My skepticism makes me suspicious of gold as the answer to the coming economic problems. If currency is so worthless, and gold so great, why are so many people eager to trade their gold for my worthless money? Bartering in food staples, implements/tools, and essential services will supplant most currency, stocks, and bonds as investments for most people.

I agree with Susan and several others that a person needs quality gardening tools, food processing tools, handyman tools and more importantly, the skills to use them properly. You can rarely buy 'quality' in a store anymore. You have to get it in an antique store or yard sale. We're the 'preppers'; how many of us have enough hand tools, nails and wood to build even a doghouse on hand?

I found the book "The Great Depression...American In the 1930's" by T.H. Watkins to be very informative. Many of the events and conditions described in great detail in the book are already here again.

My parents and grandparents sorted and saved everything. Wire, string, nails, wood and so on.

What will we trade for food and shelter if our savings and/or dollars are made worthless overnight?