If you don't go for the gold, you could be making a mistake. Savvy financial advisers believe it's wise to shore up your investment portfolio with a minimum 10 or 20 per cent of precious metals.

Sophisticated investors and relative newcomers alike realize that gold bullion can be a wonderful safety shield against unforeseen downturns in the economy.

And when it's time to make your purchase, you'll want to deal only with certified professionals who have built a formidable reputation for fair dealing and top-flight customer service.

Your first choice: J&M Coin & Jewellery Ltd. at 127 E. Broadway in Vancouver.

Joseph Iorio says investing in gold is an insurance policy - 'a good security to hold during confusing times.'

J&M Coin and Jewellery has been in the bullion business for almost 40 years and company president Joe Iorio has built up a vast store of expertise in the commodities field.

Of course, J&M is no one-trick pony. This well-respected firm also deals in rare coins, antiques, fine jewelry and foreign exchange services. Iorio is proud of a brand new auction website the company has set up. Only professional dealers are allowed to sell on the site (ww.auctions.jandm.com), but anyone can make bids and buy items. The site is specifically designed to protect users against the sale of fakes any other questionable items. J&M Coin and Jewellery has a well-earned reputation for integrity and Iorio is determined to protect it.

"This way, authorized dealers are welcome to buy and sell right on our site. Coins, stamps and all related items are available," Iorio explains. "It works very much like eBay. Easy to use and absolutely safe and reliable."

At the moment, however, the company's senior executive is preoccupied with bullion. He worries that the savings and investments of ordinary Canadians may be vulnerable to an abrupt downward shift in the international economy.

He wonders about potentially worrisome repercussions of an enormous U.S. national deficit, as well as the growing negative trade balance of our influential neighbour to the south.

How do we insulate ourselves against economic bad news?

One tried and true response is to line your portfolio with gold.

"The huge debt and trade deficit in the U.S. is a cause for concern," Iorio elaborates. "From this vantage, it's hard to see how these deficits will ever be counteracted."

Yes, the U.S. enjoys the world's strongest economy. But also the world's largest debt.

"Think of gold as kind of an insurance policy, a long-term investment you can fall back on if devaluation of the U.S. dollar continues," adds Iorio. "Gold is a particularly good security to hold during confusing times."

Even though gold prices have been robust lately, Iorio and other experts remain convinced that prices may climb even higher. There are no guarantees, but knowledgeable analysts believe the price of precious metals still has plenty of room to soar.

In short, there's no better investment you can make.

Right now.

For one thing, record-breaking prices for oil could indicate a rocky road ahead for North American equities markets. Higher energy prices translate to increased corporate costs, which tend to hurt corporate profitability and dampen share prices. And history tells us that when stock markets sag, prices for precious metals generally climb.

A flat U.S. dollar also bodes well for the health of precious metal prices on world commodities markets. Few seasoned observers expect the greenback to regain its former buoyancy anytime soon.

Meanwhile, wealthy investors representing China's sizzling economy are buying commodities in increasing numbers. Gold prices are likely to rise as a result of this intense surge of new interest.

Lastly, global inventories of silver and gold are shrinking. These precious metals are in such demand that they're being consumed more rapidly than new sources can be mined.

J&M Coin and Jewellery does business all across the country, buying, selling and offering excellent rates that are competitive with all the major financial institutions.

A full-service dealer that retains a certified goldsmith on site, J&M is staffed by outstanding professionals with a broad base of experience.

As one of Canada's most reliable dealers, J&M Coin and Jewellery provides valued customers with everything they need, including a secure online catalogue that lists EVERY Canadian circulating coin, specimen coin, and collector coin set. Items are listed with prices in most grades. Also included are Canadian banknotes, colonial and test tokens, coin bezels and jewelry, and a full range of collecting accessories (albums, capsules, cleaners, and reference guides).

To access the website (not to be confused with the separate auction site mentioned above), simply log on to: www.jandm.com. In the meantime, feel free to contact the company directly by means of this toll-free number: 1.888.244.9999. Vancouver residents may call this local number: 604.876.7181.