Hidden gems to invest in that no one is thinking about-Part DEUX.

Hidden gems to invest in that no one is thinking about-Part DEUX.

Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes

A few days ago, I listed my feelings on a very enticing investment area that I'm in, and others have considered. I gave reasons why I thought it was a good idea.
Not everyone has the funds to invest hundreds of thousands or millions into Self storage Facilities. So, this next one is for everyone, pretty much. I never preach what I don't practice, so yes I do the following.
Most have heard of dollar cost averaging in the stock market. You pick a mutual fund or index fund and invest the same amount every month. When market is booming, you receive less shares for your investment. When market is tanking, your same investment buys you more shares of your same fund. You really don't care which way it goes. You're in it for the long run.
Why not do the same thing in a hard commodity? I personally like gold and silver. Now, there are ways NOT to buy these, imo. Stay completely away from collectibles or what they call Numismatic coins.You pay an EXORBITANT (and I know what that means!) fee. Stick to the bullion type coins.
In silver, depending on your discretionary funds, I suggest silver bars, ingots or junk silver coins(pre-1965 dimes-halves) You may buy bars in any size from 1-1000 oz.
I also like gold.There are 2 I like- Canadian maple leaves and American gold Eagles. I don't buy the S. African Krugerrands.
The nice things about these is the flexibility. Each comes in 1/10, 1/5, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 oz coins. If you have $100, you can buy the 1/10 and $1000 will get you 1 oz, or 10 of the smaller coins. There is a small mintage charge on top of the spot price quote daily.
I like having possession, and not just a stock cert for the gold. Too many unscrupulous companies. I want the tangible asset, so I DON'T buy the stocks in these companies.
I remember when I was paying $30 for the 1/10 oz. Now over $100. Some are predicting $3000 an oz. I don't predict. I just buy each month and am rewarded for my patience. You will be also.
There are so many of these gems. If there is enough interest in these "gem ideas", I'll try to post one every couple weeks. Let me know if you find these useful, by voting or bumping this post. Thanks. Rich still here in FL.

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Contractor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2009 · 85 posts · 65 votes
16y

Rich,

I feel the same with my REI investments, the only thing I ever regret is selling two of my triplexes in the past. I am remedying this by buying them both back as REO's for $20k less than I sold them for.

I agree with you on numismatics, my father spent about $100k buy these "rare" coins. He died 20 years ago, and and after another 10 years of holding these my mother gave them to her children. I sold 4 coins at auction (the only way you will get a fair price), they sold for 1/3 more then my father paid for them 30 years ago.
A big ripoff to say the least. At that same date he also purchased a triplex for $64k, besides the $5000k it clears a month, it's value has grown to $400k.

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  • Real Estate Investor · Wyoming, MI · Member since 2008 · 195 posts · 10 votes
    16y

    just for those who have interest..not saying it's better for Long term.
    But you can buy spot gold/silver/oil/etc..
    through major brokers(aren't at risk of going anywhere any time soon) and pay a pretty small spread. Hold for days/weeks/months or more.
    You can still make money and don't have to physically take care it.

    Many brokers offer currency pairs, CFD's, metals, DowJones futures, and a ton of other stuff all at one place.

    I only hold trades for a short time..can't speak for long term trade investors.

  • Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    16y

    Jason- a contrarian view, which is good. My post was for security, and long term planning. Not trying to make money, just hedging my bets. Keep buying it forever, and never sell- just like my feelings on RE. Rich

  • Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    16y

    I had a couple PMs or e-mails, rather on this thread. My opinion is I don't want to own paper , or options etc. Gold/silver is a security play for me. I want to have possession of it at all times. I'm not a trader in stocks, commodities, or real estate. I prefer buy and hold. Rich

  • Real Estate Investor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2008 · 4 posts · 1 vote
    16y

    Very smart, may I ask whats the best place to buy the ingots of silver to start out with?

  • Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    16y

    Most larger cities have a seller of bulk silver/gold. You'd be able to call them each day and get their buy/sell prices. It will be spot , plus a small % for mintage and their commission. There are also online sources to compare prices, but I would not buy online bullion. Please stay away from any of the collectibles/or numismatic coins and ingots. Rich

  • Contractor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2009 · 85 posts · 65 votes
    16y

    Rich,

    I feel the same with my REI investments, the only thing I ever regret is selling two of my triplexes in the past. I am remedying this by buying them both back as REO's for $20k less than I sold them for.

    I agree with you on numismatics, my father spent about $100k buy these "rare" coins. He died 20 years ago, and and after another 10 years of holding these my mother gave them to her children. I sold 4 coins at auction (the only way you will get a fair price), they sold for 1/3 more then my father paid for them 30 years ago.
    A big ripoff to say the least. At that same date he also purchased a triplex for $64k, besides the $5000k it clears a month, it's value has grown to $400k.

  • Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    16y

    Dennis- Bullion in the hand is the only way to go. Not real glamourous, but a sure thing for security. Multi level attack. Real estate, bullion, cash ,&??? Rich

  • Lexington, KY · Member since 2010 · 315 posts · 133 votes
    16y

    In the increasingly globalized economy of today, I think investors should be allocating a portion of their investment funds in non-dollar denominated assets.

    Buying some international utilities ETF's (relatively safe and dividend paying) and some Canadian dollars in a FOREX account would be a good start.

  • Real Estate Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    16y

    Jimmy, in most emerging markets, utilities are growth companies, not high-dividend and slow-growing companies. Emerging economies tend to be much less developed than the U.S. and there is a huge shortfall of electricity and other infrastructure there. So utility companies tend to be among the fastest growing businesses. (The ROI of utility and infrastructure projects in India is about 35% per year, which is pretty good considering that you can invest billions of dollars with those good returns.)

  • Note Investor · Pasadena, CA · Member since 2009 · 849 posts · 544 votes
    16y

    Rich,

    How do you feel about Silver American Eagles?

  • Real Estate Investor · the villages, FL · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    16y

    Solid- I like all the American coins and ingots. However, I'm not willing to pay ANY premium for them. No collectibles, or "proofs", or limited editions, etc. Rich

  • Lexington, KY · Member since 2010 · 315 posts · 133 votes
    16y

    Vikram, good point. My point was that you can get such international ETF's that have a current dividend yield around 5% which is nice. Having exposure to other markets and the growth that these developing countries is experiencing is just a plus for me. It seems to be a safer play to me that gives good diversified international exposure with a decent yield. Of course these ETF's also own utlities such as Iberdrola and e.on, so they provide good diversity and exposure to more developed nations outside US as well.

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