My rule of thumb on such things are one, do you have the money free to invest? If yes, move on to number two, which is are you willing to take a risk? If yes, move on to number three, which is are you willing to hold onto it for a long time, through the ebbs and flows? If yes, move on to number four, which is how do the markets look? How about the data to back up what the markets are doing -- does it match up? -- Next try number five, which are some precious metal forums -- are the posters being negative? If so, that may actually be a good indication to buy; as if you are hearing about precious metals (or any other investment) by Joe Blow on the street, you've already missed the boat.
)
