If somebody is super-wealthy and wants to be super-safe, owning some gold is fine for them, I personally don't think they'll see a significant rate of return on it.

It depends upon the age of the individual and the personal income tax situation, but I like the Roth IRA.

That's a one-in-the-hand versus two-in-the-bush.

They're paying bond-like returns, and you're going to get capital appreciation from these things.

To get a gold is a feather in her cap.

Historically, the public has had their ear closer to gold and silver, but I do think that with the advent of index funds, the pitch is out there, and people are viewing the commodities like grains as an alternative investment.