Am I the only one who has looked back at their life and realized that in nearly 100% of “rough times” it was money that made things better? It wasn’t a stockpile of ammunition, medical supplies, a bug out vehicle nor solar power. Cash was the answer.
Prepper’s prepare for extreme events that have a minimal chance of happening. EMP is a good example. Nuclear war another. While opinions vary on the likelihood of such things overall highly unlikely is the verdict. Massive winter storms and power outages occur here and there but for the most part these are minor short term events.
The real SHTF events most of us face includes unemployment, vehicle breakdowns, and unexpected bills. When these things come up money is the answer.
The point is not to say that food storage and firearms are not important and shouldn’t be done. I mean, every day that goes by is one day closer to when “it” happens. We just don’t know when that will be. No – the point is we should be prioritizing saving and being as financially independent as possible as a prep.
Millions and millions of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Any kind of financial emergency becomes a personal SHTF. Putting together an emergency fund – starting at $1,000 is a good first step.
Take care.
Rourke
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John, you’re right and we are putting cash aside along with other necessities.
Of course, costs increase for several reasons, both political and financial. Basically mfg’s charge enough to make profit and stay in business.
Paper money has values because everyone agrees that it does, and they agree on how much value. Neither paper not 1’s and 0’s in computers have value if you can’t get to them, or is someone says they will no longer accept them for payment. (RE: Confederate money, script in mining towns etc.. etc.. ).
In TEOTWAWKI all bets are off. Most reasonable people see any emergency and being something much less damaging. If Money is still accepted (and it will in most cases), you need to have it available on hand. Alternative currency that we even use now is of course barter, skills/work. Be creative.
Currency is not ubiquitous. There is only so much in circulation of total value at any one time.
https://www.uscurrency.gov/life-cycle/data/circulation
If you remember your High School history, the FED can place limits on what you can with draw, as well as what instruments can be executed to get TO the money. Our view, it’s my money. The Fed’s view is, it’s theirs to keep the government solvent. 1929 Crash and bank runs. Things like negative taxing, and account confiscation happened in the recent past (history again). It’s where FDIC came from (a joke by the way). Roosevelt even made gold ownership illegal through congress. (check ur history).
Sooner or later you will need access. You just have to have discipline and live as far below your means as you can.
All that said, if you want it for emergencies, have it ON HAND. Don’t count on normal access in emergencies, as we have seen in COVID very recently. There are a lot of ways to have emergency resources of course. It’s what we all do!
Have fun
GG58
I have been out of debt 5 times in my life, but always due to an external source (inheritance, re-up bonus, etc.). But the longest any time lasted was 3 weeks. The reason was pretty simple and 2 fold. We did not change the attitude that go us into debt. Second, was no savings to back the lack of debt. Something always happened.
Last year we were again close, then we needed a new transmission. But I had the $4500 in the bank. This year we were short on our taxes. Although I had the money back in the bank, I had some ammo sales that made up the difference so I didn’t have to dip into it.
Savings “red lines” have kept me out of those accounts for wanted “stuff”. Inflation is eating into our income, but we are still moving forward.
It’s a good feeling to be winning this race. But without discipline, spending changes, and a budget, it wouldn’t happen for us.
Thanks Rourke- and everyone. You are wise and correct. I believe balance is important
some money, some ammo, food, water medical supplies etc. Covid should also have been a great teacher in all of these lessons. Arlene
PS Everyone have a Blessed Easter.
We are expecting snow for Thurs-after having 60s .
How much do you think is good to have stashed at home? I’ve heard it would be prudent to have smaller bills as well as large bills because when you go out to those stores for supplies just before the SHTF, there won’t be much change-making.
Sara – I like the idea of a $1,000 emergency fund. $500 in 50’s, then the rest in $20’s, $10’s, and $5’s.
Sara;
Amounts are tough. Given all prepping is about the same except for duration, it’s basically what you are comfortable with. You have now, later and forever foods etc.. If you eat what you prep, then it’s fairly easy if you have storage space and cycle it.
Having some cached make sense, for fires.. floods etc. etc. ,, Get to 90 days in food and them do it again and then again .. when you get to a year and while getting there cycle in things that will expire into your daily food. Have a few months worth of 25 year food at least. Now you get into freeze drying your own food, gardening, canning .. etc etc .. all depends on what you want to do.. whether you have a MAG, and family on board.. and where you live .. $$$ .. medical needs .. and skills you have or need to have..
Short answer, shoot for a year and rotate and supplement for rule of 3s and 2s.. IMO
GG58