How To Quickly Choose The Best Gold Buyers Today

There are many prospective gold buyers in the market, all of them willing to buy this precious commodity, but for varying prices. Therefore, you must always be keen to get the most out of your gems and avoid under-pricing. You must be skilled and knowledgeable to find the best buyer for your gold. In this regard, take note of the common traits of reputable buyers.

Popularity Of The Buyer

In the business of obtaining and selling precious gems, including gold and diamond, reputation often goes along with trust and rapport. This means that dealing with a well-known merchant in the market can guarantee you value for your gold. Middlemen are not ideal in this business as they can be very exploitative, offering you very low returns on your precious items. Popular buyers typically operate under the law and will display their prices prior to buying the metal.

They Can Be Easily Traced

It's always the desire of every seller to deal with a merchant who has an established premise. It will not only act as a caution against unscrupulous buyers, but also a useful aid in case of a complaint. In addition to having traceable offices, the merchant would have an established website and working telephone contacts.

Gold business is very lucrative today, and it has attracted a multitude of cunning and dishonest buyers. However, dealing with an established firm is always recommended, since they will handle all transactions professionally.

Shipping And The Insurance Factor

Gold business is very delicate, especially if you are dealing with a party miles away from you. In the recent past, the rise of many shipping firms willing to ship these precious items to a client far away has left many sellers crying and cursing due to rampant swindling.

Therefore, before assigning any company the task of shipping your precious metals, always check on their validity including their insurance status and reliability. The buyer should be willing to provide insurance for the items while they get sent via a courier firm. In so doing, you will be confident that they won't lose your property.

Reasonable Offers For Your Gold

When selling your expensive gold, the overall earnings from them remains the sole objective. It means that any one seller willing to offer you the best deal, within your conditions, is the best choice.

Many gold merchants normally have two options for the seller. In the first option, they may send you a cheque within a fixed time frame (normally up to twelve days) so that you can choose if the deal is viable or not. The main demerit with this option is that the cheque may arrive one or two days to elapse date, leaving you with no other option but to accept the offer. The second option would involve direct communication done in real time whereby the buyer calls or emails you their offer, which is often the best. If you like the price you will receive your cash, but if the price is too low for you they will send the gold back to you.

In as far as getting a good buyer for your valuable items, a fully registered and appropriately licensed Australian firm would be the most reliable option. Such a firm would always offer transparent pricing and professional services.


Sell Gold Sydney offers the most competitive prices for all gold items. When you visit the firm, you'll find Abraham who will be more than glad to assist you through the process of selling your precious metal. You are always assured of quality service every time. When you sell to the Gold Dealers Company, all codes of business ethics are observed.

Why Are True Slider, Rare American Coins Considered Circulated?

It intrigues me that original type "slider" silver dollars are considered by professional graders and most coin collectors to be circulated coins. It seems to me that the term slider has taken on a broader meaning than first intended.

The term slider originated as a mint state collector coin that was placed in a narrow height wooden drawer which had holes bored into it for the purpose of holding a collector's coins. There was a slight amount of extra space where the coin could wiggle as the drawer was opened and closed.

Traces of abrasion on the coin wore off slight amounts of mint luster. The fact that there was some surface wear on the coin made it no longer in mint state condition. Thus the word slider was "coined" to describe this phenomenon.

I fully agree that these traces of wear on the face of the silver dollar constitute a condition which isn't how it arrived from the mint. However, I take exception to calling it circulated. This obviously isn't circulation wear, because the coin was never circulated.

I think referring to a slider as circulated is doing it a gross injustice. I think slider coins should have their own grading category, even if it is called "slider". These orphan coins don't belong in the Mint State category, and neither do they belong in the circulated category.

Referring to a slider as "about uncirculated" is a totally inaccurate description for it. If the silver dollar is truly a slider, by the original definition, it won't look almost uncirculated. If it does look almost uncirculated, it isn't a slider.

If these coins can't have their own grading category, I think they should be called "mint state" with a note regarding the trace amount of slide wear on the coin. Slide wear doesn't look like circulation wear, even in minor amounts, yet the coin is relegated to circulated when it comes to grading.

These coins have the reputation as being "passed off" by unscrupulous coin dealers as mint state. Are they really cheating a buyer by saying they're mint state? After all, they are mint state coins with the slightest high point rub marks, not handling wear acquired during business transactions.

The rub marks on these coins originate from wood cases of past times, and coin flips in more modern times. Their wear results from ignorance of their collectors, past and present, not the result of carelessness from a commercial transaction, or casino use. Am I totally missing something here?

This Company's Stockpiling Gold - And You Should Too

Let's just cut to the chase: Buy gold!

Please. Buy gold!

I know, I recommend that a lot. I even sound like a broken record to myself.

But when the facts demand certain actions, well, then, those are the actions I feel compelled to tell you about over and over because I believe they're that important.

And, right now, owning physical gold somewhere in your finances is crucial - despite the price trend in the last few years, and despite the dunderheads who tell you that gold is an antiquated asset that plays no useful role today.

They are all dead - dead! - wrong. Two recent actions underscore my assertion...

In the last week or two, this headline popped up in London's Financial Times: Online retailer hoards gold as crisis defense.

Turns out that a company has loaded up on some $10 million of gold and silver - metal that would be used to pay employee wages in the event of a crisis. As chairman Jonathan Johnson explains it: "We thought there's a decent chance that there could be a banking holiday at some point caused by a crisis and it could last for two days or two weeks or who knows how long, and we wanted to be in a position where we could continue to operate during any such crisis."

Make no mistake: That's a U.S. financial crisis that impacts the dead presidents in your wallet.

And to be clear, this company owns physical metal, stored in a secure, offsite location. Management is wise enough to avoid the toxic junk known as gold exchange-traded funds (ETF). Paper gold will prove that it's worth about as much as paper in a true crisis. When gold prices move unexpectedly higher, the market for all the gold IOUs and swaps and various financially engineered gold transactions face their own potential crisis that will cause havoc among ETF owners.

So, this company owns physical gold and silver - and precisely for the reason I write about all the time: insurance for the economic, monetary and governmental risks we face today.

Those are very real risks. The world today spins around an axis controlled by the central banks of major economies. If just of one of them happens to misread the situation, or acts on flawed analysis, then the status quo quickly becomes the status "uh-oh!" (And flawed analysis happens too often in government and bureaucracy, where too many ivory tower-types with no real-world experience apply theory to real-world dynamics without understanding the knock-on effects.)

Gold Demand Swells

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the world, there was this bit of news last week: Gold demand among central banks continued unabated, with central banks snapping up 175 tons of gold in the third quarter, the second-highest quantity ever, according to World Gold Council data.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but central bankers are protecting themselves from, well, themselves - or, rather, their peers in overly indebted nations that will serve as the epicenter of an epic currency catastrophe.

They realize that one slipup dooms many of the world's major fiat currencies, and that the only insurance against a crisis fueled by central bankers is the only currency central bankers can't control: gold.

China continued its buying spree, adding more than 50 tons of gold, while Russia led the pack adding another 77 tons to its consistently growing hoard.

Consumers (the savvy and wise ones) added huge quantities of gold, as well, to their personal holdings. Indians and Chinese combined grabbed more than 500 tons of bars and coins, each country seeing demand rise by 13%. Europeans and Middle Easterners each snapped up more than 70 tons.

Americans are catching a clue, too. We stashed away nearly 59 tons, a world-leading 62% increase in demand. Despite the cheerleading of totally clueless Wall Street strategists, dingbat economists and the crowd of anti-gold nitwits on Bloomberg and CNBC, we Americans (the savvy and wise, at least) seem to realize that just maybe Yellen & Co. don't really have control of this apple cart, after all...

Just maybe there's a currency crisis lurking?

So, here at the end I return to the beginning: Buy gold.

Buy it often, with any spare cash you have. The price is cheap relative to where is has been and where it will return. You are, in essence, buying "government/central-bank insurance" at a substantial discount.

But only physical gold - not the crazy ETF gold. In a financial crisis, physical gold will replace King Dollar as the asset to own. It will preserve your lifestyle as currencies around you crumble.


As a lifelong world traveler, Jeff Opdyke has been investing directly in the international markets since 1995, making him one of the true pioneers of foreign trading. He is Investment Director for The Sovereign Society and a weekly contributor to The Sovereign Investor Daily.

