I have no doubt the economic collapse is coming. You just need to read the news with an open, inquiring mind. Our "leaders" and the ones who keep electing them have spent us into oblivion. You know the score. Our debt is unpayable. It is the same the world over.
But that is not all. Taxes, laws, rules, regulations, political correctness, islamic madness, welfare addiction, lobbyists, wars, etc., have all contributed to the toxic stew contributing to this coming collapse. The collapse/denigration of the American spirit is the biggest contributor in my opinion.
I have read the collapse will be quick, as in days. I have also read it will be a long, gradual slide that will take years. I think it, as with most things, will be in the middle of the two.
The politicians will continue to spend. That is what they do. They can think of nothing else. They will also pass laws restricting more freedom as things deteriorate, for our own good, of course. The fact that their spending and laws helped cause this mess will never occur to them. The citizenry will go along with these restrictions, as they have in the past, as necessary for the times. But people will gradually notice things costing more. Some products will seem harder and harder to get. Our dollars will be worth less and less. The feeling of DOOM will get stronger over a period of time.
The big question is how long this slide is. My guess is it can last for a few years. Then you get to a point something, anything, happens, and society "collapses" in a matter of weeks.
But the hope lies beyond the collapse. People aren't going to simply disappear. Houses, factories, cars, etc., will all still be here, as will people. My hope is that some lessons will have been learned and we can come roaring back leaner, stronger, better than now.
That is why I prepare. Not because I believe it is the end of the world, at all. (That would make no sense.) But because I think we will come through this stronger than we were before if we learn and purge ourselves of the diseases listed above.
If you think so, too, then start preparing.A month's supply of water, food and ammo would be a good start.
BTW - never forget this did not have to happen. Liberals/progressives/unions and their collectivist policies are to blame.