Although I understand the sentiment behind this article, I'd venture to guess that the writer knows very little about the actual "prepping" lifestyle.
You'd be hard pressed to find a "prepper" who doesn't have a fruit tree (or dozen or more), who hasn't enhanced their skills by taking first-aid classes or learning about food preservation, who doesn't have an emergency reserve of cash, who hasn't looked for ways to live "off-grid," who doesn't have a large stash of good-quality tools, and who doesn't invest their money in some way (particularly things like silver and gold). Indeed, most also build a network of likeminded folks so they have a community when TSHTF (as it's known).
Now, I'm referring to "survivalists" or "preppers," rather than people who simply coupon the heck out of their supermarket so they can store 300 boxes of cold cereal. But since the writer mentioned civil unrest and the like, I assume he was actually discussing those who view a stockpile as an insurance policy against disasters.
I suggest a little more in-depth research about the survivalist community in the future. You'll find, as I mentioned, that most actually do have all those bases (investments, skills, network, etc.) covered. Like all smart investors, preppers tend to know it's unwise to keep all your eggs in one basket.
Absolutely true. Our youngest, once he mastered scissors, was a mad thing for thin cardboard and masking tape. He made these crazy cool things out of them. After opening boxes for his first Christmas, our oldest played with the boxes, not the gifts his grandparents and aunts had given him.
Another great toy is a dress up box, even our boys loved homemade capes and various hats.
To be honest I was expecting to read about some mind blowing innovative ways to earn cash before I went to bed tonight... Lol. But honestly, seeing some of the ideas you've posted hear brung me back down to a practical perspective. You don't have to build a mouse trap that needs batteries, perhaps placing some peanut butter on a regular ol' mouse trap and improve the results as you go... In other words, many of the things that made money in the past can still make money here in the present and more than likely in the far future as well. Well... maybe not #2. If humans start living in floating houses with clouds for front yards we'll have to think of something else. Haha.. Thanks for posting!
whooo whee! that sounds like a bit too intense for me! Might get stuck with picking up the bill! Or, a free dinner! Man OH MAN you guys know how to party. What's next pin the tail on the stock option?
Well said, I've gone to the crazy side several times. I was recently on vacation in Paris and would walk for several blocks every day just to find the cheapest deals for lunch. It isn't wrong to be frugal, but it becomes annoying when we are frugal at someone else's expense. The suggestion I would make is to learn to compromise and go out for dinner once in a while or get movie tickets even if it is a "non-essential purchase", if only to avoid driving everyone around you absolutely crazy.
I agree that it is a horrible investment. If you want to invest, then invest. If you need insurance, get insurance. The reason the premiums stop at some point is because people horribly overpay up front. I also trust Dave Ramsey's advice on this.
How about paying exorbitant "insufficient funds" fees because you made a purchase while broke?
I've been there. Now that I am no longer there, the best advice I received was "Live like a college kid, even after college". Even as an adult, I love the dollar theater and the clearance rack. I save money by remaking all of my "college foods" like curry with rice and baked penne. Once you are under control, it is not an excuse to get back out of control. Don't think of it as deprivation, think like a college kid and "consume creatively".
I really like the idea of making short-term New Year’s goals. I've just started doing this and it allows me to stay excited about a goal, because I feel like I'm making progress everyday. The goal stays fresh in my mind instead of fading away into next year.
I'm not really a writer, but this month I've started doing what I call brain dumps. Everyday or so I'll create a new Google Doc and jot down whatever is on my mind. Anything from business ideas to goals I want to accomplish. One might even call this journaling, but that doesn't sound very manly. Anyway, I've found it to be a great way to bring clarity to my thoughts and ideas. Plus, my brain no longer has to hold in all this information because it's written down.
For physical gifts, practical things for the house ~ new bedroom dressers, or a rug for the family room. For fun~ A new camera or ipad mini!
But more than anything I want a happy, peaceful, healthy holiday with my family! And I think that's a good possibility, so I'm sure it will be a great Christmas!
Although I understand the sentiment behind this article, I'd venture to guess that the writer knows very little about the actual "prepping" lifestyle.
You'd be hard pressed to find a "prepper" who doesn't have a fruit tree (or dozen or more), who hasn't enhanced their skills by taking first-aid classes or learning about food preservation, who doesn't have an emergency reserve of cash, who hasn't looked for ways to live "off-grid," who doesn't have a large stash of good-quality tools, and who doesn't invest their money in some way (particularly things like silver and gold). Indeed, most also build a network of likeminded folks so they have a community when TSHTF (as it's known).
