Category Archives: Philanthropy

Getting Your Gold To Work For You

Often people feel that gold is a safe investment. Gold is considered by many to be a solid choice if you are looking for a stable investment even when the general economy is rocky. To learn more about what investing in gold can do for you, continue reading.

Gold Prices

Gold prices fluctuate on a regular basis, so make sure you have up-to-date information about gold prices before selling something. If you choose to sell any gold, keep in mind that pieces that have different karat values need to be valued and weighed separately. Stay away from selling high-end jewelry pieces because they have more value.

If you’d like to sell scrap gold or jewels, look around for the best price. Many stores will charge a higher rate than the posted spot rate for gold. You might get a better deal at a store not in a major shopping mall, since their overhead and rent is lower.

Only sell to buyers that have a state license to buy gold. They are likely to be honest. Many establishments purchase gold, so there is no need to sell yours to the first buyer you deal with.

Don’t ignore thrift stores and antique shops when searching for gold deals. You can find bargains in these places. A lot of people don’t know the value of what they have, and just give or sell cheaply to those places. Reap the benefits from that loss, but only after researching first.

Be knowledgeable about market prices before you accept someone’s offer to buy your gold. Try to compare what similar sized pieces are selling for. This will allow you to have a price in mind you can work with. You should always ask for a slightly higher price so you can negotiate with the buyer.

A quick and inexpensive way to test a piece of gold or precious metal to see if it is real, is by using a magnet. Precious metals do not respond to magnets. Many times you see the clasp gold plated but not the rest of the piece. The magnet test is an excellent way to find out.

Ask the gold party representative about how the gold’s purity in karats is determined. Is it based on the stamp? A visual cue may not be available so other methods are used to figure it out. The simplest test is the acid test, so if a rep is using this method, he may be a novice to the market.

Be sure to do your homework about current gold values prior to any investment decision or action. There are predators out there in the gold market that claim to be big shots but just want you investing with them. Be wary of any claim to help you get rich quick in the gold markets. Keep that in mind, and you’ll go into it with realistic expectations.

Gold Market

It is easy to invest in gold when you understand the gold market. Once you learn a bit about the gold market, you should be able to jump in with both feet. Get the most from your money by applying each of these ideas to your investment strategy.

Crack The Gold Code By Trying These Tips Today!

While the price of gold does not remain stagnant, it is moving upwards in a positive manner. Precious metals like gold always have a market for trading, selling, and buying. In hard financial times, the values can reach unbelievable heights. Continue below for excellent advice on how you can get in on this precious metal market.

When investing in gold, bullion bars are the best way to go. These bars are available in a number of different weights. The bars vary in size from half an ounce to 400 ounces. It isn’t easy to get the big bars, though!

When you first check out gold jewelry, you may be in for a bit of sticker shock and decide to buy gold-plated jewelry, instead. However, you can still find a deal now and then, which you can turn around and sell for a profit. Online auctions, estate sales and pawn shops are only some of your options.

Before you mail any jewelry to a particular company which purchases such items, be sure to do your homework and check out the company thoroughly before you do so. You should find out how long the process takes, and get package tracking and insurance on your package, too. Take a photo of what you mail to battle against disputes down the road.

It is important to invest in the right type of gold when doing so for your retirement. It has to be given the stamp of approval from the IRS. They have to be 24 karat coins or bullion bars. Bars are often a better deal than the coins.

If you are shipping jewelry, be certain you find out how much it’s going to cost to get your pieces back if you fail to accept their offer. Even if you do not pay for shipping the gold initially, return shipping is an entirely different matter. Understand what you will have to pay if you don’t like their offer. Protect yourself.

Sell gold to buyers that are state licensed to buy gold. While you could still get ripped off, a licensed buyer is more likely to be reputable. Many individuals, pawn shops and jewelry stores are interested in buying gold. Be picky about your buyers.

Don’t avoid searching antique shops or thrift stores for gold. When you know what to search for, you can find great items in these places. Many people don’t understand how valuable their items are, so they sell for cheaper than they could at these places. You can reap the benefits of their loss if you do your homework first.

Always do your homework before investing. The gold market has more than its share of disreputable dealers. There are individuals who will not hesitate to take advantage of you if you give them the opportunity. Research gold and gold companies before trading.

