We never had extra cash to purchase gold or silver. We had to use most of our retirement savings for a life-threatening medical situation for one of our children (after we retired) and haven't (and won't) be able to build it back better (or at all actually).
Sucks, but we can make it - not including debt payments.
I had an 840 credit score 4 years ago. Had zero bad debt and they still over time dropped my score to 580. Over time it has gone back up to 700 then down to 650 and I am debt free. So go figure. Recently went to a private lender and they pre approved me for a house loan. I got a 5.35 rate if I want it, the guy said the VA doesn't care about the credit score which is currently 670. All theybwanted was my income tondebt ratio which is common living expenses and my income. Inuse less than 33 percent of my income to live and wham they gave me approval.