Why Buy Gold
The main reason to buy gold is that bar unimaginable catastrophes – gold will increase in value. Not only that but at this time of horrendously low interest rates on savings accounts with banks and building societies, gold is almost certainly better than money in the bank.
Yes, the price of gold has its ups and downs – on a daily basis! – but the overall trend during the past 10 years has been ever upward. To such an extent that gold prices per gram are almost 500% higher than they were 10 years ago. There was a period in the early 1980’s when there was an incredible, but short-lived, gold boom, but prices now are substantially higher than they were even then.
How to Buy Gold
I am only going to talk about actual physical gold here: gold bullion or bars, gold coins and gold jewellery. This is by far the easiest way for the small investor to stash some money away in gold.
My top 2 places to buy gold in the UK, may surprise you!
My number 1 choice of where to buy gold is eBay. You may have to hunt to find the bargains but it is still possible to find pieces of gold jewellery selling on eBay for less than their scrap gold value. It is also probably the cheapest place to buy gold coins such as Sovereigns, half Sovereigns and Krugerrands.
You may think you are taking a risk by buying on eBay but in reality there is very little risk involved. If you pay for an item via PayPal you will get your money back if you do not receive the goods or if they are not as described. To be extra secure use your credit card via PayPal then you have reduced the risk to zero.
For example at the moment (July 2011) a standard full gold sovereign from the 20th century (this does not include proof issues) will cost you £220-£240 whereas a brand new one from the Royal Mint costs £269 for a 2010 issue and £285 for 2011. The scrap value of the actual 22ct gold content of the sovereign coin (7.98g) is around £218. A gold coin bought on eBay is unlikely to be in mint condition but this makes little difference to the resale value of modern coins. It is only when you look at Victorian or older gold coins that condition is a vital element of value as they tend to be priced well above scrap.
Of course, there are a lot of people willing to buy scrap gold and gold jewellery on eBay right now but there are still ways for you to pick up pieces at bargain prices. It is pointless for the smaller buyer to look at job lots of scrap gold which are advertised as such – you will get outbid by the more experienced buyers. Instead look for single gold rings from inexperienced sellers that are badly described. Often rings that are worn, bent, have personal names, initials or engraving or are just plain ugly, sell for low prices – sometimes less than scrap value.
You can also frequently pick up bargains if you bid on rings containing stones – the gold buyers usually stay away from these and if you can find an unattractive engagement ring from the 1970s you are more than likely on to a winner. Just make sure you have a cheap but good hallmarks book
My second choice of where to buy gold in the UK is even more likely to shock you – Argos!
Argos buys gold jewellery in huge quantities and frequently have special offers where they sell unpopular pieces at way below the normal retail price. It is possible to buy items of discounted gold jewellery from Argos at only slightly above the scrap value of the gold.
When to Sell Gold
The answer to this question is only when you absolutely have to or when you have planned to. As I have said before, gold is better than money in the bank and the longer you can hold onto it they more valuable it is likely to become.
Having said that buying gold is a fantastic way to save for something. It is easy to buy and even easier to sell. Just imagine what a great investment a gold sovereign coin bought for a baby every year on their birthdays and at Christmas would be? They wouldn’t have to worry about a student loan when it came time for them to go to University or it could even fund a car purchase or a deposit on a flat.
Maybe you want to save for your retirement or to take that dream cruise in a few years time. Just buy a 9ct gold chain from Argos or eBay then every month buy a gold ring and hang it on the chain. In a short time you will have a valuable nest egg.
Invest in Gold with Gold Bullion, Gold Bars or Gold Coins
You may find it a more attractive prospect to invest in gold by buying gold bullion or bars or gold coins. Ordinary gold jewellery in the UK is commonly 9 carat gold, but gold coins and bars will usually be a much higher quality – 22 carat or pure gold 24 carat. These are therefore far more valuable per gram.
Again, you can pay a premium price for premium quality or you can go for the cheaper option from eBay.
Buying gold as an investment or a savings plan is as safe as (or even safer than) houses.
