1. If you don't already have one, set up a gold-backed IRA and contribute the max.<p>2. Then, I'd personally either invest in gold or silver 1 oz bullion.  Apmex.com is a great site to buy from.  Chances are extremely slim that you'd <i>lose</i> the cash your making, if you convert to gold.<p>3. Keep some in a money market account, like EmigrantDirect.