If there is a serious event, your (((Federal Reserve Notes))) will probably be useful until close-of-business on Day #1 of the event. I think that is the main argument for having some cash.
On Day #1 be the first in line. On Day #1 use plastic if you can, then cash, until businesses realize that they can't eat, drink, shoot, or smoke cash. Buy as much of everything you need until you have no cash, then get out of there. As the crowds build, your personal risk increases. Go with armed people so you can watch out for each other. The predators will be trying to be first in line—and they will follow you to your destination..
Cryotocurrency is interesting and risky.
Pros: • Not even guns, ammo, and real estate have appreciated as fast as quality crypto (BTC, ETH, XRP, XMR).
• Some crypto is inherently αnσnymσus (XMR, DASH, ZEC) proving you don't make a meatspace mistake like buying it with plastic. (((.gov))) hates XMR because it is so secure, but XMR isn't very popular on the "clear net."
• BTC is NOT αnσnymσus. It is "peudonymous." It can however be "mixed" and so made αnσnymσus using services like Bitcoin Fog (caveat emptor: some mixers are scams that steal what you deposit, so use a mixer with a reputation). If you want to use Bitcoin Fog, use YaCy (preferably using I2P or second choice TOR) to search for the current .onion address.
• The right people hate it.
• Right now you can mine it and barely break even, but that mining will pay off big if you
• Hold it until the crypto value increases relative to the (((Fed notes))).
Cons: • It could be "disappeared" in an instant, e.g., internet down, seized by (((.gov))), EMP)
• Even if it isn't disappeared, crypto has been and will likely remain volatile.
• So few people use "cold storage" (offline "wallet" devices) of their crypto currency, that if the internet is down there will be almost nobody who can accept your cold storage "coins."
• Tax reporting of crypto transactions is required and attracts attention. (((They))) want to know everything about you to control (or liquidate) you.
I think of crypto as a long-term bet. A small gamble can pay off if you hold it until the right time—but you could lose it all, so don't buy crypto with your rent or mortgage money.
MetalsPros: • Metals have always had value.
Cons: • You can't eat, drink, or smoke metal—but… you can cast projectiles with lead.
• It's heavier than cash.
• It's not easy to hide.
• If you can't carry it all, someone needs to guard it.
• If you spend metals in hard times, you will be noticed and targeted.
The purchase/sale premium you pay on fractional gold is not attractive to me. I think silver, even "junk silver, is a better idea for day-to-day small purchases.
Ammo & Guns: Do not ever barter ammo or weapons. They will be used against you at the earliest opportunity. Of course there is risk to bartering food, water, alcohol, and "money," but I think the risk is
too high when it comes to bartering ammo and guns.