Over the past three weeks, I’ve had numerous discussions with people regarding the world today. These include people of varying economic classes, races, education levels – and political perspectives. None would be considered serious preppers. Concerns over inflation, food shortages, inflated stock markets, increasing cost of housing, and a ridiculous national debt were involved in these discussions. Something else that came up was an inability – or at least a suspicion – that most ANYTHING heard on the national news could not be believed.
Of course, within the group of people I am referring there were varying degrees of opinion, but, the sentiment remained the same: people are troubled and truly look at the future with a giant question mark.
In most cases, my discussion never entered the realm of preparedness. The discussions stayed more mainstream.
Inflation and fuel prices were major concerns. What was absent was blame. Most just focus on the results rather than the equation. I guess for the most part the reason doesn’t matter as we have to deal with it and have little control over the causes.
One individual was very frustrated with the cost of housing. She mentioned that rent for apartments had risen over the past year and combined with everything else made life extremely difficult.
Buying extra food and “stocking up” were mentioned by most. Putting together a food storage program was outside the realm of most people’s thinking. A few extra cans of soup, an extra bag of flour – and some additional meat in the freezer seemed to make sense for most.
Those who I suspected of being towards the bottom of the income scale mentioned fuel prices most. While food was certainly a concern and complained about – less expensive meals can be planned but gas has to be put in tanks to get back and forth to work. Several complained that although they have seen their wages increase over the past year those increases were nowhere near enough.
One person, in particular, recognized the serious economic times were are in. He was well versed in the annual Federal deficit and astronomical National Debt. He also mentioned the massive printing of money that has occurred in just the past two years. He was the only person that actually suggested that there may be no end to this trend and saw bad things happening in the future.
Interestingly – no one mentioned the Russia-Ukraine issue.
So – what does all this mean and what are people to do?
My 2 cents say that over the coming months as things do in fact get worse protests leading to riots will happen. Unless the government quells the masses with stipends, some form of guaranteed income, or “stimulus checks” – many of those same people who rioted over social justice issues will take to the streets over economic injustices. A number of those who find themselves struggling to make ends meet, put a roof over their head, and fuel their car to get to a job that hasn’t kept up with inflation will join them.
The question once again: What do people do?
The simple answer is people need to put themselves in a position where they are insulated from the effects of inflation, supply chain issues, and food shortages. Well, insulated as much as possible.
In today’s world, this is not easy. People are responding to the changes going on by adapting in a variety of ways. Some are decreasing their housing costs by renting out rooms in their home. Some are using alternative housing such as buying a camper, living in a van or converted cargo trailer – and even in tents. People are eliminating debts and reducing monthly expenses to free up income to go towards necessities. Others are taking on additional jobs and starting their own side businesses to increase income.
Thoughts? What are you doing to combat inflation and deal with these issues? Do you have advice you would provide to others?
Take care all –
Rourke
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I still do not use the term “prepper” in any conversations. I am just a farmer,, and as gray as I can be and still maintain a social media presence. I don’t do Television anymore.. You can’t watch a thing that isn’t’ forced grooming (LGNTQ+) and virtue signaling.. not even commercials and sometimes especially not commercials. It just has no value other than to confuse and coerce. Fear sells adds.. so I don’t play. In an era where stocking up will become known as a bad thing (hoarding) like you are not playing well with others and sharing the lack of products.. well.. first rule of fight club.
FB has effectively made admins do the censorship for them, by threatening to shut a group down if they discuss anything not desired. So I am all but done with that as well.
There are a lot of people trying to get a handle on what prepping is.. obviously by the type questions they ask, like it is a medicine that can be applied for an infection (newbs and scared). Of course it isn’t. Homesteading is what I am doing.. minimizing debt. investing cash in assets NOT on-line to some degree.. keeping more spare fuel, food of course.. investing in critters and gardens x 2 if not x3. Of course I have the space for that (not a dig)… If you don’t have the space you can still do some things, but based on where you are at. Ultimately I have a place to go that is 100% owned by the family. And am prepared to do that.
Crypto currency and the oversight it implies is something to avoid IMO.. if you rely on accounts that are 1’s and 0’s, and can’t get them out at a moments notice, be prepared to lose all or part of them, also IMO. I’m no Nostradamus, I just do what I can and to the limits I can.
