Gold, invest, investment, inflation, hedge, Obama, health care, national debt?

I heard this gentleman on the radio yesterday, Sunday. He talked about gold as a hedge against inflation.

The example he gave was that in 1920 if you had a $20 gold coin and a $20 bill, back then you could buy a nice suit with that.

Fast forward, today, that gold coin is now worth nearly $1,000 and can still get you a nice suit.

But the $20 bill today won’t even get you a nice tie and lunch.

I see his point.

I’m scared of the Obama health care plan. I’m scared of the size of our national debt. I’m scared when already they’re talking that Social Security is going to be running deficits possibly next year!

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/ContrarianChronicles/social-security-crunch-coming-fast.aspx?page=1

Then there’s the Medicare problem.

And then there’s our country printing more money. Aye yi, yi.

And to top all of that off, Russia, China, and many other nations are calling for an end to Petrodollars!

a.) So what do you all think about owning gold on paper?

b.) Owning physical gold? If you recommend physical gold, where in the heck would you store it?

c.) What percentage of a person’s portfolio should have gold? Silver? or other precious metals?

Please keep in mind, I AM NOT LOOKING FOR AN INVESTMENT! I’m just trying to preserve what little I have.

Thanks!

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