Introduction

[A HERETIC I AM]

12. I agree.....

And I saw that and considered responding directly, but as I have mentioned before, I do want to stay as hands off as possible. That particular reply is what prompted me to write what you quoted.

The OP Admits he is a relative novice, so one would hope no changes to a portfolio would result from this thread! Since the Host "Super Powers" do not include deleting specific replies, only locking entire threads, I decided discretion was the better part of valor, and just tried to word my reply carefully.

Anytime someone suggests buying gold as an "investment", I often ask if they would also consider pork bellies, oil, coal, orange juice, wheat and platinum, because those are commodities too. If one isn't well versed enough to buy a Corn contract, then why would you buy gold?

For anyone else reading this, let me reiterate;

It is improper, not at all helpful and can be utterly counterproductive to suggest to a complete stranger - one who you have no access to their entire financial situation - to purchase ANY specific security. No one has any idea at all whether ANY particular investment is suitable for ANYONE else in this group, unless they are known personally to them and have been able to do a deep dive into their complete financial picture. Not every investment or security is suitable for everyone. The core principle of this group should be to learn more about INVESTING and Personal Finance, NOT the recommendation of specific Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds or anything else.

It is one thing to say "I have had great success with XYZ company/Mutual Fund/Fund Family and they warrant your consideration." It is entirely another to say "You should buy XYZ company/Mutual Fund/Fund Family."

There is a reason why I feel this distinction is important and needs to be given the weight it deserves; We are talking about peoples money, here. Often their entire life's savings, or, as is the case with this OP, an inheritance or windfall that could be either a boon or a burden, depending on how it is managed. If a trade is made based on a recommendation from someone unfamiliar with the person and his/her entire situation, and that trade goes south, it could result in a massive disservice to the person who took the advice to heart.
Financial losses can devastate lives. Those of us that have a sincere interest in this subject, and some experience in it, have an obligation to promote and provide honest, straightforward and FACTUAL information, and avoid suggesting particular or specific investments to total strangers.