What to do for "bartering" during/after collapse? Gold? Money? Goods?

originally posted by: RifRAAF
Tampons.

"In post-apocalyptic Earth, first you get the women, then you get the power, then you get the money"

Then the woman leaves you for someone with better Tampons taking all your bartering goodies....and Tampons just for spite..

On a serious note. what do we rely on. If it's a back to the stone age SHTF Scenario then the Basics... Water, Fire, food, or means to catch food....Just enough for a few Months, but firstly i secure as much pharma as possible, Drugs people depend on to live.
People with i'll family members will give you whatever if it means that loved one stays alive. Antibiotics would be high on my list.