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Top Rated Investments with Precious Metals

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StrategyDriven Editorial Perspective | Top Rated Investments with Precious MetalsWhether you’re looking for the best gold ETFs or looking to invest in gold and silver, there are many different choices available. Here are a few of the top rated investments with precious metals that you can consider.

Types of Precious Metal Investing

Investing in precious metals can be a lucrative way to protect your wealth and diversify your investment portfolio. However, this asset class comes with its own set of risks and opportunities. Before deciding on a strategy, you’ll want to identify your goals, risk profile, and potential returns.

For example, investors can use physical precious metals as a hedge against currency devaluation or inflation. These assets can also be used as a store of value and a potential hedge against geopolitical risks.

There are two main ways to invest in precious metals: physical bullion and exchange traded funds. Bullion is typically bought and sold differently than ETFs. ETFs provide investors with exposure to metals, but not to the actual metal itself.

Another option is investing in numismatic coins. These unique coins are often rare and have unique characteristics. They have a higher investment power and are often sold for a small price. They are also easy to purchase and add a fun element to investing.

Investors can also invest in precious metals by purchasing shares of mining companies. These companies trade on the stock market and are leveraged to the price of the underlying metals. When the price of a precious metal increases, a mining company can become profitable.

There are also precious metals royalty companies. These companies hold a large portfolio of future streams. These companies are riskier because they are younger and have a larger share of the potential streams. However, these companies also have a high potential for upside.

For many investors, investing in gold and silver is a way to protect against inflation and stock market volatility. However, gold and silver mutual funds tend to gain popularity in uncertain economic times.

Physical Gold and Silver

Investing in physical gold and silver is a good way to add security to your investment strategy. Both can be a hedge against inflation. They can also help protect your portfolio when stocks fall.

If you want to be a wise investor, make sure to understand the various aspects of investing in these precious metals. There are many factors to consider, including the size of your investment, the cost of storage, and the required return to break even.

The first thing to know about physical gold and silver is that they can be purchased in many different ways. You can buy them as bars, coins, or through a third-party depository. You can also find a dealer online. However, you need to take a look at all of the costs associated with each option.

In the US, there is a strong demand for physical gold. Many of the major brokerage firms also buy and sell precious metals.

There are also a number of exchange-traded funds available that allow investors to get exposure to silver and gold. These ETFs charge an expense ratio, but provide investors with an easy way to access the metals without the hassle of physical storage. However, some ETFs don’t offer the same returns as physical metals.

The price of gold and silver fluctuates as a result of market conditions, economic factors, and inflation. This can be a good thing for short-term traders. However, it can also be a bad thing for long-term investors.

The best way to get exposure to the metals is to buy them through a reputable dealer. The right dealer will offer you a number of different options, such as a buy-and-store program. However, it’s important to choose a dealer that has a proven track record and that offers you great customer service.


Gold and Silver IRAs

Investing in precious metals is a smart way to diversify your retirement savings. However, a gold IRA is not for everyone. The key is to find a company that fits your needs and budget by reviewing a list of the top companies like the one here.

A gold IRA company can help you find the best gold for your needs. Many companies offer a wide variety of IRS-approved coins and bullion. If you have questions, call a representative. They will be able to explain your options to you.

Gold IRA companies should have competitive pricing. You should also check out their customer reviews and testimonials. It is important to choose a company that has a solid reputation and a good track record. It is also important to find out about the fees associated with IRA investments.

A gold IRA can provide protection against inflation and market volatility. However, it is important to keep in mind that the investment does not pay dividends. Also, withdrawals may be subject to tax penalties.

Gold IRAs are becoming popular among retirees and younger investors. Most investors roll over a portion of their retirement account to a gold IRA. Ideally, your investment should be less than 5% of your total retirement account. You should also consider a broader wealth-management strategy.

The best gold IRA companies are ones that offer responsive customer service and educational resources. In addition, you should make sure the company you choose has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. They should also have glowing client testimonials.

Gold IRA Advisors offers a variety of web conferences that will teach you about investing in gold. They also have a free investment guide that will help you get started. You can also speak with an advisor to find out what is best for you.

Precious Metal ETFs

Investing in precious metals is a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. This can help reduce your losses in the event of a market crash. These investments are also a good hedge against inflation. However, before investing in precious metals, there are a few things to keep in mind.

These investments are not guaranteed to increase in value. This is because precious metals are not backed by any entity. They also tend to be volatile. They are susceptible to investor sentiment and can swing a lot. They are also not income-producing assets.

