How I Stumbled Into Gold Investing
I’ll be honest—I never thought I’d be the kind of person who cared about gold. It always seemed like something for pirates, doomsday preppers, or the ultra-wealthy hoarding bars in secret vaults. Not exactly my scene. But life has a funny way of teaching you lessons when you least expect them.
A few years ago, I was at a family gathering, nursing my third cup of coffee (because my cousin’s toddler had spent the night screaming like a banshee), when my uncle—one of those guys who’s always got a nugget of wisdom wrapped in a dad joke—leaned in and said, “Kid, do you know what’s older than money? Gold.”
At first, I brushed it off. But that conversation stuck with me. And as I started digging into the world of investing, I realized that gold isn’t just some relic from the past—it’s actually one of the most underrated financial safety nets out there.
So if you’re like I was—clueless but curious—pull up a chair. Let’s talk gold investing for beginners, no jargon, no fluff, just the good stuff.
Gold 101: Why Even Bother?
Okay, first things first—why gold? Why not just throw all your money into stocks and crypto and call it a day? Well, here’s the deal: gold has been valuable for thousands of years. It’s outlived empires, survived economic crashes, and has this stubborn tendency to stay relevant even when everything else goes belly up.
Here’s why gold deserves a spot in your portfolio:
- It’s a hedge against inflation. When the value of money starts shrinking faster than my patience in a long grocery store line, gold holds steady. Historically, it’s been a safe haven when paper currency loses purchasing power.
- It’s a crisis-proof asset. Wars, recessions, market crashes—gold doesn’t care. While stocks can tank overnight and cryptos can vanish into the abyss (RIP to my friend’s life savings in a now-defunct coin), gold has a way of sticking around.
- It diversifies your portfolio. The golden rule of investing? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Gold tends to move opposite to stocks, so when your tech stocks take a nosedive, gold might just be the thing keeping your net worth from looking like a sad joke.
So, How Do You Actually Buy Gold?
Alright, let’s talk about getting your hands on some actual gold. After spending hours and hours reading the blog turnerinvestments.com I learned that there are three main ways to do this, and each comes with its own quirks.
1. Physical Gold: Coins, Bars, and… Vaults?
Buying physical gold is exactly what it sounds like—owning real, shiny, hold-it-in-your-hand gold.
Pros: ✔️ No counterparty risk (if you own it, you own it).
✔️ Tangible asset (you can literally feel your wealth).
✔️ Can be a great long-term store of value.
Cons: ❌ Storage can be a hassle (where do you keep it? Under your mattress? In a secret underground lair?).
❌ Can be stolen (please, don’t tell everyone at brunch about your gold stash).
❌ Slightly less liquid than other forms.
Best for: People who like the idea of having something physical to hold onto. Also, those who enjoy pretending they’re treasure hunters.
2. Gold ETFs: The Easy Button for Gold Investing
Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) let you invest in gold without dealing with the logistics of storing or securing it. These are basically funds that track the price of gold and can be bought and sold like stocks.
Pros: ✔️ Super easy to buy and sell.
✔️ No storage headaches.
✔️ Great for beginners.
Cons: ❌ You don’t actually own the gold (you own a share in a fund that owns gold).
❌ Some ETFs have management fees.
Best for: People who want gold exposure without the hassle. If you prefer checking your investments on your phone instead of worrying about burglars, this might be your jam.
3. Gold Mining Stocks: Investing in the Gold Industry
Another way to get in on gold is by investing in mining companies. This is different from owning gold itself—you’re investing in the companies that dig it out of the ground.
Pros: ✔️ Potential for higher returns than gold itself.
✔️ Some mining stocks pay dividends.
✔️ Can be a smart move when gold prices are rising.
Cons: ❌ Way more volatile than gold.
❌ Company performance matters (if the mine collapses—both literally and financially—you’re in trouble).
Best for: People who don’t mind risk and are looking for bigger potential rewards.
So, How Much Gold Should You Own?
Good question. The general rule of thumb? 5-10% of your portfolio. That’s enough to give you some protection against market chaos without going full “I’m moving to a bunker” mode.
Some hardcore gold bugs keep way more, but if you’re just starting out, there’s no need to go overboard. Balance is key.
Final Thoughts: My “Aha” Moment With Gold
Back to that family gathering. A few months after that chat with my uncle, I finally decided to buy my first gold coin—a modest little American Eagle. Nothing crazy, just a starter piece.
The feeling? Honestly, it was kind of surreal. I wasn’t just looking at a shiny trinket—I was holding a piece of history, a financial failsafe, a quiet act of rebellion against economic uncertainty.
Fast forward to today, and gold is now a staple in my portfolio. I don’t obsess over it, but I sleep better knowing I have it. It’s like an insurance policy that actually appreciates in value over time.
So, if you’re still on the fence, do yourself a favor—start small. Buy a coin, grab an ETF, dip your toes in. Because in a world where everything seems uncertain, gold has a way of reminding us that some things never lose their shine.✨
Your turn: Have you ever thought about investing in gold? Got any funny or weird stories about it?