jayeff

Buying gold is a complex topic, not least because the market is full of crooks. There are also different ways to buy gold (and indeed silver or other precious metals). The options run from physical gold (jewellery, coins, bullion) through gold certificates, to mining shares. But if for example, you decide to buy "real" gold, you have to decide where to store it and if your view of the future is on a par with that of a survivalist, you obviously would not use a bank vault

If you opt for coins, stick with American Gold Eagles, 1oz coins kept in a safe deposit box if you are only afraid of a weak US economy, 1/10oz coins under your mattress if you fear apocalypse and think you may one day need to use them. Gold Eagles are sold at a minimal premium, which is what makes them a better buy. Don't be tempted to buy old or foreign coins: they are strictly for coin collectors despite the number on offer to gold investors.

Generally the easiest and safest way to buy "gold" is to buy shares in gold mines. The biggest, still-producing mines are the safest investments and their share price will generally track the price of gold itself. Although choosing to buy gold is somewhat anti-establishment, if you go this route, you can get the advice and help of any reputable broker, if you don't feel able to do your own research and purchasing through people like TD Ameritrade