Gold IRA for a smaller portfolio? What are your experiences?

• •I started with about $100k going into gold and silver back in 2020 through Augusta Precious Metals, and it's been pretty steady.
• •The setup process was smooth, and they walked me through everything without feeling pushy, which I appreciated.
• •Their fees felt reasonable at the time – not the absolute cheapest, but I was prioritizing hand-holding and clarity.

Alright, so I’m a few years into my gold IRA journey and curious to hear about other folks’ experiences, especially those of us who aren't dropping millions into precious metals. Running a tourism business here in Savannah means I’ve seen my share of economic ups and downs, and that’s a big part of why I got into gold in the first place – a solid hedge when things get squirrely. I started with about $100k going into gold and silver back in 2020 through Augusta Precious Metals, and it's been pretty steady. My total portfolio is now somewhere in the $180-190k range with the gold portion, which isn't huge compared to some, but it's a significant chunk for me.

I went with Augusta initially because they had good reviews for customer service and transparency, which was crucial for me as a newbie to this whole space. The setup process was smooth, and they walked me through everything without feeling pushy, which I appreciated. Their fees felt reasonable at the time – not the absolute cheapest, but I was prioritizing hand-holding and clarity. I’ve heard good things about Noble Gold and Birch Gold too, but haven't personally engaged with them.

My main question now is, for those of us with portfolios in the $100k-$250k range, have you found any companies that truly stand out for lower fees or better service specifically for smaller accounts? Are there any hidden gems or red flags I should be aware of? I’m happy with Augusta, but always open to making sure I'm doing the absolute best for my long-term financial security. It's not just about wealth building for me, it's about protecting what I've worked hard for through all these tourism cycles.

What are your go-to companies, and what made them your choice? Any advice on fee structures to look out for, especially for those of us not moving six or seven figures around? Any general tips for keeping things efficient and low-stress for someone who just wants to hold their bullion and not worry too much?