Rationalizing ones unpreparedness with haughty "doomsday" skepticism is extremely shortsighted, IMO.
The problem with this type of thinking - only an apocalyptic scenario is thought able to separate the masses from their wealth or means to survival.
The popular example is Zimbabwe-style hyperinflation and wholesale destruction of the economy. Likely not going to happen. But if it does, gold will certainly have more value than worthless paper dollars.
Whats more plausible - a major political or terrorist event that prompts a Constitutional suspension and the imposition of martial law.
We're only one big attack away from seeing this Constitutional Republic go up in smoke (pun intended). General Tommy Franks and other military notables have said as much in recent years.
Given the "inevitability" of such an attack (see Cheneys giddy, weekly reminders), we're standing on a historical precipice, as it were.
If the golden cord is cut and an American Dictatorship rears its ugly head, its all over.
All electronic monies held by private citizens at commercial banks will be frozen from making large cash withdrawals or oversea transfers. Poof! GONE.
All safety deposit boxes will either be confiscated or subject to search by Homeland Security prior to withdrawal.
Precious metals and transferable securities might very well be banned and seized (to "prevent another attack"!)
Travel will be locked down. Check points everywhere. Citizens refused emigration from the Country....
How does your 5 million in a Citi HNW fund help you now?
My 2 cents:
Guns, ammo, storeable food, generators, fuel storage, solar, stock-piled medicines and gold/silver/cash (small denominations).
Have an escape plan if it gets hairy.
Preferably, a nice island farm outside the US. Jump on your boat or the next plane the moment a nuke goes off. You won't get a second chance.
If an overseas retreat is too pricey, get a nice island cottage in the country somewhere with some livestock. Go and hole up for awhile.
If theres a societal breakdown or military crackdown, you don't want to be near either. Far, far away...