Currently, I operate several eBay shops in different categories as a full-time job.
In my spare time I like to indulge in writing mobile game guides and reporting on my reselling activities. I occasionally write guides related to Get Paid To sites like FreeCash and Swagbucks, but less than I used to.
I previously hosted wikis for: Apex Girl, Road to Rich, Dark Brides, and Passion Pit. In an effort to return this site to Family Friendly skies, I have removed such content.
While visiting my father and his partner in Brooklyn, I stayed at their apartment on Flatbush Avenue. This was in 2018.
It took me some time to adjust to the subway system, but once I felt comfortable, I began visiting local parks and taking lots of pictures.
My visit coincided with the arrival of my uncle from England. We had a good visit and got to see local venues including the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
The museum had two exhibit’s running, Black Freedom and Korean Art. We also visited the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
The photos were taken with a Fujifilm Finepix HS 25 EXR.
It had been a decidedly slow year for me with my sales prior to the start of the fourth quarter. I also made a $280 blunder along the way, that didn’t help my bottom line by any measure.
I had given some though to looking for other employment after considering my auto insurance bills. I’m keeping that on the table for the time being.
I of course did try to get work after graduating, but found I couldn’t pass the background checks, which led me to self employment.
June and September were my worst months, bringing in under 100 dollars. March through May were excellent by comparison averaging 433 dollars per month.
Estate Sale
In January, I attended my first estate sale. I bought a biker jacket that turned out to be not what I was expecting, but it was actually worth quite a bit. I managed to sell all the items I got there and made a nice profit.
Resourcing
I continued to purchase new inventory at the Treasure Hunt store and Goodwill for a time, but eventually gave up on the Goodwill. Earlier in the year they had stopped accepting American Express at my local Goodwill store and so I stopped going.
I think I went back a couple of times and used my Altitude Go card, but for the most part I got hooked on dollar day at the bin store.
I lost my head at one point and ransacked the bins for all of these swimsuits.
In all I bought 67 swimsuits that I will likely never be able to sell.
Treasures Found
But I have picked up some good items.
I have a large collection of Target brands including Wild Fable, Shade & Shore, and Future Collective now listed on LaFemme1st. I have received deposits of $379 from sales on LaFemme1st so far this year.
The majority of items from the mentioned brands have been swim wear, so these sales are mostly seasonal. But I have had some holiday sales, so I remain hopeful. All of the items are new with tags attached.
I am keeping a list of my Target brand sales included in the eBay Style Code Catalog post. I hope this post will become a resource for other sellers.
Bin Purchases and Pricing Legend (Jan-Oct)
After the recent trip to Washington, I decided to halt purchasing new stock for my shops. I have been good so far and have not visited either the Goodwill or the Treasure Hunt bin store this month.
Wednesday makes up the vast majority of purchases for me at the bin store. I did decide to stop buying air and water filters. There is just too much competition for them on eBay.
Filters also take up a large amount of space and they are heavy. The bag I have them in is a real killer to move about the room.
I’ll see about returning to the store next year in January to see if all the swimwear is gone. I hope to find more dresses and tops. Maybe some jeans if I am lucky.
Personal Health
I’ve also made some changes in my life beyond reselling. I have removed milk, candy, and coffee, from my diet. I am making this change now rather than wait for further bad news from my doctor.
I remain on medication for cholesterol, but I expect my numbers will improve soon. Cutting out candy will reduce my chances of developing type 2 diabetes and eliminating coffee will improve my sleeping habits.
I’ll be turning 40 in nine days. I’m not where I had planned to be, but I am still alive, so I will count that as a boon.
I got the credit after submitting a ticket and proofs. My total earnings from this game offer was $13.19.
Final Update: Day 30
Last night with about 14 hours left on the offer, I was still in Una’s area. I realized I had miscounted the number of merges I would need to complete the Limestone and that got me thinking I could finish the offer in time.
I went all in and spent an additional $27.17 to purchase, two hero chests and 2,300 Gems.
I spent Gems to fast mine and build the remaining Limestone blocks.
I managed to reach Chapter 5 and Install the Drum, but I did not receive credit for the objective. I will submit a ticket in a couple of days.
The final objective is still not clear. I completed 5 quests and still haven’t encountered the last quest to, Clear the Trash. If I can get credit for the Drum, I will have a $10 profit for this offer.
Welcome to Fable Town! Merge, renovate, and discover the magic of Witch’s Garden!
In this engaging merge puzzle adventure, explore the wise witch’s grand mansion filled with secrets. Combine magical artifacts and enchanting plants to restore her beautiful garden.
Face majestic dragons and solve puzzles to reveal the wonders of this offline game. Use your merging skills to build a vibrant sanctuary and let your creativity flourish in a garden of surprises!
Join Ginny, Merlin’s talented granddaughter, as she returns to Fable Town to uncover the truth behind the enchanted fog and find true love.
Important Things to Know
Must be installing Fable Town for the first time to receive SB.
In-app purchases and upgrades are available.
Award will pend for 10 days
You must complete goals within 30 days of installing to receive Up to 9,909 SB
The following objectives are optional and may require purchases:
Bonus Event: Claim the final reward from Daily Tasks +$1.88
Bonus Event: Collect 10 Bronze Trophies +$1.88
Bonus Event: Collect 20 Bronze Trophies +$1.88
Unlock a Premium Island – ($9.99) +$1.88
Make your first Purchase +$1.00
Total: $8.52
Buying Land
For the Premium Island, this just means unlocking a section of tiles on the main map. You need to spend at least $9.99 to clear the objective. I got the 10.99 Enchanted Treasures section. It had around 400 Gems and 600 Coins in it.
I strongly advise against spending 500 Gems on Lost Treasures. The items in there were barely worth 100 Gems.
Trophies
Bronze Trophies are earned by completing the Rush challenges. You’ll get 6-7 of them. They fill up tiles but don’t give you much reward. There are 4 Tiers for each Trophy, but for this offer we won’t get the benefits of the upgraded versions.
TIP: It may not be necessary to do any side islands. The 3-day Rush events provide 15-18 Trophies, nearly enough to meet all offer terms.
These include the 3 day merge, build, energy, and crop events in the Main area and the 3 day recurring mini event running with separate event energy.
