Brazil during the 1980s and '90s was a period marred by hyperinflation, stupid policies implemented by various governments to contain it, unrelenting economic turmoil, and social unrest. Now it's time to see how it ended and go over some tips we can use to stay informed and prepared for what's coming.

We're living in a similar context today. Some experts defend that the economic setup is similar to the 1940s. Others say it's more like the 1970s and '80s. I'm of the opinion that this matters little to common people like you and me.

What I care about ultimately is how bad this can get, how it will affect me and others around me, and what I can do to protect myself and mitigate the suffering these situations inevitably bring.

Whether inflation will rise, reaching hyperinflation levels, or whether we witness deflation (which is equally damaging), the scenario is grim. It's astonishing, but we're in this pickle not only by the worsening of various extraneous circumstances but in great part by the design of our own governments: they wanted inflation and worked to get it.