Financial Prepping

[lonewolf]

I agree, in my scenario too there would be no computers or internet, commerce would have collapsed and gold and silver would have no value.
money would only be good for the first few weeks, as long as any store owner would accept it, after that you might as well light a fire with your paper notes.
best stuff to accumulate after food is hand tools.

 

[Mountain trapper]

When I think of SHTF, in my scenario, there isn't any internet or computers. Guess I watch too much The Walking Dead. All of the gold in the world, is worthless.

Bare essentials are the best bartering tools. I have alcohol, medicine, honey (?) and gardening abilities.

If we are able to use money. I try to keep some hidden from my husband for use at a later date. Also, I have some silver squirreled away.

Sorry, but I disagree about gold/silver being worthless post SHTF. Gold and silver have always been highly valued, and always will be. I had a mining partner who once found an spear point hammered out of solid gold. It was estimated to be hundreds of years old and made by a tribe of Indians who had no idea of money. They just knew that gold made great tools, and great trade items.
I do agree that a person wouldn't want to put too large of a percentage of their preps in gold/silver. But if one can afford too, I'd recommend holding pre-64 silver coins and small size gold coins; in 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce sizes.
I also think that if there ever is a truly world wide disaster, that it's foolish thinking, and somewhat insulting to Man's intelligence, that we'd never recover. Sure, it would take time, decades maybe, but I have more faith in Mankind than to think it would be all over.
Too much TV and disaster novels can be a bad thing....

 

[user 7704]

Arctic, I agree the chances are small. When the brain eating zombies come to your door, your gold will not work.

I am trying to get silver, and other precious metals and some diamond rings and stuff because we never know which type of disaster we will have.

It's best to have all types of barter materials ready. I am serious though when I say that I believe the internet will be worthless and anything stored in a bank will be lost.

 

[lonewolf]

once the power goes off any access to your bank account will be lost.
it depends on how deep the scenario goes but if its serious enough and I only talk about the really serious one, anything else is just a minor inconvenience, and without a manufacturing base most knowledge will be lost over time.
if you don't believe me just look how many of the old trades have been lost in the computer age.

 

[SheilaT.]

Sorry, but I disagree about gold/silver being worthless post SHTF. Gold and silver have always been highly valued, and always will be. I had a mining partner who once found an spear point hammered out of solid gold. It was estimated to be hundreds of years old and made by a tribe of Indians who had no idea of money. They just knew that gold made great tools, and great trade items.
I do agree that a person wouldn't want to put too large of a percentage of their preps in gold/silver. But if one can afford too, I'd recommend holding pre-64 silver coins and small size gold coins; in 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce sizes.
I also think that if there ever is a truly world wide disaster, that it's foolish thinking, and somewhat insulting to Man's intelligence, that we'd never recover. Sure, it would take time, decades maybe, but I have more faith in Mankind than to think it would be all over.
Too much TV and disaster novels can be a bad thing....

Couldn't agree more. All the precious metal hordes found in England over the years pretty much proves how much gold and silver have been coveted through history. From Roman coins to Anglo Saxon high status objects all are gold and silver and I doubt it will ever lose it's shine(pun intended).
It's prudent not to have all your funds in one place or set of items. Precious metals have their place and people have been using PM's as a form coinage as it's easier to barter x and y against a set amount of silver or gold than to try and come to an arrangement for swapping a shovel for a pound of onions(or whatever). Bartering one item against another only works if both parties have something the other wants.
I have more faith in Mankind too. I'm always stunned by the stupidity that seems to think people will suddenly forget everything we have learned. I would like to think that human innovation and ingenuity could overcome and adapt.

 

[Silent Earth]

I dont keep gold its to hard to cut down to use as a currency, but I do keep some silver mainly silver dollars, and with silver it can be used to make medical lotions and potions and much better as a currency.

 

[lonewolf]

if the SHTF happened tomorrow just how many people do you think would even have an inkling of how to even start growing their own food nor would know what wild plants are edible and which are deadly! in an era when everyone gets their food from a supermarket not many!! in this country most are "4 generations removed from the land" and that's where the knowledge has been lost, okay when they can get someone else to do it for them but not when they have to be self reliant, which they would have to be in my scenario, that's where the mortality rate comes in.
its all very well being computer literate but that's not going to feed them post SHTF.

 

[brandx]

Arctic, I agree the chances are small. When the brain eating zombies come to your door, your gold will not work.

I am trying to get silver, and other precious metals and some diamond rings and stuff because we never know which type of disaster we will have.

It's best to have all types of barter materials ready. I am serious though when I say that I believe the internet will be worthless and anything stored in a bank will be lost.

For some reason it comes to mind Southerners hiding their silver candlesticks in wells. Homes and farms raided by "foragers" for food, animals, valuables, and even rugs and anything else of use. Sewing needles were a huge commodity in the southern states during the WBTS.

 

[brandx]

if the SHTF happened tomorrow just how many people do you think would even have an inkling of how to even start growing their own food nor would know what wild plants are edible and which are deadly! in an era when everyone gets their food from a supermarket not many!! in this country most are "4 generations removed from the land" and that's where the knowledge has been lost, okay when they can get someone else to do it for them but not when they have to be self reliant, which they would have to be in my scenario, that's where the mortality rate comes in.
its all very well being computer literate but that's not going to feed them post SHTF.