For the main area events, it’s usually rewarded on the 15th task, the last one. For the 3 day limited time event area, it’s either the 11th or the 15th reward
Warning!
If you use a Samsung device with Game Center support, the game ads can trigger “Instant Install,” (without consent) if you mistakenly tap the ad when trying to hit the close button.
How to Play
Fable Town is very similar to Mergeland: Alice’s Adventure, if you’ve played that before you will do fine with Fable Town.
– Сombine 3+ identical objects to get an upgraded one as a result of this fusion. It is better to merge items in groups of 5.
– Merge artifacts to disenchant wizards. – Grow plants and trade fruits and vegetables for magic wands. – Use magic wands to restore Fable Town.
Optional Ads can be watched to gain additional rewards. They can be skipped if you don’t like ads, or you can pay to remove ads (I advise against this).
Main Screen Overview and Legend
A. Worker Elves
B. Wands in Inventory
C. Energy
D. Coins
E. Gems
F. Pumpkin Patch (Produce): used to create wands.
G. Stone: used to construct facilities (castle, library, etc.) on the map.
H. Wand: are used to unlock new areas and land pieces, renovate the Elves House.
The Greenhouse generates some food and seed items for only 5 energy.
The Mine can also generate a smaller amount of seeds, it also make the Artifact and Construction Materials, so it is the preferred way to clear the missions..
Your character profile is shown at the top-left of the screen, below it is the current task list. Further down the left side of the screen you will find your Inventory and Daily Quests.
Produce, including Pumpkins and Mushrooms, takes 3 hours to produce goods. This can be sped up using 36 Gems. Produce field may be moved around the map. Produce can be exchanged for Magic Wands by the Elves.
Basic Stones have 8 tiers. Starting at the third tier, they will require construction using an Elf. They come in different colors depending on the Chapter you are in and have higher Tier levels.
Elf Tasks
Once a task reaches 30 seconds, you may skip the remaining time for free in the Task interface.
The task list from the Elves will often ask for foods you don’t have.
You can tap the Trash button to ask for a new task, this will start a two minute cooldown. There is no penalty for throwing out a task.
Some tasks will offer the same reward but accept different amounts of items.
Try to limit spending gems and coins for daily quests (spend 5 gems get 7 in return). They are best saved for buying Energy and popup offers.
The Daily Reward objective requires you unlock Daily Quests and complete them 5 days in a row. It is advised that you start the game in the morning so you have time to clear the beginner quests and unlock daily quests. Daily Tasks become available after completing the Boot Camp.
Claiming the Free Chest is a Daily Task. If you accept the chest before completing the Boot Camp, you will not be able to complete the Daily Task on the first day of play.
In the Shop, there is a green button for “Free Gems,” this leads to TapJoy offers that may be completed to get Gems.
In the Shop you will find free items available every 6 hours.
This game does not use Codes, instead they offer Daily Freebies through MY.GAMES Market. Your Player ID is found in settings.
Tips: Event Islands
For the Event area (Peacat/Mammoth), DO NOT merge the chests. Spam the 2 hit obstacles + 15 energy mine. Because you get points from merging objects, so 5 of low level objects would yield more points than getting 3 of the next tier.
For the Event Islands, only the primary creature provides a reward, other objectives are optional. The Bronze Trophy is earned early, but if you clear all 32 stages, you get a giant Gem and Coin Chest.
Tips: Chests and Energy
The contents of a Chest will be converted as you advance to new areas and will include items for those new areas. Leftover items will also convert, however, if you have not opened the next area, then the old items will turn into Coins.
Energy may be purchased in the Shop for 350 Coins (90 Energy) or 90 Gems (100 Energy). You may also watch two Ads to get 30 Energy.
The Energy Lotto is only available during set periods of the day, however, you can skip the timer for 45 Gems or 175 Coins during Rush. Completing the lotto is required for the Daily Reward objective. I saw (12pm-3pm) and (12pm-11am).
Tips: Miscellaneous
Keep an eye out for glowing lights floating above the map. This can be tapped to get random items.
Occasionally, after merging items, a hot air balloon will appear. Most balloons will cost 20-100 Gems (depending on rarity), but lower value items may allow you to Watch an Ad to get it for free.
On rare occasions, you will see a balloon with a timer and an Energy gauge. By spending 90 Energy, you will get to keep the present’s the balloon is carrying. The balloon timer and the presents timer are separate. You can wait until 1 minute is left on the balloon and still get the full 30 minutes from the presents after claiming the balloon.
You do not need a Facebook account to get the 30 free Gems. When the popup appears, simply tap the button and then close the window that opens.
TapJoy Rewards
Fable Town includes access to the TapJoy Rewards platform. This is an offer wall like what we have on Swagbucks. The offers all award Gems.
I wouldn’t suggest doing any offers that you haven’t already completed on Swagbucks, as these offers will log your Google ID and could potentially prevent you from completing the same offer though #GetPaidTo sites like Swagbucks.
I was able to easily clear several objectives from just doing surveys through TapJoy Rewards. This also makes buying Energy much easier.
The quiz games worked, the visit site and click through offers were hit or miss for me, video watches worked, all auto insurance offers worked the first time but many had different pictures but were all the same company (tons of SPAM in Email and Text/Calls).
The 5-day trial of Background Checker for $1 worked, but make sure you cancel the next day. Also, only do it when the Double points are active. The recurring charges are $50 per month. I used a virtual card but will still cancel. Here is the number (833) 714-0641, you can also do it in the account settings of the website.
Upgrade Timers
Artifacts will merge instantly, while building resources have timers.
Stone
Tier 3: 30 Seconds
Tier 4: 40 Seconds
Tier 5: 1 Min
Tier 6: 2 Min
Tier 7: 4 Min
Tier 8: 15 Min
Slate
Tier 1-2: Instant
Tier 3: 40 sec
Tier 4: 1 min
Tier 5: 5 min
Tier 6: 15 min
Tier 7: 1 hour
Tier 8: 8 hours
Tent (Canvas)
Tier 1-2: Instant
Tier 3: 40 sec
Tier 4: 1 min
Tier 5: 5 min
Tier 6: 15 min (Skip for 12 Gems)
Tier 7: 1 hour
Tier 8: 4 hours
Tier 9: 6 hours (Skip for 107 Gems)
Limestone (11 Tiers)
Tier
Time
Skip Cost
1-2
Instant
–
3
40 sec
1 Gem
4
1 min
2 Gem
5
5 min
3 Gem
6
15 min
4 Gem
7
1 hour
12 Gem
8
4 hours
20 Gem
9
8 hours
127 Gem
10
16 hours
175 Gem
11
1 Day
200 Gem
Cryolite (11 Tiers)
Uses the same timing as Limestone.
