Precious Metals - Are They Worth Investing In?

In the economic climate of today, with the middle class slowly fizzling out, more and more people are searching for any means possible to ensure a financially secure future for themselves and their family. For some, this means taking on a second job or going back to school to earn a degree in a field that will provide them with a more high paying career. For others, this means coming up with alternative methods to make sure that their family will have a safety net of cash to fall on should they fall into a difficult financial emergency, like so many others have in the past several years.

One of these alternative methods is investing in precious metals. In this article we will discuss whether or not investing in precious metals is worth the initial cost, as well as tips in precious metals investment, and the best precious metals to invest in to ensure the most successful possible monetary outcome for you and your family.

• Is investing in precious metals worth it?

In short, yes. While there are some arguments against investing in precious metals, none come close to refuting all of the reasons for making the investment. As economists watch world economies begin to lose their stamina and lose value across the globe, interest in investing in precious metals has become more and more popular. One day, paper money may very well be worth no more than the paper it's printed on - but gold will always be gold. Buying precious metals now is a safe haven against a potential collapse in the economy, in a worst case scenario. And while a total collapse may be unlikely, precious metals still provide padding to your portfolio in the event of the value of the dollar decreasing at all, something which has proven to be unavoidable in the past.

• Tips in precious metals investment.

The best advice is not to over invest. In a manner of speaking, like with any aspect of your life, you don't want to put all of your eggs into one basket. While precious metals are a sound investment, they should not be your only investment. Top financial advisers and gurus suggest investing 3-8% of your total portfolio in precious metals.

In addition to not investing too much, it's imperative to understand exactly why people choose to invest in precious metals. It offers no annual payback, no cash in the bank. Investing in precious metals is an investment in the future, a preparation for problems in the economy. Expecting immediate returns from precious metals will only lead to disappointment. Of course, this should not deter you. While there is no immediate financial gain from purchasing precious metals, the safety net created for you and your family is nearly invaluable.

Lastly, make sure to research different ways of investing in precious metals and decide which works best for you. The top three ways suggested by financial advisers and gurus are: stocks and mutual funds holding shares in mining companies, exchange traded funds that hold bullion (precious metal bars valued by weight), or coins - both antique and newly minted - that are made from gold, silver, platinum, or palladium.

• Best precious metals to invest in.

Of course, when most people think of investing in precious metals - or when they think about precious metals at all - the one that comes to mind is gold. And with good reason, as gold has long been a symbol of wealth, dating all the way back to ancient times, and is unlikely to ever lose value. But it isn't the only precious metal that's worth investing in. The other three precious metals that analysts suggest investing in are silver, platinum, and palladium.

In particular, platinum and palladium are growing in popularity wildly with investors in recent years. Platinum, because it is ten times more rare than gold, and palladium, because it is one of the more obscure precious metals.

Ultimately, the decision lies with you. Do as much research as you can, and remember that an investment in precious metals is an investment not in today, but in tomorrow.