Mostly because I think that the current yoyo in the white house is in way over his head. I wanted to get some non retirement $ out of my mutual funds. I bought -
Toyota Tacoma - 4X4 - crew - longbed - with all the bells and whistles.
Have a Springfield M1A Scout Squad rifle on order (hopefully it comes in in a reasonable amout of time)

I would rather HAVE these items then gold or some paper in a database.

I've even pulled some of my retirement funds. Thinking about pulling the rest, despite the penalty for early withdrawal.

I don't think it will be there when I'm old enough to retire.

I agree with you, but we are not allowed to touch our 401ks unless we quit the company.

I think that this particular captain of the Titanic is ok, but the ship is still sinking.

It might not be a bad idea to get some things in the ship store before it floods.

I think a good life preserver is a pickup truck.

Even if there's not much gas around it makes sense to get wood, haul scrap iron, etc.

I like cast iron cookware. I think it is the ideal thing to get. If the grid goes down you can still cook on it, so it's got value whatever happens.

Back to basics/

1/ good axe & adze.

2/ real nice knife.

3/ spring traps.

4/ ultra strong boots.

5/ a nice mountain bike.

6/ sleeping bag & camo tent.

7/ maps & compass.

8/ antibiotics/ analgesics.

Whatever the kit though you can't go past a bit of real local knowlege of a low populated high survivabilty area. Whithout this the fancy car and nice gun could just get you into a whole lot more trouble.

I already have most of the other items. The others don't really apply to me - I live on an island. My food source is and will be the ocean.
Lots of space - and a low population. We have the largest privately owned ranch in the entire USA located on the island. Can you guess where I am?

alaska

The Parker Ranch sits atop an area known as Waimea (between Hamakua on the Windward side). It’s nearly 3,000 feet up, cool, dry in some areas, lush and rainy in other areas.

must be nice...

I think it makes sense to have a stocked bug out spot, and a way to get there.

I have to work on that...

I gave up waiting for the M1A. I got a Smith and Wesson M&P15 rifle - I got the standard one with the carry handle ($1099.00)
FYI they have a deal on the S&W site - buy one and send in receipt get 5 free 30 rd magpull mags...nice... It lasts till Dec 31st.

beans and bullets.

Compared to most, like 95%, you are now living in one based on what I saw on CNN. And congratulations!