I used to spend all my money on the latest gadget ( eg. Torches, PDAs, etc..) that a few years later weren't worth anything anymore. About 7 or 8 years ago I decided that, as I seemed incapable of saving, I may as well buy something that retained it's value so I started buying gold. I bought a selection of bullion and collector pieces over a three year period when it cost about £180 an ounce. Now it's going for around £670 oz. I've been thinking about selling some of it and buying myself a new car with the proceeds. I'll keep most of the collectors coins for my 2 year old son to go to university on.
I never collected silver because I couldn't be bothered with finding room to keep it all. At £5 oz I'd have to have bought a shed load of it. Also, I thought that it wouldn't increase as much as gold. ( I was right, it's now only £9 ).
I wouldn't buy any now as I think that the price of gold has pretty much reached it's peak. Sure, it may go up a bit more but I don't think it will by much. All the smart investors are picking up shares nice and cheap now the economy is slumped. 10 or 15 years from now, if you invest well, those will be worth a packet.