Author Frank Liso is an avid coin collector and Silver & Gold stacker.

It’s no secret that we are seeing high inflation. In parallel, we have historically low interest rates. The Federal Reserve could reduce inflation by restricting the money supply through increasing interest rates, but that is a precarious position, since it could crash the Stockmarket, which is already spiraling downward.

Inflation is being driven in part by the eight trillion Dollars of stimulus money that has wreaked havoc in the US stock market, falsely inflating stock values, and real estate values. The Pandemic has not only destroyed supply chains but also, world economies.  Inflation may be just the beginning of the bad effects. 

World leaders are taking full advantage of the Biden administration and USA’s assumed weakness. This has led to the current War in Ukraine, and may lead to another one potentially over ownership of Taiwan. In addition, we have the Iranians apparently itching to nuke the USA and Israel. Then there is our good buddy in N. Korea with his twitchy missile finger.  Wow, what a difference a year makes!

Russia and China are trying to overtake the US dollar as the world currency and truthfully, they have a shot at it. The only reason the dollar hasn’t been dethroned is that the dollar is the currency for Oil world wide. Imagine if Iran (say) decided only to accept payment for oil in Rubles, or Yuan, or Euros for that matter, something other than US dollars.

So, what can the average person do about it? People can protect themselves and their loved ones with a little planning and proactive preventative measures. What is important in uncertain times like these is hoping for the best, but being prepared for the worse.

Financially speaking the secret is how to deal with it at minimum risk and a potential upside should there be a bull market in commodities. 

I am offering a few things to consider, based on how I am dealing with the present situation. Think about whether these are right for you and your family.

My priorities for 2022 are straightforward. 

• Food: have a few months of food stored staples that can keep you from starving should supplies get low at the local market. Ideally, this should be a mix of your favorite regular food and some food designed specifically for long-term storage.
• Water: we use a lot more water than we think. It takes a lot of water to get by for a 3-month period. If you can’t store water, then get a water purifier – they are relatively inexpensive.
• Get your home secured: consider a system such as ADT or Ring, perhaps get a firearm and training, reinforce your window and door locks, and get a dead bolt system for your front door. These will all help in the event of potential gang violence, robberies and break-ins.
• Get some gold and silver: if you don’t have any it would not be a bad idea to have a few months of living expenses worth of it. After all, paper money might not be trusted. Also, what happens if the banks don’t you allow access to your bank accounts for any reason? What happens if there is an EMP strike? If the internet goes down, do you have Silver or Gold to get you through when traditional paper money fails?
• Bartering: can you Barter goods or services?  Do you have a trade or a skill that you can barter for meat, veggies, etc..
• Keep your expenses as low as possible: think about how to reduce your credit card balances as much as possible.
• Don’t talk about your hoard or stockpile: Why attract attention to yourself from people who are less prepared?