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I have 110% of my assets in gold. What do you think?

Big Al
June 15, 2012

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Discussion
75 Comments
    Jun 15, 2012 15:41 AM
      Jun 15, 2012 15:26 AM

      JM…..THANKS FOR THE POST……, BUTLER IS GREAT….

      Jun 16, 2012 16:51 AM

      Here’s a nother article for your dear Dad:
      http://www.gold-eagle.com/editorials_04/laborde012704.html
      I read this years ago and was fascinated. It’s about the Hunt brothers and silver – and what happened to them in 1980 is near to the end of the article. It’s a salutary lesson and its’ also a great tale.
      Me personally, I am not margined in anything.

        Jun 16, 2012 16:02 AM

        Here’s another example from someone that I know well: 75% in physical gold and numismatic gold, 10% in physical silver bullion, 10% in numismatic silver, 2% in cash (that’s scary), 2% in silver stocks, 1% in oil stocks. Gold stocks 0% for the last couple of years but that may be about to change. Zero on margin.

          Jun 16, 2012 16:07 PM

          Fortunately, ZERO MARGIN!

          Big Al

        Jun 16, 2012 16:11 PM

        Neither am I Silverbug Dave and I never will be!

        Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:10 AM

    I am not as diversified as Big Al. I”m 90% in metals. 50% physical and 50 mining stocks. I’m also down 25% in the mining stocks and down 10% in the physical. The 10% balance is in oil services. I probably should be more diversified especially after reading the article that Jerry M posted but I believe in the metals so it is what it is.

      Jun 15, 2012 15:53 PM

      As I have always said Mr. Gatorman,

      Whatever allows a person to sleep at night is really where it is at! (Even if we don’t agree!)

      Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:55 AM

    It is important to select a spouse that will not kill you if you loose 20% of the portfolio.
    I noticed the question related to “my Father is a huge gold bug and holds about 110% in gold and silver.”
    You just described the average portfolio before the abandonment of the classical gold standard. Unless you feel your father lacks legal capacity good for him. If on the other hand you think his Scrooge-esque allocation is grounds for conservatorship tread softly.
    The depiction of an old eccentric gold bug to describe very rational behavior has been one of the best PR ploys of the paper bugs. Scrooge was not a crazy old man he was an economic survivor in shell shock due to Great Britain’s far flung wars and resulting economic repression. Maybe your Father has done you a favor. My advice to you would be mind you own portfolio. Children who express too much uninvited concern over their parent’s portfolio often become Trustees overseeing large bequest to charity. Your concern for your Father’s portfolio might arise to a self fulfilling prophecy. You may become an executor depositing your Father’s gold and silver into the equivalent of a Salvation Army Kettle.

    Jun 15, 2012 15:03 AM

    If you believe in the metals then stay in the metals. I have had for 7 years now 80% of my assets in gold and silver and some of the shares. Regarding bullion I had a 65% gold to 35% silver ration – although that has changes as the years went by. Mining shares 10%. My stock broker thought I was crazy but I had complete confidence in the metals as you do. I do not believe in diversification. Diversification is another way of saying I don’t know what’s going on so I will cover all my bases. If you don’t know whats going on then you shouldn’t be involved. Besides both precious metals and stocks could all go down together. One thing I would advise though is not to borrow money to buy more gold and silver. This is my perspective for whatever it is worth.

      Jun 15, 2012 15:22 AM

      Hi James,
      I believe in metals, but I also believe in Agriculture, Energy, and manufacturing. One does not have to be singularly focused. If you want to be, fine, but the wisdom of diversification, first of all, is an admission that one doesn’t know everything. I subscribe to the idea that only GOD is omniscient, since HE says HE is. We mere mortals are flawed and certainly not omniscient. So, if I don’t know everything, I certainly don’t know what’s going to happen in the next second, on every corner of the globe. Are there events transpiring(blackswan events) that could have a significant and immediate effect on currencies, economies, people’s health and welfare, transportation, communication, etc. that PERHAPS,,,,,,,I and you may not be aware of? Well then, prudent people, who are serious about wealth preservation, choose a strategy to mitigate the risk of loss by diversification.
      Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, advocated a risk hedging strategy involving diversification into 7 or 8 different areas. The verse is found in Ecclesiastes 11:2, “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.” Well….once again God’s Word has practical advice for us in the area of investing. I don’t know about you James, but it just seems like the wise thing to do to excercise a little wisdom and humility by diversifying, because I certainly don’t know everything that’s going to happen in the future. Even the best and most successful investment advisors recommend some diversification. Seems prudent to me. My perspective for whatever it’s worth???

