Gold Investment Guides
Practical, data-driven guidance for every stage of your gold investment journey
Whether you're allocating your first 5% to gold or optimizing a seven-figure precious metals position, these guides are built on current market data and real-world practicalities — not theory. Every guide is updated regularly and free from dealer affiliations. Current gold price: $4,931.81 (February 18, 2026).
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Gold ETFs
3 GuidesBest Gold ETFs for 2026: GLD vs IAU vs SGOL vs BAR
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of the four largest gold ETFs by total assets. We analyze expense ratios, bid-ask spreads, vault locations, authorized participants, and tax treatment. Updated with Q1 2026 data. Includes a decision framework to match the right ETF to your strategy — whether you're a long-term holder, active trader, or IRA investor.
Read Full Guide → IntermediateGold ETF vs Physical Gold: Which Is Right for You?
A practical comparison covering liquidity, costs, counterparty risk, and real-world scenarios. Includes cost-of-ownership analysis over 5 and 10-year horizons.
Read Guide → IntermediateGold ETF Tax Guide 2026
Collectibles tax treatment, IRA eligibility, wash-sale rules, and state-specific considerations. How to hold gold ETFs in tax-advantaged accounts.
Read Guide →Physical Gold
3 GuidesHow to Buy Gold with Low Premiums in 2026
Premiums above spot price eat directly into your return. This guide walks through every factor that determines premiums — product type, dealer type, quantity, and timing — and gives you a dealer comparison framework. Includes current typical premiums: 1oz bars (1.5–3%), coins (3–8%), and fractional pieces (8–15%). A must-read before any physical purchase.
Read Full Guide → BeginnerGold Bars: Sizes, Brands & Where to Buy
From 1 gram to 400 oz. Compare PAMP, Valcambi, Perth Mint, and Credit Suisse bars. Which sizes offer the best value? Includes assay card importance and resale considerations.
Read Guide → IntermediateGold IRA Guide 2026: Rules, Custodians & Costs
Self-directed IRA rules, approved metals, custodian fees, storage requirements, and common traps. How to avoid the high-pressure dealers who target retirement savers.
Read Guide →Gold Coins
2 GuidesBest Gold Coins to Buy in 2026: Eagles, Maples, Krugerrands & More
The six most-traded gold bullion coins ranked by liquidity, premiums, IRA eligibility, and global resale ease. American Eagles carry the highest US dealer recognition; Maples offer .9999 purity; Krugerrands typically trade at the lowest premiums. Full comparison table with February 2026 premium data and a decision guide based on your priority — lowest cost vs. broadest acceptance vs. IRA eligibility.
Read Full Guide → IntermediateGold Coin Grading & Numismatic Value Explained
When does grading matter and when is it a dealer upsell? MS70 vs MS69 price differences, NGC vs PCGS, and why bullion investors should usually avoid graded coins.
Read Guide →Strategy & Portfolio Allocation
2 GuidesHow Much Gold Should You Own? Portfolio Allocation Guide 2026
Historical correlation data, volatility reduction benefits, and recommended allocations by investor profile. The case for 5%, 10%, and 15% allocations backed by Sharpe ratio analysis. How gold interacts with equities, bonds, and real estate during different market regimes.
Read Guide → BeginnerDollar-Cost Averaging Gold: A Practical 2026 Plan
Monthly accumulation strategies for different budgets ($100–$10,000/month). Tools for DCA into physical gold, ETFs, and miner stocks. How DCA smoothed volatility during 2022–2024's price swings.
Read Guide → AdvancedGold Mining Stocks vs Gold Bullion: The Leverage Decision
GDX and GDXJ analysis, individual miner selection criteria, all-in sustaining costs (AISC), and why miners historically underperform bullion despite leverage during early bull markets.
Read Guide →Comparisons
2 GuidesGold vs Silver in 2026: Which Metal Should You Buy?
Gold/Silver ratio at 171.5x — historically extreme. Industrial demand tailwinds for silver (solar, EVs). Volatility comparison, correlation analysis, and scenarios where each metal outperforms. Portfolio split recommendations based on risk tolerance and time horizon.
Read Guide → IntermediateGold vs Bitcoin in 2026: Store of Value Showdown
Correlation analysis, volatility comparison, regulatory risk for each. Where each fits in a diversified portfolio. Why many institutional investors now hold both rather than choosing sides.
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