Recent volatility erased an estimated $2.4 trillion from the S&P 500, showing how quickly retirement accounts can be affected when large institutions unwind major positions. If most of your savings sit in a 401(k), IRA, TSP, or pension, it may be worth exploring additional diversification, including how some investors use a properly structured Gold IRA to add stability during market stress. If you want a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of how that works, you can download the free 2026 Wealth Protection Guide here.