Me and my daughter have both made a profit on silver before, buying it at $3.75/Oz selling it. when price went higher, also it will always be of value, and as inflation deflates our paper money, these metals seem to rise, sometimes you may have to hold it for awhile, but for someone like me who has a dollar in his pocket spends it, the silver can be a good bank account, gold also, and silver costs less making small investments easier.
any more valuble metals can add to budget latter, or be good investments, even collecting copper. like Guns and tools always good to have in Hard times,will always have value. so I don't think you will go wrong collecting silver as long as you can afford it.
I'm definatly cannot advise anybody on their finances, but can give my 2 penny's worth if they want them, take them two zink pennys, buy silver with E'm you probably wont be sorry latter.