In 2012 and the start of 2013, the gold performance declined. While gold values have changed, it is still a profitable investment. Technically, gold is like wealth insurance so it’s recommended that you invest in it before you really need it. Once you’ve established that you want to invest in gold, try to diversify so you’re not affected if the economy suddenly changes drastically. These tips will help you get started.

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• Purchase some gold as it retains value better than other investments. When the prices decrease, it’s time to purchase some because gold is driven in value not merely by the economy but by politics. Therefore, you can be sure values will increase again.
• Do your research and invest in some right before the economy falls because as the value of a dollar falls, the value of gold increases, making it a more stable choice than cash.
• Invest in gold because gold is used internationally in everything from fine jewellery to electronics so there will always be a need for it.
• Aim to diversify yourself by having at least five percent of your portfolio consists of gold. It’s a very personal choice and most people don’t use gold to replace their stock investments, just to supplement them. Diversification helps you to secure money from a number of different kinds of investments easier.
• Invest in gold coins and keep them well taken care of as this will increase their value. If you’re just starting out, consider investing in some bullion coins, but if you’re striving for some large capital gains, aim to find some historic gold coins from before 1993. Both of these will retain a strong gold value. Some of the leading gold coin companies include the American Gold Eagle and the Chinese Gold Panda.
• Purchase gold bars if you want an even easier investment. They’re available in a variety of sizes and their value is similar to many gold coins, as well as being easy to store in a bank or business safe. Organizations like Credit Suisse are well-known for manufacturing gold bars.
• Consider investing in exchange traded funds that are connected to gold assets if you’re not ready to completely take the plunge. Just research carefully that the ETF actually holds physical gold so you get the best possible value back.

Buying gold doesn’t have to become complicated. There technically will never be a bad time to purchase and invest in gold, but make sure you are informed, know your financial goals before you invest in this financial market.