Platinum IRA Gold - Physical vs. Paper Thoughts?

• •I've seen enough economic uncertainty over the years to know that having tangible assets really provides a different kind of peace of mind.
• •The idea of actually owning something that isn't just a number in a digital ledger is compelling.
• •But then I see arguments for paper gold, like ETFs or mining stocks, boasting about liquidity and ease of trading.

Okay, so I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my Gold IRA strategy, specifically within the Platinum IRA framework, and I keep coming back to the whole physical vs. paper gold debate. I've got a decent chunk in there, somewhere in the higher end of the $250-500k range, and as a military retiree based here in San Diego, financial security is absolutely paramount for me. I've seen enough economic uncertainty over the years to know that having tangible assets really provides a different kind of peace of mind.

My current setup leans heavily towards physical, vaulted gold within the IRA, which felt like the right move when I first diversified from traditional stocks and bonds a few years back. The idea of actually owning something that isn't just a number in a digital ledger is compelling. But then I see arguments for paper gold, like ETFs or mining stocks, boasting about liquidity and ease of trading. Part of me wonders if I'm leaving potential gains on the table by being so focused on the physical, even with the storage and insurance costs eating into things a bit. It’s not like I'm planning to sell it tomorrow, but still, these are significant funds.

For those of you with Gold IRAs, particularly if you're in a similar boat with a focus on precious metals, what are your thoughts? Did you consciously choose one over the other, or do you have a blend? What are the biggest downsides you've experienced with physical gold that maybe aren't immediately obvious when you're first getting into it? And conversely, for those heavy in paper gold, are you ever worried about counterparty risk or the lack of true physical backing?

I'm really trying to solidify my long-term strategy here. My main goal is to protect against inflation and maintain purchasing power, and the idea of my wealth being truly mine is a powerful motivator. Just looking for some real-world perspectives beyond the sales pitches. Thanks in advance for any insights!