Fairy Lantern Timers
Tier 1-2: Instant
Tier 3: 45 sec
Tier 4: 1 min 30 sec
Fairy Lantern 1: 1 Crown
Fairy Lantern 2: 3 Crowns
Fairy Lantern 3: 10 Crowns
Fairy Lantern 4: 35 Crowns
The game will have you run out of Energy during the Tutorial, so as to introduce the Shop function and the option to purchase Energy. You will get 70 Energy for free as an introduction.
At level 6, your Energy capacity will start to increase. Initially by +5 points.
Gem and Coin Conversion Rates
Tier 1
Merge to Use
Tier 2
1 Gem/Coin
Tier 3
3 Gem/Coin
Tier 4
10 Gem/Coin
Tier 5
30 Gem/Coin
Tier 6
90 Gem/Coin
Houses
The fully constructed homes of the Wizards will produce items daily. The Lantern resources can be claimed for Crowns which are points used to upgrade the various home’s.
The upgrades go in order starting with Merlin’s home and then on to Morgana’s home. There are three stages to each upgrade. Having all three upgrades will result in extra daily production of items.
You may tap on any home to see which items may be produced and the current upgraded level. The pillar of Crowns rising from a home is a visual indicator of the current progress on Crown collection for a given home.
Game Progression
A short intro titled Magic Bootcamp, which includes basic game functions, will play out with dialog between Ginny and the Elves.
The satchel from the first Daily Rewards will include an Advanced Wand that can clear the Mermaid Fountain and should bring your level to 4.
The game storyline is not entirely linear. Some objectives can be completed concurrently.
Save Merlin (Chapter 1: Return to Fable Town)
Merlin turned into a statue. You will need a Tier 4 Tome of Magic to unseal Merlin and save him.
These books can be found at the base of the statue.
You will need to merge them to get the correct Tier of tome.
The nearby rocks can be mined to gain further tomes for merging.
The large rock takes 20 Energy to clear, the medium rock is 15 Energy.
Once you save Merlin, the tutorial ends and the second map area is opened up.
Rebuild Merlin’s Castle (Day 1)
In the second map area after the Tutorial ends we begin the task of rebuilding Merlin’s House.
Restore Merlin’s House
7 Wands
Repair the Bridge
8 Wands
Open the area South
Merge Tier 5 Stone
Save the Wizard
Merge a Tier 7 Crystal Ball (50 Coins and 10 Gems)
The first restoration will raise you to level 5 and reveal more of the map. This also reveals the next Wizard trapped in a statue.
After accessing the second map section, you will be offered the Enchanted Treasures area. It adds 14 tiles and a bunch of Chests for $10.99. Check the Shop List for other purchases.
You do get a dollar back on the first purchase, I’m not sure if it is worth it. This offer shows up on most new map areas. It might be good if you find you run out of space quickly.
New items in the area of the map include Rocks and Crystal Balls.
Orange Rock (Coins): Can be claimed at tier 2 onwards. More coins the higher you merge.
Crystal Ball (7). Reach Tier 5 to earn 35 Lotto Tokens and 10 Energy.
Stone (8). Reach Tier 6 to earn 10 Coins and 5 Gems.
You will continue to merge Wands and Stones. The stone becomes a little cottage. The highest Tier Wands can be collected.
The area south of the bridge includes rocks that contain Crystal Balls, Rocks, Stone, and Pumpkin Patch pieces.
Renovate the Library (Day 1)
The library is just up the stairs from Merlin’s House. The Castle is the structure to the left of the house.
For this stage you will need 49 Wands.
Renovate the Library (1/3)
9 Wands (25 EXP, and 5 Gems)
Restore the Tower 2/3
15 Wands (10 Energy, 10 Coins, and 1 Gem)
Restore Merlin’s Castle 3/3
Merge Tier 8 Stone (25 EXP, and 5 Gems)
Heal the Oak
10 Wands (25 EXP and 1 Gem)
Tidy up the Area
15 Wands (25 EXP and 1 Gem)
Fairy Island is the first limited time island map you can access. The Ginger Cat creature is available after playing on the fairy map for the first time.
The side islands are a good option if you run out of Energy on the main island or if you want to gain extra chests or Creatures.
The only objective you need to clear on these optional islands is the main creature shown by tapping on a nearby pedestal.
The Shop on each island is independent of the others. You can watch ads for energy on multiple islands if concurrent events are active.
Restore the Habitat (Chapter 2: Crystal of Secrets)
The Habitat is the area to the east where you will see a picture of the Polar Owl. I unlocked this at level 10.
After completing the Castle, any remaining Stones will automatically convert to Fairy Lanterns of the same Tier.
Magic Orbs are converted to Scissors. Resources in the Mine will switch to the new items.
For this stage you will need 15 Wands.
Reveal the Habitat
Collect Polar Owl
Restore the Habitat
15 Wands
This last objective should begin Chapter 2: Crystal of Secrets. The reward includes 50 Coins and Energy and a Wizard Card Chest (Energy and a random card).
For this stage you will need 105 Wands.
Build the Extension 1/3
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Unlock more of the Habitat
Requires: Tier 3 Slate, Level 11
Save the Wizard
Requires: Tier 8 Scissors Rewards: 15 Coins and 3 Gems
Install the Fountain 2/3
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Build the Terrace
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Unlock more of the Habitat
Requires: Tier 4 Slate, Level 12
Repair the Dock
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Finish the Meditation Center 3/3
Requires: Tier 9 Slate Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Fix the Decor Area
Requires: Free Rewards: 1 Gem
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Clear Debris
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Build the Cottage
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
New Resources: Fairy Lanterns, Scissors, and Slate.
