For years, many investors have been talking about the gold standard. It seems to be a hot topic of debate since some consider the value of gold to be more stable than the dollar, while others consider the gold standard to be quite antiquated and unreliable.
So is it a good idea to invest in gold or not? Here are some things to consider if you’re still weighing those options.
History of Gold
It has been used as currency for centuries, dating as far back as 4,500 B.C.E. That’s a long time for gold to have become reliable; that’s why so many countries rely on it so much. It doesn’t degrade over time either so it continues to retain its true value. It’s very difficult to “forge” gold either, so creating false currency isn’t an option that’s easily accessible. These are all reasons to consider placing some of your investments in gold.
It’s a Good Idea
Gold investments are different than stocks or bonds, for the simple reason that you can take physical possession of gold. This gives many the peace of mind they need, as they can physically touch what that’ve paid for; stocks and bonds are intangible, so you can never truly see what you’re investing in.
If you don’t want physical gold, you can invest in gold mining companies and gold-focused exchange-traded funds. With these kinds of contracts, you’re entering into an agreement to buy or sell future commodities at a pre-fixed price, meaning that you know what you’re getting regardless of market fluctuations.
The Speculation About Gold
Gold can be bought in many forms, which begs the question: which is the best form to invest in? As stated earlier, there is the possibility of purchasing physical gold that you can keep. Coins or bullions are the most common form and can be stored very securely. It’s also the easiest to cash in when you need money in a hurry.
Gold securities are also an option, but they do rely a little on the stock market so they may feel less financially secure to you. Investing in gold mining companies may be a better option, as the prices are dependent on the health of the company itself rather than the actual price of gold.
No matter which option you go for when it comes to investing in gold or gold-related securities, it’s not the easiest decision to make. Nor should it be one that you make without considering all the alternative financial options before you.
In the event that you do decide to purchase gold, ensure that you’re doing so from a reputable dealer. The best way to secure your financial future is to not have more than 10% of your assets in gold so that it acts as an insurance policy instead of putting all of your eggs in one basket. That way, if the stock market ever crashes, your gold will definitely go up in value so that you have something to rely on in your economic crisis.
