodian or administrator to initiate a rollover, the funds will be withdrawn as a distribution from your existing retirement account. The custodian will send the funds directly to you via wire transfer or check.
At this stage, you become responsible to deposit the distribution into your new gold IRA account. You have to make this deposit within 60 days of the distribution taking place.
If you fail to deposit the money within 60 days, you will have to pay an early withdrawal fee in the form of a 10% penalty. Plus, since the rollover is now considered a distribution because you missed the 60-day window, you are also responsible to pay taxes on the income the next time you file with the federal government.
If you are looking to invest in precious metals through your retirement savings, one of the top recommended companies by financial services expertsMy Retirement Paycheckis currently offering up to $10,000 in free silver with qualifying purchases.
Can you afford not to explore protecting your retirement? If you have the slightest concern about the weakening dollar, get afree gold investing guide.
Gold IRA Rollover Rules
As previously mentioned, it’s important to pay close attention to the 60-day deposit rule. Failure to do so can lead to an early withdrawal penalty that costs 10%, as well as paying tax consequences within your next filing. You have to deposit the funds into your new gold IRA account within the 60-day window. If you miss the window, the rollover then becomes a distribution according to the IRS.
The account holder isn’t always responsible to pay an early withdrawal penalty depending on their age. If the account holder happens to be 59 ½ years of age or older, they could potentially miss the withdrawal window and avoid the early withdrawal 10% penalty. Why? 59 ½ years of age is the minimum withdrawal age requirement. Anyone at this age or older isn’t technically taking an early withdrawal because they’ve reached retirement age. Just remember that failing to complete the rollover means you’ve taken a distribution, which also means you must pay taxes on the income when you file a tax return next.
Gold IRA account holders must also be aware that they are only allowed to initiate one rollover every 365 days, or once a year to put it another way. If a second rollover is initiated during the same calendar year, this will be considered a distribution and an early withdrawal penalty will kick in if the account holder is younger than 59 ½ years old.
When rolling over funds from one IRA account to a gold IRA account, there is no need for tax withholding. This isn’t the case with other types of retirement accounts, so keep this in mind. With a 401(k), as an example, there is a 20% tax withholding after initiating a rollover.
Gold IRA Transfer Rules
A gold IRA transfer is an entirely different way to fund your brand-new gold IRA account, and quite frankly, it’s the easiest and most convenient way to fund the account without having to worry about early withdrawal penalties and other tax consequences.
The rules for a gold IRA transfer include:
Account holders are not subjected to a 60-day deposit rule during the transfer process. Why? This is a custodian to custodian transfer, meaning the account holder never gets involved during the entire process. The money goes directly from one retirement account to the other, and the new custodian deposits the funds into the new gold IRA account without your intervention.
Account holders never have to pay early withdrawal penalties during a gold IRA transfer. It’s never going to be an issue because the money moves directly from one account to the other, so a potential distribution never actually happens.
Gold IRA transfer funds aren’t taxable. The only time anyone will pay taxes on funds from a gold IRA account is if they take a distribution. This usually happens when the account holder reaches 59 ½ years old.
There aren’t any limits to the number of gold IRA transfers made with an account during the year. You can transfer funds once a day, once a week, once a month, or once a year if that’s how you want to handle things.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, gold IRA rollover is likely a little more complicated than you originally imagined, but it isn’t mine numbingly difficult to complete. Follow the rules mentioned above and you’ll have no problem initiating a rollover or transfer and properly following the steps so you aren’t subject to early taxes or early withdrawal penalties.
gold bullion.jpg
.
Studio S
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
Vi at La Jolla Village – Senior Living in the Heart of Everything
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Sharp Community Medical Group connects patients with high-quality, coordinated health care close to home while supporting the communities its physicians serve.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Kaveh Bahmanpour, a family medicine physician and patient
When it comes to health care, convenience matters. Whether you need a routine checkup, a specialist appointment, diagnostic imaging, or hospital care, receiving services close to home can make a meaningful difference for you and your family. That is the philosophy behind Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG), one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, built around a simple idea: exceptional health care should be available in the communities where people live, work, and raise their families.
SCMG’s local care delivery model begins with choosing a primary care physician in your neighborhood. When specialty care is needed, your doctor can refer you to local specialists who are part of the SCMG network. Those specialists can admit patients to nearby Sharp HealthCare or Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, helping ensure care remains coordinated and close to home.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Sharp Community Medical Group’s local care delivery model
The benefits extend far beyond physician visits. SCMG patients have access to community-based laboratories, MRI and radiology centers, urgent care locations, pharmacies, and other ancillary services throughout the region. Instead of traveling across the county for care, patients can often receive the services they need in the communities they know and trust. As a result, care becomes more convenient, more connected, and easier to navigate.
For many SCMG physicians, the word “Community” in the organization’s name is more than branding. It reflects a commitment to giving back to the people and neighborhoods they serve.
That commitment is evident in the work of Dr. Joseph Novencido, an SCMG-affiliated physician and President of the Filipino Medical Association of San Diego, who organized the inaugural 2025 Carabao 5K. The event was created to encourage healthy lifestyles and physical activity among Filipino Americans, a population that experiences cardiovascular disease at significantly higher rates than the general U.S. population.
“Community is extremely important to me,” said Dr. Novencido. “I grew up in a very diverse community, and working in this area, in the community I grew up in is so fulfilling. It is so nice to be in a position where I can make a difference in the lives of the people here.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Joseph Novincido, a family medicine physician and his family
SCMG physician Dr. Leticia Polanco shares a similar passion for serving her community in Chula Vista.
