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Here is a post a friend of mine made about the use of precious metals during a crisis:
Alright folks. I just wanted to share this as an illustration of Selco Begovic point regarding use of precious metals in a crisis (for this example, gold). REMEMBER they will be worth entirely what you can trade for them in that time. You must forget all notion that ‘in’ a crisis, gold will hold its value, it is only once you escape the crisis area will you ever stand a chance of ‘cashing in’ your gold of anything resembling it’s face value.
Here is an extract from the book, ‘The One That Got Away’ by Chris Ryan. Basically the book can be summarized:
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The British Army’s Special Air Service (SAS) is one of the world’s premier special operations units. During the Gulf War, deep behind Iraqi lines, an SAS team was compromised. A fierce firefight ensued, and the eight men were forced to run for their lives. Only one, Chris Ryan, escaped capture or death, and he did it by walking nearly 180 miles through the desert for seven days and eight nights….
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At the end of this epic journey, Ryan is forced to make contact with locals as he had gone multiple days without drinking and dehydration was reaching life threatening levels…So, having received 2 bowls of water, 1 cup of ta and a piece of bread, in order to try and get taken to the police at the Syria border Ryan offers one gold sovereign (of 8 he was carrying for escape and evasion purposes)
Lets say that again. Two bowls of water, one cup of tea, a piece of bread and a ride into town. THAT is what gold was worth in that circumstance. I’m hoping this helps illustrate the point…
Also lets not forget, this gold was offered by an armed, exceptionally trained elite forces soldier, because he realized, at the time, he wasn’t shooting his way to a solution…
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Thanx for posting that Selco.
Always see the great debate of the value of PMs, second to the infamous Which is the best rifle when SHTF debate, on every forum.Would I like to have PMs? Sure. But I can think of a few dozen other things I would rather have or even need right now then PMs.
As always, I think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. IF S were to HTF, that bottom of the pyramid is going to be very important.
Not sure where PMs fit in that pyramid. -
Surprise announcement by the IMF, 10/23/2018 (International Monetary Fund, private institution to help coordinate Central Banks, set up a long time ago to loan $s to countries, in order to obtain their resources when they can’t pay back their loans!) highlighting Gold’s importance as a ‘diversification’ from paper assets. We’re wondering why this announcement- is it a heads up for a GLOBAL economic collapse, which they (IMF) have been warning about for the past month??
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@Inspired_Too, I would not read much into it. Most of the gold transactions on the financial markets are not for physical gold but for paper future. If I had to guess, they are probably trying to unload their worthless paper. That’s what they do always before the economy crashes. Find someone else to hold the bag.
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“Two bowls of water, one cup of tea, a piece of bread and a ride into town. THAT is what gold was worth in that circumstance.”
This point can be viewed from a very different perspective. If Chris Ryan was suffering from life threatening dehydration, what he received for his one gold sovereign was “PRICELESS.”
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This is a general lesson to learn. It is not just limited to gold. We are conditioned since childhood to value things in term of money. Truth is that value is a relative measure that change with times and circumstances and we should assign value to thing bases on what things do for us. What is your house value? It is a roof that keeps you dry and walls that protect you. That never changes, no matter the market conditions. The dollar value is in play only in the moment you are selling it. A luxury car is as valuable as an economy one because both take you from point A to point B. And if gas is hard to get, the economy car is more valuable because of its fuel efficiency.
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Precious metals are useful in a TEOTWAWKI situation. Most have several of the following qualities:
o Small amounts represent significant value.
o Can withstand cold, water and fire.
o Are readily recognized for what they are. (Difficult to counterfeit).
o Have a history of being valued (improving the odds that they will continue to be in demand.)
o Do not degrade, rot, go rancid or otherwise deteriorate over time.
o Are easily stored, transported and concealed.HOWEVER, they aren’t the only assets I’ve stocked for trading purposes. Guns, ammunition and hard liquor have many of the above as well AND one other important quality:
o They are useful for more than just money.
