With paper currencies falling apart under a generational spree of unpayable government debt, and a global monetary reset of historic proportions underway, we don’t ever recommend selling your gold and silver, both top performing assets again in 2025.
However…
There is a strategy the pros use to increase their holdings of gold and silver over time without making additional purchases.
Sound too good to be true? Not at all.
Gold and silver don’t move in lockstep. They generally move in the same direction, but sometimes gold appreciates faster, at other times (like in the last year) silver rises faster.
We recommend emphasizing ownership of the precious metal poised to climb the most. And we use the price ratio (how many ounces of silver is equivalent to an ounce of gold) to indicate which metal is relatively underpriced on an historic basis.
Don’t think of this as complicated. Just imagine that before silver’s big move you had noted the Gold/Silver Ratio suggested silver was underpriced, while gold had already benefited from a solid move up. If you had traded your gold for silver, you would have enjoyed owning silver as it far outpaced gold.
Similarly, after a big climb in the silver price such as we have seen, the Gold/Silver Ratio suggests that gold now has some catching up to do. If so, this would be time to lock in silver’s remarkable appreciation by trading it for gold.
This smart money strategy, which we have used ourselves for a very long time, can be remarkably effective. You remain in the safety of gold and silver ownership at all times!
Those are the basics. You will want to discuss it with a Republic Monetary Exchange gold and silver professional to see how it can benefit your portfolio. Meanwhile, here are some details.
That is the highest in many years, so we issued a special OPPORTUNITY ALERT! Gold had outpaced silver, so we recommend trading gold for silver. And indeed, silver then powered higher and higher.
As of the posting of this article on January 5, 2026, the Gold/Silver Ratio is 59:1.
That suggests that gold is now underpriced relative to silver.
For illustration purposes, using the spot prices of the metals, ignoring transaction costs and premiums, can help make the strategy clear. And instead of using the exact highs and lows of the Gold/Silver Ratio, we’ll just use 100 to 1 and 60 to one.
Suppose you had 10 ounces of gold last spring and traded it for 1,000 ounces of silver. That was the right place to be. Then, with silver racing ahead, and the ratio dropping to 60 to 1, you would trade those 1,000 ounces of silver for 16.66 ounces of gold. In this hypothetical example you have increased you gold position by 66 percent. In less than a year!
This is a strategy that makes a great deal of sense for most people.
We thought we should add one more thing to this alert. It is not a predicition of what will happen. Instead it is a speculative example of what can happen during today’s monetary turbulence and global currency reset.
Because it is our job to ponder these things so we can provide you sound advice, we have thought about what would happen in a crisis, in a hyperinflation, in a general monetary breakdown. If gold were remonetized to stabilize condiitons it would be at a very high price.
Today as you know, silver is a dual-role precious metal. It has vast and growing technological applications. But it also is a monetary metal. If gold were suddenly remonetized it’s price would surge. But making gold money again would diminish the monetary demand for silver. There would be a worldwide stampede by central banks, governments, institutions and individuals into gold. It would be revalued sharply higher, while silver would lose at least some of its monetary premium.
In other words those who employed the Gold/Silver Ratio by emphasizing gold in their portfolios would have made a timely and very profitable move.
This discussion is intended to help you understand why gold and silver each march to separate drummers. We believe this creates an important opportunity of profit and safety for our friends and client. We urge you to discuss it with your Republic Monetary Exchange gold and silver expert. You can call us during business hours at (602) 955-6500 or schedule a phone call.
You will be glad you did.
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How to store gold safely is one of the most common questions we hear from clients who are purchasing gold for the first time.
As we researched the different methods adopted by investors, we wanted to share some of these options and list the pros and cons of each. Many factors need to be considered, but the first most investors consider is accessibility. How will you ensure your gold or silver is safe, secure, and accessible when you need it? After all, we own physical, private gold so that we can always keep our money within arms reach. With that said, let’s dive in…
The most common methods for storage are:
At home (in a safe, or at least well hidden)
In a bank’s safe deposit vault
In a private depository
There are pros and cons to each that should be considered, but generally home storage or a private depository box are the safest options.
Additionally, you should consider the size of the gold and silver you want to store, and if you expect to significantly increase your holdings. Bullion coins are small, and with only a few coins you can easily hold thousands of dollars worth of wealth. Graded and certified coins have plastic holders that make them slightly bulkier. Gold kilo bars and 100 oz. silver bars require even more space.
Storing Gold and Silver at Home: Things to Consider
It is difficult to estimate what percent of investors choose to keep their gold at home. This is primarily because most are wise enough to only let one or two trusted family members know.
In the event of crisis or catastrophe, you may need immediate access to your gold. For example, in 1975 during the Vietnam War, when Saigon fell, its citizens were given immediate notice that they must evacuate. Going to a bank to withdraw money was out of the question. Luckily, many had gold at home that they carried with them and used to set up new lives elsewhere.
