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Bullets, bourbon and bacon. In that order. Always have plenty of each. And some USD as well, you can always burn it if it's useless based on the SHTF scenario of the day.
For most SHTF scenarios, US greenbacks are going to be the best. I know the gold and silver bugs will think "no way, once the banking system collapses, cash will be worthless".
The most likely SHTF scenario is a regional disaster like Katrina or Sandy. Greenbacks still had value, even when there was no power, or ability to read/validate debit and credit cards. There was no way to use silver (except at face) unless you were dealing with an owner-operator, which is rare these days.
You are at danger of overpaying if you try to use precious metals in a SHTF scenario where ca$h is still being recognized. Why give up an ounce of silver for a loaf of bread when a couple of US dollars will do the job?
Who knows, the US dollar may still have value in a total SHTF - after all, there will be no QE or fractional reserve to boost the supply of greenbacks.
I saw a small scale mini-SHTF as the Sears hardware store in Ashland a few years ago. They were operating with flashlights in a power failure; accepting cash only - credit card/debit could not be processed without power. They refused checks, even for regular customers they knew, since corporate police was "electronic verification" before acceptance. But, if you had cash, you could get anything they had that you needed.
...if the SHTF....
Where are you going to make change for a gold coin?
" Hey can ya break a 1400"?![]()
usd will work in the first week or two, but if it is a nationwide problem like a bio virus, only tangible goods will be worth trading, everything will have value and people will want a store of value so i can see PMs being minted into coin or small shapes worth 5, 10, 20 dollars.You mean more like $1100/oz right? At the rate gold is going it'll be worth $20/oz in no time...
Currently USD is where it's at. Even in a serious SHTF senario I'm sure habit and belief in eventual recovery of the U.S. government would maintain a value in USD to a lot of people. Before that changes just trade them out for whatever is on the rise. All indications now are still that silver, gold, oil, ammo are dropping in value relative to USD so all you're doing is devaluing your money by converting it to these things.
You mean more like $1100/oz right? At the rate gold is going it'll be worth $20/oz in no time...
Currently USD is where it's at. Even in a serious SHTF senario I'm sure habit and belief in eventual recovery of the U.S. government would maintain a value in USD to a lot of people. Before that changes just trade them out for whatever is on the rise. All indications now are still that silver, gold, oil, ammo are dropping in value relative to USD so all you're doing is devaluing your money by converting it to these things.
This. No one is going to have a clue what to do with precious metals in an SHTF barter situation. Those old silver quarters that people buy up for their silver value are going to be worth 25 cents to the average Joe. Paper is what people know and understand. In the short term, paper money will probably still be good, although you can expect inflated prices for anything of value. Long term, maybe goods and services is all you can trade. Personally, I would not rely on a bartering plan. The dangers outweigh the benefits.clean water, food, guns and ammo... That's it.
Unless, of course, the govt has an "anti gouge" law for emergencies.you can expect inflated prices for anything of value.
I won't pretend to have all the answers, but I do believe history has shown gold and silver always was the default currency when paper printed currency tanked. I believe trying to be well-rounded with ammo, toilet paper, medical supplies, gold/silver, and preferably an isolated bug out place. That and being friends with other like-minded people.
IMHO gold and silver will have a lot of uses. Metals won't devalue during massive inflation. Plus, my one applicable story: I worked with a guy who got his family to the U.S. from North Vietnam in the 1970s. It took a lot of gold to bribe their way out of the country.
When Jimmy Carter sent the rescue team in for the hostages, they carried gold coins with them for bribes.IMHO gold and silver will have a lot of uses. Metals won't devalue during massive inflation. Plus, my one applicable story: I worked with a guy who got his family to the U.S. from North Vietnam in the 1970s. It took a lot of gold to bribe their way out of the country.
True. It all depends on the level of SHTF.Metal is useless when you are starving and trying to defend yourself.
You would trade bacon???? What is wrong with you???
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not as a currency but for the family, stock up on a variety of drugs that are needed. get some good antibiotic like Doxy, insulin if a family member needs it, other life saving drugs. heck if you need it, Viagra supply, lol.
Aren't the good antibiotics prescription, and don't they expire quickly?
After reading One Second After, I definitely see the need for medicine.
Aren't the good antibiotics prescription, and don't they expire quickly?
After reading One Second After, I definitely see the need for medicine.
http://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Fish-...=UTF8&qid=1441038572&sr=8-2&keywords=fish+mox
Looks like shelf life is about a year and a half.
Aren't the good antibiotics prescription, and don't they expire quickly?
After reading One Second After, I definitely see the need for medicine.