Precious metals can be used as a currency or a store of value. They also have practical uses in technology. Many wealthy investors allocate a percentage of their investment portfolio to precious metals. These metals can be sold for profit when prices rise.

The best way to invest in precious metals is to buy a basket of precious metals ETFs. This can give you exposure to all four of the main precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

These ETFs provide diversification in one investment fund. The expense ratio of GraniteShares Gold Trust fund is 0.17%, making it the lowest in the industry. The fund also tracks the spot price of gold. The iShares Silver Trust provides daily exposure to silver bullion, making it convenient to invest. The fund has $12.7 billion in assets.

While the price of silver may be more volatile than gold, it retains value over time. It is also an industrial metal. As more solar panels are installed, the demand for this metal could increase.

The price of silver can be a good hedge against inflation. However, while gold can help protect you from inflation, it can also be a good hedge against currency devaluation.

Gold Mutual Funds

Investing in precious metals is a very popular investment opportunity. However, these investments have their own unique risks.

Precious metals and minerals industries can be impacted by global economic and financial developments, political events, trade imbalances, and central bank movements. These developments and events can result in price changes. Therefore, gold and silver mutual funds are not always a reliable investment option. However, these funds can diversify a portfolio and lower the risk of catastrophic losses.

The Gold Miners Fund invests at least 80% of its assets in gold mining companies. It also invests in international gold holdings. However, a portion of the assets may be allocated to a single issuer.

The Franklin Gold and Precious Metals Fund focuses on income generation and capital appreciation. It also invests in stocks of companies that produce gold and other precious metals.

The Fidelity Select Gold fund invests at least 25% of its assets in gold equities. It also invests in gold bullion ETFs.

Other precious metals mutual funds have stocks in platinum and silver. Platinum is a popular investment option. However, platinum and silver mutual funds are not as popular as gold funds.

These funds are a great option for investors seeking a safe investment option. Buying gold or silver can be a great addition to a portfolio, especially in a down market. However, it is important to keep in mind that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Before making an investment, it is important to understand the risks involved. Some of these risks include currency exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, and capital loss from currency fluctuations. International investing also involves risks from differences in accounting principles and political uncertainty.

Why Learning How to Sell is a Must In This Day and Age

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | Why Learning How to Sell is a Must In This Day and AgeAnyone in a sales-oriented position will always be looking for ways to improve their technique and improve their ability to make more appointments and close more deals.

Using professional dealership phone training, for example, is an excellent way to try and improve sales conversion rates, but improve customer service and satisfaction levels at the same time.

The mindset of every consumer has dramatically changed in recent times and that is a compelling reason why it is essential that you learn how to sell in a way that is relevant for this day and age.

Developing the right skills and attributes

A fundamental aspect of learning how to sell successfully is being able and willing to develop the perfect skills and attributes required to achieve consistent positive results from your efforts.

One of the most important attributes to have is self-motivation.

Nobody can teach you to rise each morning with the desire to win and achieve success. You can definitely develop good sales skills with the right training and guidance, but you also have to want to be a successful salesperson to become one.

The modern sales environment is just as competitive and consumer attitudes might even have changed over time, but you still need the core attributes and skills to be able to close the right amount of deals.


Share your vision and ideas with others

Selling can often be viewed as a singular activity, especially when it is in a very competitive results-orientated environment.

However, it actually makes a lot of sense to seek out peers and mentors within your organization, and beyond if necessary.

If you have an idea of how you can improve the sales pitch by adding value to what you are offering the customer it would be a sensible strategy to talk these through with other members of your team and those connected with the sales process.

This approach can help you bring new ideas to fruition. Sharing your ideas can have the impact of improving your individual sales performance.

Do you have the basics to be a successful salesperson?

Even if you have a natural level of confidence in your own ability and a strong desire to succeed it still helps greatly to be able to channel that positivity and energy in the right way.

The best way of doing that is to have the basic sales skills in the bank that give you the blueprint for future success.

Learning how to be a good salesperson involves having good listening and communication skills. You develop these basic skills over a period of time through experience. But you can influence that upward trajectory in your sales performance and career prospects by committing to learning the basic sales skills needed by everyone in that sort of role.

Investing your time and effort into learning how to become a better version of yourself and improve your sales performance could turn out to be money well spent, especially when you start to see the results.

Reaching Your Retirement Years: What Should Be On Your Mind

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StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | Reaching Your Retirement Years: What Should Be On Your MindAccording to a study by the National Institute on Retirement Security, nearly two-thirds of American workers between the ages of 55 and 64 have less than $30,000 saved for retirement. And that’s just one statistic that shows how many people are unprepared for retirement.

