Thoughts on Post-event bartering and economy
I have been thinking about the misconceptions of gold and silver investments lately. Specifically how they factor into a post-event world. You see, quite a few PAW-type fiction books neglect this issue, but hey, it's just a story. So let's dwell a little on the hypothetical.
Assuming you are now living in a post-event world where bartering for goods and services is the new economy. Whether currency has no meaning due to no government to back it, or there is no standard in which to determine a note's worth, economy will exist. Worth of goods will be determined by local needs and availability, i.e. supply and demand. Things like clean water, materials and tools for construction, firearms/ammunition, and medical supplies will be standards of trade due to their immediate need and lack of availability. What demand of gold do we have when it doesn't clothe/feed/rehabilitate us? Sure some folks may hang on to the idea that a currency may reappear with gold as it's standard. However, in the immediate, we're talking about keeping ourselves alive.
Also, assuming in this post-event world that manufacturing and fabrication abilities are either non-existent or severely limited, what need is their of gold or silver as a medium for electronics or aesthetics? Now, I can understand if a local dentist melts down scraps for fillings, or a local economy comes to terms with a material standard. But it is far-fetched to realistically see a value in gold that is quantifiable by more than it's simple aesthetic value.
Rather, I suppose we should consider prepping to excess when it comes to standard ammunition like .22lr and 12 or 20 gauge, of which you should also own several firearms capable of using. A 5-gallon bucket of rice is inexpensive, easily stored and could be used for trade or your own needs. Medical supplies will also be at a premium. Not just simple tylenol or vitamin c tablets (which will have worth but is in high distribution) but any extra prescription medications. If at all possible, a small solar panel running a powered cooler full of insulin (for personal/family use) will be priceless should the electrical grid be compromised for any length of time.
Gasoline has it's worth in the short-term assuming roads are clear and traveling is safe, but is difficult to store for long periods of time. Diesel is a more suitable option for vehicles and small machinery though the upfront investment may be a dissuader. In the vein of transportation, once travel is made safe a stock of pawn-store bicycles with extra tubes and patch kits is inexpensive and takes far less time and space than a horse (if you have the land). Of course hand-powered tools and appliances will be in great need whether power is available or not.
Most important is your ability to have your preps at hand, ready to go should we get to "that" point. Post-event all the sheeple will be scrambling and in a fight/flight/avoidance instinctive mode. Your ability to focus on security of your BOL rather than needs being met will increase your ability to persuade any "curious trespassers" why flight and avoidance are both real good choices.
This is just a microscopic view of a much bigger picture but hopefully will outline the investment misconceptions for a pot-event world.