Buying a Gold-tracking ETF

• 1). Open an online brokerage account if you don't already have one.
  
  
• 2). Decide which gold-tracking ETF you wish to purchase. Your brokerage will provide you with tools you can use to research various gold-tracking ETFs. ETFs may track gold in different ways--some take advantage of futures contracts and others will actually hold physical gold bullion. Take note of each fund's expenses and investment objectives.
  
  
• 3). Load your brokerage's "Trade" page. Enter the ETF's symbol, the quantity that you wish to purchase, and select "Buy." As long as you make a market order and you're trading during normal business hours your transaction should be processed almost instantaneously. You'll now own part of a fund whose share price will move in close correlation to the actual price of gold.
  
  

Purchaing Gold Bullion

• 1). Locate a precious metals dealer--these can be found locally or online.
  
  
• 2). Purchase the type and quantity of gold bullion you wish to own. Gold bullion can be in the form of coins or bars in various sizes.
  
  
• 3). Arrange to have your gold bullion stored. A good storage option is a safe deposit box held at a bank.