With news about the Medicare, Social Security and fiscal deficit problems becoming increasingly depressing, many powerhouse investors are guiding their strategies against the US dollar. This means investing in assets that are not US-dependent, like foreign stocks, commodities and internationally-traded tangible goods.

Perhaps we would be wise to follow in their footsteps before it's too late?

Rober Kiyosaki, expert investor and best-selling author of the famous "Rich Dad" books, recently wrote the following on his two current favorites of the anti-dollar class, gold and silver:

Americans Are Still Asleep

The secret to surviving the next few years is keeping your wealth in real money, not in the U.S. dollar. Buy things that hold their value and are exchangeable all over the world. Commodities such as gold and silver have a world market that transcends national borders, politics, religions, and race. A person may not like someone else's religion, but he'll accept his gold.

One of the reasons why I'm bullish on gold and silver is because the American public is still sound asleep to this asset class. Most Americans have no idea how or where to buy physical gold and silver. The outlets that sell gold and silver I have visited are already low on inventory.

If and when the American public wakes up to the reality that their dollars are not money, but a currency, the panic and stampede will begin. Should that happen, today's prices for gold and silver will look like bargains.

Somber as that is, Americans' ignorance appears to be frighteningly true.

Never fear, though. Market-Racket is here to help. For the absolute beginner, the following is a step-by-step guide to buying your first piece of gold or silver.

1) Go to the website of a gold or silver exchange. My preference is APMEX, but another popular one is Bullion Direct.

2) Choose your product. If you're buying to hedge against the decline of the dollar (as Kiyosaki proposes), go with a simple Gold American Eagle or Silver American Eagle coin instead of obsolete, special series or other items that pack more collector's value (and added cost). Gold is pretty pricey these days, so silver might be a better option for those of us who are more likely to have a spare $12 to spend this week than an extra $500.

3) Choose a quantity that suits your needs. Note that shipping and insurance go down drastically per coin when you order larger quantities at the same time, so try to lean towards larger, infrequent purchases instead of smaller, frequent ones.

4) Choose a method of payment. Many sites will give you a discount when you promise to send in a check instead of paying with your credit card. For small orders, the percentage savings can be significant, so try to do this option if you can. (But don't forget to send the check, otherwise the site will give you a fine!)

5) Wait patiently by the mailbox.

6) Put the coins in a safe place. Safe deposit boxes are a great alternative to a lumpy mattress.

7) Watch the prices rise, and smile.

In about 5 minutes, and starting at only about $12 per silver coin, you could add security to your savings. Why not give it a try?

Posted by Michelle Smith on March 21, 2006 09:11 PM