PRO: You know the status of your gold and can access it virtually anytime.
PRO: Privacy of ownership is a big incentive for many investors, so it is logical to want to keep gold at home to maintain that privacy.
CON:Home thefts occur more frequently than bank or depository thefts. If it becomes widely known you have gold at home, your house may become a target.
Where you store your gold on your property also has considerable weight on the security factor. What security mechanisms (home alarm system, firearms, surveillance cameras, etc.) do you have in place on your property? These have an impact on the safety of home storage as well as the storage method.
In no particular order, here are the most common home storage options:
1. Burying Outside
It is highly unlikely a typical home burglar would know where to dig in your yard to discover buried gold. If you decide to bury it, you also want to be assured you or an appointed trustee can dig it back up. Would age, injury, or infirmary be an obstacle to retrieving it?
Although gold and silver are resilient metals, you would also want to make sure they are protected from the elements by purchasing an air and water-tight lock box (with a locking mechanism for extra security).
PRO: Out of sight. Burglars might know where to search the house for hiding spots, or see a safe (if you have one) and get it open.
CON:Potential difficulty unburying. It can also be time consuming if you need them in a hurry.
CON:Susceptible to elements, natural disasters, etc.
PRO/CON:Consider the size. It is relatively easy to bury if it is a small amount, however, it is difficult if it is large amount or if you want to add to it later.
2. Upright Safes
Safes and floor safes are the preferred method for home storage. They come in numerous sizes and specifications with options for dial locks, keypad locks, key locks, and combinations of multiple locking mechanisms. Large, upright safes are heavy to move and can be utilized for storing other valuables. Smaller safes can be tucked away in nooks and crannies.
PRO: Large, upright safes are heavy and cumbersome for a burglar to move. They can also be utilized for storing other valuables.
PRO: They are equipped to withstand fire and water damage (to certain degrees).
CON: Large safes can be easily spotted.
CON: Small safes, if found, can be easily carried away.
CONSIDER: If you go for the safe option, buy a couple different safes and split your gold between them. Then if one is stolen, you have still got at least some of your stash left. One could also serve as a “dummy” safe and trick thieves into taking it, not knowing your most precious assets are hidden elsewhere.
For those shopping for safe purchases and installation in the Phoenix area, a popular choice is Arizona Lock and Safe.
2. Floor Safes
Floor safes are perhaps more secure than upright safes. They are much more easily concealed, and like upright safes, are equipped to withstand fire and water damage. They also have different options for locking mechanisms. In most cases you will need a lock and safe technician to install it.
PRO: The most easily concealed and secure safe.
PRO/CON: Immobile. Choose the placement carefully. This can be an advantage if it’s discovered. If you want to change the location, however, you will likely need a technician.
CON: Large safes can be easily spotted.
CONSIDER: Install two floor safes and split your assets between the two in the event that one is discovered.
2. Unsecured Hiding Place
Examples of unsecured hiding places are under the mattress, in an old coffee can, or behind a loose floorboard. This storage method is not recommended. Some might think of it as “hiding in plain sight” and secure in that it is “too obvious”, but this is not the case. It is extremely risky and the surest way to lose your valuable coins.
CON: You or someone else could accidentally throw them out, forgetting they are there.
CON: Easily stolen.
Storing Gold and Silver Off-Site: Things to Consider
1. Bank Deposit Box
Bank deposit boxes have an array of risks associated with it. For one, your access to your gold is limited to the bank’s opening hours. But more nefariously, you could be denied access all together. Banks like JP Morgan Chase have been known to send letters to their clients expressly forbidding storage of gold bullion (and cash) in their deposit boxes. A scan of the letter that Chase sent to deposit box owners is on this page, but you canclick here to download the entire letter as a PDF.
CON: There’s a chance you may have it confiscated. It happened once, it can happen again. The Chase example is further proof.
CON: Deposit boxes are not FDIC insured.
CON: Financial institutions could collapse.
CON: Storage cost.
2. Private Depository
If you are (justly) wary of the banking system and don’t want the risk of home storage, a compromise might be a private depository. They are not subject to the institutional risks of banks and many provide 24/7 access.
PRO: Less personal risk than home storage.
PRO: Not subject to unsavory banking institutional regulations.
PRO/CON: You will pay a storage fee, but these are generally at a reasonable cost.
PRO: Your box is insured, and the location is well secured.
CON: Though you may have 24/7 access, it might be difficult to access immediately during a crisis depending on how far away it is or how much demand there is for access.
…And the Winner is?
