Think of it as an insurance policy if anything. Every year you spend money on multiple policies and if nothing happens it's gone. You have no gain and you have to come up with the same amount for next years policy. Precious metals are insurance on your savings/wealth. The thing is you can cash out on every dime that you put in if needed. If things happen like people are saying they will then you could have a big payday too. I don't see a downside to owning the metals at nearly the cost of production....