        Jun 15, 2012 15:39 PM

        Great comment Mr. C!

        Big Al

      Jun 15, 2012 15:51 PM

      James,

      I believe that you are absolutely correct. Do not borrow money to buy much of anything!

      Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:43 AM

    James, I like most of your comments…..concerning diversification, one needs to have an understanding of the different investment groups, but, not everyone has the talents, or the time, or the interest to be involved in the different groups…..
    The old saying,” jack of all trades and master of none”, comes to mind when people talk of diversifation…..Diversification, is some degree protecting a 100% lost of everything,but,
    not all investments , stocks, bonds, real estate, are in the same cycle at the same time,and do not allow for the greatest gain…or percentage gain…….
    I like what you say, concerning the precious metals, it reminds me, of the old saying
    “put all your eggs in one basket, and watch them like a hawk….”
    I know BIG AL, likes diversification….and I would not disagree with his thinking,,,,
    I say…..what ever let’s you sleep at night…is where you want to be….
    And , I agree, make sure you stash…gold, silver or real estate is paid for….
    GO AND OWE NO MAN…..KJV…
    Just my 50 cents worth…..O^OTB..

      Jun 15, 2012 15:07 PM

      Hi JerryO^OTB,
      Good to see your post and hear from you.
      I completely agree with your points above re. diversification, timing cycles, liquidity, etc… Right on!
      I’ve been out of the loop myself that last week or two.
      Trying to maximize time management and check in a little more often.
      Yes sir, I hope our buddy Mr. Irish is doing fine too.
      Best to you my friend!

        Jun 15, 2012 15:21 PM

        c..hero…..how you been,,,glad to hear from you….
        I like your comment on Eccles 11.2 ….I have used this example many times,
        when talking about diversification..and investments
        Have you ever taken a course, from Crown Ministry concerning finance.
        sounds like you have by your comments…(by the way I agree with)
        Thanks for the post….have a great week end…..ootb..Jerry

          Jun 15, 2012 15:50 PM

          Hello JerryO^OTB,
          Yes, I have. Am a big fan of Larry Burkett too. We’ll see him on the other side. :)Have also been through a financial study with Ron Blue and like Dave Ramsey on some things. I don’t agree with him on where we are headed economically at all. He is a big gold bear, but I think that’s because one of his sponsors is a gold jewelry buyer. So, he’s telling all his people to sell their gold. No, No, No. Absolutely wrong! But, on getting out of debt and business issues, he’s excellent. It seems I’m always studying or reading something on the subject to stay on track. Hope you have a great weekend as well. Mr. Irish needs to come out of his mancave for awhile. Too long underground is not good fer yee.
          Best,

            Jun 15, 2012 15:33 PM

            c…hero…..I have my doubts about Ramsey…..Ron Blue is great…
            I agree that Mr. Irish needs to come back from Holiday,,,,The Jubilee 50th celebration is completed, and the queen is back to rest counting her trillions….and as they would say smiling all the way to the BANK OF ENGLAND…(no loans to Greece for her)

            Jun 15, 2012 15:12 PM

            Wonder how much Guinness is in there with him!

            Big Al

      Jun 15, 2012 15:50 PM

      Yes sir! Go and Owe No Man!

