First-timer, just dipped my toes in Gold IRA - what to expect?

• •Okay, so I finally took the plunge and opened a Gold IRA.
• •Been thinking about it for a while, especially with all the talk about inflation and the market feeling a bit wobbly.
• •Started with a relatively small portion of my portfolio, around $50k, but planning to roll over more from an old 401k once I see how this plays out.

Okay, so I finally took the plunge and opened a Gold IRA. Been thinking about it for a while, especially with all the talk about inflation and the market feeling a bit wobbly. Started with a relatively small portion of my portfolio, around $50k, but planning to roll over more from an old 401k once I see how this plays out. I run a logistics company here in Memphis, and I'm looking at passing it on to my daughter in the next 5-7 years, so capital preservation is becoming a huge priority for me.

My advisor recommended Augusta Precious Metals, and the process was pretty smooth overall. They walked me through the different metals, storage options, fees – all that jazz. I went with segregated storage, even though it's a bit pricier, just for that extra peace of mind. Bought a mix of American Gold Eagles and some Canadian Gold Maple Leafs. I'm hoping this acts as a good hedge against potential economic downturns, especially as I transition out of active business ownership soon.

For those of you who have been in this game longer, what should I be looking out for now? Any unexpected costs or things I should be aware of in the first year or two? I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible beyond just what my advisor tells me. I’ve been messing with that Silver vs Stocks tool on Gold IRA Blueprint, which has been pretty eye-opening for long-term comparisons – makes you really think about diversification.

Also, any advice on evaluating the performance of a Gold IRA? Obviously it's not a growth play like some of my other investments, but how do you folks track its effectiveness as a long-term hedge? Is it just about overall portfolio stability, or are there specific metrics you pay attention to? Any insights from seasoned Gold IRA investors are hugely appreciated!