The first and biggest mortalities will be in nursing homes. Places filled with dependent people who have caregivers paid for by the state. They will move out the walkie talkies first, the last to evac are the bedfast ones. Reason being save who you can and as quickly as you can. Taking the bedfast ones first takes longer when you could have saved multiple lives of walkie talkies. Survival will be harsh. Anyone sick and/or dependent will not make it unless there are people who are dedicated to them and their survival.

 

[brandx]

once the power goes off any access to your bank account will be lost.
it depends on how deep the scenario goes but if its serious enough and I only talk about the really serious one, anything else is just a minor inconvenience, and without a manufacturing base most knowledge will be lost over time.
if you don't believe me just look how many of the old trades have been lost in the computer age.

And no money coming in via echecks, handwritten checks either, people won't go to work if they aren't getting paid. Good idea to keep reference books.

 

[brandx]

if the SHTF happened tomorrow just how many people do you think would even have an inkling of how to even start growing their own food nor would know what wild plants are edible and which are deadly! in an era when everyone gets their food from a supermarket not many!! in this country most are "4 generations removed from the land" and that's where the knowledge has been lost, okay when they can get someone else to do it for them but not when they have to be self reliant, which they would have to be in my scenario, that's where the mortality rate comes in.
its all very well being computer literate but that's not going to feed them post SHTF.

Hopefully the rural peoples who have some knowledge and perhaps only one generation removed will be able to survive. The wealthy who do not have a clue will be out of luck. No one will want their paper money so they can't buy help, food , or anything else for that matter.

 

[lonewolf]

Hopefully the rural peoples who have some knowledge and perhaps only one generation removed will be able to survive. The wealthy who do not have a clue will be out of luck. No one will want their paper money so they can't buy help, food , or anything else for that matter.

a lot of rural property in this county is bought by the wealthy, land is bought so that they have security and privacy, maybe keep a few ponies but that is all, they still buy there food from fortnam, and masons if not harrods!

 

[user 7704]

if the SHTF happened tomorrow just how many people do you think would even have an inkling of how to even start growing their own food nor would know what wild plants are edible and which are deadly! in an era when everyone gets their food from a supermarket not many!! in this country most are "4 generations removed from the land" and that's where the knowledge has been lost, okay when they can get someone else to do it for them but not when they have to be self reliant, which they would have to be in my scenario, that's where the mortality rate comes in.
its all very well being computer literate but that's not going to feed them post SHTF.

Agree Paul, I am compiling a notebook on gardening and canning for my daughter. She knows the basics, but I'm writing it down too. I4' Also leaving notes on certain aspects of the house that most wouldn't know such as if you trip a breaker you have to also trip the breaker in the bathroom and on the front porch hmmmm. Such things are taken for granted by the principal party responsible, but others would be lost.

 

[Otterbatcat]

I think it is certain that bartering goods and services/trade will play big in post shtf.....food, water and ammunition, etc etc, and at the same time, I know many folks who are buying silver figuring that precious metals will get you what you need.

I guess I'm figuring both aspects would be better than just one? I should start working on getting some silver at least, just in case. Though, it could be quite difficult to get a case of rations from someone who can't use silver coins for anything....right?

 

[lonewolf]

I don't believe that immediately post SHTF bartering will be safe, by the time it is safe we've all probably learned to live without whatever it is we were going to barter for.
I don't believe in stocking large amounts of goods for barter post SHTF, better to use that space for stuff we will be using ourselves.

 

[Otterbatcat]

No,..immediately and for some time thereafter will be mayhem and confusion for sure.

It's certainly less of an issue if you're "stay mode" and well stocked, but if you're on the go and need something on your way? Interacting after things settle down is stupid hard to predict.

 

[lonewolf]

if your talking about a hunter gatherer lifestyle then needs will be very basic, food, water, shelter, fire, clothing and weapons.
all of which could be obtained from nature.

 

[Otterbatcat]

I was talking about financial prepping, and the questionable proposition of having precious metals to obtain goods ?

There will be little that I need because I'll have it stocked, so I won't trade it because I already have it.

 

[Otterbatcat]

Don't think for a minute that stuff like lumber and steel, or tools you don't already have will be something you are interested in eventually. If people will still work together, there will still be something of value in exchange for needs. Fill in the mystery blank here....is it silver, or fuel? Food or ammunition? Water maybe?

Dealing with the unknown is a bitch sometimes, and that's why I'll have a bunch of stuff ready.

 

[lonewolf]

what I don't have post SHTF I will do without, and one of those will be precious metals.

 

[sgi_va]

Here's a great place to learn more: daveramsey.com . He's a radio guy, with Christian-based financial advise. Don't worry, he won't beat you over the head with the Bible. But he offers great common sense guidance on how to get out of debt, how to live within a budget, and how to make your money work for you. It is not 'prepping', but it's just as good if not better.

BTW, if you think silver/gold aren't valuable post SHTF, do you really think cryptocurrency will be worth a lick? Precious metals are good as some of your last prepping items, but 95% of preppers are not to that point.

I would also suggest to read his book Total Money Makeover. It's a good and simple plan and it worked for me then I was in a difficult situation.

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