With deficits growing on the balance sheets and budget ledgers of all of the nations that comprise the industrialized world, it can be incredibly tempting for an average investor, whose only goal is to scrape together some savings for retirement or for the kids' college funds, to cash out and store dollar bills under their mattress. Unfortunately, this is a recipe for utter disaster, as in this economic climate, even savings in cash is wholly susceptible to total obliteration. The in this economy is not saving and hording, but in finding new investment vehicles that provide stability and a decent hedge against inflation. Many investors are now buying silver coins to that end, and realizing an unparalleled level of stability and growth in their investment portfolios.

For those who are not aware of how silver can protect your investments, here are four things that you need to know about investing in silver for the protection of your portfolio in this harsh economic environment.

Silver Has Outperformed Every Other Investment Vehicle – Including Gold!

Silver has long been considered the “secondary” precious metal, due to the fact that it is relatively cheaper per troy ounce than gold is, and that there is estimated to be far more of it available on the market and in the Earth. However, the fact is that, during the past decade, anyone buying silver coins has enjoyed a rate of return that far outstrips everything else that can be considered an investment, including gold. In addition, given the fact that gold has been no slouch itself during the past decade, it is clear to see that silver is the best bet for any investor.

There Is a Demand for the Near-Liquidity That Silver Coins Provide

Due to the fact that most types of investments in the short term are chaotic at best right now, silver provides stability in a way that most other types of investments simply cannot. Usually, the knock on “commodities” investments is that they are not liquid, and this makes it incredibly difficult to cash out in emergencies if an investor needs to. However, with coins, it is fairly easy to “cash out” through the services of any dealer and get the money that you need to contend with whatever emergency may arise.

Now, this does not mean that silver is foolproof, because there is nothing on this great green Earth that truly is 100% of the time. However, investing in silver provides an investor with a great opportunity to secure holdings and realize growth at a time when nothing else will.