Worried about the return OF your money?

Will Rogers, a beloved humorist and humanitarian, once said he was more worried about the return OF his money than the return ON his money. Savvy investors will heed his timeless financial advice today for at least a dozen good reasons, such as;

1. In 2008 investors face a probable recession with higher inflation as the Federal Reserve's only option.

2. Consumer spending and housing make up 78% of U.S. GDP. Both are in decline with no bottom in sight.

3. Two-year Treasury Notes, now at 1.5% return offer investors a guaranteed loss of principle after 3% inflation.

4. Wall Street is facing a "confidence crisis" as illustrated by the dollar's ongoing decline to historic lows.

5. Banks are scared so they are increasing the "risk premium" on all loans whether credit is good or bad.

6. Financial markets are not responding to stimulus by either the Federal Reserve or the federal government.

7. Rising inflation is pushing investors toward commodities, despite their historical volatility and risk.

8. Fear is replacing greed as a result of growing political uncertainty and potential Democratic presidential win. Safety-of-capital appeal is stronger than higher returns.

9. Growing geopolitical uncertainty adds to upward pressure on hard assets vs. downside risk of soft assets.

10. Oil prices are already above inflation-adjusted 1980 highs. Gold prices are still less than half way there.

11. Supply-demand fundamentals, China/India growth, long-term commodity bull and ETFs are driving gold/silver higher.

12. Taking a 10-20% position in precious metals today will help protect investors from further stock market losses.

Now is the time to take action. Rebalancing your portfolio with hard assets can help insure the return OF your money and help you stop worrying about the return ON your money.

If the Fed follows their present strategy they could send us into an inflationary depression by flooding the markets with paper money, forever pushing the dollar off it's pedestal as the world's reserve currency.

Gold typically rises during times of; uncertainty, rising inflation and a weak dollar -- all these factors are currently building a very strong foundation under precious metal prices.

If we elect a Democratic president in November, I think $1,000/oz. will be looked back on as a great value. Today's democratic promise of higher spending and taxes reminds me of the 1976-1980 Jimmy Carter era which sent gold soaring from $35 to $850/oz., which today equals $2,200/oz. after adjusting for inflation.

"Don't worry, be happy" can be good advice in your personal life, but the first step toward lasting financial happiness is to start making good choices today. -CRS

Read Mr. Smith's explanation of why gold became a new asset class in the 21st century.