Has Gold Hit a Bottom?

A commodity-trader friend of mine uses a colorful bit of slang to describe his behavior (and that of his trader brethren) whenever a large hedge fund finds itself trapped in a big wrong-way bet on the markets...

He calls it "circling the whale."

According to my friend, the wooden-ship whalers of the 18th and 19th centuries - having sunk an iron harpoon into some unfortunate sperm whale - didn't move in for the kill immediately. They knew it was in trouble - better to do nothing, lie back and wait for the inevitable.

I think the sharp decline in gold prices in recent days may have a lot less to do with last week's employment report, and a lot more to do with gold traders "circling the whale" - Venezuela and its hoard of central bank bullion.

Bonfire of Bolivars

Bob Dylan once wrote that "When you ain't got nothin' - you got nothin' to lose." Well, Bob Dylan hasn't been to Venezuela lately.

Try feeding your family on a "nothin'" currency like the bolivar when the estimated annual inflation rate is somewhere around 700% a year, according to private analysts such as Johns Hopkins' Steve Hanke. I say "estimated" because the government of Victor Maduro stopped releasing inflation data many months ago, for obvious reasons.

The government also heavily subsidizes gasoline and food for its people. Plus there are sizable bond payments to international creditors.

So international reserves are already dropping fast - from $22 billion in January this year, according to data from Venezuela's central bank, to $18 billion in May, to new record lows of $14.8 billion at the start of November.

Here's where the "circling the whale" part comes in...

According to published reports, Venezuela has about $12 billion in bond payments due in 2016.

It could cover those payments out of the $14.8 billion that it still has in reserves right now. But here's the twist: Only $3 billion of those reserves are liquid. The rest?

It's all gold bullion, Venezuela's crown jewels.

Gold and Falling Pianos

Think of Venezuela as a hedge fund, in need of cash and sitting on a gigantic "long" position that's worth less and less by the month. Traders can see this gold "whale" is in trouble, so they hang back and let it thrash. Why try to catch the proverbial falling knife (or gold piano)? And, of course, the price of gold drops even further.

And since I was the one who said two weeks ago that he believed gold had "well and truly bottomed," I'll add that we don't know the timing of these gold sales. By the time the data is released by Venezuela's central bank, it's already many months old.

With that in mind, the worst of Venezuela's latest "gold dump" might already be over or close to it.

For instance, the World Gold Council's data from late last year showed Venezuela with 367 tons of gold reserves (down from a peak of almost 373 tons in 2011). By the start of this year, that figure was reported down to 361 tons.

So how much more gold has Venezuela sold in all the months since?

We don't know for sure, but Bloomberg recently reported the value of Venezuela's gold reserves at $11.8 billion, based on the latest data from Venezuela's central bank. And the bank's "latest data" is from May of this year.

How much gold does that dollar figure represent?

If we use $1,266 an ounce - the average London Fix price for gold in 2014 - then, as of May, the central bank retained around 290 tons of gold in its vaults, by my guesstimate. Which would mean the bank sold down its gold holdings by as much as 70 tons by that time, worth nearly $3 billion.

And perhaps not coincidentally, Bloomberg's story on Venezuela's gold sales came out on October 28. That's the same day that gold briefly popped through its 200-day moving average at $1,180 an ounce before plummeting below $1,100 in seven days' time.

This is the sort of activity - the wholesale dumping of a big position by a "market whale" at low prices - that's seen at the bottom of markets.

All we have to do is point to the United Kingdom, which dumped half its gold reserves between 1999 and 2002, with gold at its lowest prices in 20 years. And what happened afterward? Gold went on to quintuple in value to the 2011 peak.

A Great Time of Buy Cheap

As 2015 winds down to a close, we are faced with a Fed trapped in a great interest-rate conundrum, and we are seeing the early seeds of inflation starting to sprout. The U.S. is still growing its debt hoard at an astounding rate and the government has shown little to no interest in paying it down.

All of which makes this a great time (and likely one of the last) to buy gold, peace of mind and a little insurance on your other assets at these great prices. When the world is in turmoil, gold remains one of the last great stores of value.

And buying that insurance cheap against a rainy day is never a bad idea.


A veteran investor and longtime financial journalist, JL Yastine is a contributor to Sovereign Investor Daily. He also serves as editorial director, focusing on creation and development of new products and editorial resources that will help the Society's members "be Sovereign." Read more at The Sovereign Investor Daily.

Confidence in Gold Over Fiat Currencies in the Current Global Economy

It is always a wise decision to diversify your investments in spreading the risks, but you always need to keep in mind also the speed of liquefying one commodity to another commodity. You want to do this without heavy penalties due to changing economic and geopolitical changes that take place in the world almost on a daily basis. All financial markets are tied together in one form or another including commodities.

If you have a fairly good understanding of what is happening with national debts around the world, experts are questioning when will interest rates be forced to rise due to the heavy quantitative easing from the last six years. This is happening among ever-increasing debt among nations in the world including the United States. The US Federal Reserve is also ever inflating its money supply on to the world. China for example is dumping US Treasuries (US Debt) on the world market. The expected outlook of hyperinflation is concerning to western nations and to the rest of the world because of this over-supply of currency and debt.

Currency is a store of value that is a medium of exchange for goods and services. Some of it should always be on hand. Keeping a precious metal like gold does not pay dividends like a stock but is a hedge against a deflating currency like the dollar. The more uncertainty in the financial world with the paper based or fiat currencies the more it becomes a safe haven to diversify into precious metals. There are two forms of how precious metals are bought, paper certificates and holding or storing physical. Their prices are manipulated by how much paper certificates are sold to the point that over 250 people thinks that they own the same ounce of gold and that number is increasing daily. Holding it physically will be king when physical supplies dwindle to nothing due to increasing demand in the present and into the future. The day will come when paper certificates becomes worthless paper because nothing is backing it.

The dollar, due to its increasing supply and the accumulation of debt it has created since the start of the US Federal Reserve back in 1913, has devalued against gold ever since then. What a dollar in gold back in 1913 could buy you, that purchasing power has dropped significantly to about four cents. That's about 25 times less value in your dollar bill than your great grandparent had in 1913. The dollar is a medium of exchange for all goods and services but at a price over the past century regarding central banks. If many of you can remember what you could buy in a grocery store 30 years ago with a $20.00 and what you can buy now with it you can see the difference. What can be manipulated will be but precious metals is the benchmark of what has happened over time. To add further insult to the dollar, back in 1971, as part of the now so-called "Nixon Shock", was a cancellation of direct convertibility of the US currency into gold. Which means the dollar un-pegged its self from gold to form as a "floating" fiat currency with no backing of gold with it. This un-pegged other currencies of other nations that was pegged to the US Dollar as well. The value in fiat money is only face value in law and regulation. The age of commodity money had ended with the US Dollar back in 1971.

From the date of this writing Gold was over $1,100 an ounce not as one dollar in 1913. Fear has always played a factor raising the price of gold, and drops when the cause of fear went away in the past, but in a bankrupted world not just from a world war, regional collapse or a local disaster it may take some time to rebuild or maybe take more than a single lifetime to get back to standards that our parents enjoyed. There is no comparison in world history of the magnitude of financial trouble that will come in the near future and many are helping to kick that can as long as possible. With each day those tools that allow that to happen get weaker in the days and months ahead. Their will be no outside force or superpower that can help the world out of this massive disaster this time around. No one knows the day and hour but many are being amazed today on how much world debt that is being accumulated and built like a financial tower of Babel. I do not think we will reach heaven or see it built past our lifetimes.

Guide On How To Sell Gold Jewelry

When you are strapped of cash the easiest way to get money is to sell your gold jewelry-get cash for gold. The price of gold has been on upward trend and there are many advertisements flooding newspapers, internet, radio and television from gold buyers.

To get the most from your gold jewelry you need to be very cautious and follow the right channels.

How to sell gold jewelry

You should start by separating the jewelry into different categories: broken, missing parts and antique. Your next step should be to find the right value of your gold. You should note that there are many people who pretend to be professional jewelers, but they aren't.

To be on the safe side you should find reputable jewelers from your local Better Business Bureau. If you live in the United States you should find great jewelers from The American Gem Society.

