Learn Before You Buy

The Gold Academy

Everything a first-time gold owner needs to know, taught in plain English with no pressure and no jargon. Start at lesson one or jump to whatever you are wondering about.

Free forever · Written by Gold Tier Advisory, London

The Foundations

1. What is physical gold?Coins and bars you own outright, and how they differ from paper gold. 2. Why do people own gold?Inflation, independence, diversification and permanence. 3. Gold vs cashThe number stays the same; the buying power does not. 4. Gold vs propertyAn honest comparison for a nation of homeowners. 5. Gold vs stocksGrowth builds wealth, gold protects it. Different jobs. 6. Gold vs ISAsCapped wrappers vs uncapped tax-free coins, and why savers run both. 7. Gold vs UK bondsGilts pay income, gold pays none. Why careful savers hold both. 8. How much gold should I own?Sensible reference points and building in stages.

Choosing Your Gold

9. Coins vs barsWhy the CGT exemption usually decides it for UK buyers. 10. Britannia vs SovereignBritain's two great coins compared, and why many hold both.

Owning It Well

11. How to buy gold safelyVerifying dealers, fair pricing and the warning signs. 12. How to store goldHome safe, bank box or vault: the honest trade-offs. 13. How to sell goldFair quotes, selling in stages, and tax-free gains on UK coins. 14. What happens if gold falls?The honest lesson most dealers will not write.

Gold & Tax Guides

Is gold CGT free?Which gold is Capital Gains Tax free, and which is not. Is gold VAT free?The investment gold VAT exemption explained. Are Britannias CGT free?The flagship coin's tax status in full. Are Sovereigns CGT free?The historic coin's tax status in full. Gold and inheritancePassing gold on, gifting and the seven year rule. Gold and trustsHolding gold in trust for the next generation. Gold for businessesCompany reserves vs personal holding. Gold for pensionsWhat a SIPP can hold, and what stays outside.

Keep Going

Frequently Asked QuestionsQuick answers on buying, delivery, tax and selling. Market NewsFresh gold insight, history and education, published weekly.

The Academy is general information, not financial or tax advice. The value of gold can go down as well as up, and past performance is not a guide to future performance.

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