Easy Ways to Buy Gold
The first way is the best way: Own bullion gold coins. You should buy those coins that are produced by the country's mint in which you live. If you ever have to spend them into circulation, you want the coins to be recognized by those you want to buy something from.
American eagles have this advantage: The coin dealers are exempt by Federal law from having to report sales from owners of these coins. I recommend one-ounce coins for paper transactions and tenth-ounce coins for barter.
Price? Call around. I recommend:
Camino Coins of Burlingame, California: 800-348-8001
Franklin Sanders, "The Moneychanger" in Tennessee: 888-218-9226
Investment Rarities, in Minneapolis: 800-328-1860
You can hold half gold and half silver bullion indirectly by purchasing shares in the Central Fund of Canada. These are eligible for retirement programs. The company is listed on the American Stock Exchange. Check its premium above or below bullion face value here: http://www.silveranalysis.com/cef-premium
You can buy gold or silver in an account with your name on it, with the metal stored in London, at Gold Money: www.goldmoney.com.
You can buy cheaper if you are willing to own a portion of pooled assets. https://online.kitco.com/sellprice/selling_pools.html