On Ukraine .. no one really cares JR. It isn’t happening to them and it’s far away (in thier minds). With the exception of a few places and chiefly the US used to be one, and expectation of safety and security doesn’t exist. It never has for the rest of the world. IMO they are trashing the places, so everyone will shout “Save Me!” and accept whatever they give you.. call it NWO or whatever label you want.
We all but lost the battle years ago when globalization made individual nations unable to support themselves (grain, Oil etc etc). Be self sufficient and if it’s a bump, you might ride it out and start over. If it’s more than a bump .. all bets are off, and we’ll do the best we can.
Be deliberate about your plans whatever they are…
I know it’s a little dark (what I said), but I’d rather be prepared for it than assume the ship will right itself.
GG58
Good stuff GG58. Agree on all points especially Ukraine(well put).
Well stated GG58. A little dark, yes but you stated facts. I still watch TV but very selected in what I watch. I record everything so I can fast forward through the indoctrinating commercials.
We have prepared a lot mainly in food and protection. Wish we had someplace to go but we don’t so we will stay put and defend. We don’t live in a big city but too close for comfort. We have Grandchildren living with us and that is who I fear for, it would be rough on them if there was a situation where everything shut down. And at this point, they won’t eat beans and rice! I guess they would if they get hungry enough.
Everyone stay safe.
JR, you need to learn some skills from the Maine lady because it gets COLD in Kentucky. Your South Carolina thin blood won’t like that cold.
JR the fact that you are getting new and probably more desperate inquiries is a sign that people are starting to be aware and possibly even panicking. No one can avoid the problems of high prices and grocery shortages and voids.
Everyone I know far and wide and locally are very in tune with Ukraine and trying to help.
Up here this spring there is an abundance of gardening materials ( seeds, fencing, soil etc. last year it was very scarce)
My advice to those new to it all is
Conserve and pay off debts if possible.( tough now with inflation) If your vehicle-home NEEDS a repair get it done while you can. If you need the Dr. or dentist get it done.
Stock in food- anything you like to eat and that which will last ( PB and Jelly etc.)iodized salt oatmeal– vitamins-batteries-powdered milk and drinks-
matches or lighters -charcoal –
“Keep calm and carry on” Pray or meditate- read something positive or watch a funny show-learn something new -make a start to gardening even if it’s a tomato plant or a flower- learn about growing some food every little bit will help.
Worrying will not help but action even one step at a time will help.
Keep reading this site .JR you have always been a reliable beacon of light through the storms. Happy Easter and spring. Arlene
PS Daily I call and e mail the White house and Senators -and the local reps.
We need to become a majority to tell them enough is enough .
Thanks Arlene. Great list you put there- especially the peanut butter and jelly!
Good advice JR.
We have paid off our house and 2 vehicles. We are starting to repair our 1984 pickup truck as it may not be as affected by an EMP if that were to happen. Plus it has a capper and we can sleep in it if we have to. We live in a fairly quiet subdivision and there is WGood advice JR. We have paid off our house and 2 vehicles. We are starting to repair our 1984 pickup truck as it may not be as affected by an EMP if that were to happen. Plus it has a capper and we can sleep in it if we have to. We live in a fairly quiet subdivision and there is a nice mix of families of different nationalities. Our neighbors next door are Burmese, the family across the street are from Africa, and there are also quite a few of us “oldsters” as well as families with small kids, etc. We have a garden and I can as much as i can. I buy extra when I can. We have food stamps and that helps, but with inflation as high as it is, they don’t go as far anymore.
We have also changed our banking habits. We are picking up scrap silver coins as we can and getting ready to sell some of our gold jewelry. We don’t do anything crypto because when SHTF and the net goes down, you will not have your money. We also keep just enough money at any one time to take care of the bills that are automatically paid every month; when the electric bill is due, that much money goes into the account, etc. That way, if the banksters get their way, we will have cash on hand if needed. We have a 4-year-old grandson and he is the biggest thing we worry about. As to Ukraine and Russia, We don’t believe everything we see and hear because the mainstream media cannot be trusted to do their job correctly. To be honest, we never thought Putin would actually invade Ukraine, that he was just saber-rattling for attention.
Stay informed the best you can, do what you can do and/or afford, and pray that cooler heads will prevail, especially with Biden having his finger on the nuclear button along with Putin.
Good stuff MI+Patriot. Appreciate your sharing.