Samantha Nelson – Investing in Gold as Part of a Long-Term Retirement Strategy

This is commentary on global trends, not investment advice. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy or sell anything. If you're considering any financial decision, speak to a qualified adviser.

Looking for a Different Way to Save

Samantha Nelson, an interior designer from Surrey, decided to invest in gold coins after looking for ways to make her savings work harder as part of her long-term retirement planning. She had been thinking more seriously about retirement over the last few years and wanted to ensure her savings were working as hard as possible. After selling a flat, she had a significant amount of money sitting in the bank and began exploring different ways to diversify her savings.

"I wanted to move some of it into a physical asset I could hold for the future," she said.

A key turning point came after reading Britannia Bullion’s article, “Great Banking Betrayal,” on Facebook. She contacted the company to learn more about gold investing and said the process was explained clearly, including the potential tax advantages.

"Certain UK legal tender coins such as Sovereigns and Britannias are typically exempt from Capital Gains Tax, which can enhance long-term returns," she said.

Although holding cash felt safe, Samantha said she was conscious it wasn't necessarily working for her.

"I wanted to diversify into something with a stronger long-term preservation focus and wanted a tangible asset that could sit alongside my broader financial planning."

Why Physical Gold?

Gold appealed because it is a physical asset she can fully own and hold.

"I see gold more like a currency than a speculative investment, and I like the reassurance of holding something outside the banking system," she said. "My intention is to hold it for around 10 years as part of my retirement strategy."

Samantha said the tangible nature of gold was one of the biggest attractions.

"What appealed to me most is that gold is tangible. I can hold it, store it, and sell it if I need to, which gives me flexibility and reassurance," she said. "I also value the sense of independence it provides from the traditional financial system. Gold has historically been viewed as a long-term store of value, and that stability was a key factor in my decision."

She added that the Queen's Beasts coins she purchased are Capital Gains Tax exempt and VAT-free.

Building Her Investment

The investment came from the proceeds of her flat sale. Rather than investing everything at once, she chose to build her position gradually.

"My first purchase was four one-ounce gold coins worth around £20,000, using a staged instalment plan that began with a £1,000 deposit. After becoming comfortable with the process, I added a further two coins worth around £8,500," she said.

Her collection includes pieces from the Queen's Beasts series, including one featuring all the Beasts of Hampton Court and another depicting the Greyhound of Richmond.

"They are limited, certified, and beautifully produced. I'm currently considering further purchases," she said.

Investing with Confidence

Samantha described herself as naturally cautious with money and said she wanted to fully understand the process before committing. She visited Britannia Bullion's office and met with its market experts before making her investment.

"Taking the time to understand everything and speak directly to the team gave me confidence in the decision," she said.

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, Samantha plans to hold the coins for around 10 years as part of a broader retirement strategy.

"I think it's sensible to have a diversified approach rather than relying on a single type of savings or investment," she said.

She regularly tracks the value of her coins online and via an app, which she said makes performance easy to monitor and provides reassurance that she can sell a coin if needed.

"This is part of my retirement planning, not a speculative investment," she said. "If, in 10 years' time, the investment has helped preserve and potentially grow the value of my savings while giving me peace of mind along the way, I'll feel it has done its job."

Industry Perspective

Commenting on the growing interest in precious metals as part of retirement planning, Matthew Jones, Precious Metals Analyst and Co-Founder of Britannia Bullion, said:

"The world is changing fast. Inflation remains elevated, markets fluctuate, and economic uncertainty is now part of everyday life. For many savers, protecting wealth is just as important as growing it. Gold and silver, long regarded as safe-haven assets, remain highly relevant. Physical gold's primary role is wealth preservation rather than short-term speculation. Historically, it has acted as a hedge against inflation, currency volatility, and stock market uncertainty, which is why many investors choose to hold it as part of a diversified portfolio."

If you are ready to take the next step, drop me a line and we can have a soft no obligation conversation. With no pressure. - Kane@britanniabullion.com

Disclaimer: This post is editorial commentary on macroeconomic trends and geopolitical factors. It is not investment advice, a financial promotion, or a recommendation to buy or sell any asset. The views expressed are general in nature and do not take into account individual circumstances. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decision, consult a qualified financial adviser who understands your specific situation and risk tolerance. Britannia Bullion is a physical gold brokerage; we hold no position on where broader capital should allocate, only that if you choose to hold gold, you should hold it certified and allocated. For regulated investment advice, speak to an FCA-authorised adviser.