What would be the smartest thing to do for common people in economic depression?

My short suggestions. ( Plz comment )

Start beeing as selfsufficient as possible. Some things i have done with my family of wife and 4 small boyes: Home gardening, wandering in the wild, testing life without electricity, testing low cost solar solutions.

Buy as much local as possible. Be active in your neighbourhood.

Go out and sosialize and talk openly and honestly about your situation.

Collecting silver coins as hobby. ( Silver is relatively cheap and gives better intrest than any bank.)

See youtube etc cites for beneficial “garage projects” Like home made wind, solar etc energy solutiins.

Tell your wife and children about your familys financial situation and possible future needs for saving.

( My kids were eager to live without electricity when I promised them 50% of what we could save.. :o)

Here were some things i have done. I still have my buissness and good income. [^o)]

Why would you want to buy local, unless it’s your goal to help a particular local business?

Trade is mutually beneficial, who cares about some arbitrary border? (Is it town, county, state?)

If you say “plz” because it’s shorter than “please”, I am going to say no, because it’s shorter than yes…

Weapons, weapons and more weapons. Whether it’s for hunting or fending off government/other violent people, weapons will come in handy.

Get a good long range hunting rifle, a pistol with a large magazine (like a glock or baretta 9mm), a semi-auto or fully auto weapon (if you can) that fires pretty fast, and a good assortment of knives (pocket, Swiss Army, Leatherman, switchblade/spring assisted, etc).

Learn proper nutrition. Learn to prepare simple meals. Learn how to use a needle and thread.

One thing that just came to my mind is an article that was posted on lewrockwell.com recently. I don’t agree with all of these, but many of these will be useful: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/how_to/4284709.html