I am sorry to hear about your situation, and hope things soon turn around for you.
My point was that we’ve (North America) gone thru similar events (inflation, slowdowns, etc.) in the not-too-distant past; I remember being out of work for a long time in 1983-84. And though it was before my time, I heard the 1974-75 recession was also brutal.
But some of these media stories make it sound like people are going to give up on the fiat money system altogether - I don’t think that’s realistic.
I have been through all of those so-called recessions. Even Jimmah Carter didn’t do the damage or caused the turmoil President Obama has done in the 10 months he has been in office. I really cannot make a certain claim that times are changing. I say that these days are very, very different. My instincts say these are unusual times. Do not become complacent and don’t let government statistics calm you. If you watch what is going on in government, nothing makes sense. They are trying to crash the system and overwhelm it. Silver and gold are the best hedge against the monetizing of the dollar. Or better yet seeds. People will go hungry if the country tanks and seeds may be worth more than silver and gold..