Everyone keeps talking about how things are about to get really tough for all people here, on earth, specifically the United States. Interesting, I say that word due to the fact the ones saying this have more than likely never been through a tough time, financially that is.
I, however, was made for financially unsure times, I was raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression, not only that, they did it in the Dust Bowl.
Waste not want not was the motto in our household, but before that it was hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
I, myself, went through very tough financial times after my divorce. Working three jobs, going to school full time and raising three children. That will prepare you for the worst of financial times, I can very literally stretch the proverbial dollar until it bleeds.
One of the things I would suggest to people who have never had any kind of financial struggles is to sit down, write down all of your bills. Formulate a budget, save what you can, and start a garden.
High gas prices effects for than the dollars spent at the pump, it will cause the price for food to skyrocket. Deisel fuel is more expensive than regular gas. What that means is the trucks that transport produce, meat and other goods will need to charge more, which will be passed on at the grocery stores.
For those of you that do not understand what is happening this will hit the poor people first, then the middle class, then the upper middle class then the rich.
For those of us who grew up with parents that had gone through hard times and those of us who have gone through hard times will fare better than those who have not. Unless they are fast learners, then they should be able to catch up fairly quickly.
I suggest you start preparing now, when you are at the store maybe get an extra can of whatever it is you are buying. Dried beans, pasta and rice are really shelf stable for a long period of time, peanut butter is another good commodity to have in your pantry.
Planting things is another great way to save, peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic and potatoes are pretty simple to plant and maintain.
I don’t know how to can but if you do, it is another great way to maintain a stocked pantry. I wish I knew how, my mom canned everything and also kept frozen fruit that was not store bought. If you have a freezer get things now that are on sale as far as meat goes.
Do not panic, just be prepared, everyone makes fun of “preppers”, however, they will be better off than a lot of people. Why, you ask, because they were prepared.
I hope you all get through this time that is really here now, if you are uncertain about how to stretch anything, just ask someone who grew up with Depression era parents or have been poor at one time in their lives.
Angie World 