The Slate has 9 Tiers and is used to construct Morgana’s House. Completing the Extension brought me to level 11, a requirement to unlock more of the Habitat.
The Fountain and Meditation Center are both part of Morgana’s home area.
Clean the Garden Library (Day 2)
The Garden is in Morgana’s area of the map. If it is taking you a while to clear her objectives, you may advance to this stage early.
We start to see a jump in the Wand cost to clear missions starting with the Garden cleanup.
For this stage you will need 110 Wands.
Clean the Garden
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Beautify the Pond
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Return the Magic Lotus
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Clear the Debris
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Heal the Tree
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
The Resources in Una’s area may produce Guardian Stones on occasion.
Guardian Stones are broken down by your unlocked Creatures. Each one can be once per day, unless you spend Gems to wake them up.
Guardian Chests contain blue flames that can be merged to form Guardian Animals: Owl, Cat, Fox, Wolf, Boar, etc. There are 17 different animal forms. This will take up a large portion of your map.
The Pondside Cottage and Tea Treehouse within Morgana’s area will produce small Guardian Chests daily.
Build the Altar (Day 3-4)
The altar is a spot to place a Decoration item like the Stone Dias or the Peacat decoration. The steps lead up to an old tree which gets renovated into a tea party space.
Clearing these objectives should bring you to level 20 and open the next area with the third Wizard, Prince.
For this stage you will need 130 Wands.
Build the Altar
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Build the Steps
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Build the Terrace
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Set Up a Tea Party
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Fix the Decor Area
Requires: 15 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Fix the Stairs
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 1 Gem
Around this time, I finished the Fairy Island with 1 hour and 23 minutes left on the clock. I cleared the entire map of objectives, but there was no additional reward for the other items. So, only the Peacat will provide a reward.
Chapter 3: Tailor with a Twist
Rescue Una (Day 5)
I reached this area on the 5th day of play. But by the 8th day I had not rescued the wizard.
Una is the 5th wizard (area at the top of them map). She is a guitar player and her item you need to save her is a guitar. She is physically located in Princes’ area of the map, but her area comes after you finish the Sewing Workshop.
The guitars can begin spawning during the previous section if you have cleared Morgana’s home. New items in this area include Tents (Canvas).
During chapter 3, I failed the Mammoth island event by not focusing on the primary objective. Immediately afterward, two new event islands opened up: Chasing Jackalopes and Fauxhall Station. I aced both of these, but then failed the Wizard of Oz island that came next.
I have been spending Coins and Gems to clear the optional island maps. I have found the time spent on the other maps helps to pass the time on the main map and it gives me some extra chests to use.
For this stage you will need 430 Wands, plus the Tier 9 Canvas and Guitar.
Save the Wizard (Una)
Requires: Tier 9 Guitar Rewards: 25 Coins and 5 Gems
Clear the Bushes
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Fix the Stairs
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Build the Stables
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Set a Sewing Machine
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Workshop
Requires: Tier 9 Tent Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Repair the Swing
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Gazebo
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Decorate the Gazebo
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Clear the Debris
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Build the Workshop (Day 7)
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Tidy Up the Area
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Install Water Wheel (Day 8)
For this stage you will need 365 Wands.
Install the Water Wheel
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Start Production (Day 9)
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Clear the Area
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Build the Atelier
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Set Up the Podium
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Renovate the Stage
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Install the Canopy
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Host the Fashion Show
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Fix the Stairs*
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
*Fix the Stairs, is the final task for Una’s area of the map.
You should be close to restoring the workshop by this point if you haven’t done so already.
That will bring you to level 30 and open up the next section of map, Una’s area. The Ice Queen’s Palace must be in the level 40 area after Una.
Chapter 4: Diva in Distress
New resources for this are include Limestone (Building) and Ice Cream (Artifact). Both go to Tier 10. I had ice cream start spawning before I hit level 30.
I saved up 125 Wands before I finally finished the Sewing Workshop and moved into Una’s area of the map.
Enchant the Tree (Day 12)
The tree is the third part of Una’s house and will trigger the goal “Enchant the Tree.”
Requires: Tier 10 Limestone Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Clear the Trash (not the finish)
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Rebuild Water Sculpture (Day 17)
The Water Sculpture has four parts: Place the Sculpture, Starts the Light, Arrange the Lanterns, and Plant the Flowers.
Total: 905 Wands to Clear this section.
Place the Sculpture
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Start the Light
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Arrange the Lanterns
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Plant the Flowers
Requires: 85 Wands Rewards: 100 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Clear the Bushes
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Repair the Stage
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Install the Canopy (Day 18)
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Install the Speakers
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Decorate the Stage (Day 19)
Requires: 85 Wands Rewards: 100 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Restore the Habitat
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Remove the Old Organ (Day 20)
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Install the Keys
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Add the Small Pipes
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Add the Main Pipes
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Open the Organ (Day 22)
Requires: 85 Wands Rewards: 100 EXP and 3 Gems
Clear the Debris
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Install the Drum (Day 30)
At the end of Una’s Area, 240 Wands needed.
Install the Drum
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Paint the Drum
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Expand the Drum
Requires: 65 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Decorate the Drum
Requires: 75 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
You need to finish the Limestone and Ice Cream to reach level 40 and open up the Ice Queen area.
Hero Chests will provide Artifacts (Ice Cream). If you have more than 100 Wands or 90 Gems, a pop-up offer will offer the Hero chest and 50 Energy in exchange for the Wands or Gems.
Similar offers for Wand Tree and Construction Rocks may show. These cannot be recalled once dismissed, so be careful.
Chapter 5: Sweet Magic (level 40)
Finishing the drum is the last objective before chapter 5 opens up.
You will notice after finishing the Ice Cream, chests will start spawning Cauldrons for the next trapped wizard. The mine will stop generating seeds and only provide Cauldrons and obsolete Limestone, until you begin the Cryolite construction stage.
Artifacts turn into Lanterns and Construction Materials become Coins.
Clear the Trash
Save the Wizard
Requires: Tier 11 Cauldron Rewards: 25 Coins and 5 Gems
Clear the Ruins
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Place the Worker Huts
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Cool Down the Factory
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Add the Caramel Shop
Requires: 55 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Place the Candy Shop
Requires: 75 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Repair the Foundation
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Prepare the Materials
Requires: 35 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Place the Sled
Requires: 45 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Install the Cover
Requires: 75 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Clear the Trash (You Win!)
