I do not want this to be a political debate nor an opportunity to post recent headlines. However, in my opinion, this administration seems to be taking actions which history suggests may lead towards a near or total economic collapse. Whether you agree with this or not is irrelevant.
This post’s question is: If one were to have a concern that they’d no longer be able to afford common household goods or that mainstream (S&P, Nasdaq) financial investments were no longer sound, what can one do to prepare for “the worst”? What actions could someone take today to minimize economic hardship in the future?
I would also like thoughtful insight from older adults to offer younger adults about how they should be better preparing themselves for an uncertain future, outside of current events or place of residence.
Get to know your neighbors.
The network is one of the most important parts of a survival scenario.
Personally, I have met people through food not bombs that I found interesting and dedicated to a better future.
Dried beans and rice go a long way towards feeding yourself and family if food becomes a scarcity. Store in airtight containers, with an inert gas, so that what you do have does not become rancid.
A human can survive for weeks without food but only days without water. If you’re stockpiling.
Become proficient with firearms. This involves practice, and ownership.
It is almost always better to hunker down than to bug out.
Every time I get to know my neighbors, things are going well and then they suddenly drop something wildly transphobic, homophobic, or ableist. The last one was especially horrifying back when people were still talking about COVID— “but it only affects old/disabled people!”— pretty much saying to your face that they’re cool if you die.Relying on other people in a survival scenario seems incredibly irresponsible. It’s America. Your neighbors want you dead.ETA yknow what this is cynical and unproductive. Just do your best to protect yourself but if you belong to a vulnerable group you already know that. People aren’t inherently evil and I need to log off when I’m upset.
Not all parts of America, my area is at least +50 Harris, someone being an open nazi walking around waving swasticas or doing the salute here will get their ass beaten.
My neighbors are all fascists, judging by the flags they have flappin’ in their front yards
Damn, I guess I’m lucky. Here is at least +50 Harris, someone wearing a nazi armband and doing a salute will get their ass beaten, and nobody would report it.
3%ers? Proud Boys? AfD? National Front?
Easiest access to the “inert gas” piece is dry ice from your local grocery store. CO2 is heavier than air. Wrap some in a tea towel and put it in the bottom of the bucket before adding the food. Then place the lid on but do not close. Keep in a place without significant air movement while the dry ice sublimates, pushing out the lighter gasses, before sealing the lid. This takes a few hours.
Times and amounts are purposely vague, as I don’t remember them, but it should be easy to look up. If not, err on the side of too much and too long - the extra gas will just seep out the top.