When Should You Buy Gold? – It’s Not Complicated

Investing in gold has been a time-tested way to protect wealth for centuries. However, one of the biggest hurdles for potential buyers can be overthinking the timing of their purchase. After nearly 15 years in the precious metals business, I’ve witnessed countless moments of hesitation that resulted in missed opportunities to buy gold at favorable prices. Let’s unpack why overcomplicating this decision may not be the best approach and how you can make confident choices when you decide to buy gold.

My Journey in the Precious Metals Market

I’ve been in the business of helping people acquire precious metals for nearly 15 years. Early in my career, I was tasked with monitoring sales calls for auditing purposes—essentially ensuring that sales professionals delivered the level of service expected by the company.

After listening to thousands of calls, I noticed a recurring theme: hesitation. Many customers delayed entering the gold market, and during that same period, the spot price of gold rose over 80%. Reflecting back, I think about all the missed opportunities.

Overcomplicating the Timing

One of the most common reasons prospective buyers didn’t move forward was that they overcomplicated the timing of their purchase. Many were paralyzed by the fear of buying gold, only to see a short-term dip in price afterward. So, they turned to market reports, expert analysis, and projections in search of the “perfect” time to buy—only to get overwhelmed or give up.

Here’s an example of commentary that can lead to “analysis paralysis”:

“To take this relative movement into account, we look instead at how much gold has deviated from its 200-day moving average (200DMA)…”

And another:

“From a technical and positioning standpoint, if gold were to remain above US$3,000/oz… this may create a slingshot effect, it could also trigger short-term-profit taking.”

While these insights may be valuable to market analysts or day traders, they often confuse the everyday investor whose goal is long-term financial security.

Why Long-Term Investors Shouldn’t Worry About Timing

If you’re investing in large amounts of gold with the intent of flipping it for a quick profit, this type of analysis might be useful. But for most buyers—those purchasing physical gold as a long-term store of value—these details are often distractions.

Gold has historically delivered value over time. Long-term buyers typically purchase coins or bars, store them securely, and rely on them as a safeguard for the future. They don’t worry about short-term fluctuations; they focus on gold’s enduring stability and intrinsic value.

Avoiding the Trap of Analysis Paralysis

What is the biggest mistake you can make? Waiting too long and missing out. Don’t let analysis paralysis stop you from owning a world-class physical asset that has stood the test of time.

A Real-Life Example: Gold as a Discreet Asset

Here’s a true story. A friend of my 88-year-old father recently applied for Medicaid. To qualify, he had to disclose his assets. His IRA, checking and savings accounts, and real estate were all counted. He was required to “spend down” these assets to become eligible for benefits for his wife, who has Alzheimer’s.

But physical gold? That’s not tied to any bank, brokerage, or public record. Had he bought gold years ago, he would’ve had a discreet, valuable, and untraceable form of wealth protection—untouchable by bureaucracy.

The Bottom Line: Focus on the Why, Not the When

When considering a gold purchase, focus on why you’re buying—not when. Gold is a hedge against uncertainty, a timeless store of value, and a form of wealth protection that transcends market noise.

Still waiting for the “perfect moment”? That moment might be right now.