From the time that gold was first collected from streambeds and rivers to the very first gold mines, this precious metal has provided incredible beauty and functionality.  It quickly went from a metal ideal for jewelry and adornment to the basis for entire economies.  Today, gold is one of the most valuable precious metals, and one of the most widely used metals in the world.  It plays a role in everything from backing national currencies to making satellites function so you can make calls on your cell phone.  Chances are good that your cell phone has a few gold components, as well.

However, the most spectacular use of gold in today’s world is that of an investment option.  Can you actually invest in gold?  Yes, you can purchase gold in numerous forms, from gold coins to bars to bullion and even gold certificates (which indicate ownership of gold, but not physical possession thereof).  Can US citizens own gold?  While many people believe that the US government prohibits its citizens from owning gold, nothing could be further from the truth.  US citizens can own gold in a number of different forms, which allows them to invest and earn, despite the performance of the stock market and the US dollar.

Why would you want to invest in gold, though?  Doesn’t the stock market offer a better place for your money?  It’s quite true that you can earn some spectacular returns on the stock market.  Gold does not perform in the same way that stocks do, with incredible highs and lows.  Gold endures and gold appreciates.  However, it is a slow process. Therefore, if you want a very impressive short-term return on your investment and you do not mind taking some incredible risks with your money, then the stock market might be the place to go.

That said, if you want to ensure that you have an investment that will stand the test of time, no matter what the US or other global economies do, then gold is the best choice.  This metal has been on the upswing for more than a decade, rising more than $200 per ounce in that time.  This trend is not expected to end, either.  Therefore, investing in gold now is an incredible hedge against losing your shirt in the stock market and is the best way to make sure that your nest egg is as large as possible come retirement time.

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