Go to the local recycling center and get a bunch of used plastic containers then go home and fill them all with water before the water goes out 
True true.L It is pointless to HAVE the necessities unless you can also DEFEND what you have.
I'm not flaming just trying maybe to point something out. If getting those things were so easy to do when a "meltdown" took place there really would be no problem with a "meltdown". You would want those things already in place BEFORE "any disaster" took place. Nothing wrong with a stockpile of food/water, meds, butt wipe ect, ect.Food, water, clothing, and shelter would be what I would acquire first.
I'm noticing people are having a problem with the "concept" of the thread. A financial meltdown there's no gas/oil for chainsaws, there's no chainsaws in the store because there are no stores. If gas is being sold its at "todays market" $30.00G and you have chits that only allow you 10G a month *Usa in the 70's*. You MUST have these things BEFORE a meltdown hits. You need things that don't use gas/oil, electricity. Think caveman not Prada/Gucci or Sears/Supermarket.You could always just buy a chainsaw? Or an axe to get firewood with?
Ok I'll buy that I should have said "problem with the concept of meltdown" rather than "thread". Understand though my confusion there's nothing to buy AFTER a meltdown, hence a "meltdown". Metaphorically its like asking what would you buy to save your life after you die".And I'm noticing, B_E, that you have a problem with the concept too. The thread started with "...what are some of the first things you would acquire in order to prepare yourself before the population buys up everything useful?"
I know you wanted to make your own little point, but you missed the point.
I would say stock both.Is it better to stock the resources you can find directly in nature or merely to have the tools necessary to?