<prompt> Human: So im looking at ways to stay above inflation, the most common seems to purchase and hold gold. Well how does this work? If i was to purchase say 500 for example in gold, would i just hold onto it until I needed that 500 back? How... certain is it that gold value will hold its value? Im new to investing and such, i just opened a 401k this year, I just learned about inflation and reviewed rental prices and all these mind boggling things that make me hate money more and more. With my situation I feel i could fall behind at any time and im always trying to learn ways to stay ahead financially. I absolutely hate money, its ruined the best years i could have had, all because i was uneducated on what to do with it. I have my finances planned out for next year and aim to open an ira, anything extra i dont feel is really fun money at this time in my life. Help me understand lol! I can answer anything anyone askes as well. Im 25 and i really want to ensure i do things right, the anxiety of questioning every penny is just...well eating away at my confidence in my choices.  <response>: How... certain is it that gold value will hold its value? Not very certain at all. The price jumps all over the place. If you just want to keep pace with inflation, invest in TIPS. 