Thinking about my first gold IRA – advice needed on where to start!

• •I’ve been watching the markets lately (who hasn't, right?) and getting more serious about diversifying my retirement beyond just stocks and bonds.
• •I'm a small-town mayor here in Boise, and I really value stability, both for my community and my own finances.
• •I’m looking to start with maybe $50,000 to $75,000 to move into gold.

I’ve been watching the markets lately (who hasn't, right?) and getting more serious about diversifying my retirement beyond just stocks and bonds. I'm a small-town mayor here in Boise, and I really value stability, both for my community and my own finances. I've been doing some research into Gold IRAs, and it seems like a solid way to add some tangible assets, especially with all the economic uncertainty swirling around.

I’m looking to start with maybe $50,000 to $75,000 to move into gold. I understand you can't hold the physical gold yourself with an IRA, which makes sense from a regulatory standpoint. From what I've gathered, gold rounds seem like a pretty straightforward option, good for stacking up. My main question is about setting up the account itself. What are the big things to look out for with custodians and precious metals dealers? Are there preferred companies folks here have used for a first-time setup? I’m trying to avoid any hidden fees or companies that are more hassle than they're worth.

Also, any insights on the best way to determine the fair market value when buying? I've seen some posts about premiums over spot price, and I want to make sure I'm not getting taken for a ride. I'm a community-focused person, so naturally, I want to make smart, ethical choices here. Any advice from seasoned gold IRA investors on getting started would be greatly appreciated!