Beans & LegumesTaking the Economy Into Your Own Hands
We hear the bad news everyday. More economic woes, more problems. Just Friday we found out that unemployment is still at 9.1%. It’s enough to make you want to ring your hands. There are many people who are struggling to make it in this economy. I’m sure if you took a poll, most would say that they are hurting, or they know someone close that is really struggling to make ends meet.
The question is, have we run out of opportunities to change the direction of this ship? The answer is a resounding no. As you know, The Ready Store isn’t about doom and gloom. We are all about self reliance, industry, preparedness, and peace of mind. The truth is that you have the power to change your tomorrows. You can take steps today that will not only help you have your personal needs met, but also give you opportunities to help others. You can be more prepared for the next big disaster.
Disasters are a part of life. Sure, not everyone will experience a category 5 hurricane, but most people will experience tough economic times. Most people will suffer from ill health, or be a caregiver to someone with health problems. Most will encounter day-to-day bumps in the road.
Bad things really do happen to good people. But they don’t have to control your life, they can make you stronger. Gratefully, we have a long history that we can look at and see what worked for those in the past to pull us through difficult times. We can plan ahead and instead of buying that expensive new car, (not that there is anything wrong with an expensive car) we can put that money towards preparing our families for the hard times that do and will come.
If you have ever looked at a chart of the stock market, you will quickly see that it imitates life. There are ups and there are downs. The path of life is paved with challenges, emergencies, and set backs. The trick is planning ahead and avoiding the temptation to think the good times will last forever. That doesn’t mean that y0u can’t enjoy life, rather that you can have peace of mind knowing you are prepared for the challenges ahead.
So that takes me back to the economy. I believe even with the difficult issues and challenges of our government and economy, there are still opportunities out there. America is made of smart, educated people who know that freedom allows them to choose their destiny. Wherever you are right now, you can start building a bright future today.
Sure it will be hard. I will take some time. But every step towards self reliance is a step made on solid ground. If your current economic situation is bad, start now to make small steps toward independence. Fight hard to make your dreams come true. Be smart and calculated. If you are currently in a good financial situation, don’t make the mistake of thinking it will always be good. Start to prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best.
Also, nothing brings more joy than helping others. Help those around you get prepared. The more prepared your entire community is the more safe it will be. I for one refuse to let the daily news, the government, or any other entity keep me from fulfilling my dreams. In the end we are the only ones who can stop ourselves. So please join us in taking this economy into our own hands so we can provide safety, security, and opportunities to our children and grandchildren.
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I feel the crunch and our family is still gainfully employed with no cuts in salary, etc. I don’t know what it is, maybe the feeling of impending doom! haha, no, probably not, but each time I spend money I don’t feel good about it unless it is on a preparedness related item. We now have at least a year supply of food but now I am worrying that it is not enough. We are stocking up on other items, as well. First aid supplies, toilet paper, etc. Water is not a super concern for us because we have a good filter and live in Minnesota with 3 freshwater ponds on our property and a lake across the street. But we still have so many concerns… what if we are without heat? even though our furnace is gas, without electricity we won’t be able to use it. We have had power outages before, and they always remind me of what could happen.
Maybe I am just a worrywart.
October 10th, 2011 at 5:26 amA good article. We have only been of the preparedness mindset for about a year now, and it’s easy to become mired down with the doom and gloom of it all. And there’s definitely an industry dedicated to it. It’s difficult sometimes to discern between the sincere and the profiteers who want to keep you afraid so you keep buying whatever it is they’re selling. So I appreciate the positive message here.
As for the economy – who knows. I’m like Rebecca in that we have been fortunate that our family hasn’t been directly affected yet, but who knows what will happen tomorrow. But the more I see our inventories grow, and things checked off our lists, the better I feel about weathering whatever storm may come. The thing is, you can’t worry whether the ball is going to drop tomorrow, next week or next year, because you’ll wear yourself out worrying, just stick to your plans, do what you can and let whatever is going to happen happen. Good luck everyone!
October 10th, 2011 at 7:42 amGood day Rebecca
There is always some thing awaiting our family’s. I to have been gainful employed too but they have announced the closing of my plaint next year. The company has been hear for more than 150 years and then last month I had work related injury no fault of my own. First is the support of your faith and family to over come any difficulties in life. Your life’s hurricanes, power outages and pains are great ways to test your preparedness plans and to make focuses improvements on what you have and what needs to be changed or added to. Wood is my heating back up because it’s cheep and keeps my yearly heating bill down. The ash helps to breaks down my compost pile. Yes I have a garden and the money I save goes to preparedness related items. You might not have the time or cheep access to wood. Coal would be a better solution for the cold Minnesota winters. But the coal ash has it’s own problems for proper disposal. But you don’t have to rotate coal just keep it some what dry before adding to your stove. Have a great day and remember you can all-ways change bad day in to positive outcomes.
Sincerely
October 10th, 2011 at 8:04 amStephen
We were doing okay financially, since we’ve both kept our jobs, but I recently brought a dream of mine to reality, and now money is scary, but disaster preparedness has become much easier. We bought a cabin, which if anyone asks, is our place to get away and relax. On a more serious note, it’s a place we can go to shelter. We’re heated by wood there, we’re not off the grid yet, but we’re saving up to have solar installed. We have a moderate amount of food and water storage set up there. The only thing that worries me is what happens if a disaster happens and we’re at home, a huge snowstorm or other disaster that prevents us from traveling to the cabin. We live in a townhouse and are completely reliant on public utilities. Even the gas fireplace won’t work if the electric ignition won’t work. We have a few gallon jugs of water at home, and a small store of backpacking meals. As for heat, as soon as we can scrape up some money, I want to invest in a safe, indoor, gas powered heater of some sort. I just hope we’re able to travel and make it to the cabin if something happens.
October 10th, 2011 at 12:02 pmI have been preparing for a little while only 45 years , I served my country and it saddens me to see how crazy people have become . A friend of mine and I are trying to put together a preparedness network together here where we live , as we are sure we will have to help the un-prepared , mainly the sick and the elderly or disabled . We would like to put together a show or seminar on being prepared / survival . I have enjoyed your blogs, advice and friendly uplifting nature of your site . Please if you can in any way give us some advice it would be GREATLY appreciated or if someone could come speak to us even better
October 10th, 2011 at 12:08 pmI am sorry to try and contact you this way but am new to computers and do not understand all . Please our area is very low income and we have the most disabled in our state .I know a lot of people feel all for me and I am prepared leave me alone , but I worry for the least of these , Thank You
I have never understood why people store things for years in a storage unit. If you don’t ever think to use any of the items (and how could you if they’re in a storage unit), why trouble oneself keeping them in the first place?! I’d rather use the cash for a bigger home and store all my junk there. Haha. Being how my income is what it is, I do value finding a good “alternative” to a bigger house for my stuff
. Thanks for the information. -CS.
October 11th, 2011 at 9:03 am