The jeweler will analyze the gold and give you the carat value and the gold's weight in pennyweight. There are some jewelers who will give you the weight in troy ounces. You shouldn't settle with the value given by one jeweler-you should get the value from at least three professionals.

In addition to getting the value from a number of jewelers, you should also determine the intrinsic value of the gold online. The cool thing is that there are many online calculators that will help you in determining the value within seconds.

You can also calculate the value on your own. You should start by determining the percentage of gold in your jewelry. Always remember that 24 karat is 100% gold; therefore, to get the percentage of gold in your jewelry you should divide the carat of your jewelry by 24.

For example, an 18-karat jewelry is 75% (18karat/24 karat=0.75=75%)

With the percentage you will be able to determine the weight of the gold. To do this you only need to multiply the percentage you get by the recorded weight of your jewelry. For example, an 18-karat gold ring weighing 20 grams has 15 grams of gold (29g X75=15g).

To convert the weight into ounces you need to remember that 1g=0.0353 oz; therefore 15g =0.53g (1 oz/0.0353 g).

To get the value of the gold you need to multiply the weight of gold (in ounces) by the current price. For example 0.53g X $1000/oz=$530

With all the information with you, you should now explore your selling options. As mentioned above, the price of gold is rising; therefore, it's easy to find a gold buyer. You should note that different buyers will accept different qualities of gold. For example, online buyers will accept broken jewelry, but jewelry stores will only accept intact jewelry.

If you have broken jewelry, you should consider selling it to scrap gold buyers or broken jewelry buyers and save intact jewelry for jewelry stores.

You should approach different buyers and compare their prices. As rule of thumb you should buy from the buyer providing the best prices for your gold.

Do you have some jewelry and thinking of getting Cash For Gold? We buy scrap jewelry: therefore, if you have some broken pieces; you should highly consider selling it to us for great prices.

8 Reasons Why Silver Is a Better Investment Than Gold

1. The historic silver/gold price ratio was 16:1, but in recent years, silver is relatively cheaper ranging from about 40:1 to 80:1. On October 12, 2009, with silver at $17.75/oz. and gold at $1,057/oz., the ratio is 60:1. This means that silver is currently undervalued, and cheaper than historic norms, and thus it is a better investment than even gold if you want to "buy low and sell high".

2. The supply and demand fundamentals for silver are extraordinary. There has been an ongoing supply/demand deficit in silver for 12 years. More silver is consumed by industry than is produced by mining and recycling combined. Some say this deficit reaches back 60 years, and has consumed virtually all the known silver ever mined since the beginning of the world. The annual deficit has recently ranged from 100 million to 200 million ounces per year. Annual supply is about 650 million ounces, and annual demand is about 800 million ounces.

3. Considering refined and mined known silver reserves, there is far less silver in the world than gold. Approximately 150 million ounces of silver vs. 4 billion ounces of gold.

4. Most silver, 70-80% brought to market, is mined as a by-product of copper mining, gold mining, or zinc and lead mining. There are very few primary silver mines in the world, since most are really copper or gold mines. Therefore, mild increases in the price of silver will not bring substantially more silver out of the ground. Much silver is consumed in photography; electronics, medicine and numerous other industries. There is so little silver used in any one application (cell phone, photograph, electric terminal), that price increases in silver will probably not reduce demand. With a relatively inelastic supply, and relatively inelastic demand, it will require a dramatic explosion in price to bring the supply and demand deficit back into balance.

5. Famous investors have bought silver in recent years. In 1997, Warren Buffet bought 130 million ounces of real silver, due to the favorable "supply and demand fundamentals", he bought as much as they would let him legally buy, yet his purchase was with about 2% of the value of his portfolio. George Soros owns a large percentage of Apex Silver (SIL). Bill Gates owns a substantial position in Pan American Silver (PAAS).

6. In the gold market, there has been a large increase in paper futures contracts which are used to suppress the price. In silver, the relative amount of paper contracts is much larger. In other words, there are more paper shorts that will be caught in an impossible situation when the price of silver really begins to rise due to the fundamental supply demand gap. They will be forced to buy silver or go bankrupt. Either action will cause a dramatic rise in the silver price. If they default on the silver contracts, that will signal to the world the severe shortage of silver, and signal a great investment opportunity.

7. One of the cheapest ways to buy silver: You can buy U.S. coins dated 1964 or earlier, $1000 face value (4,000 quarters, or 2,000 half dollars, or 10,000 dimes), in a "bag" of "junk silver", which contain 715-720 ounces of silver, depending on how worn the coins are. In the early 1980's, when silver was $30-$50/oz., a bag of silver could be used to buy a house! We could see that day again - soon!

8. But historically, a silver dime was a day's wage, whether 100 years ago, or in Roman times when a denarius was a day's wage. This means that a dime of silver, worth $1.27 today, could be worth over $150 (which is a day's wage in today's money.) or more, now that silver is scarce. Actually, in 1926, a silver dime could pay the rent at a 5 star hotel for a month! That's worth about $6000 to $10,000!

You get so much silver for your money. A bag of junk silver weighs about 55 pounds, and is the size of a bowling ball. If you invested $100,000 into junk silver coins, at $12,450/bag, that would give you 8 bags each weighing 55 pounds, or about 440 pounds total. Could you imagine moving that much around your house if you had to move? Silver is so cheap it creates physical problems for investors today!

You will sometimes find quarters in a bag dating back to the late 1800's. In the early 1900's, you could work ALL DAY for a wage of ONE SILVER QUARTER. Imagine being able to buy a day's wage of real money for less than a dollar of today's money! Today, in 2009, a day's wage is over $100. Another way to put it is that the dollar has lost over 99% of its purchasing power over time. Yet, due to silver being undervalued, you can get 100 times the value of your money and labor if you invest in silver. Imagine if they paid a day's wage today of $100 in silver quarters; they would have to give you about 100 silver quarters today. The implications are that if silver returns to its historic valuations, silver will need to go up in value about 100 times, to $450/oz. Silver is truly a bargain.

I have studied silver for 14 years. At the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, the silver price has been manipulated and kept artificially low for years. The United States used to have the largest strategic stockpile in the world - in excess of 3 billion ounces. Today we hold essentially zero. Today, some reports put the amount of available silver on the COMEX at 60 million ounces. (The COMEX stands for the Commodity Exchange, which is a division of the NYMEX - New York Mercantile Exchange. This is where precious metals futures contracts are traded).

This presents an investment opportunity of a lifetime. Actually, it is more likely that silver today is the greatest investment opportunity in the history of the world.

* Never before in human history, has the entire world left using silver as money.

* Never before in human history, has the entire world consumed nearly all the silver for use in electronics.

* Never before in human history, has silver become so cheaply valued.

* Soon, never before in human history have we virtually run out of available above-ground silver.

Silver is a steal! It's cheap - too cheap!


Every day I have the opportunity to visit with individuals and organizations. All of them share growing concerns and anxiety regarding the state of our economy and the fiscal and monetary policy of our government. Many people are considering safe haven investments.

For over fifteen years I have bought, sold, traded and managed precious metals portfolios. Over the course of those same 15 years, I have developed relationships with first tier distribution, mint and agency sources - cutting through layers of brokers, middlemen and retailers.

Especially during this time of economic uncertainty, there are numerous individuals and organizations "pushing" gold and silver. They are often recommending items with the highest profit margins, without regard to the Gold:Silver ratio, while attempting to "up-sell" and promote specific inventory that may not be the best for you, the investor. As a result, you end up paying "full retail" with an additional 5% to 20% in unnecessary commissions.

Fisher Precious Metals will provide you with uncompromising quality and integrity in all of your precious metal purchases. We truly advise and execute your purchase as if it were for our own personal investment. If you or anyone you know is interested in purchasing physical silver or gold, please contact me. Your interest and investment will be handled with absolute confidentiality.

Do You Know When to Sell Your Gold and Silver?

The age old questions that many people ask both themselves and us is, "When should I sell?", or "Is now the time to sell?" As you might already guess, there is no simple pat answer to either of those questions.

