There is no universal amount of gold or silver that fits every stacker. The right amount depends on income, emergency savings, debt, storage security, investment goals, location, and risk tolerance. Precious metals should usually be one part of a broader financial plan, not the entire plan.

Some investors use a percentage approach, such as holding a modest portion of net worth in physical precious metals. Others use an ounce-based goal, such as building a certain number of silver ounces or fractional gold coins over time.

A sensible stacker starts with affordability and consistency. It is usually better to build a durable stack slowly than to make an emotional large purchase during a price spike and then be forced to sell at a bad time.