Top 20 Alternatives to Money During SHTF

Communities may need to rely on practical, tangible items that have immediate value for survival, protection, and daily needs. Here are the top 20 alternatives to money during SHTF.

GEAR & TOOLSSHTF & SECURITY

10/17/20248 min read

Top 20 Alternatives to Money During SHTF

In a SHTF (Sh*t Hits the Fan) scenario, traditional currency may lose its value or become inaccessible, making barter and alternative forms of trade essential for survival. Communities may need to rely on practical, tangible items that have immediate value for survival, protection, and daily needs. Here are the top 20 alternatives to money during SHTF:

You may like this e-guide: 103 barter items for SHTF:

103 examples of barter items with planner included

If you haven't already, take advantage of these FREE PDF guides that are 100% free, download and print them all out in case of power or internet loss:

Free disaster prepping guides everyone should have

A Theoretical Survival Tale About Bartering - Based on Past Events

I have created a tale to show an entertaining depiction of how bartering during a disaster can be executed. Early on just as I started working with clients in-person, I made small barter boxes to show the context of long-term survival and eliminate the idea that a disaster will only last a couple weeks. As a perfect example, the hurricane that hit NC and east TN started in September 2024 and has barely recovered as of present day January 2024. Those people have been living in horrible conditions as FEMA continues to fail and local leadership creates red tape for temporary homes, already watering at the mouth to establish eminent domain to repurpose land. Now, project this disaster on a national level, and the concept of currency as we know it, diminishes significantly. So what are alternatives to money? Well, anything that you put into your SHTF barter box, like cigarettes, toothpaste, alcohol (rubbing and drinking), etc. Even things that YOU will never use, those are the best trade items because they have less attachment. I know it sounds bad to sell individual cigarettes for a high price, also know as a Loosie, but during difficult times, sometimes human brains need a brief stimulant before or after trauma. Especially in war, this is pretty common. So lets see how Richard handles the alternatives to cash...

In the aftermath of the storm, the city was a husk of its former self. Concrete towers loomed over streets littered with debris, the remnants of shattered lives. Power grids had collapsed, and supply lines were severed. Money, once the omnipotent currency of trade, was now nothing more than paper and promise. Survival required ingenuity, and those who thrived understood one key principle: alternatives to money could mean the difference between life and death.

Richard Kane was one of those survivors. A former logistics officer turned prepper, he had seen the writing on the wall long before the storm hit. His suburban home, unassuming and ordinary to the casual observer, was a fortress of foresight. Over the years, Kane had amassed a collection of barter items that proved invaluable when the unthinkable became reality.

The first alternative he employed was fuel. In a society where generators hummed like lifelines, gasoline and diesel were more valuable than gold. Kane had stored hundreds of gallons in well-maintained, sealed containers. His stockpile became a magnet for neighbors who needed power to keep food cold or medical equipment running. Each gallon traded was a calculated negotiation: fuel for canned food, antibiotics, or even a watch with a reliable mechanical movement.

Water purification systems were another ace up his sleeve. While the unprepared scavenged for bottled water or boiled dubious sources, Kane had invested in portable filtration devices, iodine tablets, and even a solar-powered distillation unit. Clean water was the cornerstone of survival, and he leveraged his surplus to trade for other essentials. A fisherman down the street, desperate to hydrate his family, offered freshly caught fish in exchange for a single purification straw. The trade ensured both parties saw another day.

Food for long-term storage was, naturally, a cornerstone of Kane’s strategy. But he didn’t stockpile just any food; he prioritized items with longevity and versatility. Vacuum-sealed rice, freeze-dried meals, and powdered eggs filled his basement shelves. Beyond his own needs, he recognized that small, portable portions like protein bars and instant coffee were ideal for barter. One morning, a young couple showed up with a proposal: two bottles of propane for a box of instant coffee packets. Kane accepted without hesitation, knowing the propane would fuel his outdoor stove for weeks.

Not all trades were physical. Skills were just as valuable as goods. Kane’s military background made him an expert in navigation skills and first aid. When a nearby family needed someone to suture a nasty gash, Kane’s steady hands saved the day. In return, they offered him a wind-up radio—an item Kane’d been searching for to stay informed about relief efforts. His knowledge became as much of a commodity as the tangible items in his stockpile.

Even items of apparent luxury found their place in the barter economy. Tobacco, alcohol, and even chocolate—all indulgences that offered comfort in chaos—commanded incredible value. Kane had set aside a modest supply of each, knowing their worth would multiply when scarcity set in. One afternoon, he traded a bottle of whiskey for a sturdy pair of hiking boots, a transaction that would serve him well when scavenging trips became necessary.

Tools of value during SHTF, were another key element. A multi-tool, a hand-crank flashlight, or a simple hammer could make all the difference in a world stripped of convenience. When a neighbor’s roof caved in during a subsequent storm, Kane lent them his spare tarp and a set of nails in exchange for a few hours of labor fortifying his own home. These items were not just tools; they were lifelines, exchanged in trust and necessity.

Perhaps most surprising was the value of knowledge. Kane had meticulously documented instructions for gardening, building rainwater collection systems, and basic solar panel maintenance. When a desperate father offered his last can of peaches in exchange for a crash course on cultivating a vegetable garden, Kane obliged. It wasn’t just the peaches he gained; it was an alliance, a mutual understanding that skills were currency in their own right.

