What are some good ways to start acquiring and saving some real money?

Here are a couple ideas, please add yours in the comments:

- buy 'junk silver' at a local coin shop or antique/junk store... easy way to pay cash and have no trace. 'Junk silver' is typically considered to be dimes, quarters, and half dollars that are 1964 or older and too worn to be of numismatic value.

- hunt yard/garage sales for sterling (NOT PLATED) items. Once in a while you'll stumble on a valuable piece as a bargain price. You may find belt buckles, candy dishes, coins, jewelry, etc..

- always know about what the 'spot price' is. Go to kitcosilver.com or similar to have an idea.

- Consider buying a set of old sterling forks to use in your daily meals. Double win! Silver in your 'stash' while having health benefit of true silverware.

- Start with small denomination stuff. No need for big rounds or bars if you can't 'make change.' In a grid down event, you must have and be able to use small denominations. Dimes, quarters...

- Budget a little each month to this area of your preps until you have a little nest egg.

- Pop into pawnshops and see what's under the counter. Don't over pay, but a little here, a little there adds up.