We are in a global recession. When that happens, fiat currencies around the globe depreciate in value, as what we are seeing with the US dollar - even moreso because the government is continuing to spend way beyond its means, and this amount of deficit spending brings inflation. The inflation happens from two elements: Debt, and more money being printed to "pay off" the debt.
In times like these, commodities and natural resources have more value than money - specifically, fiat money; because fiat money only works because people value it under the force of the government. Commodities work because they have value under the voluntary will of the people. Gold and silver have industrial demands (as well as luxurious ones) worldwide, and there are more outlets to trade/buy/sell them, thus they are more universally accepted hence the bigger appeal - which drives up the value of it.
Over the last two years, the average 401k and IRA lost around 30% of value; in the meantime, gold peaked at around $1000/oz - compared to the $300/$400/oz price back in the 90's! If anyone bought gold continuously in the 90's (and one could have bought just 1/10 oz if one full ounce is too much to ask for), they would have had enough to buy their own island if they wanted to