Requires: 25 Wands Rewards: 50 EXP and 3 Gems
Total Wands Used
440w
After reaching chapter 5, you only need to collect 440 wands to reach the last goal. It is not necessary to merge the artifacts or the construction materials. Only collect wands. So, focus on using the Green House and buying up all of the Foods in the Shop.
Total Wands: 3,020 for the entire game offer.
Other Functions
Side Islands & Order Rush (3-Day Event)
The optional islands are one of the ways to receive Bronze Trophies. Its not necessary to clear the entire island to get the Trophy, it is available at stage 24 of the event.
However, if you clear all 32 stages, you get a Tier 3 Treasure Chest (Tier 3: Coins and Gems)
You will also get them from the Order Rush event, but the majority come from these islands. The Rush events occur on your main island and include 5 potential Trophies.
If you want to conserve space on the your main board, then don’t clear the entire side island. You will forfeit the Bronze Trophy reward, but it will save up to 14 tiles.
Trophies use the same merging mechanic to upgrade to Silver and Gold which provide greater rewards. If you collect them and save the full 5 to merge, then your looking at potentially 50-70 tiles covered at any given time.
I believe the islands are on a set loop starting with the Peacat and ending with the Polar Bear. On the second loop, new locations are added.
The Wizard Card Case includes a single wizard card and 60 Energy. Wizards can be used on event island to remove special objects which in turn generate small energy orbs.
The more Wizard you have of a particular color, the faster you can clear the object. Wizards can be used once every 24 hours across all maps.
Wizards
Creatures
Green glowing stuff in bucket (don’t know name) can be Crushed by your creatures. Doing so places the creature on 15 hour cooldown timer. You can spend 50 Gems to wake them up sooner.
Clearing the glowy stuff produces a Guardian Chest which provides those florescent blue Animal tokens that are used to unlock sections of the Habitat.
Raising the level of a creature provides a set reward at each stage, with the final prize being a Wand Tree. The number of Creature cards needed to level up depends on the Tier of the creature and how many levels have already been achieved.
This are just aesthetic and don’t provide any benefits.
Item List
Game Item List
Artifacts
Spellbooks (Merlin)
Crystal Balls (Morgana)
Tailor’s Scissors (Prince Charming)
Musical Instruments (Una)
Ice Cream (Ice Queen)
Cauldrons (Wizard 6?)
Lucky Horseshoes
Stone Snakes
Free Weights
Magic Artifacts
Hammers
Buildings
Stone (Merlin’s House)
Slate (Morgana’s House)
Canvas (Prince Charming’s House)
Limestone (Una’s House)
Cryolite (Ice Queen’s House)
Peatstone
Cloverwood Objects
Marble
Granite
Blocks
Resources
Guardian Stone
Slate
Canvas
Limestone
Cryolite
Peatstone
Cloverwood
Marble
Granite
Blocks
Miscellaneous
Orange Rocks > Coins
Crystal Ball
Wands
Magic Tomes
Coins
Magic Chests
Treasure Chest (3 Tiers) > Gems and Coins
Fancy Chest
Nautical Chest
Gems
Common Fauna Ball > Creature Tokens
Fairy Lantern
Energy Orb
Slate (Purple Stone in a Bucket/Wheelbarrow)
Fairy Chest
Mystic Chest
Shatter Stones > Remove Obstacles
Animal Guardians > Animal Tokens
Produce
Pumpkin Patch > Pumpkins
Pumpkins
Mushroom Patch > Mushrooms
Mushrooms
Pears
Burst Berries
Fable Town Shop List
The wizard flying overhead makes it difficult to see each chest type. I guessed on some.
Gem Packs
When buying a $5 or higher pack, the game will offer a bonus if you use their market payment portal instead of Google. You cannot use Google Play credit in the Market.
Stack of Gems $2.49 (300 Gems)
Pile of Gems $5.49 (800 Gems)
Heap of gems $10.99 (1,200 Gems)
Special Offers
Begin Well-equipped: $2.99 (200 Gems, 700 Coins, and 300 Energy)
Enchanted Treasures: $10.99 (14 Tiles and Chests)
Lost Treasures 500 Gems (12 Tiles)
Ancient Treasures: $5.49 (13 Tiles and Chests)
Fairy Treasures $22.99 (16 Tiles)
Keepsake Chest $0.99 (2 Hero Chests)
Special Bundle $5.49 (250 Energy, 3x Construction Chests T3, and 3x Seed Bags T3)
Currency
Large Coin Chest
999 Gems
5,500 Coins
Medium Coin Purse
499 Gems
2,500 Coins
Small Coin Purse
199 Gems
900 Coins
Pile of Coins
35 Gems
150 Coins
Few Coins
Free
Energy Tab
Name
Cost | Daily Limit
Contents
Watch An Ad
Free (Limit 1)
25 Energy
Energy
350 Coins (Limit 3)
90 Energy
Energy
100 Gems
100 Energy
Medium Chest
$0.99 (One Time Offer)
200 Energy
Large Chest
990 Coins (Limit 1)
300 Energy
Produce
Name
Cost | Daily Limit
Contents
Seed Bag (1)
Free (Every 6 Hours)
1x item
Seed Bag (2)
150 Coins (Limit 3)
1x item
Seed Bag (3)
90 Gems (No Limit) Cost Increases
1x item
Seed Bag (3)
$0.99 (One Time Offer)
2x items
Pumpkin
75 Coins (Limit 6)
5x Pumpkins
Buildings
Name
Cost | Daily Limit
Contents
Pile of Coins
35 Gems (Limit 2)
150 Coins
Purse of Coins
199 Gems
1k Coins
Large Purse of Coins
499 Gems
2.5k Coins
Chest of Coins
999 Gems
5k Coins
Few Coins
Free (Every 6 Hours)
10 Coins
Special
The items listed here are specific to the section of map you are on. In area 2, it is crystal balls.
My first week back home from the vacation to Washington is nearly over. I think I slipped right back into old habits for the most part. Other than the loss of my watch, much is the same.
