Lets look to the great depression as an example. Economic collapse does not have to mean a Mad Max scenario. In a great depression the "intelligent" rich will get even RICHER.
But I guess this shows how stoopid a lot of folks here really are...
Human psychology, laws, demographics, cultures, etc are far different than they were 80 years ago. Look what happens in a US city when a group of people don't get their way in a criminal case having nothing to do with them personally, for instance. I hate to see what will happen if things ever occur that really affect those people firsthand - such as the US going bankrupt and not being able to give those people entitlements they are accustomed to anymore.
How have you done so far, Mr Intelligent Rich guy? Any other tips besides "buy physical gold"? I'm dead serious. I cannot predict the future (unlike lots of guys here), but I've been around enough to know that I wouldn't wish to see a depression, and that gold probably won't be the savior some might think it will be.
Ever hear of Bunker Hunt?
You don't want to see another great depression - even if you live across the world. It probably be far, far worse this time in ways we cannot even imagine.