Gold is a worthy investment. After all, it typically grows in value with time, and is something that you can actively buy as soon as you have a little bit of expendable cash. When you buy gold as an investment, you want to make sure you spend as little amount of money as possible to best ensure the greatest future return. Here are 3 places you can get gold for cheaper than current market value.

Flea markets

People often don't realize they are selling a literal gold mine, and place gold-plated figurines, picture frames, or even vintage jewelry for sale at amazingly cheap rates. Check all gold-hued items for a mark (usually containing the words 'gold plate' and the karats in the piece) and make a reasonable offer. Gold-plated and solid gold items can be melted down later into bars for your safekeeping.

Estate sales

If an estate sale is run by family members, you may be able to land various gold items, such as belt buckles, jewelry, and collectible items, for a cheaper rate than you would pay retail. If an estate sale is hosted by a professional consignor, however, these items will have likely been spotted for their value and priced accordingly. This doesn't mean you can't nab these items for a cheaper rate, it just means you need to haggle smartly. The best way to do this is to collect a variety of items (including non-gold treasures that you may use later) and make a large bulk offer on everything. This way, you can get your gold pieces for a cheaper rate.

Yard sales can be another great place to land pieces of gold. Check jewelry boxes and belts for gold-plated or solid gold pieces that the homeowner may have overlooked, then buy them at the suggested price to avoid potentially losing your treasured find.

Auction houses

Auctions may not be your thing, but if you want to increase your gold collection fast ad have a few hundred dollars to spend, then visit your local auction house and see if there are broken gold jewelry pieces or collectible silverware you can bid on. If you are patient and diligent, you can land a decent volume of gold that you can melt down into bars for cashing in later when gold is at a favorable rate.

Buying gold at cheaper than its current market value may sound difficult, but it's quite easy and fun once you know where to shop. Check for marks and don't be afraid to haggle, and you can land some great gold pieces at an investment-worthy price.