In the big picture, one must understand the comprehensive market cycles:

The 3 Phases of this Metals Market:

Phase One (Stealth Phase)

The smart money begins to enter when no one else can see the changes that are coming. These people are the forward-looking type. They are prepared to act upon what they believe. They can see ahead. They are not part of the crowd. This minority are the instigators of change. The crowd never initiates; they only follow what the minority first instigated!

Phase Two (Wall of Worry Phase - The Present Phase)

Next comes the institutional money such as banks, insurance companies, investment fund companies hedge funds, etc. Also from here emerges those companies and individuals which began in phase one and have now grown much bigger. Companies are now marketing to the mainstream crowd. Plus, there is rampant talk that the market is in a bubble. Investors and sideliners alike are trying to determine if they should buy, when they should buy, should they sell, is it too late, etc. Worry everywhere!

Phase Three (Mania Phase)

Now even the diehard bears have become believers. Everyone is speaking about the sector, including Joe Average, the Former Naysayer and the Newspaper Boy. Unscrupulous vendors are coming out of the woodwork. The market seems to go nowhere but up. You literally can't lose - and if you don't get in now, you'll be left in the dust forever (sounds like Florida real estate and dot com stocks.) This sector is the greatest time of reward for those who began and did not bail out in phase one or two.

There's Nothing New

It has happened repeatedly before.

In 1982 the smart money was buying into an infant sector of technology companies when no one else was paying any attention. Then, the large institutions and venture capitalists began to enter approximately between the years of 1989 and 1991 still unbeknownst to most. In 1995 the mainstream crowd began to enter the tech stock arena driving the price of this sector to the moon.

In the tech sector, mainstream America did not realize for almost thirteen years what was simmering and getting ready to explode. By the time most people realized this, it was well underway, and only those who were pre-positioned realized the tremendous gains.

It is no different with the current Precious Metals market we find ourselves in today. The mainstream still have not entered. However, it is bubbling away just under the surface ready to explode - just waiting for when the timing is correct for the mainstream crowd - and not a moment before. Just take a realistic look around you. Are friends and colleagues speaking about gold in the same way that people were speaking about the tech sector in the 1990s?

An Unfortunate Truth

Those who bailed out in phase one or phase two will never know what could have been if they had hung in there. However, those who stay the course and hold on with confidence will reap a multiplied return from the efforts of the seeds already sown by those who got out long before.

When You're In, Stay In, When You're Out, Stay Out:

When you have made your decision, whatever it is - stay in or stay out. It's the getting in and out that destroys your potential for large profits and success.

Additional Factors to Consider:

There are key factors one must consider when contemplating whether or not to sell your precious metals. Here is a list to review:

1. How much gold and silver do you own as a percentage of your investments, specifically, how much of each metal?

2. Are you over-weighted in either silver or gold, and do you need to sell one in order to balance your holdings or gain more of the other metal?

3. Do you need to liquidate in order to gain immediate cash for an emergency or alternative cost need? Please note that we frequently loan our clients money and they use their metals to collateralize the loan. If you are simply in a short term need for cash situation we can help with that as well.

4. Where is the market currently and where is it headed in the long term?

Then there are many that don't or have not yet asked those questions. The majority of our clients purchase gold and silver as long-term "hold" investments, anticipating a need to hedge against future inflation and both global and market instability. Many also believe that there is a chance that their metals may reach a time of utility before they even think of selling them. They also purchase them for portfolio diversity and often do not want to lose the additional asset class that their metals provide by selling them.

Understanding the Gold Silver Ratio and How to Swap

The upward trend in the metals has many investors owning both. But, there's more you can do with gold and silver bullion than just buy and hold. You can also periodically trade, or "swap", one for the other. To do so successfully, you first need to understand the gold/silver ratio.

The gold/silver ratio tells you the number of ounces of silver it would take to purchase one ounce of gold at a specific time. If you examine gold and silver prices going back 4,000 years, will find:

The historical ratio is 16:1 (it has taken 16 ounces of silver to buy 1 ounce of gold)
For the last 100 years, the ratio has been 30:1
In the last 12 years, the ratio has held closer to 60:1
In just the past the past 5 years, the ratio has fluctuated from the low 40's to almost 100
As of March 1st, 2011, the gold/silver ratio was sitting slightly below 40:1

How do we take advantage of this fluctuation?

First - we time our purchases based on the ratio. When the ratio is relatively high, we favor silver in new purchases. When the ratio is relatively low, we favor gold.

Last - we act when the ratio reaches tops and bottoms. When the ratio is high, we swap gold for silver. Then when the ratio drops, we swap silver back into gold. Said another way, we swap silver for gold when silver has appreciated faster than gold. Then, we swap gold back into silver when silver becomes "cheap" relative to gold. Every time we go through this cycle - gold to silver and back to gold - we increase our ounces. That's the whole objective. For example:

Suppose you had one ounce of gold, and the gold/silver ratio rose to 80:1. You would swap your one ounce of gold for 80 ounces of silver.

When the ratio contracted to 40:1, you would swap your 80 ounces of silver back for 2 ounces of gold, doubling the number of ounces you hold.

Next - we buy the form of silver or gold that offers the possibility of greater profits. During periods of high demand, investors will often bid up the premium on certain items 20 to 40% or more of their underlying value. At that point, we can swap the high premium items for others with lower premiums - capturing much of the difference, and converting that difference into extra ounces of metal.

Plus, utilizing this technique does not require any additional monetary outlay. Taking advantage of this ratio strategy beats the alternative - sitting still waiting for the price to rise.

CAUTIONS

Taxes - If you realize a profit from the transaction, you may owe tax on the gain. We do not offer tax advice. Please consult your tax specialist.

Market risk - I do not determine swapping price points independently. Rather, I lean heavily on others in the industry that have also been practicing technique for decades. The market may not cooperate. The challenge is correctly identifying the swapping points based on the relative valuations between the metals. The ratio might move much higher or lower than our target. We would then need to wait longer for the ratio to readjust itself. This is the essential risk to those trading the ratio.

Costs - Transaction costs such as shipping, the bid-ask price spread and commission can reach as much as 8%, although they should be lower. We will need to hold the trade long enough to recoup the transaction costs. Transaction costs associated with trading physical metals are higher than trading ETF's, futures or other paper instruments. In order to keep your costs low, we charge only one-half of our normal commission for a swap transaction. Many others will charge a full commission on both the buy and the sell side. Be careful.

BENEFITS

More Ounces at no cost - The Gold/Silver ratio trading strategy takes an investment that is otherwise stagnant and creates growth by increasing the number of ounces you hold - with no additional cash outlay. Between now and the end of the bull market you should conservatively expect to double your ounces utilizing this strategy.

What You Need to Know

When I first started to buy metals almost 20 years ago, my mentor frequently reminded me that he was not a prophet. In the same vein, if I am wrong about gold/silver ratio, it will cost you money. You'll buy silver instead of gold and the gold will outpace the silver, or vice versa. I don't think that will happen. Or, if it does, it will be temporary. I have successfully deployed this strategy numerous times. Sometimes the time-frame between swaps is relatively short - maybe only a few months. Other times it has taken two years or longer.

I am recommending swapping silver for gold when the gold/silver ratio drops to 48 or less. Consider swapping more if the ratio drops further. We will then seek the opportunity to swap that gold back into silver, capturing that gain in additional ounces of silver.

Because there are commissions and other transaction costs, you will not realize exactly the same ratio as the spot ratio.

The swapping strategy works for both small and large investors as long as you are willing to swap (150) ounces of silver or more. We will swap into the lowest cost, most readily available, most liquid gold coins - whatever offers you the most gold for your silver.

This is not a solicitation, only a strategy. Please do your own due diligence and make your own investment decision.

I still ultimately favor silver over gold as I remain convinced that the ratio will reach 16:1 (or lower) at the top of this bull market.

Housekeeping

It is impossible to swap an exact amount of one metal for the exact amount of another. For example, one ounce of gold might buy 50.17 ounces of silver, but never exactly 50 ounces even. I do my very best to swap as close to even-up as possible. The residual we will settle in cash. You may owe a small amount, or you may be due a small amount. I attempt to keep these amounts under $100.

The gold/silver swapping opportunity is presenting itself intermittently. If you are interested in learning more on how you might increase your metal holdings by 15 to 35% or more, with no cash outlay, please contact us. The window of opportunity is very narrow.