Now, I'm referring to "survivalists" or "preppers," rather than people who simply coupon the heck out of their supermarket so they can store 300 boxes of cold cereal. But since the writer mentioned civil unrest and the like, I assume he was actually discussing those who view a stockpile as an insurance policy against disasters.
I suggest a little more in-depth research about the survivalist community in the future. You'll find, as I mentioned, that most actually do have all those bases (investments, skills, network, etc.) covered. Like all smart investors, preppers tend to know it's unwise to keep all your eggs in one basket.
Absolutely true. Our youngest, once he mastered scissors, was a mad thing for thin cardboard and masking tape. He made these crazy cool things out of them. After opening boxes for his first Christmas, our oldest played with the boxes, not the gifts his grandparents and aunts had given him.
Another great toy is a dress up box, even our boys loved homemade capes and various hats.
For wrapping paper I always used the comics from the Sunday paper, they're bright and colorful and still a good read on a gift!
I'm wishing for a Prius, but thinking it will probably be a new coat. :)
Good question. The purchase and balance transfer APR is 0 until Nov 2013, and then 12.9%-20.9% variable APR.
Great List!! Even greater is that I've done a bunch of the things in the last month! Now I know what else I need to do.
A gift card for a new suit or two. My work wardrobe could use a refresh.
To be honest I was expecting to read about some mind blowing innovative ways to earn cash before I went to bed tonight... Lol. But honestly, seeing some of the ideas you've posted hear brung me back down to a practical perspective. You don't have to build a mouse trap that needs batteries, perhaps placing some peanut butter on a regular ol' mouse trap and improve the results as you go... In other words, many of the things that made money in the past can still make money here in the present and more than likely in the far future as well. Well... maybe not #2. If humans start living in floating houses with clouds for front yards we'll have to think of something else. Haha.. Thanks for posting!
I'd love cash, but I also wouldn't mind an iPad so I can travel with it, on the go!
I want mY boyfriend to propose!
A week's paid vacation and some one at my job that will do all of my work while I am gone. Then I would be able to enjoy the time off.
whooo whee! that sounds like a bit too intense for me! Might get stuck with picking up the bill! Or, a free dinner! Man OH MAN you guys know how to party. What's next pin the tail on the stock option?
I want my husband to commit to taking a vacation next year.
The nexus tablet.
can i say CASH? =P i honestly don't know yet.
Well said, I've gone to the crazy side several times. I was recently on vacation in Paris and would walk for several blocks every day just to find the cheapest deals for lunch. It isn't wrong to be frugal, but it becomes annoying when we are frugal at someone else's expense. The suggestion I would make is to learn to compromise and go out for dinner once in a while or get movie tickets even if it is a "non-essential purchase", if only to avoid driving everyone around you absolutely crazy.
I agree that it is a horrible investment. If you want to invest, then invest. If you need insurance, get insurance. The reason the premiums stop at some point is because people horribly overpay up front. I also trust Dave Ramsey's advice on this.
How about paying exorbitant "insufficient funds" fees because you made a purchase while broke?
I've been there. Now that I am no longer there, the best advice I received was "Live like a college kid, even after college". Even as an adult, I love the dollar theater and the clearance rack. I save money by remaking all of my "college foods" like curry with rice and baked penne. Once you are under control, it is not an excuse to get back out of control. Don't think of it as deprivation, think like a college kid and "consume creatively".
money and a new car!
I really like the idea of making short-term New Year’s goals. I've just started doing this and it allows me to stay excited about a goal, because I feel like I'm making progress everyday. The goal stays fresh in my mind instead of fading away into next year.
I'm not really a writer, but this month I've started doing what I call brain dumps. Everyday or so I'll create a new Google Doc and jot down whatever is on my mind. Anything from business ideas to goals I want to accomplish. One might even call this journaling, but that doesn't sound very manly. Anyway, I've found it to be a great way to bring clarity to my thoughts and ideas. Plus, my brain no longer has to hold in all this information because it's written down.
I would love a stand mixer to be able to bake more often.
For physical gifts, practical things for the house ~ new bedroom dressers, or a rug for the family room. For fun~ A new camera or ipad mini!
But more than anything I want a happy, peaceful, healthy holiday with my family! And I think that's a good possibility, so I'm sure it will be a great Christmas!
I most want things for our new house. We move in the first week of January!
You're right, it should be rack -- thanks for catching that, Guest! I've fixed the typo. =)