When things collapse, have actual cash on hand (it will have lost value, but still be tradeable), have silver and gold coins, and be ready to jump on fire sales of property. My grandfather's friend did this during the Depression--he collected land throughout California Central Valley and he was a millionaire. We do this in a small way during every recession--pick up good deals for cash when the banks aren't doing loans. Buy lots and start building basic 3B/2B homes that will always sell or rent even in hard times.