Fortunate for me I don't have any equity tied up in Australia's housing market nor any debt.
I did open a buyers account with The Perth Mint (in Australia) to buy silver bullion directly.
There are a few hoops to jump through to open an account and there are different requirements for Australian citizens and for overseas buyers but well worth the effort IMHO.
I sidestep brokerage fees and they also organise serure shipping of my bullion to my door.
No derivitaves for me.