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xepherys · 12-07-2005, 08:41 PM

I'm thinking about investing in precious metals and would like some insight from anyone else who actively does or has done this or who has experience or knowledge of such investments.

Currently, to start out, I'm thinking of investing in 1oz. silver bullion minted by Banc Suisse or 1oz. palladium Pamp Suisse. I'd like to start with gold, but I'm starting this as a bare bones investment item. I have a 401(k) that is actively being invested in ($440/mont combined employee/employer), but I find I have a hard time with a simple savings account. I'd like to use metals as a forced investment option that CAN be converted back to cash if needed, but not as simply as walking up to an ATM. I also plan to diversify a little bit with other secure investments such as US Treasury Bonds. However, metals is a strong interest to me, and something I know little about.

Are there brick and mortar businesses where you can walk in and make a purchase? Without a minimum purchase requirement? There's one company, http://onlygold.com/, who is based out of Phoenix, but they seem to only deal online and in bulk (10 oz. or more). I'd like to pick up an ounce of palladium every month (market allowing) or ounce of gold every couple (or several ounces of silver here and there). I prefer bullion to coin. I prefer it minted/guaranteed in Swiss funds (still not 100% sure how this differs), though I may be interested at some point in US Gold Eagles. The Banc Suisse and Pamp Suisse bars interest me most both from an investment standpoint as well as an enjoyment standpoint.

Other questions would be... I know that 999.9 gold is usually left in it's mint case to protect it's value and quality (not gold value, I understand). What about silver and platinum? Is there any specific downside to handling them? I mean, the bulk would stay put, but it's hard to resist the urge to have a bar of gold or platinum in your hand. I know, it's silly... what can I say? I'm silly sometimes!

What would be some good measures for an entry-level investor looking to move into this market? Thanks!

12-07-2005, 08:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
xepherys <3 TFP Location: 17TLH2445607250	Gold, silver and platinum bullion I'm thinking about investing in precious metals and would like some insight from anyone else who actively does or has done this or who has experience or knowledge of such investments. Currently, to start out, I'm thinking of investing in 1oz. silver bullion minted by Banc Suisse or 1oz. palladium Pamp Suisse. I'd like to start with gold, but I'm starting this as a bare bones investment item. I have a 401(k) that is actively being invested in ($440/mont combined employee/employer), but I find I have a hard time with a simple savings account. I'd like to use metals as a forced investment option that CAN be converted back to cash if needed, but not as simply as walking up to an ATM. I also plan to diversify a little bit with other secure investments such as US Treasury Bonds. However, metals is a strong interest to me, and something I know little about. Are there brick and mortar businesses where you can walk in and make a purchase? Without a minimum purchase requirement? There's one company, http://onlygold.com/, who is based out of Phoenix, but they seem to only deal online and in bulk (10 oz. or more). I'd like to pick up an ounce of palladium every month (market allowing) or ounce of gold every couple (or several ounces of silver here and there). I prefer bullion to coin. I prefer it minted/guaranteed in Swiss funds (still not 100% sure how this differs), though I may be interested at some point in US Gold Eagles. The Banc Suisse and Pamp Suisse bars interest me most both from an investment standpoint as well as an enjoyment standpoint. Other questions would be... I know that 999.9 gold is usually left in it's mint case to protect it's value and quality (not gold value, I understand). What about silver and platinum? Is there any specific downside to handling them? I mean, the bulk would stay put, but it's hard to resist the urge to have a bar of gold or platinum in your hand. I know, it's silly... what can I say? I'm silly sometimes! What would be some good measures for an entry-level investor looking to move into this market? Thanks!