How to invest in gold? Do I actually buy and hold the gold, or somehow buy gold stocks? Is that done through the stock market or do I buy gold somewhere else?

Buying gold is an excellent way to protect your money from inflation. Many people confuse buying gold mining stocks (investing in the often risky business of mining) vs buying gold (a solid form of money). Buying gold jewelry is also not investing in Gold - you are paying a lot for the work that went into creating the jewelry.

A good place to start investing in actual gold is a your local coin shop. All coin shops trade in gold bullion (investment gold). Most true gold bugs like to have and hold the actual gold coins and bars.

Gold is over $1000 an oz now but you can buy fractional oz gold coins and bars at coin shops. Do some reading, invest wisely and you will do well over time. There is nothing like owning gold (but silver is nice too).

It is also possible to invest in a Gold ETF but then someone else holds the gold, not you. Physical gold can not decay and it can not default.

Good luck.