6 Tips on Selecting a Gold and Silver Dealer

Although it's easy to find a precious metals dealer, finding an honest, qualified one is significantly more challenging. There are a number of key attributes you should require in a gold and silver dealer. The key requirements are that he/she knows their business well, is financially stable, respected by their peers, has demonstrated exemplary ethics, and from whom you have recourse in case of a dispute.

A credible dealer will adhere to a dealer code of ethics such as that which is required by the American Numismatics Association. Their Dealer Code of Ethics can be viewed on their website.

6 TIPS ON HOW TO EVALUATE GOLD AND SILVER DEALERS

(1) Extent of the dealer's experience. How experienced is the dealer you are considering? If you are buying coins, especially for investment purposes, you want a knowledgeable, reliable coin dealer who can give you accurate and expert advice. You would never trust an inexperienced professional for any of your other investment needs, so don't settle for less with your gold and silver purchases. Solid credentials and experience are a must.

(2) Does the Dealer Have Significant Assets? Although the overwhelming vast majority of coins on the market are genuine, there are occasionally some counterfeits that turn up. You want to know that the dealer is likely to still be in business five years from now if that one 1933 Saint-Gaudens gold dollar coin turns out to have been a rare fake.

(3) Is the Dealer Properly Insured? Believe it or not, a significant number of dealers do not carry adequate insurance on their inventory and transportation of gold and silver products. We carry dual insurance policies with Lloyd's of London to protect both our inventory and physical transport. We also fully insure all shipments to our clients via every freight and postal carrier we use. Make sure your selected dealer is appropriately insured to safeguard your purchases.

(4) Is the Coin Dealer Known and Respected Amongst His/Her Peers? One of the best safeguards you can get is from using a dealer who has been vetted by his/her peers before being permitted to join an association or guild. Is the dealer a board member for any of the precious metals associations? Are they active members of the numismatics organizations? The reputable organizations to check out your dealer's membership are: ICTA (Industry Council for Tangible Assets), American Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild.

(5) What Are the Dealer's Key Ethics? Coin dealers who subscribe to a code of ethical standards, such as that espoused by ANA, have enough respect for their customers to take that extra time to give every prospective customer an honest appraisal if they are looking to sell to the dealer. In addition, they should present a buyer with multiple low premium bullion options unless the buyer is a collector or speculator. Only then are numismatic and rare/antique coins a potential product for the buyer.

An ethical dealer will agree to honestly represent their products fairly, grade coins with integrity, and treat people ethically. One would expect these traits from any professional, but the precious metals industry is known for many who dismiss our ethical standards.

(6) Do You Have Any Recourse if Anything Goes Wrong? Coin dealers who are full members of the ANA have agreed to submit to binding arbitration to resolve disputes. This is a very important consideration if you are buying expensive coins, or coins for investment purposes. What happens if there's a dispute, or if coins are lost in shipment? Avoid the headache of lawsuits and filing complaints with government agencies. Work with a dealer that provides you sufficient recourse and is once again properly insured.

Gold and Silver With an IRA Custodian Vs IRA LLC Home Storage

If you have a self-directed IRA account, you're more than likely already aware of your ability to invest in gold, silver, and other precious metals with your IRA funds. However, as more companies promote the idea of storing gold and silver at home with an IRA LLC (or in a local safe deposit box), we'd like to highlight the differences between storing precious metals at a depository via an IRA provider, and storing precious metals at home with an IRA LLC.

Companies that endorse the idea of home storage don't always paint the whole picture regarding benefits, risks, and rules of at-home storage vs. utilizing a depository that specializes in precious metals storage through the IRA administrator. These companies usually refer you to your own legal counsel for advice on the process.

The following comparison seeks to communicate the relatively unknown details about at-home metals storage that you need to make a fully informed decision about your precious metals IRA.

IRA/LLC program:

• The IRS is notified annually that your IRA owns the LLC.

• Metals investment choices are severely limited. No metals other than US minted Eagles

• The IRA owner must supply the IRA provider with third party confirmation of the value of the LLC including any metals and any cash it owns.

• Insurance for home stored metals is unattainable at any reasonable price.

• Safe Deposit box storage is not insured by the bank and although insurance is available from select vendors, it is expensive. (ex: $100K = $200/yr $50K = $110, $20K = $75)

• The metals still belong to the IRA, not to you, so you must avoid any prohibited transactions with them otherwise your IRA is at risk. An example of this would be pledging the metals for a personal loan or taking personal ownership of the metals directly.

• Distributions of metals or other assets owned by the LLC must go first to the IRA provider to be reported to the IRS.

• Providing storage space for the LLC assets at your personal residence, in your personal safe, in your personal back yard, may be a prohibited transaction.

• The LLC must have a business bank account which may have monthly fees.

• Bank safe deposit boxes cost between $15 to $65 per year or more. Keep in mind that silver eagles take much more space per $.

• IRA provider annual fees for LLCs are often higher than for direct metals ownership.

• Bookkeeping for the LLC must be maintained by the IRA owner.

• Annual reporting and state filing fees may be required for the LLC.

• LLC set up and legal fees are required.

• If the IRS asserts that a prohibited transaction occurred, the burden of proof is on the taxpayer to ensure that the IRA holder did not receive a personal benefit. In tax court you are presumed guilty until you prove otherwise.

• Personally-held metals are likely subject to a higher level of due diligence from buyers as there is no documentation of "chain of possession" ensuring that the metals have not been tampered with and may reduce the resale value of some metals.

IRA Direct Ownership:

• The IRA provider does not alert the IRS that your IRA owns metals.

• You may invest in any allowed metals.

• You pick from a selection of depository companies specializing in holding metals.

• You may take distribution of or sell the metals at any time.

• You do not need to supply the IRA provider annual confirmation of the value as this is done automatically by the IRA provider.

• Insurance is included in the depository fee for any metals stored.

• There is practically no possibility of you having a prohibited transaction.

• Banking accounts and bookkeeping is included in IRA provider fees.

• IRA providers often have lower annual IRA fees for metals than any other asset.

• Depositories offer either specific item storage or commingled storage at your option.

• There is no state reporting required by you.

• No LLC creation fees or legal fee is needed.

• IRA can be established and ready to make a purchase significantly faster.

Although the idea of having your IRA's precious metal sitting on your kitchen table may sound appealing, most of our clients realize that holding their IRA's metals with a professional administrator is the option with lower stress, lower hassle, and lower risks.

For many investment strategies, there are multiple factors in play when making the best choice. Education about IRS rules and regulations is critical to making knowledgeable IRA investment decisions. For more information about Precious Metals IRAs and IRA/LLC options

In addition to our industry-best educational webinars, specialized videos, and cutting-edge blogs and articles, New Direction provides live presentations for investors of all asset markets and offers continuing education courses for CPAs, attorneys, and real estate professionals. We pride ourselves in consistently being a leading provider of self-directed IRA education and administrative services. We believe in empowering our clients with the education they need to confidently make knowledgeable investment decisions for their individual retirement account.

Gold and Silver Buying Mistakes

Detailed below are the most common pitfalls that precious metals investors often encounter.

Common Mistake #1 - Unrealistic Expectations

One of the biggest pitfalls faced by precious metal investors of all experience levels is impatience and the temptation to chase the price with the hopes of "hitting it big". Many new investors believe that the metals prices can only go up and that investing success is a given in the short term.

The key to success is the full understanding that investing in gold or silver is a long-term proposition. You can only measure your success over many YEARS, not weeks or even months. If you are looking to "get rich quick" we would recommend you not venture in to precious metals with this expectation.

Take the time to assess the following:

What are your investment goals?

Why are you considering gold and silver?

Will the factors that are moving you to consider precious metals change in the near future?

Most likely you are considering precious metals due to a myriad of global economic conditions - most of which will not change quickly, if at all. This only reinforces a long-term position and mentality when it comes to investing in metals. If you get in the game, do so for the long haul.

Keep in mind the flip side as well. Investors will often jump from investment vehicle to vehicle if their investment strategy doesn't yield immediate results. We have see many of our clients sell off their metals to go and invest in the "next big thing", have it fail and then find themselves buying metals back at significantly higher prices.

