Just wanted to say there are so many little bits of gold in this discussion.

Are you familiar with the expression, "...he (her) who has the gold..."? 

I'm by no means a banker, economist, or a conspiracy theorist, but my feeling is this is part of a plan to get us back toward the gold standard and away from the petrol dollar or at least away from the other foreign money.

If you buy physical gold there is opportunity cost and risk of theft and fluctuations in the price.

Alternative to me would be like commodities (gold), collectibles, peer2peer lending or even hard money lending.  

Especially as we enter trying times, it's going to only solidify that "he who has the gold makes the rules."

Here you go: Treat Every Client Like Gold, Take Advantage of Lead Gen Opportunities, Set Aside Time to Grow Your Business, Nurture Leads to Ensure You Close a Sale,  Have a Scalable CRM, Commit Fully to Your Work, Create & Send Professional Marketing Materials, Be the Neighborhood Expert, Find a Real Estate Agent Mentor, Be Consistent & Hold Yourself Accountable, Nurture Existing Relationships & Build New Ones, Understand Your Clients.

Gold?

Hmm...Maybe you have struck gold.

Finally, like Natalie pointed out, your tax returns are your gold.