Talk to a the gold party representative to learn how they make karat determinations. The item is stamped, a lot of times. A visual cue may not be available so other methods are used to figure it out. Acid tests are an easy way to determine value.

As you likely know, our economic system weighs itself against gold. So, if you want to deal with this volatile commodity, you need to know a few things about the marketplace. Apply the advice above to get your foot in the door when it comes to gold investing.

Increase Your Gold Expertise By Using This Advice

In light of the global economic slump, the gold market has continued to thrive and grow. Perhaps you wish to have a greater involvement in the gold market but need to learn more. Read on to help out your situation.

Make sure that you get a quality estimate from a reputable source before selling your gold. There are many buyers who purchase gold, but prices vary from one professional to the next. Getting estimates from several establishments will help you make sure that you receive a fair price.

Bullion Bars

You can’t beat bullion bars for a solid gold investment. Bullion bars come in a variety of weight. You’ll see them as four-hundred ounces or even a half ounce. It isn’t easy to get the big bars, though!

Changes in the current price of gold will affect the price you will get. Don’t forget to take into account the different karat values of your gold pieces. Do not sell your designer jewelry for its weight in gold because you will lose money.

Before buying from a gold seller, schedule a timely delivery. It you don’t have it delivered immediately, find out when you will receive your gold. You should be provided with the estimated date of delivery. Proceed with an order only if this information is forthcoming.

Be sure you research a company before sending them gold in the mail. Be sure you find out when you will receive payment, and buy insurance for your package, too. Lastly, take a photo of all that you placed in the package in case there’s an issue later.

Ensure that your retirement investments are approved. Your gold has to be IRS approved. It must be in the form of 24K coins or bullion bars. Consider bars more than coins, since they have more value.

Spot Price

It’s always a good idea to verify the spot price before making a purchase the same day. The spot price can be found in many places, and it tends to fluctuate often. When you buy, don’t pay over 8% markup over the price. Paying that price would simply be unfair to you.

If you are shipping jewelry, be certain you find out how much it’s going to cost to get your pieces back if you fail to accept their offer. Many companies advertise no shipping costs, but they often hide large handling fees in the fine print. Be sure you have an idea how much it will cost you to reclaim your items.

Never pass up an opportunity to search for gold in a thrift shop or antique store. When you know what to search for, you can find great items in these places. The prices are low here as the items are often donated. Your knowledge will help you get the better end of the deal.

Take your time when you are considering dealing with a gold buyer. You’ll be surprised by all the different offers you’ll get. When you just take buyer number one, you may lose money. Putting in a little time at the beginning can mean maximum cash in the end.

Use a magnet to test inexpensive jewelry to determine if it consists of steel. True precious metals such as gold will not stick to the magnet. Sometimes a jewelry piece is only plated in gold with a solid gold clasp. A magnet can help test jewelry quickly.

Remember to research the gold market prior to investing any money. Some people may try to trick you so you invest money with their company. However, you have to be careful about get rich promises. You will certainly avoid the getting rich quick way of thinking if you have realistic expectations.

Never sign a contract without thoroughly reading it first. If you use any of the abundant mail-in gold buyers, study the fine print carefully before making the sale. You can then ascertain the amount of fees and commissions you will be charged.

Gold has been on the rise due to much financial insecurity within the world. Know that selling and buying gold is the smartest way you can use the markets to your advantage. Use the ideas in this article frequently, and you’ll get the wisdom you need in dealing with gold.

Don’t Look Anywhere Else Until You Read These Great Tips About Gold

With the current state of the economy and value of the dollar, many people are investing in gold. If you want to take advantage of investment opportunities in gold, then this is the article for you. Keep reading for some useful tips on investing in gold.

Do not dabble in the gold market until you are familiar with pricing of precious metals. Precious metal prices can fluctuate a lot, so check the markets daily, especially when making a transaction. Also, understand that some types of gold will be more expensive than others.

Before you buy gold from a dealer, get a guaranteed delivery date. When the seller doesn’t ship immediately, you must get their promise to ship in writing. The expected delivery date should not be a mystery; it should be clearly stated. Only go through with your order if you obtain this document.

Sometimes the cost of gold causes buyers to go for cheaper imitation jewelry instead. You don’t have to spend a fortune buying jewelry at a specialized shop. It is easy to get great deals on gold jewelry from online retailers or pawn shops.

