I would agree your financial stability should be paramount in times of economic unrest. The OP made some very good and sound points I would imagine could benefit everyone preppers and non-preppers alike. Not to invalidate the rationale behind this thread I think it prudent consider making the distinction between and financial downturn/depression, and the global economic collapse some are predicting which is unprecedented and would make the dirty 30 depression seems like a mild gas war. Leading up to such an event would truly require you to be financially secure as being able to service any debt would be increasingly difficult.

However in a true global economic collapse there will be NO financial infrastructure of any kind. I do not have the time or the true expertise to frame that picture but guaranteed you will have to make a fundamental shift both physically and mentally how you acquire even the most basic resources. I would suggest if your financial planning only considers tough times in the traditional supply/demand economic cycle we know today you may struggle in a very very local barter/equity trading society. Initially bread might cost 50 bucks and a tank of gas $1000 but within a month or two at the most your traditional assets and money would be worth nothing. When it hits bottom having no debt and lots of cash would having little bearing. Financial security after the storm will be hardest for everyone to wrap their heads around. That arrogant guy with the 5000sqft house on the hill won't understand why I am not interesting in trading his 1.5million house for some basic essentials. Could you imagine trying to heat a 5000sqft house with a wood stove? What else you got? Rolex. No I do not have job so I do not need to know what time it is. What else you got? Priceless painting. Sorry I live in a tent no place to hang it. What else you got? Hmm..my wife is a pretty good cook. Deal here is your roll of toilet paper!

...just about summed it al lup absolutely perfectly! good job 🙂 😀