Converting to Physical

[buddtholomew]

What is the largest single purchase ($) an investor can feel comfortable with when transacting with Apmex? Is there a reputable dealer in Northern California that a member recommends? Any direction is appreciated.

[buddtholomew]

I've made some large transactions with CNI in LA.  No need to drive there, shipments are insured.  http://www.golddealer.com/

Thanks. Trying to assess whether to make one or more smaller transactions.
According to the site, as long as paying by check or wire for any amount no form is submitted.
Not sure if I should concern myself with "forms" anyway.
Obviously a novice here.

[ochotona]

Texas Precious Metals is less expensive than APMEX the last time I checked. I'm prejudiced because it's 90 miles away, though, so I could drive there, though arguably it's safer and less expensive to receive an insured shipment, since they pay for shipping. Still holding out for below $1000.

[Xan]

Texas Precious Metals is less expensive than APMEX the last time I checked. I'm prejudiced because it's 90 miles away, though, so I could drive there, though arguably it's safer and less expensive to receive an insured shipment, since they pay for shipping. Still holding out for below $1000.

Oh, it's in Shiner!  Budd, make sure to take the brewery tour.  While you're in the region you could hop over to Brenham and tour the creamery.  (I think they've got all the listeria out...)

[buddtholomew]

Hmm, beer 

Thanks for the recommendations...what's a little listeria amongst friends.

[flyingpylon]

You might save a few bucks going somewhere else, but I can say that I've had very smooth transactions with APMEX, done completely online.  When I arranged for a wire transfer, the person at my bank already knew their wire info because they do so many transfers there.

[ochotona]

I have heard nothing but good about APMEX. I have spoken with them, they are very helpful people.

[buddtholomew]

Good to hear that Apmex is another source to consider. I'm actually having difficulty locating a bank in our area with a safety box available. Go figure.

[dualstow]

I'm actually having difficulty locating a bank in our area with a safety box available. Go figure.

Yeah, I've never been able to get anything but the very smallest. I guess once you get'em, you don't give them up until death.
I feel so much better storing coins at the bank than I did while at home.

[Fred]

Say What?

Maybe I have you confused with somebody else but you seemed to be a resident pessimist on the PP and  I seem to recall that you said not long ago that the permanent portfolio was the "worse portfolio ever" and you were especially down on gold.

So now you're buying not just gold, but physical gold?

What has changed your thinking, if anything?

[buddtholomew]

Say What?

Maybe I have you confused with somebody else but you seemed to be a resident pessimist on the PP and  I seem to recall that you said not long ago that the permanent portfolio was the "worse portfolio ever" and you were especially down on gold.

So now you're buying not just gold, but physical gold?

What has changed your thinking, if anything?

I am not a pessimist of the PP, only a pessimist when it comes to gold. I liquidated gold in retirement accounts this year and have reduced my overall allocation to 7.5%. I follow the 4x25PP in taxable with additional cash to reduce fixed income duration. I am now converting from GLD to physical to remove counter-party risk.

[escafandro]

I did some purchases with APMEX, international shipping, no problem.

[ochotona]

In a year, the gold situation could be very different. The year-to-year compares and 200 day moving average will be in new territories, unless it keeps going down in the near term.