I have a friend that lived through the 1929 depression, yes he is very old but still sharp. He's been following with interest the latest financial fiasco thats going on at the moment. I asked him what he thought people should do, (ordinary people like me). He said to me "save your money girly!, don't put it in the bank cause they will suck it all up with fees, and the banks may go bust. Learn how to grow your own food, and get rid of all your debt as quick as you can, cause when the banks feel the squeeze, they will squeeze you!!" I laughed when he told me in his own unique way that " the government don't care about you girly, when push comes to shove they will look after themselves". I'm more inclined to take his advice as he has seen money come and go and is still here to tell about his experiences.