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Investors buy gold out of fear that the economic and political infrastructure we count on when we buy stocks and bonds is degrading. And gold booms inevitably end with a bust. The better strategy may be to build a reasonably sized position in diversified commodities, including gold; play close attention to sound entry points; and rebalance religiously.

Concerns about excess government debt and inflation have increased interest in gold and raised its price. Gold is a commodity that behaves more like a currency, providing no investment return beyond price fluctuation. Gold's high price undermines its protective characteristics, making it more vulnerable to declines as monetary policy normalizes.

India is the second-fastest-growing economy in the world and set to overtake China as the fastest-growing one by 2015. The key to hedging risks may lie in leveraging economies such as India's, which has had massive investment in the development of economic and financial infrastructures and offers strong, domestic consumption-led growth.

Families of wealth need to work diligently to maintain online privacy to avoid having personal information go astray or be used against them. This includes discussing the appropriate level of privacy as a family, using network privacy settings, limiting personal information available online, and monitoring children's use of social networks.

Even firms without official Facebook pages and company blogs need policies in place to address potential issues, such as employees' personal use of social media or maintenance of the firm's website. Ignoring social media-related compliance issues can expose a firm to SEC administrative penalties, a damaged reputation, or worse.

Long-term care insurance can help wealthy families with a number of issues when a family member needs extended care. These include privacy through care coordination and staff training; improved family relationships with a written plan of care; liquidity and tax issues, and estate planning by allowing gifts as planned despite medical costs.

Several mega-trends point to significant growth in the energy sector. These include the development of unconventional reservoirs; the increasing service intensity of finding, developing and producing oil and gas; the exploration and development of ultra-deep water and other frontier areas; and the monetization of stranded gas resources worldwide.

As the balance of growth shifts from developed to developing nations, the world clamors for natural resources. Land capable of satisfying that demand can help investors reduce portfolio volatility and protect principal while providing steady income or appreciation as well as a hedge against inflation.

Facebook can be a great way to connect with friends and family, grow a business, and send invitations to events. But be wary and protect yourself with stringent security settings. Don't give out password clues or information about the year or place of your birth, vacation plans, or home address. And never use Facebook as a confessional.

Real estate can play an important role in a well-diversified portfolio. Current valuations support allocations to private real estate vehicles versus public real estate vehicles. Furthermore, current risk-return expectations favor investments in opportunistic real estate over core real estate.