Ready, Set, Go. Buy Gold Bars

In a world with one financial crisis dovetailing into another, it's difficult for investors to know what's real, what's not, and more importantly, exactly what they should do. With the euro crisis, the debt ceiling and now the sequester, some investors imagine a monetary races that proposes: ready, set, go - buy gold bars!

The truth is, there is no race. One should never feel caught up in the rush to buy. Such an impulse is likely to end badly. If investors are seriously considering buying gold bars, then they should do so with a fair degree of caution and certainly ample forethought. Like everything else in life, it pays to do one's homework. There are many very legitimate questions a potential investor can and should ask a precious metal’s dealer before entering into any agreement or making a purchase. It's important that the gold dealer be reputable, and it is equally vital that the company has been in business for a number of years. Not only does this give one the security of knowing the company is in the precious metals field for the long haul, it also signals that the staff and account executives will have a knowledge base and expertise that can only be achieved after working in the business for years. Like in many industries, there is simply no substitute for a great deal of experience – all of this information is readily available at sites like Gold Bullion news.

When you find a company that has a proven track record, that's golden. Merit Gold, one of the leading gold dealers in the country, finds that there sterling reputation is their greatest asset. It doesn't matter how good the deal may seem, the fact of the matter is, that if the company's credentials are not incredibly solid, it's completely meaningless.

Investors should also examine the leadership within a company. Obviously, the best place to look for this kind of insight is at the top. If the person running the show is known and respected in the field, that's a huge plus that should help drive an investor’s decision. If on the other hand, the head of the company has only a fair reputation and is relatively unknown, most would consider that a major red flag. So in a way, it's not unlike judging someone's character, except in this case, the investor is judging the character of the company.

Once the hysteria of the current economic climate dies down, it'll be easier for investors to keep their bearings and make intelligent, balanced decisions. But for those who have been around long enough to see the cyclical nature of the economy, there's no need to wait to become calm, cool and collected. Those with the tremendous benefit of acquiring years of experience are much less likely to get swept up by feverish emotions. Seasoned investors will often say “it's just business". It's a simple statement, but one that resonates volumes to those who have seen the young trader fall victim to the mayhem of whatever the current crisis may be.


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Where Can I Buy a Bullion Bar?

New investors interested in gold often wonder "Where can I buy a bullion bar?" In fact, buying a bullion bar is one of the safest and easiest ways to buy gold.  The bullion bar is always sold by weight.  The general rule for investors is, to buy the biggest single bar you can, this is because productions costs are added.  A lot of little bars will cost you more than a single bullion bar - even if they add up to the same weight.

Purity is an issue, different parts of the world have different purity standards.  Make sure you are aware of the purity of the bar you are considering.  In the United States, the gold bar limit is typically 10 oz..  The smallest gold bar offered is typically 1/2 oz..

In Europe, they are starting to offer credit card sized gold bars.  Some of these are even sold through vending machines and have little separations to break pieces off as gifts.

With the explosion of gold prices over the last decade it is extremely important that you buy from a reputable dealer.  Look for a dealer with a long term reputation in buying and selling gold.  Make sure they have good customer service and an upstanding reputation in the community.  There are many new dealers springing up trying to take advantage of new investors.  They may not be completely straightforward in matters of purity and weight.  A good dealer will offer you an absolute guarantee of purity and weight and will be completely honest about where the bars were produced.

When you buy from a certified gold seller, you are starting a relationship.  You probably want the option of selling back to the dealer at a future date.  Make sure that the company you buy from will be in business when it is time for you to sell.

Experts Say Buy Silver Now

It’s an exciting time for those wanting to buy silver now.  The US Mint will release thirteen silver coins or silver set products in 2012.  The 2013-P Proof American Eagle Silver Coin will make its long awaited debut on January 4, 2012.  Appearing three months earlier this year, it is anticipated to be the silver market’s most popular product of the year.

The US Mint is also enticing those who are looking to buy silver now, with what they are calling The American Eagle West Point Two-Coin Silver Set.  The name may change  but it looks like it will have a West Point struck 2013-W Reverse Proof American Eagle Silver Coin and a West Point uncirculated American Eagle Silver Coin.

Customer interest is high for those looking to buy silver now and is inspired by the US Mint which is promoting the entire year’s scheduled releases, rather than a monthly surprise roll-out.

Silver coins continued to be the leading sellers in 2012.  The 2012 Silver Proof Sets sold 383,693 since their June 4th release.

The 2012-W Uncirculated American Silver Eagle coins sold 3,976 and the 2012 Limited Edition Silver Proof Sets sold 2,583.  Silver Eagles rose to 179,181 and the limited sets are at 26,937.

Looking ahead to 2012, the US Mint announced they will sell commemorative silver dollars to recognize the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes Foundation.  Designs will be presented to the Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee for review.  Then, the Secretary of the Treasury will select the final design after consulting with the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the March of Dimes.

The following year, Mark Twain commemorative silver dollars and five dollar gold coins will be released.  Mark Twain is the pen name of author Samuel Clemens who is best know for his novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and the sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Should I Buy Silver and Gold for an Investment?

For much of human history, we have valued precious metals, especially silver and gold. In today’s world, we not only appreciate the unique beauty of these metals, and use them in our jewelry and to adorn ourselves, but we also buy silver and gold for investment purposes.

Making the decision to buy silver and gold, when one is looking at the purchase as an investment, is a wise call to make. Readily available in bullion form, including bars and coins, when you buy silver and gold, you are buying a tangible investment that will pay-off in the long run.

According to most investment advisors, it is essential that everyone’s investment portfolio be well-diversified, which means including at least 15 to 20% precious metals in the composition. This is should be reason enough for you to consider buying silver and gold. Another good reason to buy silver and gold is that these metals are easily converted into cash, should that need arise. Even better, their worth is fairly stable, meaning that your money will be safe, instead of buying additional stocks whose values can plummet on the slightest market rumor of poor sales or potential earnings forecasts.

The demand for precious metals is ever-increasing in the global marketplace, with both economic powerhouses of China and India gobbling up much of the silver and gold on the market. In the U.S., the technology and manufacturing sectors are also large consumers of silver and gold and that demand is forecasted to continue to grow. Now is the time to buy silver and gold, because your metals are going to increase in worth as the world demands more of these increasingly-scarce precious metals.

According to an article on Resource Investor (http://www.resourceinvestor.com/2013/01/11/2013-gold-silver-outlook?t=precious-metals), looking at the interest rates in the U.S., and assuming – as many do – that they are going to continue to climb, “…then that would be even more bullish for precious metals and bearish for conventional assets like bonds and stocks.” For the savvy investor, putting money into precious metals, making a buy of silver and gold, is an excellent call.

When you do decide to buy silver and gold, do your own research, look at the various types and weights of these metals available, familiarize yourself with the market and pricing, and make an intelligent decision.

Should you buy silver and gold as an investment? Only you can make that ultimate decision; however, I think it’s a good bet that it’s an excellent choice that will strengthen your portfolio and pay-off in the long run.