      Big Al

        Jun 16, 2012 16:14 PM

        My own opinion is owe no man. Having said this I see M. Kiyosaki saying cash is trash and that debt builds wealth. Currently I’m all in with ”stocks” NOT MANAGED BE ME BECAUSE i AM FAR FROM KNOWLEDGEABLE. I have never been happy with not controling my $. I am debt free, my goal is to get 25% silver and gld,50 % real estate paid for with cashflow,25% stocks,reits or whatever it is these boneheads do with your money.

          Jun 16, 2012 16:31 PM

          Evening Al Rivard,

          Assuming you are sleeping well, I commend you for your decision.

          Big Al

            Jun 17, 2012 17:18 AM

            for my lat 25% am really unsure as I have not had good experiences. What is your opinion on Reit, hope i spelled it right, commercial type mortgage investments if I’m correct and also look at insurance type investments which pay dividends and you can borrow against the policy which for me is better than dealing with banks.

            Jun 17, 2012 17:13 AM

            Morning Mr. Rivard,

            Look for a Daily Editorial on your question this week.

            Best,

            Big Al

            Aug 27, 2012 27:03 AM

            “Psssssst…”“Pa!”Father wouldn’t call us by name. He need not to, a wthlise would do. The world seemed to come to a halt every time we heard him whistling—distinctive, authoritative, threatening. We would leave behind whatever we were up to pronto, dash straight to the house, and put on a brave front to face punishment personified. There was nothing more humiliating than to be taunted as crybabies by friends next moro-moro or baril-barilan sessions.“Pa, we will not do it again,” my younger brother and I would lunge out our never-to-do-it-again dialogue to father. “He did it first,” accused my brother.“No, Pa, he did first,” I would rebut amidst tears brewing to fall.Whack. Whack. Whack. All cries had turned to deaf ears. Father’s leather belt slithered on our tender skins.Everything did change as the years passes by. Now, I am 19 years old. I am still afraid of Father. But it isn’t the kind of fear that awakens me in the middle of the night shaking and sweating. Nor is it the kind of fear that inhibits me from pursuing responsibilities whose ends are undefined. Rather, it is one that begets respect and harbors no bitterness, no matter how complex and harsh the previous life was. All these years I have learned that the life I lead has an effect in the life I now live, and the life I now live will have an effect on the kind of life I will live.I don’t hear Father whistling these days. I even haven’t had single intimate contact with his belt for years now. I had out lived it. Age has taken its roll on him—cataract blurred his vision, his skins sagged, and arthritis has slowed down his strides. Father is after all not invincible.In my childhood I often wished for heaven to look down on me, intervene in my behalf, and take pity on my miserable plight. I seldom make wishes these days but a wish stands firm and true—for Father to be young and able to spank me again. Maybe this time tears would roll down to kiss a smiling lip. To the best Papang in the world, I love you so much and Happy Father’s Day.

            Aug 27, 2012 27:07 PM

            Great comment Aynur.

            Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:57 AM

    Jerry,
    That is a very WISE 50 cents you are spending – my friend!
    All the best,
    Marc

      Jun 15, 2012 15:59 AM

      Marc…..thanks , How ya been…..just got settled from moving my son ,
      been out of the loop for awhile,, looks like I have not missed to much.
      I will try to get caught up. Have not heard from Irish, hope , he is ok…I know
      he and the queen…were having a jubilee of some sort….something like 50 years
      of kissing the royal a..es,,and giving the royal treatment of sort…
      Hope, you stay safe my friend….glad to hear from you….best….OOTB..

        Jun 15, 2012 15:55 PM

        A-ok, Jerry…a few problems with my commercial rentals, but everything is good for now…the little guys is suffering – I see it in my rental business everyday! Dang……
        All the best to you and yours!
        Marc

          Jun 15, 2012 15:23 PM

          Marc….sorry to hear about the rentals…..I use to do commercial real estate in the
          80’s , got sidetracked with some other ventures….so, I know what you speak of….
          It is a tough business to start, but, if you have some anchors, it makes it nice, except, when your anchor goes BR….Just hang in there I think you will do fine….
          Have a great weekend, maybe, we might hear from you on the” KER WEEKEND”,
          OOTB..

