First off I want to say thank you for the incredible response to my post a few days ago – “From the Desk of John Rourke“. I really appreciate it. Back to today’s post…….
So – the cases of COVID-19 are spiking and the United States sits in 3rd place for total in the world. This is not unexpected as testing has increased, thus, the number of reported cases should be going up. Luckily – thus far – the percentage of deaths compared to total cases remains fairly low(at least by Italy standards). New York is the epicenter with almost half the nation’s total cases.
The stock market has dropped nearly 30%, and rebounded back up around 8%. I suspect it will skyrocket once the stimulus package is fully passed – adding trillions of dollars to the Federal debt in the process.
Businesses all over the country are shut down and millions are out of a job. Grocery store shelves are empty of rice, beans, meat, and other essentials. Gun sales have skyrocketed and ammunition is flying off the shelves. Police departments across the country are refusing to enforce or investigate non-violent crimes. Some cities are releasing inmates to decrease the possibility of infection through the jail population. People are walking around in public with N95 masks on and hand sanitizer is the most popular perfume and cologne ever made.
It’s a $%&#storm for sure.
The nation will recover(to what extent is up for the debate). The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus will be longlasting and severe(for how long and to what extent is also up for debate).
When it’s all over – what then?
If this event does not wake people up to preparing for uncertain times nothing will. For those of a preparedness mindset, we should all learn from this experience what holes we have in our systems and provide perspective on what is truly needed. When things get “back to normal” – or at least to the new normal – what are YOU going to do differently to be better prepared for the next event?
Hey – it is still early in this situation and there are far too many variables involved to accurately predict exactly what will happen over the next 6 -12 months and beyond. I have my concerns. What I know is based on the assumption that we get back to some sense of normalcy I plan to do the following:
- Be completely debt free. Being that I just became unemployed I recognize that having very little debt would be of great benefit.
- Live in the country away from people. This has been a goal for quite some time and I will accomplish this ASAP. There are so many advantages to being “in the sticks”. No doubt there will be neighbors and a community that I’ll actively engage. Networking is important.
- Food. Food storage is so important and must be a priority. While I have been sitting in a decent position it is not nearly enough. This will be rectified once employment is gained.
- Medical. While difficult I would very much like to expand my medical preparedness to include some prescription meds that could be very handy in a variety of situations. It can be done.
- Emergency Savings. Building an emergency savings to deal with unexpected events is a must.
- Just enjoy life. Over the past year, I have been unbelievably busy. Life is too short. Going kayaking, fishing, looking at the night sky and all those stars, firepits, whooping my kids’ ass in basketball, and having a glass of whiskey with friends are just a few experiences that I need more of.
Those are a few of my thoughts for now, and no doubt the list will change over time as things change.
How about you? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay safe.
Rourke
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