Some argue that money SHOULDN’T have other uses… that its value will not be stable as interest in that other use waxes and wanes. There’s something to that so, with that in mind, I recommend having some amount of all four items: Precious metals, guns, ammunition, hard liquor.
Can you think of other items that might serve well as money? In 15 years of mulling this over, I haven’t. Perhaps certain gemstones (but not diamonds.) MOST things deteriorate (coffee, seeds, medicines), are fragile (fine art, horses), are too bulky to preserve significant wealth (tractors, gasoline, radios), may not survive societal collapse (stock certificates) or are hard to transport (farmable land.)
If you’re a prepper, this question is definitely worth pondering.
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@Decomposed,
With respect, I beg to differ, there have been counterfeits of PMs.
The most recent one I can recall reading in the news was a Asian gentleman bought a piece of gold from a bank. IIRC he was in a pawn biz. After opening the package, he felt something was wrong. Sure enough, it was counterfeit.
And the bank he got it from would not take it back.
IIRC, that was in Canada.And, I would not be able to recognize a real PM vs one of those late night informercial, or back of a gun magazine commemorative coins.
Someone offers me a coin, I am going to ask, “What else ya got to trade?” -
you’ll be fine, as long as you got all this shit.
get ready for ANYTHING, and you’ll be ready for EVERYTHING!rescue tape or silicone tape
JB Weld
a list of phone numbers, in case your cel is lost or quits on you
board games & card games.
Fire extinguishers.
Books on foraging and how to use herbs and essential oils.
cookbooks
sandbags
Batteries
Binoculars
Boots
Bug out Bag
Camp Axe
Camping pots/pans
Camping utensils
Canteen
Duct tape
Emergency Radio
Energy bars
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Flares
Flashlight
firestarter
Gas mask
Gloves
Hunting supplies
Lantern
LED Headlamp
Machete
Multi Vitamin
Mylar blanket
Paracord
Portable Generator
Rain Barrel
Rain Suit
Saw
Seeds
Sleeping bag
Survival Knife
Tent
Water bottle
Water Filtration
Water Tablets
Whistle
1 pair of baofeng 2 way radios with spare batteries, fuse, alcohol stove and spare wicks (no smoke or odor)
plumbers goop or shoe goo, shoelaces(or just use paracord), rechargeable batteries and charger, multi voltage multi tip 12 volt power adapter, battery powered motion sensor alarms, flir night vision scope, clothes pins (can also be used as triggers for tripwires), rat traps, coyote traps, battery powered motion sensor lights, spare spark plugs and tune up items, pri-g and pri-d fuel stabilizer, chainsaw files, spare chains, tire chains, come-a-long, spare tires, motor oil, flare gun, guillie suit, high powered binocs, medicinal herb seeds, crutches, ace bandages, Lee basic reloaders, bow and arrows (silent), reading glasses, hatchet, folding shovel with pick.A tire repair kit. A kit that can fix multiple punctures could be a God send!
hacksaw
Work gloves
Solar battery charger. I have a great AA/AAA Ni MH Battery charger, and a 15 watt solar panel. It still needed a voltage regulator between the two, so I don’t damage the battery charger. People can google 12 volt regulator circuit. They are easy to build from Radio Shack partsI have built several for a couple for different voltages. 12 volt exactly for 12 volt devices, and 13.8 for slow charging lead acid batteries. 14.5 volt for fast charging lead acid batteries
duct tape
Ant-acid and stool softener. In a SHTF situation people will be exposed to new pathogens and foods, lots of Pepto folks, it could save your life.
Plain aspirin, lots of exertion means heart stress. Plain Aspirin could save lives
I listed IV for emergency fluid replacement. The needles and solution need to be absolutely sterile, and are prescription only in many states. Grandma just used an enema bulb, still available in drug stores, it saved babies and children from dying due to dehydration. Plain clean water or better a 30% pedi-a-lite solution is best. Yup, Gatorade works in a pinch. Add 30% wine to it and they’ll feel no pain while you do stitches.