When purchasing gold, check to see if the dealer offers a return policy. You’re not going to be sure about the jewelry fitting or whether or not a person actually likes the piece. If you have the receipt, they can easily trade in the piece for something more to their liking.

Spot Price

Be sure to consult the spot price on the day when you plan to purchase gold. Many websites update this information daily. When going to buy the jewelry, you should not have to pay higher than 8% markup over the spot price. If you find a dealer asking for more than 8%, they’re overcharging and may not be ethical.

When sending off your jewelry, you need to consider the shipping cost to you if you’re not satisfied with the offer given. The majority of companies pay for you to send the jewelry to them, but they charge high fees to return it to you. Be certain you know exactly what those fees will be.

Talk to someone at a gold party to learn how they figure out the number of karats in a jewelry piece. Sometimes there is a stamp. However, if there are no visual indications, there are other ways to determine purity. A representative using acid tests is a sign of a less-experienced gold agent, as this kind of test is not one of the more surefire methods for karat determination.

Earring backs are often solid gold when the earring isn’t. Clasps of necklaces and ring bands are often real gold as well. Attempt to sell pieces such as these as a “lot” since those pieces are fairly lightweight. With a quality of items, you may be able to get someone to buy them together, hoping for greater profits.

Gold has always been an excellent investment and a good way to insure wealth. This is even more the case given the economic turmoil of recent years. Use the information from this article as a valuable resource to help your build your wealth.

Nuggets Of Wisdom For Successful Gold Investing

When the recession started, many people looked to investing in gold as a way to weather the tough economic times. Many gold investors don’t know how the market works. This article will show you the ropes.

If you are selling gold then shop around to get an idea of what its true value is from different companies. Several gold-buying services and jewelry stores get different profits for the gold they buy. When you have several estimates, you’ll have a better idea of what fair market value is.

Research several gold buyers and compare them to obtain the best price for your gold. You can always find online reviews, inquire with the BBB and learn how each vendor handles complaints. Ensure you receive the maximum amount for your gold by shopping around.

You may think that solid gold jewelry is too expensive and choose to purchase gold plated or filled jewelry. However, don’t feel that to buy gold of real value you need to pay a high price in a fine jewelry store. Pawn shops can offer many good deals and there are also many online buying options.

When purchasing gold, check to see if the dealer offers a return policy. You’re not going to be sure about the jewelry fitting or whether or not a person actually likes the piece. If you have the receipt, they can easily trade in the piece for something more to their liking.

If you’re unaware of your gold’s worth, have it appraised. While you may have to pay a fee, the knowledge you gain will help you in the long run. Use an accredited appraiser for best results. If you choose to sell your piece, know that you probably are not going to get the full appraisal amount.

Melt Value

When it comes time to sell your gold, figure out if you would like to sell it for its melt value or simply as a piece. Private sellers and pawn shops tend to only pay for melt value. Don’t get discouraged since there’s a buyer out there that wants your pieces.

While purchasing gold can be quite exhilarating, try not to discuss your purchase with others. You may not know who is overhearing you, or who is trustworthy. Do not tell others about your investment, and keep it locked up either in a home safe or at a bank. This keeps your gold hidden and secure, as it is a very valuable investment you want to protect.

Never neglect the idea of hunting in antique shops or flea markets to find gold. If you have a discerning eye, you can locate great pieces. Many people sell or donate at these shops for low prices due to being unaware of what they own. If you do some research, you can benefit greatly.

Use a magnet to test inexpensive jewelry to determine if it consists of steel. If it is a true precious metal, it will not adhere to the magnet. There may be times when an item of jewelry has a solid gold clasp, but the rest of the item is only gold plated. A magnet can help test jewelry quickly.

If you are selling gold pieces you own, keep pieces of different karats separated. If the vendor weighs all of your items together, you will not get a fair price for your higher karat items. You will lose money that way. Instead you should go in with pre-separated piles to make the biggest return.

As fruitful as gold investments can be, the market is also always-changing. You will probably observe some fluctuations on the short term but you should not let this stress you. However, if you have some ability to weather such swings, still be sure to safeguard your downside potential risks. Only invest a small amount of your financial portfolio. In most cases, 5 percent is sufficient.