Common Mistake #2 - Chasing the Price

Some people will spend years chasing after the next big thing, often believing that this strategy is "the one." When that particular strategy doesn't yield the results they were looking for, the common response by investors is to blame the strategy and to quickly adopt another. They don't realize that the problem most often lies within themselves and not with a given strategy or tactic.

Again, step back...

Give the strategy some time. We can't stress enough that precious metals investments should be long-term holdings. Success in this game is not something that can be accurately measured in weeks or months. This is a long-term commitment. Budget your time, energy and capital wisely.

Common Mistake #3 - ETF's and Physical Metals are the Same

Many investors, especially those new to precious metals, make the critical error of thinking that owning an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) that invests in gold, such as GLD, is the same as owning the physical gold itself. It is critical to understand the key differences between owning shares of an ETF and owning physical gold or silver.

For thousands of years, physical gold and silver have been highly desirable and recognizable commodities that are easily bought, sold and exchanged for goods on local and world markets. You can take physical gold from New York to Zimbabwe and everyone will immediately recognize the inherent value in the metal itself. In essence, you can use physical gold or silver in lieu of, or for exchange of cash all over the world.

As the owner of a gold ETF, you ultimately only own a piece of paper, a promissory note, showing how many shares of the fund you own; however you do not own any actual physical gold. The ETF owns the gold and you own a promise from the fund managers to pay back the value of the shares you have purchased in the ETF. The ETF certificate that you own is something that is not universally traded on the world markets, nor is it widely recognized or easily exchangeable for currency. You would have a very difficult time trying to trade paper certificates for goods or services the same way you would physical gold.

Let's take a closer look at one of the most popular gold investments, GLD. The primary disadvantage of paper gold is lack-of-ease in converting to physical gold. While investors may own a claim on physical gold, in many cases they will find that actually getting their hands on the metal is much more difficult than they had expected.

Investors may not realize that when they invest in GLD, they do not own physical gold. Yes, in theory GLD is a physical gold-backed ETF, and one share of GLD is supposed to be equivalent to 1/10th ounce of gold. But the actual story is much more complicated, with major restrictions on redemption.

First, to qualify to redeem GLD shares for physical gold, special permission is required from the trustee of GLD. This permission is typically reserved for brokers and major institutional players. Second, shares can only be redeemed in batches of 100,000, which equates to roughly $13 million at today's prices. Third, according to GLD's prospectus, the fund retains the right to settle gold requests in cash rather than in the physical metal. So even if you owned 100,000 shares and had permission to redeem them, you still might not receive your physical bullion.

Another nuance to investing in GLD has to do with how its price moves in relation to the spot price of gold on the futures market. While the initial price of GLD was set to represent the price of 1/10th ounce of gold, this relationship has not been maintained, because GLD is subject to its own market forces, as well as reduction in value through management fees. Without getting into too much detail, the price of GLD is highly correlated with the spot price movements of gold, but does not follow those movements exactly. For example, a large purchase or sale of shares in GLD can drive the price up or down, without the spot price of gold changing.

Finally, if you read the language of an ETF prospectus carefully, you will see that your investment in the ETF could possibly drop to $0 in value. This highlights two critical factors to consider about ETFs: 1) you are trusting someone else to establish the value of the gold possessed by the ETF, and 2) you are trusting that the fund managers actually have enough physical gold to cover your investment and all of the other shares invested as well.

These two concerns are negated when you consider physically possessing gold. First, the value of your investment is determined by the market, not by a fund manager or by the popularity of the shares of a given ETF. Second, since you physically possess the gold, you know exactly what it is worth at any moment in time and are not dependent on another person or entity to tell you what you have.

The chance of physical gold becoming worthless is virtually impossible, given that gold and silver have always had, and should always have value. While the value of gold may fluctuate depending on a given currency or during any given day, there will always be some value associated with these precious metals due to the fact that precious metals are rare elements, cannot be "manufactured" and have a myriad of industrial uses.

Common Mistake #4 - Falling for Confiscation Scare Tactics

Countless investors have been presented with the "Confiscation Myth" and unknowingly found themselves being upsold into unnecessary, expensive numismatic coins. Many unscrupulous precious metals firms will bait investors in to buying numismatic coins that have a margin that is 28 to 70% higher than standard bullion coins and bars.

The most frequently used technique to promote high-priced coins is to raise the issue of confiscation. Many telemarketers tell investors that old U.S. gold coins are not "subject to confiscation," leaving the impression that modern gold bullion coins are. Consequently, many investors buy old, rare, and antique gold coins at prices significantly higher than the value of their gold content. The idea of buying "non-confiscatable" gold sounds like a powerful argument but when scrutinized fails to stand the test of truth.

Many precious metals firms maintain that old U.S. gold coins, proof sets, and commemorative gold coins are "collectibles" and would not be subject to another gold recall. Some firms say that premiums of at least 15% automatically make coins collectibles. Another notion holds that coins one hundred years or older are antiques and therefore not subject to confiscation.

The bottom line is that NO federal law or Treasury department regulation supports these contentions. ONLY if you are a collector or speculator should you buy numismatic coins.

Common Mistake #5 - Minimal Research

When faced with something new, it's easy to simply take the advice of a few friends or scan a couple of websites before you make the jump. In the precious metals market, superficial research is just looking at general information such as spot prices and trying to "pick a price point" or choosing the most popular forms to buy. There is significant information to be learned about buying gold and silver, and that requires sifting through the misinformation as well.

There are sound forums and blogs to review such as zerohedge.com, seekingalpha.com, cointalk.com and goldismoney.com. They are great places to read other investors' opinions, strategies and the experiences they've had with specific dealers. Ask specific questions on the forums and mine the resources and experience of seasoned investors.

You can also turn to Facebook and LinkedIn for various investor groups and interest groups. Please keep in mind that many of these groups are formed by dealers or individuals that have a hidden sales agenda. Consider their profile and background before considering any aspect of investment advice that is offered.

There are a number of industry respected company blogs that are hosted by dealers and wholesalers that are another solid source of information for a new or experienced investor. Many of the industry blogs provide new product information, Mint news and up to date market information.

The mainstream media will often provide timely, yet sometimes biased news. Use your discernment when reviewing precious metals news from The Wall Street Journal, TheStreet.com, YahooFinance or Reuters. Verify any news you read with multiple reliable sources.

In the end after your initial research, find a dealer that is willing to spend time answering any and all of your questions without trying to sell you something.

Common Mistake #6 - Going "All In"

Many first-time precious metal investors make the mistake of investing all or a significant portion of their savings in precious metals. That is a mistake! You should never invest all or a significant portion of your assets in any single investment vehicle. To determine how much you should invest, you must first determine how much you can actually afford to invest and what your financial goals are.

When you determine how much to invest in precious metals you should begin by following some long-standing investment principles. If you have significant debt, you should work first to pay down your debt and secure three to six months of living expenses in savings. If these principles are accomplished then take a look to see how much additional savings you have on hand for investing.

Follow this with a plan to add to your investments over time. You should plan to use a specified portion of your income to build your precious metal portfolio over time. This method is called "dollar-cost-averaging" and it is useful whether buying stocks, bonds, mutual funds, precious metals or any investment. Speak with a qualified financial advisor to set up a budget and determine how much of your future income you should invest.

For many types of investments, a minimum initial investment amount may be required. Different precious metals dealers require different minimum purchases. Your local dealer may let you buy just one or two ounces of silver, while some online dealers require upwards of $5,000 to purchase from them. We, for example, do not have a minimum purchase requirement.

Finally, never borrow money to invest, never buy precious metals on leverage and don't use money set aside for other needs.

Common Mistake #7 - Obsession

Did you know that a Google search for the word "gold" produces over 700,000,000 results? "Silver" brings back about 480,000,000 results. That is some serious information overload and way too much for any one person to try to keep up with.

Many newcomers to precious metals investing may find that they become overwhelmed with information, especially when gold fever hits or when the price reaches a new all-time high. There is so much to learn and so many things happening all at once all over the world, it's easy to catch the fever and want to keep constant vigil over the market. This gives new investors a misguided sense of control, thinking that as long as they are keeping an eye on the market, they'll be on top of things. Right? In reality, the opposite is happening.

