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We've been trying to live as if society had collapsed. I think it started right before the Year 2K. Nothing happened, but it was really good practice. We studied up on emergency-type survival, I got my CPR training. We read a lot on the Internet about what to do in an emergency.
Here are the main things that we need to do before all hell breaks loose. Bush will take us there, have no doubt. Who knows how much time we have. Best to get started now.
1) Eliminate all debt. Pay off credit cards, loans, medical debt, everything you possibly can. Use the "Debt Snowball" that Dave Ramsey refers to.
2) Learn to live on less. Yes, you can do it! From one who has done it. Your life will become more serene, calm, free (you won't be in the mall any longer). You will look around at your neighbors and colleagues at work who are in the rat race and you'll feel sorry for them. Because you jumped off the wheel, my friend.
3) Start stockpiling food & water. This does not have to be a huge outlay. I started out with the 48-hour Survival Package (it's not a package, it's just an assortment of water & food that will get you through 48 hours. Next, I started stockpiling dry grains, dry soup mixes, cans, some Top Ramen, etc. My goal was to have enough for 6 months. I went to the local Ice Cream company and asked for plastic tubs. They gave me 30 free, and I took them home & cleaned them. Next, I bought pinto beans, wheat kernels, dry garbanzo beans, lentils, dry onion soup and many other dried goods, put them in a white plastic garbage sack, used a metal tie and sealed them up. This was a first step. At this point, I knew we'd make it for 6 months. Just pick up a little bit each time you shop, and you won't even notice it. And then start filling the containers.
4) The issue of cash & currency: the book mentioned that money could be a problem in the event of a holocaust. If banks are shut down, you could be stuck without money. It's always a good idea to keep maybe $200 in the family's fireproof safe, just in case. The author suggested thinking about things that could be used for barter. After the Florida hurricanes, people discovered that there was a huge need for plywood, boxes of nails, tools and drinking water which commanded hefty prices. I'm not saying be a gouger, but it's nice to have a little on hand for bartering.
5) Consider moving out of the city, or at least buying a small piece of property.
We have done all of these things. Now, while nothing may happen (I believe we're going over the abyss), you will not have wasted any money. The food can still be eaten. You will have peace of mind because you'll be able to get through.
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