            Jun 15, 2012 15:44 PM

            Thanks so much Jerry,
            I have learned an absolute TON from all you fine folks on our beloved site :).
            I feel like I have known you guys for years!
            All the best,
            Marc

          Jun 15, 2012 15:14 PM

          With your intellect, Marc, you will get through this!

          Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:00 AM

    This comment has little to do with Gold, but I wish to vent!
    How in the H@ll did our dictator/president have the right to legalize up to 800,000 ILLEGALS by executive order.
    Did he not take an oath to obey the laws of the US and uphold the constitution.?!?
    IMPEACH the Bastard!

      Jun 15, 2012 15:49 AM

      DITTO….I AGREE……IMPEACH THE B…..BUT , THAT WOULD IMPLY THAT THE GUY HAD A MOTHER……I THINK HE IS FROM OUTTER SPACE…., EVER SEEN HIS EARS, THEY LOOK KIND OF FUNNY TO ME…..

        Jun 15, 2012 15:11 PM

        ps…..he needed the 800,000 votes….do you speak spanish yet….amego..

          Jun 15, 2012 15:33 PM

          Yes In the Box,

          He really does need those votes!

          Big Al

        Jun 15, 2012 15:38 PM

        Now, now In the Box,

        We have children on this site!

        Big Al

      Jun 15, 2012 15:59 AM

      Constitution? What Constitution? We have a Constitution? Are you sure about that cfs2000? 😉

      stay frosty

        Jun 15, 2012 15:35 PM

        Common Mark A,

        You know that The Constitution is the number one title on the New York Times Best Seller fictional list.

        What is wrong with you anyway!

        Big Al

    Ann
    Jun 15, 2012 15:03 AM

    James. Love your definition of diversification.

    Jun 15, 2012 15:20 PM

    I find it amazing that as children, we always seem to question the actions of our parents, whether their actions ARE IN FACT prudent, sound, and provocative, we “children’ will always seem to look upon what they do as “strange, bizarre, and irrational”. I feel this comes with the exposure, or lack thereof, across multiple generations and the events that took place during those years.

    I wouldn’t say that borrowing money to buy more was a “great idea”, but I too am not a strong believer in diversification. A little is good, but you must be diversified across sectors that YOU KNOW AND UNDERSTAND TO HAVE the best, or better performance for the future and the time horizons that meet your investment objectives. I roll my eyes whenever I hear people talking about being diversified but complain that their money isn’t growing the way they wanted it to. People need to understand that there are times when all investments can do poorly, so a defensive strategy is needed. Investment environments CHANGE, they are NOT static. If you want protection; then invest in a defensive manner. if you want growth, then invest in sectors that are currently growing and have the future to grow. If you believe that the world’s financial system is about ready to implode or deteriorate, then having “things” that are both recognized internationally as money and acceptable by all governments, easily liquidable, easily portable, easily divisible, and will ALWAYS MAINTAIN ITS PURCHASING POWER IN THE CURRENCY IT IS DENOMINATED IN, then by all means – go with the metals.

    I think that the expressions of concern regarding Douglas’s father are unjustified, unless, his Father has no income stream. But ALL MARKET SECTORS go up and down…ALL OF THEM, that’s because they all have their own cycles. But to think that the mainstream media with it’s propaganda, knows more about the financial industry and how to really invest, is like playing Russian Roulette with a fully loader revolver.

    STOCK ROACHES will kill you long before a gold bug will. So, to be honest, every person has their own idea of where and how they should invest. I would think that Douglas should consider the wisdom of age and experience over the mainstream media b.s. It just goes to show, how indoctrinated people are into believing what they see and hear on a television. I threw my television set over my third story balcony apartment one afternoon nearly 18 years ago and haven’t bought one since.

    I would say to Douglas: “Pat your Father on the back, but scold him for borrowing”
    To each their own!

    stay frosty and have a great weekend!

