While many people think of investing in gold only during times of political uncertainty and economic crisis, it makes sense to consider this investment at any time. As a safe haven, gold can help diversify your holdings and increase your money’s value. The amount you should invest and how you invest it depend on your risk tolerance and personal preferences.
One of the most common ways to invest in gold is to buy stock in a gold mining company. You can avoid the risks of investing in a mutual fund or ETF by purchasing stock directly from the company. However, it is important to keep in mind that buying stock in a single company carries a higher risk than investing in a gold mining ETF or mutual fund. Furthermore, this option may not be suitable for beginners.
When looking for a gold dealer, consider the company’s history. While there is no centralized regulatory body that approves gold dealers, some are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, you can check the background of the individual or firm by searching the website of the U.S. Mint. You can also check the registration status of investment professionals using FINRA BrokerCheck. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to do a general Internet search to see if a particular dealer has any disciplinary actions.
One thing to remember when investing in precious metals is that it can be a high-pressure business. Even reputable investment professionals will avoid attempting to pressure clients into making decisions in the moment and telling them to “act now!” Avoid unsolicited telephone calls from sales representatives or brokers. These calls can be deceptive and contain persuasion tactics such as the “phantom rich” or “scarcity card.”
