I share your concerns, rbeau30. I've converted a a portion of my equity holdings into precious metals holdings. When the dollar tanks because of runaway debt, few investments will hold their value, but gold and silver have a better chance. Real Estate is scary too, because what if they jack taxes up so high you can't afford to pay them? Yep, the government will confiscate it. It's a tough call, as to just what to do. A couple years ago I jokingly told a friend to invest in Spam. Might not be so far from wrong.