Hi Priggly et. al.
In terms of fiscal importance, I advise the following, in order:
1. Get rid of all debt.
2. Buy bullion but only enough to provide insurance going foreward. Suggest no more than two years of expense-covering, as, if and when the fiat fails, within two years, TPTB will introduce another system of financial/goods and services exchange.
3. Buy shares in PM's. What better way to protect your value, than owning a part of the operation that actually mines the raw metals.
4. Always keep some FIAT on hand to pay current expenses. Suggest 6 months unless you are retired and not in the workforce. If the latter, buy shares and sell as you require FIAT to cover expenses.
Good Luck to all!