Thanks for your question. A lot of people have the same question. There are two reasons to buy gold:
1. To safeguard your money, and grow it.
2. Possibly to have something at hand in case a “disaster” happens in your neighborhood.

If you are buying gold for only the first reason, you can purchase gold bullion and have it stored by the seller (usually), in a safe deposit box, in your home safe, or in hold in your backyard. However, selling the bullion is always a problem, as you much transport it back to someone who will buy it for the market value of gold. Also, it costs money to store bullion at any institution, and it costs money for a safe deposit box.

You can purchase coins. Coins cost a premium over the bulk bullion price. I recommend purchasing coins with a minimum premium, such as the South African Kruggerand. I also recommend NOT purchasing collectible gold coins, as these have the highest premiums, and a smaller market for disposal.

Gold coins can also be used in times of crisis as a barter “money” if Dollars are not available, or not being taken for any reason. It’s nice to be able to feed your family in times of strife. I’m not predicting that type of crisis, but you can never predict all possible outcomes in the world.

Gold coins must be stored also, and you have the same options for storing them. If you want them close to you in case of disaster, i would recommend a very safe safe. Don’t count on being able to get into any bank in times of a crisis.

Tom