The Sun is always shining somewhere on the Earth, and there is a market somewhere that is almost always open - this is especially apparent with today's Internet connected markets and global economies. Markets constantly change based on events all around the world - there's just no way for any one person to keep up with the precious metals market 24/7.

The solution?

Relax. Don't become obsessed with the ever-changing world of precious metals - give your mind a break from it all. When our brains are strained, we tend to make high-risk decisions with a lack of concern for the consequences. It'll still be there when you return. If you have done your homework, work with a reputable company to place your orders and have a solid long-term strategy in place, you will hardly miss a beat.

One way to ensure you are using a great strategy is to pre-plan your moves - be less reactive and more proactive. This gives a real sense of control and allows you to calculate your strategy and wait for the best timing. The markets move as they will, so instead of reacting to everything, which requires you to watch the Hong Kong Market to guess what will happen in London, you can pre-plan your moves.

Conclusion

Investing in precious metals is serious business but it can be very rewarding. This type of endeavor requires both attention and respect. Master it and a world of financial opportunity is open to you. Fall victim to it and there are few things more frustrating. Hopefully, from this short report you have gained a better awareness of the rapidly changing and in-depth nature of precious metals and how to maximize your opportunity to succeed.

The pitfalls we have illustrated here are just some of the more common mistakes that new investors experience. You can avoid the headache of these blunders by keeping in mind some of the crucial information we have revealed in this report. Above all, remember that success will be measured in years, not weeks. Avoid the mindset of getting rich quick - keep your goals and expectations long term.

Also, remember that there is no substitute for knowledge and practice. Educate yourself. Find a system that makes sense to you. Don't go along with something simply because you were told it works. Rather, determine what resonates with your own body of knowledge and experience, then stick with your strategy.

Finally, find a mentor - someone who is willing to impart the knowledge that made them successful. A solid understanding of precious metals investing is truly invaluable, offering you the opportunity for secure investments, financial strength and independence.

Why Now Is The Time to Buy Gold

Which of these best defines your thinking during periods when it seems failure is the likely option?

If at first you don't succeed... cut bait and scram.

The race doesn't always go to the swiftest of foot but the surest of step.

Your answer will define how you react to my recommendation that you use today's low gold prices as a buying opportunity.

Those who see gold as a faded commodity investment with little future have already cut bait... and probably stopped reading at the end of the last paragraph.

Those who see the world as a particularly dicey joint reflexively understand what I'm talking about and are already buying gold. You can stop reading; you're already on the winning team.

Instead, today's dispatch is for the fence-sitters weighing whether to own gold in preparation for what's to come... or whether to disregard the metal as nothing more than fodder for those crazy gold bugs to gnaw on. It's a confusing world out there. Some say gold is going to $700 (and they might be right, temporarily), and others say gold will shoot to $10,000 (and they might be right, temporarily).

I'm in the middle. And when I tell you why, I hope you see the wisdom of why you should join me there, too.

Before we begin, a small but relevant preamble to explain who else is sitting in the audience today.

Seems lots of Americans are worrying a blue streak, even though we're told by the media that "all is copacetic" in the land of milk and honey - unless, of course, you're lactose intolerant and a diabetic.

Through the first half of the year, the metals department for a $24 billion U.S. bank was a net seller of gold, as everyday investors reduced their gold holdings. But since mid-June, sales of allocated gold (physical gold the bank holds in your name) is up 142%. Unallocated gold (physical gold held in a pool rather than in your name) is up 154%.

The U.S. Mint has similar interest. Gold coins sales during the third quarter tripled to more than 322,000 ounces from a year ago. Sitting nearby are some Austrians, Brits and Germans, all rubbing their own worry stones, too, as all three countries report significantly higher sales of local sovereign gold coins. Meanwhile, Australia's Perth Mint is seeing robust demand, particularly in one-kilo gold bars that are hugely popular imports in China, India and Thailand.

Someone - actually, a lot of someones around the world - has it figured out.

They know the world is not in a good way.

The World Needs a Crisis

Seven years on from the worst financial calamity since the Great Depression and not a whole lot has really changed for the better. The world's most important countries are deeper in debt. The world's most important consumer populations are deeper in debt. The too-big-to-fail banks are bigger, so we know that moral hazard is now bigger since governments can never let those banks fail.

Meanwhile, the world's politicians - led by those in D.C. - have done little to improve the lot of the common man or manage well the treasuries those politicians control. And instead of prescribing a financial enema to allow the world economy to purge its collected refuse, global central bankers have been stuffing the world economy with sweets and high-calorie junk food (quantitative easing and other such monetary gerrymanders) in order to induce a sugar high to make us all think life really is better than it was back in 2008.

Of course, it's not. It's a good bit riskier than it was back then, which is why physical gold is such a necessary component of any collection of financial assets.

See, a reckoning is coming. It has to. A crisis is the only catharsis to a world addled by excessive debts at every level of society. The pain will surpass 2008.

The problem, however, isn't leading the horse to water or getting him to drink.

It's getting the horse to recognize he's thirsty in the first place.

Gold Is More Than an Investment

Buying gold for its investment merits is like buying a car because it's a great place to listen to music.

Cars are not useful because they play music, and gold is not useful because it's an investment. Gold is useful because it's governmental insurance.

Government is, quite simply, overrun by stupidity. People who run for office are never the best and the brightest. They are the narcissists who think they have the answers, who like attention from the public, and who need a way to make an easy living since there are not enough circuses and rodeos in need of clowns. These people make big-dollar financial decisions that impact us and the world... and the vast majority haven't the skillset or the training to do so.

They've built up too much debt in the world. That debt, in turn, impacts the ability of central bankers - many of whom are smart - to do their jobs properly. They're left to manipulate monetary policy and markets in order to save the world from what politicians have created.

This won't go on forever. At some point, a crisis must happen to relieve the pressures that have built up. And in every crisis throughout history, gold has played a role.

It has risen in value to protect purchasing power.

It will do so again. Even a 21st century financial system is not so different that gold's role as currency insurance of last resort will be diminished. In the right moment - in a debt-fueled currency crisis - gold will shine just as bright as it always has in moments of total global chaos.

That's the path we're on. And there are no exit ramps.

You can buy gold now at cheap prices and prepare for the future. Or you can decide gold is dead... and even then you're still preparing for the future - just in the wrong way.

The race doesn't always go to the swiftest but the surest of foot.

As a lifelong world traveler, Jeff Opdyke has been investing directly in the international markets since 1995, making him one of the true pioneers of foreign trading. He is Investment Director for The Sovereign Society and a weekly contributor to The Sovereign Investor Daily.

Get Your Gold Out Now

Most of us remember cowboy movies in which a lonesome desperado acquires a sack of gold coins that everyone else wants. It's a thankless task that typically doesn't end well.

I vividly recall the final scene from Sergio Leone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, in which a long rifle shot from Blondie (Clint Eastwood) severs the hangman's noose holding Tuco (Eli Wallach), sending him face-first into a pile of gold coins. It's still memorable even after I learned it was filmed in the Spanish plateau region of Burgos, not the U.S. Southwest.

Besides reminding us that gold has always been a much sought-after commodity, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly's multinational production process illustrates another key principle of the modern economy: People move around a lot when they're making money.

And that creates the perfect opportunity for governments to get their greedy hands on your gold.

Traveling With Gold

Let's start with a review of U.S. rules regarding the importation and exportation of gold bullion, whether in bar or coin form:

There is no duty on gold coins, medals or bullion but these items must be declared to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer. Please note a FinCEN 105 form must be completed at the time of entry for monetary instruments over $10,000. This includes currency, i.e. gold coins, valued over $10,000. The FinCEN definition of currency: The coin and paper money of the United States or any other country that is (1) designated as legal tender and that (2) circulates and (3) is customarily accepted as a medium of exchange in the country of issuance.

Note the specific definition of "currency" here. These rules only apply to gold coins that can be used as currency. Taking collectible (numismatic) coins out of the U.S. requires that you submit Electronic Export Information (EEI) to the Census Bureau, ostensibly to help compile U.S. export and trade statistics. This form is actually required for any exported commodity, including gold, with a value exceeding $2,500. There are similar rules regarding jewelry.

Global Gold Crackdown?

