Am going with "no question is a dumb question." ;) And if I have thought this, then here are probably others, so...

For those who have excellent business/financial sense:
What do you even do with gold and silver once you buy it? Put it in a bank's vault? How does that help?

Does owning some gold and silver jewelry count, even if you don't want to sell it?

Are credit unions safer than banks?

I still can't wrap my mind around switching over to a new system, although I know it will be a good thing. What do we do before that happens? Some of us don't have a lot of "play" money these days.

Advice to the beginners? (I now wish I had studied business... Well, it's not too late to learn on my own! :) )

(Bo Polny and Flyover Conservatives have companies they suggest, so might call and talk to them. But if you have insight, that would be great!)

Thanks in advance!

I’m no expert, but have heard and have had suggested to me from others that are more experienced than myself: yes, gold & silver jewelry (obviously the type matters) counts and that credit unions are “safer”. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m of the group that has no “play money” either. Have often said if my bank account were ever to he hacked, the hackers would probably make a donation. lol