The Golden Dream: Making Money With Gold

For millennia, gold has played a central part in the world's economy. Only within the last century did most nations go off the gold standard. Millions of people still invest in gold as part of their financial portfolios. If you are interested in investing in gold, keep reading for some great advice.

Do not expect too much from a gold party. While you will make some money by attending, they are more about having fun with friends or family. Expect to reap about 80 percent of the actual value of your gold. If you are looking to get more than that, consider dealing with a jeweler or other gold dealer.

Steer clear of any "act now" offers. The gold industry is filled with less than reputable types that want you to take immediate action. Why? Because typically, they'll get the better end of the deal because you didn't read through the fine print. Instead, walk away from these types of deals and be patient in how you approach the market.

Know what you have. Some items are worth way more than the actual price of the gold they are made from. This is especially true for antique coins or jewelry. Oftentimes gold jewelry features highly sought after gems in the setting too. That could make the item a lot more valuable.

You don't have to physically own gold to invest in gold. Check out mutual funds that invest specifically in gold. Also look at mutual funds that invest heavily in commodities in general with a concentration in gold. This makes investing in this sector a lot easier to handle for many.

Be extra cautious when using a mail-away service for selling your gold. Always buy shipping insurance for your items. Know how long the dealer will hold your pieces before melting them, and know how long you have to accept or reject their offer. And keep an inventory with pictures of all the items you've sent.

If you are looking to find a great deal on gold and other precious metals, try going to flea markets and estate sales. If you really take your time to look around thoroughly and do some hard core digging, you can end up finding pieces that others have overlooked.

When in doubt, get it checked out. There are some great knock-off gold pieces out there that really look like the real deal, but are infact fake. The best way to not get duped is by investing in a gold testing kit, or taking the gold piece in question to the pawn shop.

Do not assume because there is no stamp that a piece of gold is not real. There are many solid gold pieces out there that are not stamped at all. Try testing the gold in question with a magnet and if it does not stick, you probably have solid gold.

Try to avoid buying gold coins from small shops that claim to be reputable dealers. You want to make sure that the people you deal with are really knowledgeable about the business, so it would be in your best interest to look for a gold dealer that has a much larger inventory.

Get multiple bids before deciding on the final offer that you'll take. The logic is simple: every dealer will offer something different. You want the best possible price for your gold, so you owe it to yourself to get at the minimum three bids prior to a final decision. It can turn a good deal into a great one.

Never fall for any "best price" offers. Typically those claiming to offer the best prices for gold are the ones that'll give you the worst deals going. To find the best deals, it's going to take some time. Call around, talk to your friends, and comparison shop. There are better deals out there.

Know the gold market before selling or buying gold. Much like buying and selling stock, you should always buy low and sell high. The gold market varies daily just like the stock market, so it is important to follow the trends and sell your gold when it is at its highest sales price.

The first step in buying gold bullion is to be sure you know the actual price on the day of your purchase. Gold prices change daily, so precision is important. 

Experts say you should expect to pay more proportionately for a fraction of an ounce than you would for the full ounce. Among gold coins, the Kruggerrand coins from South Africa can usually be acquired at a cheaper price than the more popular American Eagle or Canadian Maple Leaf coins.

Gold can be an important part of a properly diversified investment portfolio. However, to get the best return on your investment, you need to understand as much as you can about the market for gold. With the information you have read here, you can get a good return on your investment.