Ultimately, it is up to the investor to decide which option is best suited to his or her lifestyle and needs. Most investors, however, shy away from the bank option because of the risk of confiscation and a mistrust of the current financial institutional system. Home storage can be the most secure if it is done wisely, but many find the private depository option affords the most peace of mind.
When choosing your storage option, it is a good idea to remember some primary reasons we own gold in the first place: privacy, liquidity, and tangibility. Considering those three values is important when deciding which means of storage is best for you.
Ask yourself:
How important is it to you to have 24/7 access to your gold?
How confident are you in securing your investment in your own hands?
If you said #1 is important to you and you are confident securing it yourself, we would always recommend self-storage of precious metals. Having your gold within arms reach is critical in times of crisis or disaster, but most importantly, you are in control of your own investment- with literally zero counter-party risk.
Again… privacy, liquidity, and tangibility… isn’t that why we own gold in the first place?
The Price vs. the Value of Gold… What is the Difference?
When investing in gold, price and value are not created equal.
The value of gold cannot be measured by the daily spot price alone.
Investors often calculate gains or losses based on when they purchased, but focusing solely on short-term price movements overlooks gold’s true strength.
Gold’s enduring value lies in its long-term ability to preserve wealth. Over generations, it has consistently retained purchasing power, even as paper currencies have weakened. As you consider your financial future, it is less about today’s price of gold and more about how one ounce of gold will hold its value five, ten, or twenty years from now.
Gold Preserves Purchasing Power
Gold has long been recognized as a reliable safeguard during economic downturns and periods of market uncertainty. Unlike many other assets, it has the unique ability to preserve purchasing power over time, making it one of the most trusted stores of wealth.
Although daily prices respond to market forces, inflation, and broader economic trends, gold’s long-term value remains remarkably steady. Consider this example: in the 1920s, one ounce of gold was worth about $20. At the time, that $20—or a $20 gold coin—could purchase a fine suit and a night out. Today, a $20 bill would barely cover a modest meal. Yet one ounce of gold still carries enough value to buy the same quality suit and evening out.
This enduring stability highlights why investors continue to view gold as a dependable preserver of wealth across generations.
A Modern Reminder: The Saddle Ridge Hoard
In 2014, a California couple made headlines when they discovered more than 1,400 twenty-dollar gold pieces buried on their property. Known today as the “Saddle Ridge Hoard,” the find was traced back to a 19th-century bank robbery and was valued at over $11 million.
For comparison, imagine if the same number of twenty-dollar paper bills had been buried instead. Their value would have amounted to just $28,000 at face value—barely a fraction of the worth of the gold coins today.
Over time, the gold content, combined with demand for the coins as rare historical artifacts, pushed their value far beyond their $20 face denomination. This is a clear demonstration of how gold preserves purchasing power across generations. Holding gold for the long term offers protection against inflation and ensures that, when it comes time to liquidate, the conversion reflects fair value—unlike a stack of depreciated paper bills hidden away in a safe.
The Dollar vs. Gold Post 1971
A broader look at history reinforces this point. Consider the chart below, which tracks the rise in the cost of major purchases, goods, and commodities since 1971—the year the United States formally abandoned the gold standard. Gold has far outperformed nearly every other benchmark. Meanwhile, one of the most striking numbers is average U.S. income, which has failed to keep pace with the soaring costs of housing, goods, and services.
The familiar saying, “a dollar doesn’t buy what it used to,” holds true. The reality is simple: the U.S. dollar has been steadily losing purchasing power, while gold has consistently maintained and often increased its value.
While all the goods and major purchases increase around us, our income has not kept up with the pace.
Is Your Money Safe in the Bank?
You may not have as much access to your banked money as you think. New banking regulations and low cash reserves are making it increasingly difficult for customers to withdraw even modest sums. Imagine walking into your bank with $10,000 in your account and being told you could not withdraw $1,500 in cash.
This highlights a key difference between paper money and gold. The balance in your bank account is ultimately just a number in a computer system, subject to banking rules and restrictions. Gold, by contrast, is a tangible asset you can hold privately and securely, outside the reach of a fragile banking system. When access to your money is limited, owning physical gold ensures that part of your wealth remains both liquid and protected.
What may sound like a far-fetched scenario has already played out in recent history. In countries such as Greece, France, Poland, Hungary, and Cyprus, citizens faced strict daily withdrawal limits and, in some cases, government-imposed “bail-in” programs that seized depositor funds to stabilize banks.
Gold offers a hedge against these risks by keeping a portion of your wealth in your direct control—beyond the reach of banking restrictions or government intervention.
What About Bail-Outs?
Most people are familiar with the “bailouts” that followed the 2008 financial crisis, when governments stepped in to rescue failing banks. A “bail-in” works differently—and can be even more concerning for everyday citizens.