“Gerber multitool……….“lock pick” set, but be aware of state laws on this item. Bolt cutters will open gates
gold/silver
solar panel
jogging stroller
cast iron dutch oven
CASH. GAS!!!!!!!!!!!
water….sugar….flour….powdered milk……….t/p………………top ramen….pancake mix….candy, rock…..DOG FOOD…VEG OIL…rice…..beans…………macaroni…………bleach…………benadryl…..wipies….garbage bags…….plastic cups,forks,spoon,knives .
IV for rehydration
photo albums, identification (birth certificates, social security cards, financial documents, wills/deeds, and medical insurance information), proof of address, as well as items for a 72 hour bag.
brillo pad makes a good fire starter with jumper cables)or a 9 volt battery
extreme cooler (use it to carry water, if needed)
antibiotics from the vet supply store ampicillin, amoxacillin, penicilin, and others
a hat for sleeping in
Storable Food
Shelter
An Axe
Lighters Or Matches
Hiking Boots Or Comfortable Shoes
A Flashlight And/Or Lantern
A Radio/Communication Equipment
A Swiss Army Knife
Personal Hygiene Items
A First Aid Kit And Other Medical Supplies
Extra Gasoline (But Be Very Careful How You Store It)
A Sewing Kit
Self-Defense Equipment
A Compass
Hiking Backpacks
A Community
A Backup Plan
Salt
Extra Batteries
Medicine
A Camp Stove
Propane
Heirloom Seeds
An LED Headlamp
Candles
Clorox
Calcium Hypochlorite
Maps Of Your Area
rifle For Hunting
Extra Socks
Gold And Silver Coins For Bartering
citizens band radio
toolbag
eyeglasses
computer
battery chargers and phone chargers
kool aid
bleach
bike tubes
gold/silver
coins
4×6, or 6×8’s for crossing obstacles(3 feet long)
wasp spray
hunting knife
food
vaseline
water and purification stuff
dutch oven
coffee/water filters
Gun Cleaning Kit & Supplies
Wire and Wire Cutters
Fire Extinguisher
hacksaw………GOOD pair of wire cutters….butt connector pliers and wire connectors ….11-1 screwdrivers-not some cheap-o
6 foot Pry bars-lift heavy items, pop open doors, break locks, move hot objects. harbor freight
sandpaper/crocus cloth…………….. file for sharpening tools……….. hammer
MAGNIFYING GLASS FIRESTARTER
bailing wire
box of bolts/nuts/hose clamps
3/32” E-6010 welding rods. These can be used with three 12 volt car batteries and some jumper cables to make an emergency field repair.
peanut butter and crackers makes a great shtf meal
vise grips
fix a flat/air compressor
Tarp (2) and 550 para-cord (shelter) You want two tarps, one for shelter above the head and one for the ground under your head
Ponchos to protect from rain
A folding saw and shovel.
A handheld chainsaw (they are about the size of a mans wallet)
Lightweight hatchet
army survival manualor others
2 pairs of socks. One pair of our socks is a thermal type(wool is best) that will keep your feet warm in up to zero degree weather. It all depends on where you live and where you will be traveling. Cotton socks tend to hold moisture so you might not want cotton.
good pair of warm gloves/work gloves. Mine are a combination of both.
A pair of good boots or hiking shoes
A pair of long pants. I prefer not to have jeans. They are heaver and if they get wet, they stay wet for a long time.
One pair thermal underwear/pants and shirt, at LEAST for everyone in family.
dogs and dog food …small dogs hear EVERYTHING, and eat less!
cash!
deck of cards
food…pepperoni granola bars…..
first aid book… where there is no doctor book
paper plates
ziplock bags
aluminum foil
butane stove or some other way to cook
eye drops
chap stick
lotion
rope
plastic wrap
sanitizer
toothpaste/toothbrush
powdered milk will be HUUUUGGGGEEEEEE ..have a LOT of it!
