You know, the people you are listening to are really on the fringe, they are either trying to sell something through fear or they are just nut-balls. Legitimate economists do not believe this is a risk. The economy has normal cycles, there is nothing dramatic going on at the moment; just a weak dollar, slow growth, some frustrated investors, fairly large debt, and a giant gold bubble. If you want to spend your time preparing for the end of civilization, have a ball. Personally, I am very comfortable with my currency and my investments.