Top 12 Barter Items To Have If The Dollar Collapses: Stock Up Checklist

Consider a situation in which money has lost it's value. It could be hyperinflation, a natural disaster, or something we've never seen before, such as an EMP or bioweapon, that throws the nation back a century. One day, regardless of the reason, our cash money could be worthless, in my opinion.

People will have to trade with one another in any of the aforementioned situations until electricity is restored or an acceptable form of payment is developed. Having a large selection of barter items is a smart idea in case that ever occurs.

Two dollar billPhoto byRichelleg

Additionally, keep in mind that in a barter economy, it's not all about possessions; it's also about potential uses. For this reason, learning how to use these things is equally as crucial as stockpiling them. For example, if you don't know how to fish, trading a loaf of bread for a fishing kit won't help you at all.

Never forget that your knowledge is your most valuable asset.

1. Precious Metals

Precious metals make excellent additions to any portfolio, but in a survival situation, they might not be the best option. The majority of people will be more interested in usable or consumable items rather than gold and silver in the event of the SHTF situation. (Stuff Hits The Fan, a life-altering event, or the end of the world as we know it.)

However, precious metals might become a widely used medium of exchange in a survival scenario. Because of this, I do recommend stocking up on gold, silver, and even copper if you can, but don't put all your precious metal eggs in one basket.

Precious metals will probably all be usefulPhoto byRichelleg

2. Batteries

If there's a grid-down situation and the world starts running on solar recharging (if we're lucky) and batteries, you better believe all those batteries in your junk drawer will become of high value. If you've ever spent any time in the darkness following a power outage, you understand how priceless a little glowing flashlight bulb can be.

3. First Aid Supplies

This one, in my opinion, speaks for itself. Stock up on first aid supplies for your family, and a few extra for trade. It's amazing the comfort a single little bandage can bring if you need one and don't have any.

4. Tobacco and alcohol

Let's face it, if one who enjoys these things can't just buy them at the store, they're going to be super motivated to trade or barter amazing things for them.

5. Water

Never, ever, EVER underestimate the power and the comfort of having clean drinking water. This one item alone, in my opinion, could be of the most value. Not everyone can or knows how to harvest their own clean drinking water.

Clean water will be kingPhoto byRichelleg

6. Toilet Paper

If one has ever been camping or even remembers the TP crisis of 2020, not having something clean, safe, and comfortable to wipe with can be a real issue. I personally would have traded six cans of food and a bottle of hand sanitizer for half a roll of TP. People get desperate for the strangest things. Have some on hand to make good trades.

7. Seeds

Having a stockpile of canned food is a beautiful thing, and you should absolutely have some on hand. However, that food can't reproduce itself. And while you can't eat just seeds, one packet of seeds has the potential to feed you forever if you keep saving more seeds after harvest.

8. Coffee

Enough said. LOL!

Or will coffee be king?Photo byRichelleg

9. Bar Soap

This is another one of those items you don't think about until you don't have it. In a survival situation, you'll need soap for cleaning yourself, your clothes, your dishes, and your living space. People will forget this and will be willing to barter handsomely for a good clean.

10. Protection and Ammo

You'll need protection for yourself and your family, but also, those who don't have it will be looking for it. You could score some incredible things for survival by trading protection and ammo.

Salt is and will be super importantPhoto byRichelleg

11. Salt

Salt has been used as currency for thousands of years. This will not change in the event of a collapse. People will need salt both for their health as well as food preservation, especially without electricity.

12. Duct Tape

When people are using supplies as fast as they can store them, preserving items will become paramount. Instead of throwing something away, in a world where we can't get our hands on things as easily, they'll be looking to fix things instead of throwing it out. You can both repair and create things with duct tape.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Items may lose value due to unforeseen events, availability, and personal preferences. While being ready is important, flexibility is much more so.

Have options!Photo byRichelleg

Attributions:

Williams, A., & Williams, A. (2017, February 17). The Top 50 Items To Barter With In Case Of Disaster. https://uspreppers.com/the-top-50-items-to-barter-with-in-case-of-disaster/

MSN. (n.d.-b). https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savingandinvesting/90-best-items-to-barter-with-following-a-societal-collapse/ar-AA1mczK8