It’s been estimated that there are over 6 million preppers in the U.S. and UK alone. But no one truly knows the actual number, as the vast majority of preppers keep their prepping to themselves.
So what is everyone preparing for?
Statistics show that economic collapse is the #1 disaster that people are most concerned about. This shouldn't be surprising considering the facts: we are facing an epidemic of economic problems that are potentially detrimental. We live with the greatest debt in the history of the world, the banking systems worldwide have been transformed into pyramid schemes of risk and debt- risk and leverage that could collapse at any time, and wealthy countries such as the US have been living far above their means for decades. Meanwhile, the United States is deindustrializing at a rapid pace and poverty in the country is astounding. Nearing one million adults and children are homeless in America, and 40.3 million are on food stamps.
With these alarming numbers, anyone not concerned about the economy should have their heads examined.
Auspiciously, an increasing number of Americans and Europeans are convinced that we are all heading for a terrible economic crisis. Once they come to that realization, they decide they need to take their lives into their own hands and want to know what they should do.
The reality is that getting prepared looks different for each family based on their unique circumstances. Some people have a lot of resources, and others have very little. Some people are quite independent of the system and can move and do as they like, while others are completely dependent on their jobs and lifestyle and must keep up appearances- for now at least.
It is important to distinguish between "short-term" and "long-term" when talking about economic collapse. The total economic collapse does not happen all at once. It slowly unfolds over time. In the "short-term", many people are moving money around or building up emergency funds to prepare for a recession. For the "long-term", others are storing food and stockpiles of supplies in order to be prepared for a total collapse of society. Both approaches are wise, yet it is important to keep in mind that several different approaches will be needed at different times.
But in the end, you will be thankful for the time and the effort you spent getting prepared while you still could.
The following are 25 things that you should do to get prepared for the economic collapse.
1. Emergency Fund
Do you remember what happened when the financial system almost collapsed back in 2008? Millions of Americans suddenly lost their jobs, and because many were living paycheck to paycheck, they got behind on their mortgages and lost their homes. You do not want to lose everything you have worked for during the next major economic downturn. It is important that you have some kind of an emergency fund in place. It should be enough to cover all of your expenses for at least six months, but I would encourage you to have an emergency fund that is larger than that.
2. Don't Put All Of Your Eggs Into One Basket
If the wealth confiscation in Greece taught us anything, it is that we shouldn’t put all of our eggs in one basket. If all of your money is in one account, it would be quite easy to wipe out. But if you have your money scattered around a number of different places it will give you a little bit more security.
3. Keep Some Cash On Hand
This is going along with the previous point. While it’s not wise to keep all of your money at home, you do want to keep some cash on hand. If there is an extended bank blackout or if the electricity goes off for an extended time- such as what is happening currently in Puerto Rico- you want to be able to have enough cash to purchase things your family needs. Just ask the people of Cyprus how disastrous a “bank holiday” can be. One way to keep cash secure at home is by storing it in a fireproof, concealed safe, and telling nobody but your immediate family.
4. Get Out Of Debt
Many people assume that an economic collapse would wipe out all debts, but this is not the case. In fact, if you are in a tremendous amount of debt you may be overly vulnerable if the economy collapses and you are not able to find work. Just ask the people who were overextended and lost their jobs during the last recession. Please get out of debt. Debt collectors are becoming increasingly ruthless. In some areas of the world, they are now putting people with a large debt into prison. Don’t be a slave to debt when the next wave of the economic collapse hits.
5. Gold And Silver vs. Vodka and Tobacco
6. Reduce Your Expenses
Most of us are guilty of spending money on things that we do not really need. I have cut corners personally by learning to make my own laundry detergent at $0.02 cents a load, my own natural eyeliner which actually improves vision and costs $0.45 every 6 months, and buy my necessities in bulk. I do not have much space as a renter, but even a patio container garden with your most used veggies or herbs will help siphon money back into your pocket.
7. Start A Side Business or Learn a Trade
If you do not have much money, one way to increase your income is by starting a side business. There are many that you can start for next to nothing. And starting a side business will allow you to become less dependent on your job. In this economic environment, a job could disappear literally at any time. Plus learning a trade could make you a very sought after commodity after TSHTF and everyone begins to implement the bartering system again.
8. Move Away From The Big Cities If Possible
I realize this is simply not an option for many. A great number of families are completely and totally dependent on their jobs. But if you are one of the lucky ones and are able, now is a perfect time to move away from large cities. When the next major economic downturn strikes, there could be rioting and an increase in crime in major cities. If you are able to move to a more rural area you will probably be in much better shape.