Many people like the idea of trading gold to make money. Frequently, though, they do not have enough information to be successful. Hopefully, the information here gave you the information you need to get started.

Getting To Know What Gold Is All About

Gold has been used for centuries as a form of money. The following article will give you some tips for investing in gold. Continue reading to get some terrific advice.

You’ll want to know just how much your gold will be worth when selling it. When selling gold, be sure that items of differing karat values are weighed separately. A designer piece, however, shouldn’t be sold because the item as a whole could be worth more than just the gold.

Do careful and thorough research on any gold seller you are considering doing business with. The BBB can be a great research, as can online customer reviews. Also get more than one offer for your gold. This will ensure you get the best possible price.

Check the current price in the gold market before you sell your jewelry. That way, you will know if you are being offered a fair price for the items you have. There are some unscrupulous dealers that will try to pull one over on you.

Before you mail off your gold, make sure that you understand the polices, fees and terms of the company you are dealing with. Be sure to understand when to expect payment and how to insure your items. Finally, take a picture of everything you are putting in the mail in case there is a dispute later on.

It is important to invest in the right type of gold when doing so for your retirement. The gold has to be IRS approved. This means it needs to be in the form of coins or bullion that is marked 24 karats. Bars are generally more valuable than coins and should, therefore, be favored.

Get an appraisal if you do not know the value of your gold jewelry. This requires a bit of an investment, but it is worthwhile. Use a licensed appraiser only. Do not expect to get the full value of the appraisal, but you should try finding a buyer who will give you an amount as close to the appraisal as possible.

You can get varying prices depending on how you sell it. If you are selling to pawn shops or most private sellers, expect them to offer the melt value. Don’t let this hamper you, because you’ll find the right buyer eventually.

Spot Price

Always check the daily spot price before you buy gold. The spot price can be found in many places, and it tends to fluctuate often. When purchasing, don’t pay greater than 8% markup above the spot price. Anything more is unethical.

Take your time when you are considering dealing with a gold buyer. The offers may be hugely varied. When you just take buyer number one, you may lose money. Take a bit of extra time upfront so that you have the most cash possible in your pocket.

Read each form thoroughly when meeting a gold dealer. A lot of money is exchanged in this business. It’s best to pay attention to what you’re signing your name to. If you’re not happy with the specific terms, then you need to keep moving along. This may be necessary to protect yourself from financial disaster.

Gold can often be a lucrative but volatile investment. If you have low risk tolerance, avoid this market. Even if this does not bother you, it is wise to be careful. Never put more than just a fraction of your total investments into gold. 5% is a good amount.

Most people know how gold has helped people become wealthy. When the economy is bad, gold is more valuable. The advice in this article should help you learn how to build your wealth with gold.

Great Advice For Making Money In The Gold Market

Knowing how to buy gold is an important tactic for any investor. Diversification is a wise strategy, especially when your portfolio includes some amount of gold. Do you much about gold investing? There are many options available to you, and it can become frustrating. This article will answer some of you questions and get you started investing in gold.

Gold bars are the most economical choice for investment purposes. The weights will vary. They range from just under an ounce on up to 400 ounces. It isn’t easy to get the big bars, though!

Always do your homework with regard to any person or entity from whom you are thinking of purchasing gold, and look around for a buyer with a good reputation. BBB and consumer reviews are two sources of information that can give you an indication of a dealer’s reputation. Check for offers through different buyers to make sure you get the best price for your gold.

Gold Coins

If the reason for purchasing gold is for your retirement fund, it’s crucial to purchase the appropriate kind. This needs to be gold investments that have IRS approval. Gold for this purpose must be bullion bars or gold coins of 24 karat weight. Over time, gold bars appreciate better than gold coins.

If you’re unsure what your gold might be worth, then have an appraisal done. This will cost a little money up front, but it’s important to know what you have. And make sure you only hire an independent and accredited appraiser to be sure you get an honest appraisal. However, do not expect to receive the exact amount suggested by the appraisal when you sell the gold.

You might sell gold melted down or as a jewelry item. Private sellers and pawn shops just want the melt value. Don’t lose faith; there is always someone willing to buy the item as an entire piece.

GoldMoney is a popular resource to use in gold buying efforts. You will own some actual gold, but it won’t be in your possession. With this service the money in your account is converted into gold. The gold itself is in a vault at a bank, and you can cash it or redeem it for gold bullions.

