As in all apocalypse theories electricity and the internet collapse, there are massive riots and looting. Stockpiling food and weapons is the norm. Although you want to say these things can't happen, it is still disturbing because he uses basic truths to support his theory. Another disturbing factor are all the doubters in the book before things start to fall apart. I don't know about you, but I tend to connect with the characters in the books I read.
There was one thing I had a hard time accepting. Right before the crunch, many people resort to buying gold and silver coins, as well as jewelry, to get out of cash. It becomes the new currency, as do bullets. I have a hard time seeing us go back to using precious metal as mainstream currency. First, I feel that the majority would not have the foresight to stock up on gold coins before things got too far. Although it was not that far into the past that we relied on gold and silver coins. The problem is we have gotten used to "trading" with invisible money. We use our debit cards, our credit cards, and wireless transactions. (hmm, sounds like part of revelations) Before we were to completely crash I could see us going to some sort of socialist society with with electronic credits. There are already complaints that we are too close to a socialist society as it is.
I can however see inflation getting out of hand if it is left unchecked. With the price of fuel rising in the past, which raises food prices, and increases the cost of living. It makes sense to buy local and to grow and preserve some of your own food. This also benefits your health from eating fresh food and vegetables but also the environment as well. I believe in having basic skills. Stocking up on gold and weapons? I am not so sure.