3 Things You'll Want to Own If the Sh*t Hits the Fan

As the world watches with trepidation the recent string of bank runs, liquidity crises and outright failures sparked by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, many are considering where this crisis will lead. 

The global banking system is surely in hot-water at the moment, but most analysts only see it as a temporary, solvable problem. It would probably take an extreme, rare crisis of a much larger scale to take global civilization down. 

While the likelihood of a total societal collapse is extremely low, you still might want to prepare for the worst. In this article, Benzinga discusses three essential items you'll want to own if the unthinkable occurs — gold, ammo and alcohol.

Gold: A Universal Store of Value

If a total societal collapse were to occur, paper money, electronic money and credit cards would likely become worthless almost immediately. In such a scenario, physical goods would reign supreme, and gold and silver would become de facto currencies. Both have been highly valued by almost every culture exposed to them throughout history and can be easily divided and traded for other goods and services.

In addition to gold’s near-universal appeal, it is durable and portable, making it an ideal store of value in times of crisis. Gold bullion or coins may be the best form of gold to stock up on as they are the most widely recognized and easily traded forms of gold. Look for especially pure gold (like Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins) so that you can split the soft metal into smaller denominations relatively easily. You can also just buy a bunch of different denominations of gold and silver to be ready for any type of trade. 

Ammunition: Key for Security and Bartering

The safety of you and your family is paramount, and guns with plenty of ammunition are likely your best option in this kind of crisis. Having a stockpile of ammunition not only ensures that you can defend yourself and your loved ones but also serves as a valuable bartering commodity. In a post-apocalyptic world, ammo would be especially valuable as it isn’t easy to make and requires materials that would be difficult to source. By the same logic, functioning guns would also be extremely valuable.

When stocking up on ammo, consider picking up a variety of calibers and types to accommodate different firearms. Diversifying your stock of ammo could make you an attractive trading partner for many more people with different guns, increasing the value of your stock and ensuring that you're well-prepared for any situation.

Alcohol: More Than Just a Comfort

At first glance, alcohol might not seem like a necessity in a world gone awry, but its value extends far beyond providing comfort in dire times. Alcohol has several practical uses that make it an essential item to have on hand. Alcohol can act as a disinfectant in high enough concentrations, a fuel source for cooking or heating and a powerful bartering commodity.

Alcohol is the most popular addictive drug in the world. When the taps run dry and alcohol factories are shut down, the demand for alcohol will undoubtedly be sky-high.

Consider stocking up on various types of alcohol, including high-proof spirits like vodka or whiskey, as well as beer and wine. Not only will this tactic provide you with options for personal consumption and trade, but you will have a wider range of buyers to sell to. 

Forewarned is Forearmed

While the odds of society collapsing are miniscule, you may still want to be prepared for any eventuality. A large stock of gold or silver, ammo and alcohol will not only help ensure your survival but also provide you with valuable bartering power. By stocking up now, you'll be well-positioned to face whatever challenges the future may hold. 

Investors are turning to gold and silver in droves to protect their portfolios as uncertainty rises in the economy. Check out Benzinga’s Precious Metals Hub to master the sector and discover the best precious metals trading platforms.

Check Out More Precious Metals Articles From Benzinga:

• Why Investors Are Turning to Gold and Silver After Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank FDIC Backstop
• Invest Like the Elite: One Investment They All Hoard
• You Could Have Served 10 Years in Prison for Investing in This But It’s Legal Now!