Has anyone else rolled over their 401k to a Gold IRA for inflation protection?

• •I've been seriously considering rolling over a portion of my old 401k into a Gold IRA, primarily for inflation protection.
• •I've done a ton of research into the tax implications, and it looks like a direct rollover would be non-taxable, which is a huge plus.
• •The main draw for me is the historical stability of gold during periods of high inflation and market uncertainty.

I've been seriously considering rolling over a portion of my old 401k into a Gold IRA, primarily for inflation protection. Being an accountant here in Atlanta, I see the numbers every day, and honestly, the current inflation rates are making me pretty antsy about my standard diversified portfolio. I've got around $180k sitting in an old employer's 401k that I haven't touched, and the idea of moving about $50k of that into physical gold feels like a smart move right now.

I've done a ton of research into the tax implications, and it looks like a direct rollover would be non-taxable, which is a huge plus. The main draw for me is the historical stability of gold during periods of high inflation and market uncertainty. It's not about making a quick buck, but more about preserving the purchasing power of my retirement savings. My current portfolio is mostly equities and some bonds, and while I believe in the long-term growth of the market, I'm just nervous about seeing a significant chunk of it erode due to inflation.

Has anyone else here gone through this process of rolling over a 401k into a Gold IRA specifically with inflation protection in mind? What was your experience like? Did you go with a specific custodian or dealer that you'd recommend (or warn against)? I'm looking for custodians that are transparent about fees and have a solid reputation. Any tips on navigating the paperwork or potential pitfalls would be super helpful too.

Also, how did you decide on the percentage of your portfolio to allocate to gold? I'm thinking around 25-30% of that old 401k, but I'm open to other perspectives. It feels like a significant decision, and hearing from others who've actually done it would be invaluable.