Thousands of hardworking people in Argentina lost almost everything in 2001. The peso devalued rapidly and a run on the banks forced the government to implement Corralito measures. That is, they "corralled" banks and financial institutions to stop them from bleeding to death as Argentinians panicked.

A similar thing happened in Russia in 1998. The Russian government devalued the ruble and defaulted on domestic debt. Inflation soared to 84%.

Now, the U.S. is barreling down the same path, with exploding debts and deficits, and a dollar with an increasingly weak future ahead of it.

While the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) guarantees at least some of the money you have in U.S. bank accounts - thereby preventing a run on the banks - it is powerless to stop your dollars turning into Monopoly money.

The only way to conserve your wealth is to move some of it internationally and outside of the dollar.

The easiest and fastest way to do this: open an offshore bank account. It is the cornerstone of any truly solid, sovereign investment strategy.

A decade or more ago, only the wealthiest investors could benefit from any kind of offshore bank account. Now, after dramatic changes in international banking and communications, even a modest offshore account can be your quick, inexpensive entry into the world of foreign investment opportunities.

To open an offshore account today, you no longer need a minimum deposit of $1 million or more. Some banks will open an account for as little as $100,000 to $250,000.

But with the lower minimums you don't get the individual service that comes with a minimum of US$1 million or more.

With all of those powerful benefits, and low barriers to entry, how do you go about choosing the right financial institution for your offshore bank account?

How to Choose a Home for Your Offshore Bank Account in Five Steps

The quick answer is, do your due diligence. Here are the first five steps to take:.....