      Jun 15, 2012 15:34 PM

      Mark A….I have one thing to say on the” borrowing” if he can time it right , he just might make more money , than the amount of interest he is paying, especially at these low rates of interest….(just a thought,), I have done this before, and it works….
      it is called OPM….(other peoples money..).and a form of leverage…..but, only if you know what you are doing….but, it does not work all the time…
      .that is my other 50cents worth.and I would like a frosty….TGIF…..OOTB…

        Jun 15, 2012 15:33 PM

        Howdy Jerry OOTB!

        How have you been? Yes, I agree with your statement about timing. In my mind, if the man’s children are all grown and independent, has no debts, has a stream of income, then “YES” I would probably have done the same thing. I totally agree with you my friend!

        hope you are staying frosty! Where’s Irish?

          Jun 15, 2012 15:08 PM

          Mark A…I have not heard from Irish….maybe , he is still raising “jubilee” with the queen
          I think they really had a big party going on for the “50th. year reign”…
          So, us” pee ons”….take back seat to the queen….(this should get a rise out of him)
          Well, anyway, glad you are ok, thanks for the followup…..hope , BIG AL has some
          entertainment for us over the weekend….stay as you say “frosty”….OOTB..Jerry.

            Jun 15, 2012 15:10 PM

            Mr. In the Box,

            I share your thoughts.

            Big Al

        Jun 15, 2012 15:19 PM

        I am getting really close to also getting a “frosty”!

        Big Al

      Jun 15, 2012 15:44 PM

      Welcome back – our friend!

      Jun 15, 2012 15:32 PM

      Hi Mark A,

      Why did you ever do that? Now you can’t watch reality shows. Any idea how much you are missing!

      Big Al

        Aug 25, 2012 25:24 PM

        Thank you for sharing exlceelnt informations. Your web-site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and simply could not come across. What a perfect site.

          Aug 26, 2012 26:53 PM

          Thanks for the kind words, Musha.

          Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:12 PM

    I would like to quote Lou Ferrigno ( The actor who played the incredible Hulk) who likes to say I always give 110%, although for me 110% is when you date a beautiful girl who happens to own a liquor store, but I see nothing wrong with somebody’s strategy of going all in when it concerns physical bullion. How could you possibly lose!!!!!!!!!!

      Jun 15, 2012 15:09 PM

      shawn…..I like your 110% better….(if I were younger)….

      Jun 15, 2012 15:16 PM

      You loose to the beautiful girl who happens to own that liquor store! A real win situation!

      Big Al

      Jun 16, 2012 16:58 PM

      I’d also like to quote Lou Ferrigno:

      “RaahhRRRWWRWWWWW!”

    Jun 15, 2012 15:30 PM

    I think diversification or % in totaly depends on the persons position. Only $50.00 to invest I would say go 100% silver, but a billion…maybe 5% silver. Obvious I know but just making the point, who wouldn’t love to be diversified?

    Jun 15, 2012 15:42 PM

    Big Al and all
    IMHO – here are the points I considered.
    1. Current macro-economic environment
    2.Worse case vs. best case scenarios
    3. OR/AND risk-reward relationship/correlations
    4. Projections of future events based on past history – say last 10 years
    5. History ITSELF of past civilizations in somewhat similar situations
    6.STUPIDITY and INEPTITUDE FACTOR OF OUR AND GLOBAL POLITICIANs AND “LEADERS”

    ANSWER: Easy – gold, silver, real estate and anything else “THEY” can’t print.
    End of story……….
    All the best,
    Marc

      Jun 15, 2012 15:12 PM

      Marc…….A+++++ FOR THE ANSWER…..
      Thanks….OOtb.jerry

      Jun 15, 2012 15:33 PM

      Marc, my good friend!

      You got it all backwards! AGAIN!

      1) Everything is WONDERFUL in the macro-economic world. Nothing wrong here, just move along, please
      2) There is no such thing as a worse case when it comes to WALL STREET and the Banks! Just look at FACEBOOK
      3) Risk is wonderful! Everyone should have some and apply leverage!
      4) Future looks so bright YOU GOTTA WEAR SHADES buddy
      5) History is not important. Just keep thinking of the future and cupcakes, rainbows and lollipops
      6) Our world leaders are geniuses!

