Understanding liquidity and choosing a buyer with the expertise and financial strength to pay promptly can make all the difference when you need access to your wealth.

This content was prepared by New Zealand Gold Merchants and is being published by The New Zealand Herald as Advertorial.

An unexpected expense. A business opportunity. A family member who needs help. Whatever the reason, sometimes you need money before you planned to.

Your assets may be valuable, but accessing that value can involve compromises. Property takes time to sell, borrowing against equity requires approval, and breaking a term deposit can mean notice periods and reduced interest. Shares can usually be sold readily, but the price may be uncomfortable.

“The market doesn’t know you need the money next Thursday,” says Tony Coleman, managing director of New Zealand Gold Merchants (NZGM). “A good long-term investment can still be at an uncomfortable price when you need to sell it. Having another source of funds gives you more choice about what you sell and when.”

So, how liquid is gold?

Physical gold has an established international market and can generally be sold through a precious-metals dealer. Depending on the size and number of bars or coins you own, you may be able to sell part of your holding while keeping the rest.

That flexibility can provide another source of funds when you would prefer to leave other investments untouched.

However, liquidity means more than finding a buyer. It includes the price offered, selling costs and the time until cleared funds reach your account.

Why the buyer matters

For a gold owner, a quoted market price is only the starting point. Turning it into usable money requires accurate assessment, a clear offer and a buyer with the financial capacity to complete the purchase.

“A gold price on a screen tells you something about the market,” says Tony. “As a seller, you also need a firm offer and a buyer who can fund the purchase. The transaction is only useful to you when the money arrives.”

With more than 50 years in business, NZGM has built longstanding relationships across precious-metal sourcing, refining and sales. The company says those trading channels, together with its cash reserves, support its capacity to purchase clients’ gold and pay promptly.

Its process brings testing, weighing, valuation and purchasing together. Customers can sell in person or send gold by courier. NZGM says in-person transactions can typically be completed while customers wait, with same-day payment. Payment for couriered items is processed overnight on receipt. Verification and bank processing can affect when funds become available, and transaction terms apply.

Before selling, ask when the price is fixed, what deductions apply and when cleared funds should arrive. Establishing a relationship beforehand gives you time to understand the process.

Building wealth means considering what an asset might deliver over time. It also means knowing how readily you can use it when circumstances change.

Find out about selling gold at gogold.co.nz.

The advertorial above includes general information only, not personalised financial advice. Gold’s value can rise or fall.