A hyperinflationary depression is the perfect storm of economic calamity. Hyperinflation refers to the fact that the currency of an economy is significantly devalued and, as a result, prices skyrocket. The classic example is Weimar Republic Germany, where it took a wheelbarrow full of paper notes to buy a loaf of bread. In 2009, Zimbabwe saw inflation of nearly 90 sextillion percent and was forced to print currency denominated in the trillions. Partly because of the disturbing effects of hyperinflation, but also because of other structural causes, depression can occur simultaneously with rapid devaluation of currency. Production grinds to a halt as consumers are unable to purchase goods and unemployment skyrockets. Surviving such a situation, should it occur in the United States, will be one of the most challenging feats imaginable.
Start a garden. The problem with stockpiling is that you can only store so much. If an economic crisis lasts for more than a few weeks or months, most stockpiles will be exhausted. A garden can be a more long term source of staple foods like vegetables and beans.
Stockpile food and necessities. One of the greatest risks of hyperinflation is scarcity of food and basic necessities. Storing stockpiles of these basic goods will make it easier to meet you and your family's needs when these items are not available in stores. Canned and jarred goods have a long shelf life and can be accumulated over time. A reliable source of water, the most essential of all necessities, is critical.
Barter useful and valuable items. During a period of hyperinflationary depression, there is simply no reliable currency (other than precious metals) that can be used for exchange. Barter involves trading one item for another based on mutual benefit. Consider what your possessions are worth not in dollar terms, but in terms of survival or convenience, and be willing to trade them accordingly.
Own precious metals. Currencies devalue because they can be printed without limit. Hyperinflation occurs because governments attempt to create more money to stimulate the economy (similar to the Federal Reserve's lowering of interest rates). If the depression continues and worsens, further expansion of the money supply results in hyperinflation. But gold and silver have finite quantities and represent value that has been recognized since antiquity. While the dollar loses value, precious metals retain their purchasing power.
Stay secure. Unfortunately, not everyone will be well prepared during an economic crisis. Crime becomes rampant as people become desperate for food and other basic items. Your preparations will be for naught if you can't protect them from looters or other thieves.
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