Then why not just buy gold, guns and ammo?
Because I don’t think civilization as we know it will crumble.
I think the reason that Trinary suggested putting the money under the mattress (actually in a lockbox) was because the “last savings account he/she had was nearly depleted by the bank’s never ending series of fees” and not because of some irrational fear of a collapse of civilization. I think if he/she keeps a few thousand dollars deposited in a bank or credit union, he/she shouldn’t be charged any account maintenance fees.
Right, I think chargerrish was just pointing out that there was virtually no good reason to put it under the mattress. I was only trying to support that sentiment.
But gold, guns and ammo are investments that could increase in value. Lot’s of people who don’t trust traditional institutions do use them.
You’re missing the biggest one rich people forget to consider- cash flow. Paying the 2% loan frees up paycheck space. You could get the 5% income and use it to pay the 2% loan every month, but then transaction fees eat you alive.
Why did you omit MREs? 
Because with the basic staples of gg&a you can barter, hunt or convince people to give you food. The KISS (keep it simple sir) rule applies here.