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Cash vs. Gold: Determining the Best Way to Save Money

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Saving your valuable money is important to prepare for the future and live a life free from stress. 

Consider the best options for saving money by reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of storing wealth in cash versus gold. 

Saving Money in Cash 

People are constantly searching for methods to save money, allowing them to pay off debt, take a vacation, or save for the future. Generally, when you think about saving money, you envision saving stacks of cash. Cash is the legal tender, whether currency or coins, utilized to purchase needed goods and services. 

Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of preserving your hard-earned money in the form of cash as you attempt to save money whether it be with monthly bills or at the hair salon

Advantages of Cash

Saving money in cash proves advantageous for a variety of reasons. 

A primary benefit of cash is the familiarity it offers. As a young child, you were given a dollar and instructed how to save or spend the money, meaning you understood the value of a dollar from an incredibly young age. As an adult, you’ve grown accustomed to and comfortable with saving money to use as cash in your daily life. 

Cash is also readily available. Regardless of the investment opportunity you’re presented, money saved as cash is easily accessible and flexible to utilize in any given situation.

Disadvantages of Cash

Unfortunate disadvantages are associated with saving money in cash. 

Normally, people save cash by depositing money in the bank. While banks provide a certain level of peace and security, control is forfeited. A cash deposit becomes an asset of the bank because you surrender your legal title to the cash, meaning a bank deposit refers to the liability owed by the bank rather than the actual funds. When a bank holds your cash, they’re able to divert your funds to various needs. If the lack of control worries you, saving cash may be an unwise decision.

Additionally, the value of cash fluctuates frequently because money is easily printed. As the purchasing power of cash continues to decline, saving cash may prove counteractive and unprofitable. 

Saving Money in Gold 

Purchasing gold coins or gold bullion, essentially a gold bar, is a powerful tool for saving the value of money. Gold is a quality investment. For example, in 2019, precious metals earned a 18.5% gain during a 12-month period, increasing the value from $1,286 per ounce to $1,525 per ounce. Fortunately, the impressive trend is expected to continue through 2020 and 2021. 

Assess the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing gold to store your money. 

Advantages of Gold 

Gold provides numerous benefits for people striving to save money. 

Stability is the predominant advantage of saving money in gold. Gold holds a recognized value regardless of where you live. If the stock market crashes and paper currency loses value, gold is a stable asset of wealth with a lengthy and proven track record. 

Other advantages of storing money in gold include:

  • Indestructible Quality: Regardless of the crises that occur, gold doesn’t tarnish or deteriorate, unlike paper currency, which is easily destroyed
  • Transportable: Gold is valuable in small quantities, meaning a sufficient amount can be stored in your pocket or purse
  • Greater Control: Gold isn’t moved around or diverted to needs by the bank because the safest place to store gold is in a bank’s safe deposit box

Access these money-saving advantages by storing your wealth in gold. 

Disadvantages of Gold

Saving money in gold presents a few disadvantages. 

Purchasing gold can be a difficult process. Because gold is a major investment, finding a trustworthy business or website may prove challenging. However, if you find a source for securely purchasing quality gold, you’ll receive the amazing and valuable benefits of saving money in gold. Research the best places to buy gold online to discover the top choices for you. 

Lastly, options for utilizing gold are limited. While you can purchase items with gold or exchange gold for cash or investments, it’s generally used to store wealth or create certain items, such as jewelry. Nonetheless, gold is an excellent practice for saving money because it can’t be easily spent.  

Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of saving money in cash or gold to determine the best option for you to prepare for the future.  

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Emma Drew

Emma has spent over 15 years sharing her expertise in making and saving money, inspiring thousands to take control of their finances. After paying off £15,000 in credit card debt, she turned her side hustles into a full-time career in 2015. Her award-winning blog, recognized as the UK's best money-making blog for three years, has made her a trusted voice, with features on BBC TV, BBC radio, and more.

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