In a bail-in, it is the government itself that needs rescuing. Instead of taxpayer-funded programs to stabilize banks, the government turns directly to private assets for support. That money can come from pensions, higher taxes, or, in some cases, even private retirement accounts. In effect, the government assumes the power to seize funds from its own citizens to shore up the system.
This is where gold becomes more than just an investment—it is a private line of defense. Holding physical gold ensures that a portion of your wealth remains outside the reach of government bail-ins and protected from policies that could compromise your financial security.
The Dangers of Fiat Currency
The paper bills we use today—known as fiat currency—derive their value solely from the government backing them. That value is inherently fragile, subject to risks such as inflation, excessive government borrowing, geopolitical conflict, and economic crises.
Gold, on the other hand, carries no such uncertainty. It is a tangible commodity with intrinsic value, trusted across centuries and across borders. While countless currencies have risen and fallen, gold has consistently endured as a universal benchmark of wealth.
If modern fiat currencies were ever to collapse under financial strain, war, or systemic failure, gold would remain a safe haven: universally recognized, tradeable, and reliable as a store of value.
A Brief History of Gold and Money in the U.S.
Understanding gold’s role in America’s financial system provides important context for its enduring value. From the nation’s founding, the U.S. dollar was either backed by or convertible into gold.
1787 – The Constitution prohibited states from recognizing anything but gold and silver as legal tender.
1900 – The Gold Standard Act established gold as the standard unit of value, requiring all U.S. money to be maintained at parity with gold. At that time, one dollar equaled 1.5 grams of gold.
World War I – The Gold Standard was temporarily suspended as nations liquidated debts in gold. The Federal Reserve System was created, and the Treasury issued emergency currency to meet obligations.
1929 – Following the Great Depression and market collapse, confidence in paper money plummeted. Speculators demanded gold in exchange for dollars, forcing many nations to abandon the Gold Standard and adopt fiat currency.
1933 – President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Gold Reserve Act, banning most private ownership of gold and revoking gold’s role as universal legal tender. The official gold price was raised to $35 per ounce, making the dollar more attractive internationally and allowing the U.S. to dominate the gold market.
1944 – The Bretton Woods Conference created a new international monetary system, cementing the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency—still tied to gold.
1971 – President Richard Nixon ended the Gold Standard entirely, severing the dollar’s link to gold. From that point forward, the dollar became a fiat currency, backed only by government promise rather than intrinsic value.
This progression underscores why gold continues to be viewed as a hedge against economic uncertainty: while currencies shift and monetary policies evolve, gold’s intrinsic value remains constant.
How Much Longer Will the Dollar Remain as World Reserve Currency?
For more than seventy years, the U.S. dollar has served as the world’s reserve currency. That status was gained following the Bretton Woods Conference. At that time, the dollar’s strength was anchored by its backing in gold. This replaced the British pound sterling as the global standard.
Today, over twenty countries peg their currencies to the dollar and settle international trade using dollars rather than their own local currencies. However, decades of inflation and persistent trade deficits have eroded the dollar’s value. As a result, the future of the dollar’s role as the dominant reserve currency is increasingly uncertain.
Nothing lasts forever– Here is the limited reign of the last five world reserve currencies previous to the US dollar.
Gold Is a Safe Haven Investment
Protecting your wealth with gold is much like owning a home. A house is more than just an investment—it provides shelter, stability, and long-term security. Gold functions in a similar way. It is not designed for short-term speculation or day trading, but rather as a reliable foundation for long-term financial stability.
Think of gold as insurance for your retirement account. Investors can even hold physical gold directly within an IRA. This would combine the hedge value of gold with the tax advantages of retirement planning. Historically, gold has consistently outperformed inflation, delivered profits, and—most importantly—remained in global demand. The same cannot be said for once-prominent stocks like Enron or Blockbuster, which left shareholders empty-handed.
The real question for every investor is simple. If you plan to retire in 15 years, will your money still hold its value? Gold provides a way to answer “yes.” Investors own gold not for tomorrow or next month, but for the years when financial security matters most.
The Value of Gold Over Time
What matters most is what one ounce of gold will be worth when you need it.
Economist Oakley R. Bramble said: “Gold bears the confidence of millions, valued above promises of politicians and unbacked paper money.”
Gold has held that role throughout recorded history.
By owning physical gold, investors reduce exposure to unpredictable government policies and fragile financial systems.
With national debt at record highs, the need to preserve and protect wealth is more urgent than ever.
Bank deposit boxes have an array of risks associated with it. For one, your access to your gold is limited to the bank’s opening hours. But more nefariously, you could be denied access all together. Banks like JP Morgan Chase have been known to send letters to their clients expressly forbidding storage of gold bullion (and cash) in their deposit boxes. A scan of the letter that Chase sent to deposit box owners is on this page, but you can
