Getting Started with Precious Metals
In times of economic uncertainties, people turn to gold.
Why? It has remained a stable asset for centuries, and it has earned its place among the top investments in the world.
While many of its characteristics and benefits have made it popular, it also can be intimidating to the average Investor. Much like the first time you dip your toe into the stock market, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the language and process of investing in gold.
However, you don't have to let that stop you from making a solid investment in your future.
If you've been considering a gold investment, you'll be happy to know that it can:
Diversity Your Portfolio: Putting all your money in one place is never a good thing. Even if you invest in multiple stocks, you could be in serious trouble if the whole market crashes. Since gold only has a limited correlation to the stock market, it is often wise to add it to your mix of investments.
Gold is the only currency that is not someone else's liability. It serves as a foundation asset within any long-term savings or investment portfolio. Diversifying into asset classes beyond stocks and bonds can offer protection against the fluctuations that affect a single or entire category of assets. Studies have confirmed that portfolios containing gold have shown better absolute performance and far less volatility than those that do not.
To Hedge Against Inflation: If you are worried about inflation, gold is one of the best ways you can hedge against it. In terms of goods and services gold can purchase, gold has remained relatively stable over a span of centuries. While inflation decreases the value of money, it raises the prices of goods - including gold - which means that gold has a negative relationship to the dollar. Unlike the value of gold, the purchasing power of paper currency has declined with rising prices. As a result, your money is better protected by this physical asset.
Gold is a Limited Resource: We are getting closer and closer to peak gold production, but there is only a limited supply of gold. This means that as we get closer to mining it all, we also get closer to higher gold prices. The world's gold supply is a finite resource with not much added through mining to satisfy demand.
Protect Yourself from Bank Issues: The US banking system is more stable than it has ever been, but it is far from perfect. There is always the risk of a crisis sending the banking system into a downward spiral. However, physical gold is not affected by such instability. Many people prefer to secure their precious metals products in personal vaults, making it a flexible, on-hand option in the event of certain disasters.
Can I Invest On a Specific Budget?
A common misconception when it comes to investing in precious metals is that you must be in the top tax bracket to even get started. The fact is, you can start securing metals on a comfortable budget - and we are ready to work with you! We invite you to contact us for an introductory conversation to discuss your current and future investment goals, during which time you'll be able to learn about the best products that fit your needs. International Precious Metals takes pride in "no-pressure" sales and consistent respect - our clients get exactly what they want, or we will do everything we can to make things right.
We also boast a lowest price guarantee. Rest easy knowing you will receive the absolute best price possible, and take advantage of limited allocations when costs match your desired spending amount.
Fractional Gold
While the 1 ounce American Gold Eagles and Gold Buffalos tend to be some of the most popular U.S. gold products, there are several fractional gold bullion choices. For example, the United States Mint produces American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins in four weights: one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce. This allows for a gold investment without spending a higher amount at one time. Instead of purchasing a larger 1 ounce coin, you can choose to secure smaller 1/2, 1/4, or even 1/10 ounce coins to build your portfolio.
Smaller fractional bullion pieces also give a sense of flexibility for cases where bartering may be necessary.
American Silver Eagles
A cheaper alternative to gold, yet insanely popular, are American Silver Eagle coins. The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States, first released by the U.S. Mint on November 24, 1986. It is struck only in the one-troy ounce size which has a nominal face value of one dollar and is guaranteed to contain one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver. Its content, weight, and purity are certified by the United States Mint. American Silver Eagles are also allowed in precious metals IRAs.
When shopping on a tighter budget, American Silver Eagles can be a great choice to add pure silver to your portfolio.
"Junk" Silver Options
Similar to the coins in your pocket today, certain circulating coins from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s actually contained high amounts of silver - up to 90%! "Junk" silver refers to these older circulation pieces that are heavily damaged or worn from use, but of course still maintain their silver value.
Examples of 90% silver coinage includes Morgan Silver Dollars, first introduced in 1878, Mercury Dimes, designed in 1916, and Walking Liberty Half Dollars.
If you are considering holding some type of silver but find it out of your range to purchase 99.9% fine bullion, "Junk" silver allows you to own a hefty amount of real silver at a lower cost.