      ANSWER: Paper, more Paper, and even MORE PAPER. Gold and silver? What are those?
      Oh and if you are interested in Commercial RE here in the Central U.S.; I got this hot tip from a guy who says he is willing to sell his share of a bridge that has a lot of traffic on it! Are you interested, Marc? Come on man! Nothing to lose here!
      LOL!!

      stay frosty

        Jun 15, 2012 15:46 PM

        Extremely intelligent response LOLLLOLL!! Great to have you back in the fold!!
        Marc

        Jun 15, 2012 15:05 PM

        Mr. Alan,

        Really great to have you back although I don’t really agree with your comment. I guess I am not staying frosty. I should maybe rethink my position.

        Big, Tongue in Cheek, Al

      Jun 15, 2012 15:13 PM

      Hi Marc,

      I think that you are wise to not discount real estate. Diversify, diversify and diversify!

      Big Al

        Jun 15, 2012 15:27 PM

        Yes, absolutely, Big Al, I honestly couldn’t survive and pay bills with the core RE I have on behalf of the family!

          Jun 15, 2012 15:29 PM

          ooops, WITHOUT the…..big difference!

    Jun 15, 2012 15:26 PM

    Lawyers For Ron Paul Civil Rights (Voting Rights) Lawsuit FAQ
    This is a u tube, seems these guys have evidence of corruption against Ron Paul.
    They are going to court to have the gop charged etc. went up june 10. guess its not over for Ron Paul.

      Jun 15, 2012 15:37 PM

      benb,,,,thanks for the post…..can you bring up the post…thank ootb jerry

      Jun 15, 2012 15:08 PM

      That would be absolutely incredible!

      Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:59 PM

    its a u tube video just copy paste on u tube.Lawyers For Ron Paul Civil Rights (Voting Rights) Lawsuit FAQ
    I dont seem to be able to put up links, sorry,my pewter i think.

      Jun 15, 2012 15:06 PM

      Many thanks benb!

      Big Al

    Jun 15, 2012 15:09 PM

    I have 40% in hard assets, mainly Gold. that is divided into bullion, juniors, mid-tiers and seniors. The rest is in essential services that have big and safe yields. I am very big on energy, oil, oil services, oil transport. Personally, I think that anyone who does not have enough Gold bullion to take them through hard times is taking a big risk. Gold will go north of $10,000 in a hyper inflationary scenario and $5000 in a deflationary scenario. You win either way.

    Jun 15, 2012 15:36 PM

    Gold right now looks okay again. The weekly momentum indicators are looking at gold trading no worse then sideways next week. It’s very encouraging that we moved off the previous bottom. It looks like gold may move up again next week until it meets resistance at the 200 week MA. The longer gold stays in this trading range, the more positive it is and the closer we move toward the next big move.

    Jun 15, 2012 15:32 PM

    I have 90 % of my assets in Gold and silver and loving it. Sold a collection of coins in 2001 and bought gold at $275

    Jun 16, 2012 16:06 PM

    “Diversification is for losers.”

    I’m trying to remember who that was…might have even been Buffet years ago.

    In any event, I do believe it’s possible for certain people to find a niche or thing they know very well and commit the majority or, in rare circumstances, all their resources into it. My best trade ever put a large proportion of $ into one company…it turned out pretty well. But I also think the Ecclesiastes passage is what most of us should be thinking most the time. It’s hard to find those niches, and most of us don’t have quite the modesty to admit we don’t know every oblique risk we cannot fully see or understand. I think gold and silver, by the way, are one of those niches today…not as much as in 2002, but a very good one. I don’t think 50%+ in metals and good mine stocks is too much. Holding off on a higher percentage might be a good idea, if only to hold some dry power to buy more. At least, that’s what works for me.

    Jun 18, 2012 18:52 PM

    Diversification? more like dunceification!

    Jun 18, 2012 18:54 PM

    If you believe in something you go for it 110%!