On Monday, my eBay shop came off of Time Away, and traffic, organic and promotional, returned to my listings.
I have received 6 orders so far. 3 for FatWalletRefugee, 2 for LaFemme1st, and an AprilAire filter through KingsCastleHomeImprovement.
In the weeks before leaving on my trip, I was involved in getting funding through Liberis for my eBay store.
For several months now, I have seen a banner notice saying I qualified for funding.
I had done some due diligence over on Reddit to see what other sellers had to say about the funding offer. I encountered mixed feelings among the comments.
In the end I decided to go for it. But as the trip approached, I decided it wasn’t a good time to initiate the “loan,” so I declined to sign the contract and after some messages, I let Liberis know I would reapply when I got back.
So two days ago, when I logged into eBay, I saw two banners. One for $600 in funding and the other for a line of credit valued at $1,100. I must say, the line of credit was appealing, but I was wary of the pitfalls of debt and decided to stick with the $600.
It’s not actually a loan per se. What I signed is a revenue purchase agreement. I agreed that 30% of all of my sales would go to paying off the lump sum funding I received. There was also one-time fee of $79.
The estimate I was shown said it would take 4-6 months at my regular rate of sales to pay back the $600 funding.
I received the money in my bank account yesterday and used it to pay off the American Express card that I use for sourcing products.
I also switched to GEICO for my car insurance, so I had another $1,120 charged to it today. I’m saving around $640 annually with this switch in insurers.
Although, I had a heck of a time getting through the application process. Somewhere in this world there lives a web designer; an employee of GEICO, who really needs their head smashed in. I said as much in the exit survey.
Actually, I toned it down. But that web form made me violently, violently angry. I finally got it done after having to clear my cookies and resubmit the form 3 times. No back or undo function. Utter eejits, all of them.
Next goal for my business is to not spend a penny on any new goods. I have backlog of unlisted products, I should be able to finish the year in the black.
I had submitted lost item reports to Delta Air Lines, RDU Airport, and Uber, yesterday. I got a response from the lost and found at the airport saying they didn’t have my watch.
I am still waiting on Uber and Delta to get back to me. I am disappointed but I can feel myself starting to move on from the loss.
It’s odd, I still have the tan lines on my wrist in the shape of a watch. I don’t think I will buy a replacement any time soon.
I’m going to start applying to jobs again soon. I don’t think the eBay sales are going to be enough to handle the car insurance payments I have to make.
Direct Auto is charging me $2440 a year as a new driver and I can’t really afford it. They had the best rates when I first checked last year. Progressive and Allstate both wanted double that.
My father scheduled a pickup by the SeaTac Rocket Shuttle at around 10:30 this morning (PST). The drive was around 2 hours, no ferries, just bridges.
We stopped for a break at a McDonald’s restaurant and I went inside and ordered a McCrispy Sandwich. I haven’t eaten at McDonald’s for maybe 5 years. It tasted delicious.
The McCrispyI spent $6.11
At the airport, I printed my boarding pass. This time it didn’t ask me to volunteer my carry on, so that meant I couldn’t skip the line at the gate.
I did see some folks with roll-on luggage that had the volunteer tags. I don’t know how they got them. Lucky folks.
My flight being at 3:50pm, I wandered about the terminal and took photos of the planes arriving and departing.
Papa gave me his old Olympus camera. It’s the same one he had from my 2019 trip to NYC to see my uncle Rupert, come over from England.
This camera is around 7 years newer than the one I have at home. A true DSLR with 2 different lenses and a filter. It includes WiFi for wireless transfer of photos to a smartphone. Quite fancy. I am looking forward to how it performs photographing apparel for my eBay shop.
Around 2:30, I sat down and did some blogging. By chance I gave up my seat to a family of three. I made the excuse of being at the wrong gate, which was true, but after I got to the right gate, I noticed the sign was wrong.
It turned out my flight had not only changed gates but was boarding already. I had to rush a bit to get to the actual correct gate. Once there I was able to relax a bit. I was in Zone 8 at the back of the plane, so I had some time before my group got called.
The flight was okay. I listened to music and edited the blog posts to remove broken links and redundant files. I got some shots of the Rockies from the plane using the Olympus and also filmed the entire taxiing and take-off sequence on my phone.
It got dark fast since the sun was setting behind us. I played some games and kept editing until we landed. I ordered 2 coffees and got 2 Biscoff wagers. I didn’t spend any money on my return flight.
I got a bit lost after landing and mistakenly told the driver I was at terminal 1, which is what it said on the sign next to me. I was actually at terminal 2.
After some back and forth with the uber reserve driver, I got to the awaiting car. It was a quick ride home, (somebody was speeding in the rain). While I appreciated getting home fast, I think 40 in a 25 is probably not a great idea.
Mama was up late waiting for my return. It was about 1 am when I walked through the front door. Maybe 45 minutes later I realized I wasn’t wearing my watch. I’m not sure when it came off, but I’ve messaged Uber for assistance.
I had switched the shoulder I was carrying my pack over, it possible I dislodged it either in airport, when I entered the car, or while exiting the car. Although, the strap was new, so I think I would have noticed it getting tugged on.
So, one dark spot at the end of a wonderful trip to my hometown and a touching reunion with my father.
I may have some additional posts to make. I’ll have to check the photos to see what I may have missed.
On Sunday, the day before my flight, for breakfast we had Egg Fritatta made in part with leftovers from Thursday’s stir fry, including a few shrimp.
Egg Fritatta 1Egg Fritatta 2
Around lunchtime, we headed downstairs once more to finish off the chicken soup with rice. There was also some leftover cous-cous to be polished off and slices of the loaf bread from the other night.
To drink, I had the light and aromatic lemon ginger tea.
Chicken Soup and ToastButtered toastChicken Soup with cous-cous
Upstairs my father prepared a dish of oven baked Black Cod with potatoes and lightly fried garden vegetables.
DinnerYukon Gold PotatoesBroccoli and Red Peppers Oven baked Black Cod (bone in)
For dessert we had a lovely chocolate tiramisu from the co-op paired with sliced pears from the orchard. I cut the pear into thirds and served them with the tiramisu.
The cake was utterly soft and creamy, like biting into a cloud.
