Act as a seasoned financial advisor with 10+ years of experience in precious metals investment. Provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on the best ways to invest in gold, tailored for [BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED] investors with a budget of [$1,000/$10,000/$100,000]. Cover the pros and cons of [PHYSICAL GOLD (bars/coins), GOLD ETFs, MINING STOCKS], including liquidity, storage, and tax implications. Also, address how [MARKET TRENDS, INFLATION, GEOPOLITICAL RISKS] impact gold prices and investment strategies. Use clear examples and actionable advice.