If you’re at a gold party you should speak with the person in charge so you can figure out what karats are in the jewelry. Many times, the items are stamped. But other times, there isn’t any mark of visual cue, so the reps have other alternatives for determining it. The most simple test involves the use of acid. If the company claims to use that type of test, it may be an indication that they are not as experienced with accurate testing methods.

Inquire with the area BBB prior to selling gold items to jewelry stores, dealers or any other sort of buyer. They are sure to have information about each business, as well as data on any complaints filed. Pay attention to complaints and see if they’ve been resolved. If you see many complaints, then you need to find another business.

Set goals as you plan to invest in gold. Though gold stands up well against a bad economy and inflation, it can be risky. If you limit your risk and have set goals, you are more likely to profit.

If you are considering selling your gold online, double check the prices before moving forward. Frequently, you can find better values with a local trader than with a retail location. Sure, doing it by mail is super convenient, but it could also be super costly.

Figuring out what goes into gold investing is something that’s important so you know you options. This article has taught you how to make wise decisions. Get started on the right path by taking advantage of this great advice.

Let Your Portfolio Shine With These Gold Tips

Gold generally trends up in price with a few downward fluctuations. There is never a bad time to buy, sell or trade gold. In hard financial times, the values can reach unbelievable heights. If you want to learn about this potentially lucrative investment, read these tips.

When investing in gold, bullion bars are the best way to go. You can find them in several different weights. You’ll see them as four-hundred ounces or even a half ounce. The 400 ounce bars are generally hard to find.

Gold’s price is always changing, which makes it important to know your piece’s value before selling it. If you are selling gold, sort it by karat so that it can be valued separately. Try not to sell jewelry items that are valuable due to their maker.

Look for a gold buyer that has a good reputation. Look at the BBB website online for ratings, reviews, complaints and more. If you get quotes from multiple buyers, you will get the most for your gold.

Be sure you research a company before sending them gold in the mail. Find out when you will receive your payment, and get insurance for your package. Lastly, take a photo of all that you placed in the package in case there’s an issue later.

If you don’t have lots of money to buy gold, but still want to profit on the upside, think about buying scrap gold. This can accumulate over time, and you can see how this can make a valuable investment. Be sure to stash your gold safely away until you decide to sell it.

Check gold prices on the day your are buying or selling gold. This information can be found on various websites, although they tend to fluctuate each day. Never pay in excess of 8% markup above the spot price. Occasionally an unethical dealer may try to overcharge their customers.

Be sure you know about the gold in your possession. Even though the item looks like gold, it may not have much value. Gold is mixed with other metals for strength. This has a detrimental effect on value. This also applies to pieces that are plated with gold. Have your pieces appraised before sale to determine their value.

When you try to sell gold, you must research the market to find the right price. Compare the prices offered by different buyers. This will provide you with a good starting point on pricing. Ask a bit more than you want so you can negotiate with the buyer or seller.

Before you sell a piece of jewelry for scrap, have the piece appraised first. You definitely want to have jewelry with beautiful details and crafting well looked over because the value could be much higher. An appraiser will charge you a nominal fee, but it is an expense worth paying if your piece is unique and valuable. An appraiser may know someone who will give you a good price for your jewelry items.

Investigate with the Better Business Bureau before selling your gold to any purchaser. In this way, you can get sound information on the performance and history of these entities. Look closely at complaints to find out whether or not they were satisfactorily resolved. If there are a lot of complaints on their record with the BBB, move on to a different business.

Gold is what keeps the economy afloat. So, to get everything you can from gold, it is important to learn about it and understand how it can be part of your sound financial future. Use what you’ve just learned to find your pot of gold.

Read This Piece For Helpful Gold Information

If you wish to balance risk and insure your wealth, gold is the market in which to do it. However, you should have information to help you along the way. Keep reading to learn more about gold as an investment option.

Bullion bars are an excellent investment. These come in various weights. They start at a mere half-ounce, but also rise as high as four-hundred ounces. If you want a 400 ounce bar, you may have a hard time finding one.

It is important to research the current value of gold before selling your gold. Weigh your gold by karat for the greatest deal. Don’t sell jewelry that is more valuable due to maker or designer.

Research any gold buyer you are considering using and shop around for a reputable buyer. Check online reviews, BBB.org and their websites. Shop around to get the best price for your gold.

