Precious metals are valuable because they’re rare and they don’t tarnish. They include gold, silver, platinum and palladium. Precious metals are mined from the ground. The value of this type of metal depends on how much there is in circulation and what it can be used for. Precious metals have been used as currency throughout history because of their durability, divisibility and ease of use compared to other types of money like coins made from paper or cloth.

Precious metals

Precious metals, such as gold and silver, are a popular way to build wealth. They’re also a good option for an inflation hedge because they tend to rise in value when the economy falters or is experiencing high inflation. However, you should only buy precious metals if you’re willing to commit long term.

While it’s possible that you can make a quick profit by selling your gold coins or bars today, these assets have proven themselves over time as excellent long-term investments for those willing to wait out downturns in the market—and there will be many of them over years and decades of investing in this asset class.

How to buy precious metals

The most convenient way to purchase precious metals is through a reputable dealer. For example, many banks and credit unions offer gold and silver bullion products for sale in their branches. If you want to buy online, look for dealers that offer the ability to order over the phone or by mail and have some sort of written record of your transaction.

You will also want a receipt for all transactions because it can help document the value of your holdings in case you need proof later on that they exist (e.g., if you are audited). You will also want a certificate of authenticity from each company with which you do business—this is especially important when purchasing coins or bars, as some companies have been known to pass off counterfeits as legitimate products.

Why should you own physical gold and silver?

In the end, having precious metals in your portfolio can give you peace of mind when it comes to the future.

Physical gold and silver are real assets that have been used as money for thousands of years. The price of precious metals is not dictated by any central bank or government—it’s set by supply and demand. The supply isn’t always large enough to meet the worldwide demand; this creates scarcity, which drives up prices. In other words: when people buy gold or silver bullion, they aren’t just investing in a piece of paper that could lose its value tomorrow—they are investing in an asset that has retained its purchasing power for more than 5,000 years.

How much should you own?

The amount of precious metals you should own is a personal choice. The more you have, the more benefits you will receive from their price increase. However, if you don’t have much money to invest in precious metals then it’s important to buy what you can afford and keep adding as your situation improves.

The section about buying physical gold and silver.

The metal you choose will depend on your investment profile. If you have a more conservative approach and would like an asset that is less likely to fluctuate in value, then gold is the metal for you. It has been used as a store of value for thousands of years, and it’s unlikely that will change anytime soon. However, if you think inflation might be a concern and want to hedge against it by investing in something tangible (like silver), then silver may be your best option.

Gold tends to be more expensive than silver per ounce—and even though the price of precious metals fluctuates over time (as they’re traded on global markets), they still tend to hold their value better than most other investments over the long term—which means they’re great choices if you don’t want your money tied up indefinitely by other types of investments like stocks or bonds.

In addition to being good hedges against inflation, there are other reasons why people invest in gold or silver:

-The value of gold and silver can increase over time, which means you can sell it later for more money than you paid for it. -Gold and silver are tangible assets that aren’t subject to market fluctuations like stocks and bonds. -You can use precious metals as collateral (if you’re in need of a loan).

Precious metals are an excellent way to protect your wealth. They provide a store of value that is not dependent on the government or financial system. You can own them in a variety of ways, including buying gold or silver bars, coins and rounds as well as investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that hold precious metals like GDX or GDXJ.