Chocolate TiramisuSide view of the cakeNice layers to the cake
I heard Eileen is touring Japan soon, so I put on an episode of Begin Japanology. It’s a great program from NHK.
Explore how Gold IRA companies can help safeguard your retirement. Dive into in-depth comparisons, reviews of top firms, average fees, and essential tips to confidently select the right Gold IRA provider for your long-term wealth security.
Retirement planning is evolving quickly, and more investors are exploring the benefits of Gold IRAs. Gold IRAs offer a way to diversify retirement savings, providing a hedge against market volatility and inflation. Unlike conventional IRAs, a Gold IRA lets you hold physical precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum in your portfolio.
If you’re worried about economic downturns potentially reducing your savings, adding gold can balance your risk. Gold is often considered a safe-haven asset—its value remains more stable compared to stocks and bonds. This makes it an attractive choice if you want additional security for your retirement funds.
Understanding Gold IRAs, how they function, and how reputable companies manage the process is the first step in safeguarding your retirement. The market now hosts a variety of Gold IRA companies with differing fees, offerings, and levels of service. Choosing wisely can deliver peace of mind and greater growth opportunities for your nest egg.
How to Choose Your Gold IRA Company
Choosing the right Gold IRA provider is crucial for your investment success. First, research the company’s reputation—look for customer reviews, Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, and industry accolades. Experience and specialization in precious metals IRAs are key factors to assess.
Examine the variety of products offered—some companies only deal in gold, while others offer silver, platinum, or palladium. For reliable storage, confirm that the provider partners with IRS-approved, secure depository facilities. Investor education is also vital; leading companies have knowledgeable staff to guide you in making well-informed decisions.
Transparency is essential. Compare fee structures: some companies offer flat rates; others have sliding scale fees depending on account size. Read all disclosures thoroughly and don’t hesitate to ask about hidden costs. The right company will act as your partner, not just your vendor.
Features&Importance
Reputation & Reviews: High
Transparent Fees: High
Range of Metals: Medium
Secure Storage: High
Experienced Advisors: Medium
Buyback Program: Optional
Always verify that your chosen Gold IRA company uses third-party, IRS-approved storage facilities for your investments—this ensures both legality and security for your assets.
Types of Gold IRA Accounts
There are two main types of Gold IRA accounts: Traditional and Roth. With a Traditional Gold IRA, contributions may be tax-deductible, and earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawals. This is often chosen by investors seeking to reduce current taxable income.
A Roth Gold IRA, on the other hand, is funded with after-tax dollars. While upfront tax benefits are missing, qualified withdrawals—including growth and capital appreciation—are tax-free in retirement. Younger investors or those expecting higher tax rates in the future often gravitate towards Roth options.
Both types allow you to hold physical gold or other approved precious metals, but the choice depends on your individual tax strategy and retirement goals. Understanding custodial responsibility is critical: Gold IRAs must be held by a qualified IRS-approved institution rather than personally managed at home.
Best Gold IRA Companies Reviewed
Several Gold IRA companies stand out for their transparency, customer support, and range of services. Leading names include Augusta Precious Metals, Birch Gold Group, Goldco, and American Hartford Gold. These firms consistently earn high marks for their educational resources, responsive advisors, and efficient account setup processes.
Augusta Precious Metals is widely recognized for its comprehensive educational focus and one-on-one customer support, guiding investors through every step. Birch Gold Group is praised for its competitive pricing and detailed informational materials. Goldco is strong in guiding beginners and offering robust buyback programs, while American Hartford Gold is known for its flexible rates and transparent disclosure.
Rating comparison, as compiled from consumer and industry reviews, gives prospective investors a fast way to gauge the trustworthiness and performance of these companies. Evaluate not only fees but also account minimums, buyback guarantees, and customer satisfaction ratings.
Company – Best For
Augusta Precious Metals – Education & Transparency
Birch Gold Group – Competitive Pricing
Goldco – Buyback Options
American Hartford Gold – Customer Experience
Noble Gold – Beginner Friendly
Request a free information kit from at least two different companies before making your decision. Comparing their educational material and customer support can help you choose the best fit for your investment style.
What to Expect in Pricing
Gold IRA costs can vary by provider, and understanding them upfront will prevent surprises later. Most companies charge a setup fee—commonly between $50 and $150—to open your account. Annual maintenance fees are typically around $80-$150, covering administrative and custodial services.
Storage fees for your physical metals usually range from $100 to $200 per year, depending on the depository and level of insurance. Some firms may offer waived fees for larger initial investments—sometimes for several years. Markups on the metals themselves can vary, often 2% to 5% over the market price, so shop around to ensure a fair deal.
Avoid firms that are vague about pricing. All reputable providers clearly disclose their costs. Transparency builds trust and protects your financial interests as you navigate Gold IRA investing.
Services &Average Cost(USD)
Account Setup: $50-$150
Annual Maintenance: $80-$150
Storage: $100-$200
Metal Premiums: 2%-5% above spot
Pros and Cons of Gold IRAs
Gold IRAs offer unique advantages—you gain stable diversification, protection against inflation, and long-term value retention for your retirement assets. Physical gold is not prone to the same market swings as stocks or bonds, giving you peace of mind.
However, consider the drawbacks. Fees are higher than typical IRAs, and gold’s price may not always increase as expected. Liquidity is lower compared to other assets; selling gold takes more time and may incur extra costs. There are IRS restrictions on what kinds of gold can be held, and improper storage can trigger tax penalties.
Weighing these factors will help tailor your investment strategy to your risk tolerance and retirement timeline. Gold IRAs are best used as a supplement, not a replacement for, a diversified retirement portfolio.
Remember, an ideal retirement portfolio usually mixes Gold IRAs with traditional assets like equities and bonds—diversification is vital to reduce overall risk.
Smart Consumer Tips for Gold IRAs
Educate yourself before investing—read independent reviews, visit regulatory sites like the BBB, and check for investor complaints. Stay cautious of aggressive sales tactics or high-pressure pitches. Legitimate companies will let you decide at your pace.
Understand storage and delivery policies—never keep IRA metals at home, which is prohibited by the IRS. Ask companies how metals are insured and what happens if you want to liquidate. A good provider will offer buyback guarantees and transparent settlement processes.
