It is a hedge, that is all.
Depending on the scenario, other forms of investments will bring higher returns, ie drinking water, food, ammo.
The idea that you should only put your faith in any single thing is absurd and of course foolish.
Diversification in investing is prudent; gold has it's role.
Have some gold, sure. But don't forget soap, tampons, toothpaste, and other things people use on a daily basis for decades. And I might add, if you are really planning ahead, they store better than cigs and with booze, you have to guard both of them from people who are out of their minds in withdrawal.
Of all the above, I would probably choose soap, toothpaste, and tampons -- in that order. They store well and are pretty much ignored by people with guns looking for cigs and booze. If it hits that fan that is. You'd be dealing with less offensive minded people (women) looking for these items for their families.
Gold has it's value before and after a major meltdown when you have an semi-orderly market with liquidity.
Well stated. One also needs to understand one's reasons for wanting to own gold. One's reason should dictate the form the investment should take. Owning gold for the sake of owning gold is foolish.
DITTO. Before we hit Mad Max situation (where guns, bullets, food, water, drugs, alcohol, porn will be hot products) then gold has very little value in terms of keeping you alive/safe/comfortable. However if we do not drop to that level, but suffer from a severe financial meltdown (ala high inflation) then gold and silver will be very handy.