Californians keep finding leftover loot from the Gold Rush — 1 man even bought a home with his spoils. How to cash in

Core Insights - California is experiencing a renewed interest in gold prospecting, reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, with locals finding gold dust, flakes, and nuggets in rivers [1][2] - Gold prices have increased by over 50% in the past year, attracting more individuals to prospecting as a potential source of income [2] - Notable financial figures, including Ray Dalio, emphasize the importance of including gold in investment portfolios, especially as a hedge during economic downturns [5][6] Group 1: Gold Prospecting - Local prospectors are reporting daily earnings ranging from $50 for amateurs to as much as $15,000 for more serious efforts, highlighting the variability and potential of gold prospecting [3] - The current low water levels in California rivers are making previously inaccessible areas easier to reach for prospectors [2] - The emotional aspect of prospecting is significant, with earnings fluctuating greatly from day to day [4] Group 2: Investment Perspective - Financial experts are advocating for increased allocation of gold in investment portfolios, suggesting that many investors currently lack adequate exposure to this asset [6] - The sentiment among Wall Street leaders is shifting towards gold as a valuable diversifier in times of economic uncertainty [5][6]