Of course it all depends on where you are living and the circumstances. In a predominatably peacefull world, a reserve currency with all its faults will get you by. However, in a war torn world, currencies can become worthless overnight. In WW2 many gold shipments were being made around the world to pay for arms, currencies were not acceptable. Depending on your view of the likelyhood of warfare and the need to buy arms, will be your position as regards gold.