Before you buy gold from gold sellers, ensure you have scheduled a quick delivery. If your seller doesn’t offer delivery immediately, you need written confirmation of when to expect your items. This should include the date the gold will arrive to you buy. Proceed with the order only if you get this confirmation.

While buying gold is extremely exciting, you need to keep it quiet. You don’t know who could try to keep tabs on this, and you don’t want to have to worry about trusting people. Make sure that your investment is kept private and kept safe. This keeps the gold and you safe under various circumstances.

Remember to research the gold market prior to investing any money. Some people will claim to be experts in the field. Be wary of any claim to help you get rich quick in the gold markets. As long as you are reasonable and rational about these claims, you will find it easier to focus on the goal and the best way to achieve it.

You should note that even if a whole piece of jewelry is not solid gold, the backs of earrings or clasps may be. In addition, necklace clasps or ring bands may be gold, too. You can sell these small pieces together. With a quality of items, you may be able to get someone to buy them together, hoping for greater profits.

One thing you can do to sell gold is to do so through the mail. Lots of sellers like this because it’s convenient. You receive a postage paid envelope, place your items inside, ship it and wait for a check in the mail. Remember that these places usually do not pay as much as other places for gold. In some cases, you could get about 30 percent less for an item, so just be aware.

A good way to get a good price on gold is to ask your relatives for their broken jewelry. Get a decent jewelry scale to weigh your gold. Your relatives can earn more than a pawn shop and you still make some money.

Buying gold from a private seller can save you a ton of money. However, you must be aware of the risks involved in this purchasing method. Thus, get yourself appraisals of all coins. If you come across low prices, make sure the item is valuable first by having it appraised by a professional.

Now, you should be able to find a place for gold inside your investment portfolio. This strategy joins the gap between mutual stocks and funds and liquid cash savings. Find out why gold is so popular as an investment, and learn how the various choices differ in risk.

Win With Gold With These Golden Ideas

Gold is a great investment to help balance your portfolio. You need to know what to do and weigh all options. Keep reading to see why gold is a valuable and great investment strategy.

Before buying or selling gold, know how precious metal prices work. Silver, gold and platinum prices vary from day to day, so spot check a price on the day you plan to do business. You should be ready to pay a higher percentage for fractional pieces like half ounces and quarter ounces over the melt prices.

Sell your gold online. You no longer need to buy and sell gold at a physical location. Many websites want to buy gold from you. The online business will provide you with a special kit that you can use to send your gold pieces. If everything is together, you’ll get paid their going rate.

The cost of gold may put you off. However, you can still find a deal now and then, which you can turn around and sell for a profit. Check pawn shops and online websites for cheaper gold prices.

Check the current price in the gold market before you sell your jewelry. Doing so will help you figure out if a dealer’s offer is a good one or not. Dealers will charge you a premium on top of market value so they can make some money too.

If you don’t have much money to invest in gold, you could start by purchasing scrap jewelry pieces. Invest small amounts of money in scrap gold. After a few months, you will have accrued a significant store of gold. Just make sure you have a safe place to store your little stockpile until it is time to upgrade.

Be aware that it is possible to sell anything with a gold content to gold dealers. From broken jewelry to gold fillings, it can all be sold. The purity doesn’t even have to be 100%. A gold plated item or an item that is not entirely made from gold is still valuable. They won’t be worth as much but you can still get money for them.

Melt Value

When selling jewelry, be aware that most gold buyers will only pay you on the melt value. Usually, you will only get the melt value from both private sellers and pawn shops. This shouldn’t deter you from selling your gold, as there is probably a buyer out there willing to buy for collector value.

Your buyers should always have gold-buying licenses from the state. While you could still get ripped off, a licensed buyer is more likely to be reputable. Lots of shops or individual operators are willing to purchase gold, so you should never feel you need to go with the first offer you get.

It is important to understand that market before becoming active in it. The gold market has more than its share of disreputable dealers. Gold companies will often shortchange you when offering a price for your gold. It’s important to be cautious and do full research.

After reading this offer, you should understand the importance of including gold in your portfolio. Diversifying your portfolio with liquid assets and long-term investments is the best strategy. Get a firm understanding of the risks and benefits involved in the excellent investment choice – gold.