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As the cracks in America\u2019s retirement system widen, Augusta Precious Metals\u2019 senior economic analyst Devlyn Steele is sounding the alarm. In a new video titled \u201cRetirees: The Cracks in America\u2019s Retirement System Are Growing,\u201d<\/em> Steele warns that millions of Americans are building their dream retirements on a foundation that\u2019s quietly failing.<\/p>\n Below, you can watch the full video\u2014or keep reading for the key highlights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cIt\u2019s like building your dream home on a foundation that\u2019s cracking,\u201d Steele begins. The three traditional pillars of retirement\u2014Social Security, employer plans, and personal savings\u2014are all weakening at once.<\/p>\n According to Steele, \u201ca stool with three weak legs will not hold your weight for long.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: Shutdown Showdown – How Washington’s Stalemate is Costing American Billions<\/a><\/p>\n Steele compares retirement fees to termites quietly eating away at your home\u2019s foundation. Even a 2% annual fee can destroy half your lifetime gains, he says. A Pew study<\/a> confirms that small differences in mutual fund fees drain billions from Americans\u2019 savings each year.<\/p>\n What makes this even more concerning, Steele adds, is that many advisors are not legally required to act in your best interest. The rollback of fiduciary rules has opened the door for commission-based recommendations that benefit the advisor more than the client. \u201cIf it was obvious, you wouldn\u2019t put up with it,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why Steele emphasizes education\u2014so retirees can spot these risks and make better-informed decisions before it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n Related: How to Diversify Your 401(k) with Physical Gold (Tax-Free)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Another \u201ccrack\u201d in the system, Steele warns, is Washington\u2019s mounting debt<\/a>. With deficits soaring and federal spending unchecked, retirement accounts have become a tempting target. \u201cWhen Washington needs money,\u201d he says, \u201cit\u2019s easier to reach into your nest egg than cut spending.\u201d<\/p>\n The takeaway: No one is going to protect your retirement for you\u2014not Washington, not Wall Street, and not advisors chasing commissions.<\/p>\n Steele\u2019s solution is to take back control through a self-directed IRA, which allows retirees to choose assets like gold and silver\u2014assets with no counterparty risk and proven long-term value.<\/p>\n A self-directed IRA, he explains, can:<\/p>\n Instead of balancing on a shaky three-legged stool, retirees can build a strong foundation designed to last.<\/p>\n Related:\u00a0Gold Continues to Soar, Hitting Record Highs\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Steele ends his message with a dose of empowerment:<\/p>\n \u201cThe future is in your hands. You can take control, take action, and protect your retirement.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n His advice to retirees is simple\u2014get educated now and make proactive choices before the cracks turn into something more serious…<\/p>\n For those ready to learn more, Steele invites viewers to sign up for a free guide and one-on-one web conference<\/a> with Augusta Precious Metals\u2014offering \u201cno commissions, no pressure, just education.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Crumbling Foundation of Retirement<\/h2>\n
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The Hidden Termites: Fees and Conflicts of Interest<\/h2>\n
Washington\u2019s Spending Spree and Your Nest Egg<\/h2>\n
Taking Back Control With a Self-Directed IRA<\/h2>\n
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More from Steele<\/h2>\n
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