Richard Kane didn’t just survive—he thrived. His foresight and strategic use of alternatives to money created a network of resources and relationships that sustained him in a world where trust and trade reigned supreme. Every item in his stockpile, every skill in his arsenal, was a step toward stability in an otherwise fractured existence.

If you liked this story, after reading the rest of this article, be sure to watch my Youtube video about James, a modest store clerk who rose to power. The video discusses how he managed a community as well as barter and trade items while surviving an invasion from China, maruading gangs, and more.

1. Food

Food is the ultimate currency in a crisis, where stores run out and people must fend for themselves. Canned goods, rice, beans, and freeze-dried food will be in high demand. Items with long shelf lives, such as canned meat, fruits, vegetables, and grains, can become extremely valuable in bartering.

2. Water

Clean, drinkable water is one of the most critical resources during any emergency. People may trade for bottled water, water purification tablets, or water filters. Large containers for storing water and portable filtration systems like LifeStraw or Berkey filters will hold immense value.

3. Firearms and Ammunition

In dangerous times, personal protection becomes a top priority. Firearms and ammunition are likely to become highly sought-after trade items, especially as security becomes a concern. Both those seeking to defend themselves and those looking to hunt for food will find firearms indispensable.

4. Medicines and First Aid Supplies

Medical supplies, such as antibiotics, painkillers, bandages, antiseptics, and first aid kits, will be essential for treating injuries and illnesses. Items like aspirin, ibuprofen, and prescription medications will also become critical barter items, as they may not be readily available.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol serves several purposes in an SHTF scenario. It can be used as a disinfectant, for medical purposes, or even as a form of comfort. Whiskey, vodka, and other hard liquors could be traded for other essentials, as they have a long shelf life and numerous uses.

6. Tobacco

Smokers will be desperate to get their hands on tobacco products during a crisis, and it could become a valuable barter item. Cigarettes, cigars, and rolling tobacco are all likely to hold high trade value, even for non-smokers looking to capitalize on the addiction needs of others.

7. Tools and Hardware

In a world where resources are limited, manual tools like hammers, saws, nails, axes, and screwdrivers will be invaluable for those needing to repair or build shelter. Self-sufficiency becomes crucial, and people will trade for the means to maintain their surroundings.

8. Batteries

Power sources will be scarce in a grid-down scenario. Batteries of all types, especially AA, AAA, and rechargeable ones, will be in demand for powering essential devices such as flashlights, radios, and other equipment. Solar-powered chargers may also serve as a vital alternative.

9. Fuel (Gasoline, Diesel, Propane)

Fuel is critical for transportation, power generators, and heating. Gasoline, diesel, and propane will become key assets, especially for those who need to move or power machinery. Small, portable fuel containers may become a common bartering item.

10. Solar Panels and Power Options

Off-grid power sources, such as solar panels and power banks, are highly useful for charging electronics and running small appliances. Portable solar chargers can power communication devices and medical equipment, making them prime barter goods.

11. Clothing and Footwear

Sturdy, durable clothing and boots will be important, especially for outdoor survival. Items like thermal wear, waterproof clothing, gloves, and tactical boots will help people survive extreme weather conditions. Blankets and socks will also be highly valued.

12. Hygiene Products

Personal hygiene, including sustainable DIY homemade hygiene products, will still be important, even during a crisis. Toilet paper, soap, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and toothpaste will be in high demand as people look for ways to stay clean and healthy. These products will become incredibly scarce in stores.

13. Seeds for Gardening

Seeds are essential for sustainable food production. Heirloom seeds for crops like tomatoes, corn, beans, and greens will be extremely valuable. As people realize the need for long-term food sources, seeds will become one of the most crucial barter items.

14. Gold and Silver

Precious metals like gold and silver have historically retained value through crises. Coins, bars, or even jewelry made of these metals will hold value, especially for those looking to secure wealth for future rebuilding efforts after the initial disaster has passed.

15. Handmade Goods and Skills

As systems break down, skills become highly valuable. Carpentry, medical skills, mechanics, and even cooking or sewing will provide bartering opportunities for those who can help others. Similarly, handmade items such as clothes, blankets, or tools can be traded.

16. Candles and Lighting

With the grid potentially down, candles, oil lamps, and lanterns will become essential for lighting. Lighters and matches will also be valuable for starting fires. Any form of portable, long-lasting light will be sought after in barter situations. You can even make your own survival candles from raw materials.

17. Fishing and Hunting Gear

Survival may depend on the ability to hunt or fish. Fishing rods, nets, lines, and tackle will be valuable items. Likewise, hunting gear such as bows, arrows, traps, and hunting knives will be critical for obtaining food, making them prime items for trade.

18. Coffee and Tea

Much like alcohol and tobacco, coffee and tea will be in high demand as luxury or comfort items during a crisis. People will be willing to trade for these products as they provide a sense of normalcy and comfort, especially in high-stress environments.

19. Pet Supplies

Many people will still want to care for their pets, even during a disaster. Dog food, cat food, litter, and basic pet supplies could become important for those with animals. These items could be valuable for bartering, particularly for pet owners trying to survive.

20. Shelter Materials

Tarps, tents, and plastic sheeting for temporary shelters will be in high demand, as people need to protect themselves from the elements. Items like nails, rope, and duct tape will also be necessary for securing or repairing shelter, making them valuable in trade.

Conclusion

During an SHTF scenario, the value of traditional currency will likely diminish, making essential goods and practical skills far more valuable in trade. Those who prepare ahead with these items or develop useful survival skills will be in the best position to barter for what they need and help maintain some semblance of community in the aftermath.