How to Invest in Gold and Silver
You already know that investing in gold and silver is a smart move for your financial future, especially as the stock market becomes more volatile with every passing year. If you’re new to investing in precious metals, however, getting started can be confusing and overwhelming.
Thankfully, you can learn how to invest wisely in gold and silver with just a few tips and tricks. Before you begin purchasing gold and silver, learn how to make smart decisions about your precious metals investing with this helpful guide.
Gold and silver investment tips
Try these tips and tricks to make your precious metal investing more lucrative and stress-free:
1. Think before you liquidate
Since gold’s price is determined by demand and investor sentiment, timing is key. The goal is to buy when prices are low (usually when the stock market is performing well) and sell when prices are high. Over time, you’ll learn what economic signals to look out for to maximize the value of your investment. Don’t be afraid to ask an expert for tips on how to do it right.
2. Don’t forget about trading
If you have both gold and silver investments, you can maximize your yield by making smart trades from gold to silver and vice versa. Find out more about gold to silver ratio trading if you plan to invest in both types of precious metals.
3. Buy from trusted sellers
Since the authenticity and purity of your gold and silver depends largely on where it comes from, working with a trusted seller is critical to long-term investment success. Look for sellers with a proven track record of happy customers and a team of experts that are ready to help.
4. Start small
Investing in precious metals should be approached with care since your yield is tied to the timing and types of gold and silver you purchase. By starting with small amounts of gold and silver, you can learn the ropes before making larger purchases. Better yet, work with experts that understand the industry from the inside out, and who are willing to work as your advocate.
Investment types
The type of precious metal investment you want to make is also an important consideration. You can purchase precious metals in a variety of formats, depending on your needs.
Bars
Gold and silver bars are an efficient and convenient option for precious metal investors. While bars can in some cases better value for your money, purchasing them often incurs transaction fees and shipping costs, so keep this in mind before you buy.
Coins
Coins come in two types: bullion coins and certified coins. Though these two types of coins are similar in size and weight, certified coins go through an additional certification process to verify their authenticity. This ensures your coins are not counterfeit.
Popular gold coin options include:
Popular silver coin options include:
Adding physical gold to your 401k
In many cases you can roll your retirement funds into physical gold and silver. If your investment is intended to supplement your retirement savings, this can be a great way to diversify and protect your assets during a recession. Contact an expert today to see if your IRA or 401k is eligible.
Before you buy precious metals
Investing in precious metals starts well before you purchase your first gold bar or silver coin. Before you buy, make sure you know what types of gold and silver you want to buy and where you plan to store it.
Storage
Secretive storage
If your gold and silver collection is relatively small, secretive storage is a simple and inexpensive option. By finding a secure hiding spot in your home or on your property, this type of storage conceals your bars and coins in a less conspicuous way than a safe. Some secretive storage methods include concealment in a hollow book or burying your precious metals in an unmarked spot on your property.
Advantages of secretive storage:
- No storage fees
- Instant access
Disadvantages of secretive storage:
- Limited security
- Risk of damage
Safes
Safes are a more secure home storage method for gold and silver since they require either a digital code or combination to gain access. Plus, since safes are heavy and difficult to move, they are less likely to be stolen during a home invasion or burglary. Certain types of safes also provide enhanced protection against floods and fires that could damage your precious metals and decrease their value.
Advantages of a safe:
- Easy access at home
- Enhanced security
- Protection against flood and fire (if your safe is rated UL-15 or higher)
- A decrease in home insurance premiums, depending on your policy
Disadvantages of a safe:
- Requires a one-time investment of several hundred to several thousand dollars
- Less conspicuous than secretive storage
- More time required for installation
Bank vaults and safety deposit boxes
If you aren’t comfortable storing your precious metals at home, another option is to store your precious metals at a bank or within a safety deposit box. This eliminates the need to constantly monitor your gold and silver while also providing an extra layer of security. Larger investments are best stored in a bank vault, whereas smaller amounts of gold and silver can be stored in a safety deposit box.
Advantages of bank storage:
- No need to constantly monitor your investment
- Enhanced security
Disadvantages of bank storage:
- Limited accessibility, especially during federal holidays
- Annual storage fees
Precious metals depositories
Precious metal depositories are similar to banks in the level of protection and security they provide. However, they are uniquely positioned to protect your precious metal investment because they are often moisture- and climate-controlled to prevent damage to your bars or coins. Precious metal depositories are highly guarded and usually benefit from round-the-clock surveillance, making them a very secure option for larger collections.
Advantages of precious metal depositories:
- State-of-the-art security and inventory checks
- Moisture-controlled for enhanced protection
- Ample space for larger collections
- Options for segregated or communal storage
Disadvantages of precious metal depositories:
- Higher annual storage fees
- Somewhat limited access
Start investing with Republic Monetary Exchange
For advice on how to get started with investing in gold and silver, reach out to us today. The experts at Republic Monetary Exchange can help you begin to build a recession-proof portfolio backed by precious metals.