South African Rand strong

South Africa’s rand strengthened on Monday, as gold hit a fresh high and optimism grew over the prospect of an agreement between the two biggest government partners on the budget.

At 0728 GMT, the rand traded at 18.2375 against the dollar, about 1.1% stronger than its previous close.

Gold prices touched an all-time high on Monday as investors stressing over a global trade war and economic slowdown from the world’s biggest economy turned towards the safe-haven asset. South Africa is a major producer of the precious metal.

Source – Reuters

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  • Where to Buy Physical Gold & Silver

    I just want to keep this short because if you’re here then that means you just want to know right away so I will make this short and sweet.

    OF COURSE you can buy gold and silver through reputable places that make IRAs for you but if you want to buy your precious metals and keep it safely in your own care then this is for you. I am on your side as I feel that is the easiest way to start before making it into a retirement plan.

    I won’t list the IRA places because we already know those so lets do a short list of local places you can find in any state and in person.

    Walmart

    I know, I know Walmart. One of the last places in the world I would go and maybe most people would go to buy gold. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they sell grams, bars and coins. Not to mention their jewelry. When I found out that Walmart sold gold bars I got the app right away to check it out. Honestly I’m impressed!

    Going on the website you will find that there are lots of options to choose from. The smallest that I have found (in price) is 1/2 a gram of .999 fine gold bar at $73. WOW! You can also buy 1oz gold bars at various prices. All are sold from different distributors going through Walmart but it’s pretty convenient to find and that’s the greatest part about this.

    I have also found some gold coins and my personal favorite (besides anything silver) is Goldbacks. The $1 Goldback is the cheapest on the website but you cannot spend everywhere and that topic is for a different post I will do here soon.

    Now as far as buying in store and in person you will have to call the locations or select online to pickup in store. Taxes wise, again you will have to call and find out but other than that you can’t argue that’s pretty cool to go through your local Walmart.

    Costco

    For most people (like myself) would never think to go to flippin’ Costco for gold are you kidding me! But recently there have been gold sales at Costco that started in 2023. You can buy the gold but of course you have to be a member to buy. That’s the only downside but it’s easy to get one. If not, maybe you can go in person or online with your family member who does have a membership and purchase that way.

    The gold is 1oz 999.9 minted bar. If they are in store you’ll have to find out from the location in your area but you might get lucky and see them there waiting for you. If you’re ordering online it might have a shipping cost and you can only get 2 per 24 hrs. As far as tax, that I am unclear on so please don’t hesitate to give them a call or email before you buy.

    (I think I will have to get my membership now just to get this)

    The obvious……

    We all know (unless you’re not a seasoned investor) there are so many places that buy and sell gold. Well lets just take a moment to talk about these places.

    Pawn Shops

    This is probably a 50/50 for most people. Now I have not gone to a pawn shop to purchase gold but they do have gold jewelry and very nice pieces too. I will not say they are all the same because some are very nice and some are not. Remember that when you go the gold will be marked up than elsewhere in price so don’t go in blind but expect a realistic price.

    At some pawn shops you may be able to haggle a price or you can trade in your personal gold for some cash. You can always walk out if the dealer doesn’t sell gold at the same or better price you found elsewhere. Generally speaking, many pawn shops will buy your gold and silver between 40 – 60% from the price you paid. So be aware before you go to the pawn shop.

    If pawn shops are a maybe don’t worry there are other places to visit. The great thing about this option is that you can trade or get cash and that’s pretty nice.

    Gold and Silver Shops

    These stores are not in every city or small town but if you find one you will be pleasantly surprised at what you may find.

    Gold and Silver shops will have bars, coins, oz, grams and jewelry. You may also find some notes that will fetch a good price if that’s another form of investment you’d like to dip your toe into.

    What’s so great about these shops is that they generally stay around the market price *no tax*. Please take that with a grain of salt. Not all dealers are the same. Talk to them and find out how they do the taxes on gold and silver bullion.

    I have given more time to add a very helpful directory dedicated to finding Gold and Silver dealers in your area. There you will find gold buyer, coin sellers and buyers, collectible stores, estate buyers, and more.

    Main Idea

    Gold is rising and it doesn’t look like its slowing down anytime soon. Silver has shown to be a great hedge to inflation as well with prices getting into the $60 range. This post is to think about buying gold and silver locally, educating yourself gradually as prices constantly shift and give you some options you might not have thought of to look for this particular investment.

    Gold and Silver are a great way to hedge against inflation and boost your portfolio. Having it in hand in you own personal safe is a great way to start storing your investments till you’re ready to put in an IRA.

    Don’t be afraid to ask questions to any of these dealers in fact it benefits you!