That is highly dependent on how we imagine "the meltdown" to look. If you mean a global collapse in existing international trade, like the Great Depression of the 1930s;
You should invest the majority of your savings in 'gold, guns, and butter.
To put it another way, gold as a medium of exchange, weapons production (since outbreaks of hostility are more likely during times of widespread resource hardship), and consumer staples.
If you're thinking of something even worse, like a "Mad Max" scenario, you might want to invest in "gold, guns, and butter" in the literal sense: gold and firearms in a gun safe, as well as a huge supply of consumer staples.
But stepping away from economic theories and trailing investment wise(i.e generating income or appreciation)
There are a few things you can do to help:
First and foremost, gain some perspective. There will be no "global financial meltdown." There will be a global financial downturn. Financial values could plummet by 10%–20%. Maybe 30% of the time. They will not, however, fall to zero. And, most significantly, as every downturn in the last 100 years has demonstrated, if you can get through it, you will be considerably better off 5–10 years later. Those who do not prepare, then worry after the dip and overreact, are the ones who suffer the most.
As a result, start putting your money into more cautious options. Bonds will not fall as much as equities will. Cash will suffer less of a decrease than bonds. Prepare to dig in and stay for the long haul. Make sure you have enough money in your investments to last a year. Then, when the market slowly shifts, take advantage of modest market upticks to sell off other assets.
Don't get carried away with things like gold. It's fine to have a small amount of your assets in precious metals, but anything higher than a single digit percentage isn't a good idea. Physical commodities are considerably inferior to commodity funds. Physical gold will be difficult to spend because there will be few venues to do so. And how are you going to spend an ounce of gold on $100 worth of groceries? Denominations will be a significant issue. Furthermore, in the financial spread, getting into and out of real gold is far more expensive.
Any "abnormal" investment should be avoided. Don't buy the hype that "when the world economy implodes, you'll need your cryptocurrency investments." Many people are promoting this religion because they want your money. Now. Fraud and frauds account for 80% of the cryptocurrency market.
Depending on how you envision the collapse unfolding, invest in items that people will require in the lower levels of reconstruction. My parents are planning on purchasing a "ranch" that includes enough arable land to farm, a well, a windmill, and dogs to sell puppies from,Solar panels, dried and canned food, a large gas storage tank, whichever type matches your generator... rifles.. They're preparing for a TOTAL meltdown.
If you believe there will only be a currency devaluation, you should invest in bitcoin; if you believe the entire electric system and internet will go down, you should invest in precious metals...
