Been about 10-12 years for me. I used to a lot more freaked out about it than I am now. Today, I am in the testing stages doing my preps as a matter of lifestyle and getting ready to adapt to whatever. For years I was worried about tools and stores, scrounging hand tools, buying 50 lbs boxes of galv. nails, deck screws, etc. I even 'borrowed' a roll of plastic bags to use as bread bags. Over the years I have gotten more relaxed about it all because my position has modified/matured.
I live in Canada. I am quite sure we will always have a base supply of fossil fuel products even if the Govt has to step in and exert some kind of crisis control. We currently produce just over 4 million bbl/day and export to US slightly more than 1/2 of that. While new projects are currently mothballed, prices will eventually rise to make modest improvements viable. We will have enough oil for transportation, even if it becomes more basic and constrained. Under NAFTA we are still required to export to US what we do now, but trade agreements come and go and NAFTA is unpopular in both countries right now. Screw NAFTA. The exports might stop, Keystone XL was stopped, anyway, and any excuse will do. We have enough food, water, and land. Canada (and my family) will be fine going forward as far as I can determine.
I bought a brand new Stihl professional saw if that is any indication, but don't plan on too many more purchases. I have been thinking about replacing my 30 year old Toyota PU with a used mini-truck from Japan; either a 3 cyl diesel or a 660 cc gas engine. I am waiting for my truck to burp before pulling the trigger.
If the Market keeps tanking, or the housing bubble bursts (as it should any day now), I don't really give a damn. I think those players are absolutely nuts and due for a spanking, anyway. We'll be okay in Canada. Guestimate lifestyle at maybe 40% of what it is now for most folks. The dining out and air travel vacations will come to a grinding halt for current profligates.
