Joel Perlin

With the current turmoil in the financial markets, the old adage "as good as gold" is taking on new significance.

"It's about being prepared," said Joel Perlin, president of La Jolla-based H.S. Perlin Co., which specializes in precious metals and rare coins. For nearly 40 years, Perlin has been developing personalized investment portfolios for high net worth investors, corporate pension plans and investors sensitive to privacy issues.