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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