Bug Out Bag Contents
The Pack – I have a LC-1 “Alice” pack but any quality pack with enough capacity will do. Stick with camouflage, dark green or other natural colors that blend with the terrain.
Water – A canteen with cup and cover for your belt, water bottle and a good filter.
Fire – Waterproof matches, a magnesium fire starter and tinder.
Food – Pack enough to last 5-7 days. Rice, oat meal, beef jerky, energy bars etc. Another option is MRE’s and the freeze-dried foods. choose foods that are light weight and a suitable shelf life.
Stove – A small stove is essential it you want to stay hidden. Smoke and noise from the cutting and burning of wood would be undesirable if you are in hostile territory or being pursued. I have a Peak-One backpackers stove, there are others but this is what I have and can recommend.
military 4 part sleep system…protects to minus 30 degrees if you know what to do with it…and at LEAST have the bivy bag part of it in your car in case you get stranded….if you are dressed for the climate you’re in, it might only take that bivy to save yer life. randy
Shelter – Rain poncho and tarp or compact tent, stick with natural colors that blend with the surrounding area.
Cooking – I have a Stainless Steel 5-Piece Mess Kit, that I ordered from amazon.com but any lightweight kit will do.
First Aid – It’s best to assemble your own kit, tailored to your needs, or if you are lazy you can buy a ready-made kit. Don’t forget to add personal medications.
Light – I have a 2-AA Cell Mini LED Flashlight Mini LED Flashlight and a 9-Hour Candle.
Tools – A folding saw, Swiss Army pocket knife, and fixed blade knife. A light weight shovel and Machete are nice, but add extra weight.
Clothing – At least one extra pair of socks and underwear add other items if you feel the need and have the space.
Fishing – Line, hooks and sinkers and a few small lures. I also have a small gill net for catching fish.
Snare wire – I make my own from copper wire. Don’t forget to include at least 50 ft of parachute cord.
Plastic bags – Two or three large lawn bags and several zip-lock sandwich bags, can be used for a number of tasks and to keep things dry.
Binoculars – See game and enemy before they see you.
Sewing kit – Needle and thread don’t forget to include a few extra buttons.
This n’ that – Head net, electrical tape, face paint, gloves, sharpening stone etc.
Firearms – This is where feathers get ruffled and wounds opened. Everyone has their own idea of what the “perfect” survival firearm is or should be.
I am not going to get into all the choices here, which would be an article in and of itself.
Coffee, sugar, and chocolate.And salt. Buy these items in bulk. Store in baggies for trade.
coffee filts for straining water and bleach
pitchfork
digging bar
tow straps/shackles/chain with pipe for towing
Antacids
Anti-diarrheal
BULLETPROOF VEST
holsters/pistols
loadbearing vest
pain reliever
Children’s pain reliever
First aid book
Prescription medications (keep copies for records)
Cold/flu medicines
Vitamins
blood clotting
Sterile gauze
Dressing bandages
Dressing rolls
Medical tape
lidocaine
Bandages of all sizes
Alcohol wipes
Hydrogen peroxide
Eye flushing solution
Anesthetic solution
Hypodermic needles (for the antiseptic solution)
Electrolyte tablets
Benadryl
Scissors
Tweezers
Cold Packs
Antibiotic ointment
Thermometers
Skin irritation creams
Gloves
Mask
Suture needles/string
List of medical contact phone numbers
Medical history file (if needed)
medicine cabinet…take the whole damn thing
ladder
giant channel-lock pliers and crescent wrench
vitamin c…scurvy
appologies for the stuff that’s on here two….or MORE times, but i aint cleaned it up in a while….someday when i’m not doin’ nuthin’… -
PMs are just like any other prep, but further down the list because there are more important items that should be obtained and stored first. Food for instance, a reliable source of water, shelter, and the means to keep and protect it. Once you get all your “beans, bullets, and band-aides”, then it might be time to consider adding a few PMs>
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