“If it really were a SHTF scenario, money would be practically worthless so withdrawing it from the bank would be a waste of time.”
Absolutely incorrect. For a short time, cash will be KING. Start with a few basic assumptions:
1. Banks shut down so you can’t get cash.
2. Credit systems shut down so you can’t charge stuff.
3. People are stupid.
#3 is the key. There will be a few days when some businesses will try and stay open, on a cash-only basis. For those few days, people will still believe cash has buying power. Bear in mind that the stocks will FLY off the shelves (like milk and bread before a snowstorm) but there will be some products that you may be able to get your hands on with cash - batteries, first aid/medicines, dog food, soap, etc. Use your cash to immediately purchase these non-bread/milk items while everyone else is fighting over that crap. There will even be gas stations open on a cash only basis where you can top off your cans.
It won’t be long before people realize cash is useless, but having an immediate supply on hand would actually be quite helpful.
I've honestly never given much thought to the various SHTF scenario's, but I have to admit that I'm pretty damn' nervous right now with so many "experts" saying to stock up on foodstuffs, water, fuel and cash.
Our pantry typically always has at least 3 months supplies. Adding water and cash to them is no big deal for us. Ammunition I never get low on.
What makes me most nervous is the shortage of medicines and first aid supplies that are sure to hit hard and near immediately. I have to take a biologic drug for a condition I have. Without that biologic I physically get in alot of trouble in a big hurry. Stocking up on that is a near impossibility due to cost ($2k/Mo.) and strict federal controls around it.
Looks like I'm in for a slow, agonizing death in a SHTF scenario.
“1. Banks shut down so you can’t get cash.”
Banks won’t shut down. Cash will be available. The fed will tell people to wait a few days and the banks will be flooded with trillions of fed $100 bills.
Inflation, yes. Lack of cash, no.