Another issue is that many people don’t want to retire at retirement age. They may like their job, or they may not feel ready to give up their independence. But if they’re not prepared financially, they may have no choice.

So what can you do to make sure you’re ready for retirement? Here are a few tips to consider before you reach that age.

Save Up as Early as Possible

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better. Time is one of the essential factors when saving for retirement. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to grow. Even if you can only hold a little bit each month, it will add up over time.

Of course, life happens, and there may be times when you have to dip into your savings. But if you have a solid plan, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and reach your goal.

Retirement planning will be critical for your success. You can start by researching and determining how much money you’ll need to retire comfortably. Once you have a goal, you can start working towards it.

There are a few different ways to save for retirement. You can open a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, both great options. You can also start contributing to your employer’s 401(k) plan.

If you’re self-employed, there are still options available to you. You can open a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. These plans allow you to set aside a certain percentage of your income for retirement, which can be a huge help down the road.

No matter your route, ensure you contribute as much as possible.

Watch Out for Your Health

Your health is one of the most important things to remember as you approach retirement age. It’s essential to take care of yourself and ensure you’re as healthy as possible.

As you age, your risk for certain diseases and health conditions increases. This includes heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. So it’s vital to be proactive about your health and get regular check-ups.

It would help if you also focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. These lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases later in life.

It’s also essential to have a solid health insurance plan in place. Ensure you understand your coverage and what it will cost you in retirement. If you’re unhappy with your current plan, now is the time to shop for a new one.

It would help if you also considered long-term care insurance. This policy can help cover the cost of assisted living or nursing home care. As you get older, this coverage will become more critical.


Prepare for the Unexpected

No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something unexpected will happen. That’s why it’s essential to have an emergency fund in place. This fund can help cover unexpected expenses, like medical bills or car repairs.

Ideally, your emergency fund should have enough money to cover three to six months of living expenses. But even a tiny amount can be helpful in a pinch.

You should also have a plan for what will happen if you’re unable to work. This could be due to an illness or injury. If you have a family, you’ll need to ensure they’re financially taken care of before you retire.

Disability insurance can help replace your income if you’re unable to work. This coverage is especially critical if you’re the primary breadwinner in your household.

It would help if you also considered life insurance. This policy can provide financial protection for your loved ones after you die. It’s an essential piece of the puzzle, especially if you have young children or a mortgage.

StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | Reaching Your Retirement Years: What Should Be On Your MindGet an Easy Part-Time Job

One of the best things you can do as you approach retirement is to get a part-time job. This additional income can help cover expenses and give you extra wiggle room in your budget.

It’s essential to find a job that’s easy and flexible. You don’t want something that’s going to be too much of a strain, physically or mentally. The goal is to find something that’s enjoyable.

There are plenty of great part-time jobs out there. You can work in retail, customer service, or even start your own business. The sky’s the limit!

Final Thoughts

The key is to start planning now. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be when you reach retirement age. So start saving, watch for your health, and prepare for the unexpected. With some preparation, you can enjoy a long and happy retirement.

 

How to Cross-Pollinate Experts’ Advice for Greater Success

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There are many paths to success. But did you know that you can achieve even greater success by following the advice of multiple experts? When it comes to business, for example, you may have heard that it’s important to niche down and focus on a specific area. But at the same time, others will tell you that it’s essential to cast your net wide in order to attract more customers. So who should you believe? And how can you cross-pollinate the advice of different experts in order to create an actionable plan that works for you? In this blog post, we will explore exactly that!

StrategyDriven Practices for Professionals Article | How to Cross-Pollinate Experts’ Advice for Greater Success

Why You Should Cross-Pollinate Expert Advice

There are many reasons why you should cross-pollinate expert advice. For one, it allows you to see all sides of an issue and make a more informed decision. Furthermore, it can help you challenge your own assumptions and biases, leading to more creative solutions. Additionally, hearing multiple perspectives can spark new ideas and help you come up with innovative approaches that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.

How to Cross-Pollinate Expert Advice

Now that we’ve established why it’s beneficial to cross-pollinate expert advice, let’s take a look at how you can actually do it. First, when you’re considering multiple pieces of advice, make sure to take into account the source. Is the expert credible? Do they have experience in the area you’re looking for advice on? How well do their ideas align with your own values and goals? Next, it’s important to evaluate the advice itself. Does it make sense? Is it supported by evidence? Are there any potential downsides that you haven’t considered? Once you’ve done your due diligence, you can start to piece together different aspects of the advice to create a plan that works for you.


