Unconventional Investments

Edit: Avagdu let me know of some other stuff that could be worth looking at.

Been talking with V on the R5nger5 IRC channel (irc.freenode.net #r4nger5, come say hi) and the conversation drifted to investments. Various things were discussed which I will go over here.

Traditionally, investing is usually done with stocks or commodities. the problem with stocks is that they don’t really exist (money these days doesn’t really exist either, its what is known as fiat money which means that it is only worth what the state says it is worth and is backed up by people’s faith in the state but that’s something that can be discussed later). Gold is done in more or less the same way but there is (supposedly) a real tangible substance being held in trust.

The problem with that is you don’t get to hold it in your hand so its not really yours. If things go tits up with the company that you have given money to then your money could disappear.

Getting physical gold is also problem. An ingot is pretty damn expensive. Also, you need someplace to store it securely. Another big problem is in a SHTF situation. You will have to take that gold with you. Gold is heavy and doesn’t really do much. You would be better off in the short term with using the space and weight for food and water. If you can securely store your gold in a bug-out location that would be best.

This brings me on to the main focus. Investments should be functional and reliable as well as 100% under your control.

Wogs and r4nger5 know the importance of kit. Kit enables you to carry out tasks and can augment your skills. Getting good kit that will last a while is a great investment. I suggest getting a good knife (many tasks can be done with one). Pig Monkey suggests a backpack and a good pair of boots.

I made the suggestion of wog laminated maps. The ground does not change appreciably on a year to year basis so a good set of maps should last you at least a decade. For those who don’t know, wog lamination is where you take clear packing tape (or other clear strong tape) and cover both sides of the object resulting in a waterproof and tear resistant object. You also have the bonus of being able to write on the map with a pen or china pencil and wipe it off later.

Rechargeable batteries are also an idea. Every day there are more and more electronics coming out and they need power somehow. The majoirity of them are powered by batteries. Rechargeable batteries have the advantage of being reusable, you can hook them up to a solar panel or a small wind turbine and get power for your stuff in the field. The green-ness could also be a consideration. I suggest standardising on one size (or as few sizes as possible) to keep flexibility. AA size batteries are good for size and power output though getting a few leisure batteries could be useful in a more permanent (or less temporary) base. There is a caveat however. Rechargeable batteries have a limited time before the chemicals go bad and they fail to hold a decent charge. Consider them short term investment and don’t store them, use them.

Depending on how paranoid (or concerned) you are about your water supply, some sort of filter is also a wise choice. Folk are putting very bad things in the water these days, fluoride, lithium and there are prescription drugs detected in places.

Highly taxed goods such as tobacco and alcohol may be useful to barter/trade with though tobacco has a shelf life and isn’t as useful as alcohol.

Shelf stable foodstuffs are another valuable asset. Items such as grains, dried and canned food are easy to store and you will thank yourself for preparing if/when civilization collapses.

I would recommend also investing in skills. Even though they are intangible, the results of them can be used to improve your living and even gain regular employment. Getting a driving license is one that immediately comes to mind.

Just some ideas I’m putting out there. If anyone has any other suggestions please feel free to comment.