Thanks, @prep4shtf! You make some solid points. I suppose I did neglect the bartering aspect of financial security. I don't smoke and don't want to go out buying cigarettes, but I could definitely store up some alcohol. The small airplane type bottles could come in really handy for this purpose...plus alcohol serves a great first-aid function as well. I also agree ammo is good and canned food, and I would say small toiletries as well, like hotel soaps and small tubes of toothpaste. Anything you could divide up well to make some "go-away" packages as well.
As for bullion purchases, I use Scotsman coins in St. Louis. (scoins.com) I have found them to be comparable or better than most if not all online dealers and I have actually been in their store so I have some rapport with them. They also are flexible with payments and ship all over for $6.95. But the most important thing is to find a quality dealer you can trust.