Example: Cross-Pollinating Expert Advice on Real Estate Investing

Let’s say you’re interested in real estate investing and you’ve been reading advice from different experts. One expert, like Paul Ognibene, says that it’s important to invest in areas with high potential for appreciation. Another expert, like Gary Keller, suggests looking for properties with a good mix of cash flow and equity growth. So how can you cross-pollinate this advice? One option would be to look for properties in areas that have both appreciation potential and strong cash flow. Another approach would be to invest in properties with a good mix of equity growth and cash flow, but focus on those that are located in areas with high potential for appreciation. There is no one right way to cross-pollinate expert advice. The key is to tailor the approach to your own goals and circumstances. By taking the time to consider all sides of an issue, you’ll be able to make better decisions and achieve greater success.

Putting It All Together

Cross-pollinating expert advice is a great way to optimize your decision-making process and come up with more creative solutions. By taking into account the source, evaluating the advice, and piecing together different perspectives, you can develop a plan that is tailored to your specific situation and goals. So go out there and start cross-pollinating!

How To Reinvent Yourself After A Divorce

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StrategyDriven Professional Development Article | How To Reinvent Yourself After A Divorce1. Breathe

The first thing you need to do is breathe. You will have to take some time to adjust to your new normal. When you go through a divorce, it will be like going through mourning until you can reach acceptance. When you feel overwhelmed, you should simply stop whatever you’re currently doing, close your eyes and take a few deep and slow breaths.

Remember, divorce is certainly a roller coaster ride that is filled with emotional distress. This is the case even if you were the one who asked for it to begin with. Divorces typically feel like failures and you will likely start doubting yourself. However, what happened yesterday is now in the past and tomorrow, you will be faced with a new day and new opportunities. Unfortunately, 50% of marriages do come to an end and result in divorce. It is simply something that happens.

2. Remain Present

It is important to always strive to learn from your past mistakes. It is also a bad idea to live in the past. If you keep thinking about the past, then you won’t be able to see what is currently happening. The most important time is always right now, wherever you are.

Of course, your history will always form a part of you, but it is not the entirety of you. Make sure that you turn the next page of your life and try to live within each current moment. Don’t allow your past to imprison you. If you are having issues with getting over your ex-partner, you should try a variety of wellness tools, therapy etc.

3. Enjoy Your Freedom

When a marriage breaks down and it ends in divorce, you will feel many different things. However, you should also feel a sense of freedom and liberation. Be sure to actually enjoy it! Now, you won’t have anyone preventing you from living in whatever way that you truly desire. You can now do everything you desire, even the things that you stopped doing because of your ex.

Additionally, you can explore all of the things you would like to do. You can start by trying new things. This can mean skydiving, going on an adventurous road trip, visiting another country or even moving to a new country. There are literally no limits! You also don’t need to rush and get into another relationship. You should take some time to enjoy being single. Consider that within this country, there are 30 million single people who live on their own.

4. Rediscover Yourself

There is no better time than right now than to dive deeper into yourself and explore the other parts and versions of yourself. When you get a divorce, it is another chance to start your next chapter as a better version of yourself. Consider who you used to be before you got married. Think about all of the things you went through and experienced and how much stronger and wiser you are now. You are likely a lot more aware of what you truly desire and what you don’t want. Take some time to appreciate who you are right now and prioritize yourself.


5. Change Things Up

Did you ever want to change how you look or get a new haircut? If so, then you should definitely explore that. When you change how you look, it can certainly change how you feel. You can change your hairstyle, the type of clothes you wear, your makeup, jewelry and you can even change your weight!

6. Become Healthier & Update Yourself

If you neglected yourself in the last couple of years while being married, then this needs to change. You should visit your local hair salon or barbershop to get a new haircut. Next, consider changing up your fashion and wardrobe. You should also consult a nutritionist as well as a personal trainer or even a yoga teacher who can help you with your diet as well as physical health. If you have always wanted a smaller bust try Skin Works breast reduction.

When working out, be sure to create goals that are achievable. Once you stick to your diet and exercise program, you will definitely see and feel a change in your body. It is also a good idea to start hiking, walking etc. When you actually start to look and feel your best, you will be better able to reinvent yourself.

7. Start Dating

When you are ready, you can start to date. This may seem a bit scary, especially if you haven’t been on a date in a long time. However, don’t worry about it as there are millions of people in the same boat as yours. You can start to talk to people on social media and online dating apps like tinder.

With that said, you should be careful when meeting people online. This is because there are many scammers and predators online. So, if you like someone that you’ve met online, be sure to do a background check on them so that you’re protected.