Here's sound advice for you Jakey :
1 - Don't assume you're being told the truth. With all things, one over shadowing paradigm applies - Do Your Own Due Dilligence
2 - Don't assume that you've timed your run perfect and silver/gold is about to go 'to da moon' at a moment's notice. Precious metals markets are the most heavily manipulated in the entire world as far as commodities go and governments the world over turn a blind eye to the fact. REAL price discovery of precious metals threatens the foundation on which this entire global economic model works upon. It IS fraudulent and the vested interests will fight tooth and claw to maintain the status quo, come what may. As such, trying to predict (accurately) where prices will go in the short term is a crap shoot at best.
3 - Very carefully think about your reason for PM investment. If you're just looking to ride the next wave or boom around the corner, you're gambling at best, a wishful thinker at worst.
4 - Never buy precious metals on credit. I know some here have and have done well, but buying an investment position that's reliant on 100% capital gains for a return and is as heavily manipulated as PMs are is not intelligent investment strategy. Chances are, you will lose. Precious metals are better thought of as a wealth protection vehicle over the long term and not a wealth creation tool. Whilst silver has a significant upside potential on it's commodity vector, you're better off looking at PMs as a 'break even' investment on your buying power / wealth.
5 - The very best investment strategy for PMs in my opinion is a long term physical, cost average strategy. That is, you're in the game for the long haul mate, buy at a slow, steady pace and never over extend yourself on purchases. If you need to liquidate to cover yourself until next pay for living expenses, you are investing too much.
6 - Silver is silver is silver. Whilst brand names and pretty designs appeal to the collector in you, at the end of the day it's all going to end up in a melting pot. Understand the difference between premium trading on numismatics and opportunity cost on going simply for more ounces.
7 - Lastly, be prepared for a rocky ride. The establishment is against precious metals because it undermines the fake economic system in the world today. Government deficit spending and banking fiscal policy requires you have no means to protect yourself from their skimming practises for profit. That means the price movement's only real predictability is the fact it's unpredictable as market & political forces collide to control the price. Silver spot has been as high at $47 US and as low as $9 US in the last 5 years. If you don't have the stomach for such a wild ride, you're best off finding another place to park your dollars and pray the government will save you. (tip : they won't)
8 - Actually, this is the last tip... get EDUCATED. I'm not talking about technical smarts, charting IQ or economic jargon. I'm talking about understanding how the system really works, who are the big players and what their agenda really is. Much of the system around you is one of control and the biggest players have what you can only consider an insidious agenda. I know even many stackers look at the metal with a micro view, but I'm here to tell you that everything happening around you that governs your experience in the world is tied together. Understanding the impact of decisions across all realms of politics, finance, social & relationships, right down to our role in society will help you further understand and appreciate where we are and more importantly, where we are headed next.
The journey is more than about just stacking precious metals because 'that's what the insiders are doing'. It's about self discovery and true education and understanding of the system we live in and how we can protect ourselves and those who matter to us most from outside forces.
Much of the world you cannot and never will control. But your mind is your own and expanding your knowledge base is key to understanding, appreciating and developing as a well rounded, educated individual.
Done the right way however, this journey will undoubtedly change your life.
Once you take the red pill, there's no going back.... so welcome aboard.
PS - If you want a rundown on specifics, I highly recommend the sticky here to get you going :
http://forums.silverstackers.com/topic-880-buying-silver-in-australia.html
It's a good place to start & will give you good direction to get you going.
Best of luck!