Get everything in writing—ensure all costs, procedures, and timelines are documented. Don’t be afraid to negotiate; some companies may match rates or waive certain fees to win your business.
Tips
Read independent company reviews and BBB complaints
Ask about buyback policies
Check that your metals are held at an IRS-approved depository
Document all fees before signing up
Never mix IRA gold with personal gold holdings
FAQ
What is a Gold IRA and how does it differ from a traditional IRA? A Gold IRA is a self-directed individual retirement account that holds physical precious metals instead of only paper assets like stocks and bonds. It’s structured like traditional or Roth IRAs but is limited by IRS rules for metals and storage.
What are the main fees involved with Gold IRAs? Expect a one-time setup fee, annual maintenance, storage costs, and a markup on precious metal prices. Setup typically ranges from $50-$150, annual fees from $80-$150, and storage $100-$200 yearly. Markups are usually 2-5% above spot.
Which companies are considered the best for Gold IRAs? Top Gold IRA companies include Augusta Precious Metals, Birch Gold Group, Goldco, American Hartford Gold, and Noble Gold. These firms feature transparent pricing, strong customer support, and excellent consumer ratings.
Can I store my Gold IRA metals at home? No, IRS rules require that gold and other precious metals in an IRA be stored at an IRS-approved depository. Home storage is prohibited and can trigger significant tax penalties.
Is a Gold IRA a good addition to my retirement plan? A Gold IRA can provide diversification and protect against inflation, but it comes with higher fees and different risks. Use it as a supplement—not a replacement—for traditional retirement assets. Consult a financial advisor to ensure it’s right for your goals.
Since 2007, I have had a fondness for collecting coins. During a stay in NYC, I got to see an old coin collection and was quite taken with it.
As a child, I had previously collected the commemorative State Quarters and Canadian coins from sailing trips up the San Juan Straight.
However I really got a taste for silver after I received my maternal grandfather’s coin collection. He was in the military and also served during the Korean War. I also received a gift of coins from Madeline, my fathers partner.
While working at the pharmacy I also picked up several silver coins and foreign currency mistakenly accepted at the register. Caribbean coins were often mistaken for dimes and pennies.
I also purchased a set of 5 ‘Pride of Two Nations’ silver coin sets for an APMEX deal that they did not honor. I tried listing them on eBay, but APMEX was selling them for next to nothing there and killed the resale market.
I don’t have any gold items or coins, but my mother is always saying we should buy gold.
In the course of my adventures in the points and miles game I have repeatedly come across deals for gold, whether in an IRA, or an ETF. There was also Bitcoin which was being pushed as a digital gold by some.
I have investment in Canadian gold mining companies, and some royalty trusts that deal in minerals. The vast majority of royalty trusts are in the oil and gas industry which I am not too fond of.
Putting Gold in your IRA
This is a detailed guide to investing in gold through either a Traditional or Roth IRA.
Publicly Traded Gold Mining Firms
B2Gold Corp is a gold producer company in Canada. They have 3 mines; one in Mali, one in Nambia, and another in the Philippines. They also have a 100% interest in the Gramalote gold project in Colombia.
Recently they completed negotiations with the government over a mine and have resumed operations which brought share price up considerably.
I bought in at $2.17 per share back in late 2023, and they are currently trading at $5.23 per share.
The quarterly divided stands at 2 cents per share. Hopefully with productive operations we will see an improvement in the payouts.
Royalty Trusts
Mesabi Royalty Trust (MSB) has ownership of an iron mine and licenses out the mining operation to another company, Northshore Cleveland Cliffs. The Miner pays the Trust for all the iron ore they ship out of the mine plus they pay rental fees for use of the land.
Mesabi shareholders receive a dividend payment each quarter. It’s been steady, maybe more lucrative years past. It varies depending on the price of US Steel among other things.
My Experience with Mesabi (MSB)
I believe sometime around COVID, Cleveland Cliffs idled operations and started refining the scraps from the mine instead of digging out fresh iron ore, which meant they didn’thave to pay for mining, only rental fees.
There was a legal battle over whether the contract allowed the Miner to make such a decision. Mesabi won the case and was paid for the missing months of activity.
In February this year (2025), I received a whopping $909 dividend payment. My average is normally $40-82.
I started with 100 shares and then averaged down with an additional 50 a few years back. I have since made some sales, in part to buy my Nissan LEAF.
My current plan is to sell my shares in the run up to the next quarterly ex-dividend date and then buy them back after the dividend hoppers exit their positions.
I am selling at 35 thru 40 (potentially) with multiple limit orders in place at different price points. My re-entry position should be at $30 per share, if not better.
Oskiko Gold Royalties(OR) has a royalty interest in a smelter at the Canadian Malartic complex. They have other revenue streams but the smelter is what I first heard about.
They recently changed their name to OR Royalties, I prefer Oskiko. They are interested in gold, silver, and diamonds.The
They pay quarterly, not as much as MSB, but it is good to diversify. This year (2025), I bought 1 share in January for $18.75 and another 4 shares in April for $21.21. Then in May I sold all 5 shares at $24.57.
A Missed Opportunity with Oskiko
I had a small position but liquidated it in order to invest in Joby and Archer Aviation. I did pretty good with the flying car companies, but I missed out on OR shooting up in value shortly after.
I’m not sure which would have been the better deal in the end, but I do sometimes regret not holding on to some shares.
As of posting, OR is trading at $33 per share.
Triple Flag Precious Metals (TFPM) is in to copper, silver, gold, nickel, lead, and zinc. They have interests in multiple countries including Australia, Colombia, and Cote d’Ivoire (Africa).
They acquire and manage precious metals, streams, royalties, and other mineral interests.
Dividends are paid quarterly, somewhere around 5-6 cents per share.
My Tradeoff with (TFMP)
It’s the same story as with Oskiko, I wanted to jump on the flying car band wagon and so I divested myself from precious metals.
In January, I bought 1 share at $16.08, then in April 1 share at $19.83 and 3 shares at $19.86. Finally, in May, I sold all 5 shares at $20.90 each.
At time of posting TFPM is priced at $28.86 per share.
Fat Wallet Refugee 