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The dollar is weakening. War is escalating. And your 401(k) may be more vulnerable than you think.
In a powerful new segment on The Joe Pags Show, Joe Pags sat down with Rich Jacoby, CEO of GoldenCrest Metals, to discuss the growing demand for physical gold and silver as economic uncertainty grips the nation.
From exploding national debt to global conflict and attacks on the dollar, Jacoby explained why more Americans are turning to precious metals to protect their savings—before the next crisis hits.
You can watch the entire interview here:
Protect Your Retirement Savings
Free Guide Reveals How to Buy Silver & Gold with Your 401(k) or IRA
War, Inflation, and the Collapse of Trust in Paper Promises
As Jacoby pointed out, gold and silver prices have surged in 2025—up 28% and 22%, respectively—while Wall Street has struggled and retirement accounts have taken a hit.
Why the flight to gold?
“War strips away the illusion of stability,” Jacoby said. “Missiles fly, and people stop trusting paper promises. They go back to what’s real—gold and silver.”
Joe Pags echoed the sentiment: “You can take a $20 bill out of your pocket and it might be worth $19 before you put it back in. That doesn’t happen with gold.”
While 401(k)s Fall, Gold Climbs
Jacoby noted that the average 401(k) lost 3% in Q1 alone, while metals soared. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: paper-based portfolios are increasingly at risk in today’s fragile economic climate.
“Most retirement accounts are loaded with stocks, bonds, and mutual funds,” Jacoby said. “All of it’s tied to a dollar that’s losing purchasing power fast. If your whole portfolio is riding on that system, you’re taking on more risk than you realize.”
Related: Best Silver Companies for 2025
National Debt Over $37 Trillion: Is the Fed Trapped?
Joe Pags raised the alarm about America’s $37 trillion national debt, pointing to runaway deficit spending and inflation that shows no signs of slowing. Jacoby agreed, warning that America’s fiscal path has global consequences.
“Over 11 countries have moved away from the U.S. dollar for trade this year,” he said. “Central banks bought more than 1,000 tons of gold in 2024. They’re preparing for something most Americans haven’t even considered.”
Rich Jacoby, CEO GoldenCrest Metals
Is There Any Gold Left at Fort Knox?
Pags couldn’t resist asking the question that keeps coming up with his audience: Is there any gold left at Fort Knox—and does it even matter?
Jacoby gave a straightforward answer: “It doesn’t matter. Once you buy gold, you can have it delivered to your house or stored in an insured depository. The gold is yours.”
Can You Move Retirement Funds into Gold?
Yes—and with zero penalties, if done properly.
Jacoby broke it down: “If you do a self-directed IRA rollover with your 401(k), there’s no penalty. The funds go to a custodian, then to a secure depository—like Delaware Depository, which is insured by Lloyd’s of London.”
Customers can also opt for direct cash purchases and have physical metals shipped to their home. But for larger portfolios, secure storage is often preferred.
Diversification—Not All-In
One of the biggest misconceptions?
Jacoby made it clear: “We don’t tell people to dump their 401(k)s and buy only gold. We recommend diversifying your portfolio. Many of our customers put about a third of their savings into metals as a hedge.”
Even Joe Pags admitted he doesn’t yet own gold—but plans to change that soon.
Free Gold & Silver Guide: Get Educated Before the Next Crisis
For those new to precious metals, GoldenCrest offers a free info guide that breaks down:
- How inflation and debt are devaluing the dollar
- What makes gold and silver a strong hedge
- How to properly roll over part of your retirement savings into metals
- What to avoid during economic panic
“If you wait until the next war escalates or your 401(k) drops another 10%, you’re already too late,” Jacoby warned. “Take action before the next crisis, not during it.”
Final Word: It's About Taking Control
As Pags closed the interview, he reminded listeners: “Rich isn’t giving financial advice. Neither am I. But history doesn’t lie—gold and silver have always held their value.”
Jacoby agreed. “There’s a lot of uncertainty right now—war, tariffs, the debt. Whether you go with GoldenCrest or someone else, just make sure you’re protecting your retirement.”
Protect Your Retirement Savings
Free Guide Reveals How to Buy Silver & Gold with Your 401(k) or IRA
Get Your Free Guide or Learn More
Visit: www.GoldenCrestMetals.com Or call: 1-888-527-5010
Protect what you've worked a lifetime to build—before the next crisis strikes.