“The reason I decided to go into medicine is because I felt there was an overwhelming need for people like me to take care of the community that I live in,” she said. “In our practice, we work as a team, we collaborate with our staff, and we really want to give that warm feeling to people who come here for care.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Leticia Polanco, a family medicine physician and a staff member
Stories like these highlight what distinguishes SCMG: a network of physicians who are deeply invested in the health and well-being of the communities they serve, while providing patients with access to a coordinated local system of care. From preventive care and specialty services to imaging, urgent care, and hospital treatment, SCMG helps patients receive the right care, in the right place, close to home.
About Sharp Community Medical Group
Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG) is one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, with more than 1,200 affiliated primary care and specialty physicians practicing throughout San Diego County. SCMG physicians can admit patients to local Sharp HealthCare and Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, providing convenient access to coordinated care throughout the community. For more information, visit scmg.org.
It’s fall again. You’ve done the cider tasting. You’ve done the three-legged race at the rec center down the street. You’ve done the craft fairs and candle-making class but have you pedaled down a railroad track built in the 1880s in a two-person, auto-assisted Railbike with the wind blowing through your hair as you take in the sights—citrus groves dotted with bright yellow lemons, sun-drenched mountains—and stopped at a pumpkin patch (with a petting zoo!) along the way?
Enter Sunburst Railbikes in Santa Paula, the bucket-list experience your bucket didn’t even know it was missing. Until now. “It’s the perfect escape from the city, from the hustle and bustle,” said Nicholas Martinez, who, as a manager and frequent guide for the Railbikes, has taken more than 500 rides and wants to do at least 500 more. “It’s exhilarating.”
It goes like this: You meet at the quaint historic Santa Paula Depot and hop on a bike, one specially created to perch snugly on the tracks. Because of the electric assist, you get to be as lazy or overachieving as you’d like. Kids three years old and up can do it, too. The whole journey is 10 miles and takes two hours, during which you take in fresh air and listen peacefully to the hypnotic clickety-clack while snaking in and out of lush groves. In April and August, you’ll see the avocado harvest. During fall, it’s all about the lemons. “It’s just a thrill to be gliding along,” says Martinez, explaining the uniqueness of the experience. “It’s like nothing else.”
The activity is a fit for all ages, with children under three riding in a front-facing chest carrier. Adults love the feeling of freedom. Kids love railroad crossings. They often wave at the stopped car traffic as they cruise by. “It’s such a hoot!” says Martinez.
Courtesy of Sunburst Railbikes
Toward the end of the journey, there’s a stop at Prancer’s Farm, a local business which is pretty much the holy grail of October activities. You can buy local produce like avocados, strawberries and honey, but also zipline, pet animals, pick a pumpkin or fresh produce, and go on hayrides or horse rides, get lost in a corn maze, pose in a marigold field or a sunflower field, ride a barrel train or…or…or maybe all of the above.
You’ll also experience a bit of history along the way. The tracks, laid down in 1887, used to shuttle passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can envision it as you go—travelers embarking on big trips before air travel. Later, in the 1940s and ’50s, freight trains used the tracks to haul fresh citrus.
It’s still a working railroad today, but it’s also a bit of a celebrity. The very tracks used by the Railbikes have been in more than 500 television and movie productions, everything from a Dr. Pepper commercial to the feature film Seabiscuit. So yeah, riding those tracks is Hollywood adjacent, kind of like meeting a well-known prop like the sofa from Central Perk.
While driving up from San Diego and back in one day is possible, you can easily turn the occasion into a fun weekend getaway. The cute-as-heck town of Ojai is a short car ride away. Think idyllic meanderings through nature, picturesque historic downtown and top-notch food choices. Ventura, equally close, is a chock-full of craft breweries and beach walks. Book a night somewhere and indulge.
Fall has plenty of traditions. So yes, you could spend another autumn afternoon at another craft fair. You could make some soup or play pin the stem on the pumpkin, but you also might want to climb aboard a Sunburst Railbike, pedal down a 139-year-old railroad track, wave at confused motorists and make an entirely unique core memory for you and your people.
Come experience the Sunburst Railbikes for yourself during their year-round trips through the citrus groves – sunset, extended, and other themed rides available seasonally.
Though shock waves may sound like something more likely to cause pain than relieve it, physicians have been using the technology to treat musculoskeletal conditions for decades. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment used in sports medicine for a variety of tendon, muscle and ligament injuries. By delivering acoustic energy via targeted sound waves, it activates the body’s natural healing processes. Scripps officially launched its shockwave therapy program earlier this year, making it one of the first major healthcare organizations in the region to offer the innovative service. Click here to read more about shockwave therapy and the doctor who advocated to bring the treatment to Scripps.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
It’s estimated that one in four adults in the U.S. have high cholesterol. It’s a condition that’s preventable and treatable; however, it often has no symptoms, so many people are unaware they have it. That puts them at higher risk for heart attack or stroke. A recent update to national guidelines for preventive cholesterol screenings, the first since 2018, aims to change that by screening and intervening earlier, and calculating long-term risk differently. Click here to find out more.
For more nutrition, wellness and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. The condition, characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Advances in electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical system, are transforming how AFib and other dysrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. Scripps electrophysiologists use state-of-the-art therapies—some of which they helped develop. They were instrumental in the pre-FDA approval research for an effective new treatment, pulsed field ablation, and are on the forefront of other innovative treatments. Click here to learn more.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