Most foreign countries have similar regulations concerning the import and export of gold bullion and collectible coins. These regulations tend to track U.S. rules closely, and generally, as long as people follow them, there isn't much friction over international travel with precious metals.

Recently, however, I've been hearing reports that some foreign countries are starting to ask more questions, and require more searches, when someone declares that they are transporting gold or other precious-metal coins. For example, some countries in Latin America - including financial basket-case Argentina - are reportedly quite interested in any unusual coins you're carrying - even if they're under the limits and therefore not declarable. Seeing them in an X-ray of your bag may be enough to trigger a search and interrogation.

Then there are increasing reports that many banks around the world are beginning to amend their contracts to prevent clients from storing currency and precious metals in safe-deposit boxes, or stating that they will not be responsible for them if they are kept there. For example, Chase Bank recently started a pilot program to this effect in Cleveland, prior to rolling it out nationally.

What's going on? My guess is that the U.S. and other governments are starting to put in place the elements of a capital controls system. We already know that the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) is building the infrastructure for capital controls in banking. That leaves cash and precious metals as the two remaining methods to transport value physically. Transporting large amounts of cash is already heavily regulated, leaving one more - gold and other precious metals. It's not paranoid at all to think that the U.S. government is quietly working with other customs agencies to increase "awareness" of the gold-movement "problem."

The Only Problem Is Government

Of course, traveling with gold is a "problem" made by governments. If they behaved responsibly, let economic processes take their course instead of propping up big banks, and treated their citizens with respect, there would be no problem at all.

If you plan to carry any gold or silver currency or collectible coins out of the U.S. - why bring them back in? - my advice is to contact the nearest office of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and explain what you plan to do. Ask them to explain in writing how you can conform to the law. You can show the written response if questioned by CBP agents, who may not know the rules. Also keep handy any customs paperwork from other countries, as well as a proof of purchase or bill of sale.

Remember, traveling with gold isn't illegal. There's no reason to end up like Tuco, who just wanted to get away with his gold.

Ted joined The Sovereign Society in 2013. As an expat who lived in South Africa for 25 years, Ted specializes in asset protection and international migration.

What Makes A Good Silver Buyer?

Apart from selling gold, you can also get cash for your silver and silver jewelry and items that you have. It is amongst the precious metals that buyers are more than willing to buy and you can make quick money selling the silver items you have in your home or those that you no longer need. Precious metal buyers have however increased in number and you need to make a choice to get the best one to buy what you have. Here are some key things that make a good buyer for the silver you have.

The reputation - It is amongst the things that you simply can't afford to ignore when choosing a buyer for the silver you have. A good buyer should have a good market reputation and you can easily gauge this by going through any feedback or review given on the buyer by previous sellers. In as much as there are genuine buyers out there, remember that a bunch of them are not sincere with the services they offer and to be on the safe side you need to choose a buyer you can fully trust.

The prices - Your silver will of course need to be appraised for a price to be appended to it but you can take the time to look at the price offers your buyer has. Most buyers have price lists based on karats and weight of your silver items and you can use such lists to determine which buyer has the potential to offer you the best value for the items that you wish to sell. However, remember that the current market prices can also determine the amount you get for the items that you are selling.

The services - The services your buyer offers can also help you determine just how good he is going to be not just for the current needs that you have but also for any future needs that you might require. Fortunately, most precious metal buyers offer much more than just silver buying services. Depending on the choice that you make, you can also enjoy jewelry pawning and consignment services as well as cleaning services. It therefore helps to find out what else your buyer can do for you as far as the silver items go.

The policy - When you get your silver appraised, you may or may not accept the quoted prices. Whatever the case you should have the last say as to what happens to your items. You can decide to accept the prices or have them returned so you can look for a better buyer deal. Even though most silver buyers offer you this easy no obligation process, be sure that you know the terms and conditions of the services offered. The best you can do is read the company policy and get the most important details so that you are better placed to make sound decisions when working with the buyers. The items are yours so ensure the policies do not tie you down to commitments you might not like.

Silver buyers Hamilton offer very good prices even for silver jewelry but you need to do your homework if at all you are to make the right decisions. Look at all important factors before committing.

Cash For Your Gold - What You Need To Know

Gold buyers can change your items into fast money for you. They of course can buy gold coins and bars but they also accept other items such as gold jewelry items that you could have. It means therefore that you do not have to keep those items including broken gold watches you no longer need and watch them waste away in your jewelry box. You can easily get cash for your gold when using reliable buyers today but there are a few things that you need to know.

The price for your items has determinant factors

In most cases, the real condition of your items does not determine the prices that you enjoy as long as they are real gold and not filled of plated. The factors that largely determine the final prices that you get after appraisal include the current market price of gold, the gold karat of your items and the weight of the items that you are selling.

The items need to be appraised

This is the process that leads to the price quote that you get from your buyer. It is a process that helps determine the purity of the gold you are selling. To get the best, ensure you are dealing with leading and reputable buyers. You can also have your items appraised privately before offering it to the buyer. This way, you can easily tell what prices are reasonable enough for the gold value your items have.

Buyers can accept gold watches too

However, some might come with conditions to accept your watches. Some of the buyers for instance will only buy given watch brands and not just any other brand. Be sure to therefore find out first what brands the buyer accepts before starting with the selling process to keep disappointments at bay.

The condition of the items does not really matter

The gold buyers offering you cash for your gold will usually not focus on the size or condition of the items you are selling as long as they are genuine. You can also get cash for so many other items apart from gold coins and bars that you have. You can literally have any of your gold items bought to its real value regardless of how old it is.

The buyer prices can vary

Even though there are factors that will be used to determine the true cash value of the gold you have, the prices can still vary from buyer to buyer. Most however offer a list of prices based on karats and grams of your items. To get the best buyers, you can start by conducting a simple research to look at the prices first before choosing the buyer you feel offers you best value for the gold you have.

The buyers can help remove any gemstones

Even though they can help remove them at no extra charges, they might have conditions for the stone settings they can help you with. The Prong setting is the mostly accepted but you might need to handle the removal for other settings such as bezel, channel and pave sets.

Hamilton cash for gold services can help you with getting quick cash for your old gold items. You can get the most value for your items by comparing buyers before making the final decision.

How Gold Buyers Can Help You

Gold remains to be amongst the most precious metals and one that continues to be in demand even though the supply is very minimal. This metal is very rare and for that reason the prices skyrocket all the time. It can be hard for you to buy gold but if you have gold, then selling is very easy. There are so many gold buyers today who can help you get value even for items that you have made of the metal. The gold buyers not only buy items that are made of gold but also those made from other precious metals such as platinum, silver and palladium.

The best thing about the buyers is that they can buy your gold in any form including jewelry. This means that you no longer have to keep those genuine old gold rings, necklaces, bracelets and even earrings. They also buy gold watches regardless of the fact that they no longer function or are broken. They base the buying price on the karat content or purity and the weight of the items but the existing gold market prices can also determine the amount that you get for your gold. The buyers can come in handy because:

They buy your gold fast and easy as long as it is genuine. Remember that plated or filled gold items don't usually pass for this kind of buying. If you have a need for quick money, then the buyers will come in handy to save your situation because most offer a very simple buying process.

The buyers will also take anything that is gold regardless of its condition. This means that you can now get value for those old jewelry pieces that are broken or have lost their shine so long as they are made of real gold.

You do not have to have gold bars and coins to enjoy your money. The gold buyers accept an assortment of gold items including all kinds of jewelry, dental gold, custom ornaments, antiques, and estate pieces. As long as it is gold, you can be sure to get the money for the value of the metal.

The buyers can also buy other items made from precious metals like silver, platinum and palladium. It means that if you do not have golden items, you can still make that fast money on any other silverware or jewelry you might have and those items made from platinum that you no longer need.

The buying process is made very simple and fast by buyers to ensure that you do not struggle trying to sell what you have. Usually, your gold will be appraised once you take it to the buyer after which a price is quoted and you can get your money as soon as you agree with the prices. When using genuine buyers, you can expect to get the best prices for your gold in a super-fast process.

Most of the buyers can help remove any gemstones from the gold at no extra charges. It means less effort from your side when selling what you have.

Gold buyers Hamilton can save you from making losses from your hard earned gold jewelry. You can enjoy the full value even for your broken old gold items as long as they are made from real gold.