9. Store Food
Global food reserves have reached their lowest level in 43 years. As the economy gets worse and global weather anomalies become even more unstable, the price of food continues to rise higher and the food supplies worldwide are becoming tighter. In the long run, you will be glad for the money you invested in long-term food storage now.
10. Grow Your Own Food
11. Dehydration Kills in 3 Days or Less
It should be on everyone's list to implement a plan to provide clean drinking water for your family when disaster strikes.
12. Have A Plan For When The Grid Goes Down
What would you do if the grid went down today and suddenly you did not have power for a very long period of time? Anyone who’s spent more than a few hours without power knows how frustrating it can be. You need to have a plan for how you are going to provide power to your home that is independent of the power company.
13. Extra Blankets And Warm Clothing
During any major crisis blankets and warm clothing are in high demand. They also could also make great bartering items.
14. Store Personal Hygiene Supplies
Many preppers store huge amounts of food, but they forget about personal hygiene supplies. During any long crisis, these are items that you would sorely miss if you do not have. These types of supplies also make awesome bartering tools.
15. Store Medicine And Medical Supplies
16. Take Your Vitamins
Some preppers do not think about this either, but it is important. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get adequate nutrition from the foods we eat. That’s why it is important to have an adequate store of vitamins and supplements to stay healthy and strong by filling in the gaps in our nutrition.
17. Make A List, Check it Twice
During a crisis, there will be a lot of other things that you’ll need in addition to food and water. The following are just a few basic things that will prove to be useful-
- axe
- manual can opener
- flashlight and extra batteries
- battery-powered radio
- lighters or matches
- fire extinguisher
- sewing kit
- tools
This list could be much, much longer, but hopefully this will get you started.
18. Remember Your Two and Four Legged Babies
Young children and pets have special needs. As you store supplies, don't forget about the things that they need as well.
19. Entertainment
At the risk of sounding trivial, the truth is that our entertainment-addicted society would become bored and frustrated if the grid suddenly went down for an extended period of time. Card games, board games, books and other simple forms of entertainment can make enduring a crisis much easier.
20. Self-Defense
21. Get Ammunition While You Still Can
Firearms will not do much good if you do not have any ammunition for them. Over the last several years, there have been reports of massive ammunition shortages. According to CNN:
“The run on ammunition has manufacturers scrambling to accommodate demand and reassure customers, as many new and seasoned gun owners stock up over fears of new firearms regulations at both the state and federal levels."
Don't assume that you will always be able to purchase large amounts of ammunition whenever you want. Get it now while you still can.
22. When You Gotta Go
Have a plan for what your family will do if you are forced to leave home. If you do have to leave, the following are some items that you will want to have available...
- map of the area
- compass
- Bug Out Bags for every member of the family
- sleeping bags
- warm clothing
- comfortable shoes or hiking boots and extra socks
- a pre planned escape location
23. Community
One important asset in a crisis situation is community. Having friends and neighbors that you can depend upon is invaluable. Time spent building these bonds now will pay off huge during a major crisis.
24. Have A Back-Up Plan And Be Flexible
Mike Tyson once said the following...
"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."
No plan unfolds perfectly. So when your plan is disrupted, what will you do?
It is imperative for all of us to have a back-up plan and to be flexible during the years ahead.
25. Keep Your Prepping To Yourself
Unfortunately, many humans still have blind faith that our "leaders" actually know what they are doing and will be there to make everything right when things fall apart.
And too many are still convinced that everything is going to be just fine. That we will always get taken care of when shit goes down.
But if you are reading this, you are probably much more awake than the average person.
Please get prepared while you still can.
The storm is coming, and time is running out.
Do you have ideas you would add to the list above? Please share in the comments!
Images via Pixabay, Reuters and Creative Commons
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This is all the help you need
Hi @arbitrarykitten!
I'm happy to include this post in the CTR Crossword Puzzle No.-9. This post will be linked in all related CTR Crossword posts . All participants for this puzzle will land on this post to find their answers to it
Thank you for creating awesome content which is just perfect for our participants!
P.S.:
Readers of this post, if they want to participate in this contest, they have a slight edge over others as they have already read this post. All are welcome to participate and have fun.
Well this is pretty cool, thanks!
you have some really usefull tips there @arbitrarykitten
hope you do not mind me adding some stuff
and I really liked your gardening part... it you mentioned a couple of things i have been writing about as well even if I am not a prepper.
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@felander/how-to-urban-homesteading-create-your-own-garden
wow beutifull picture @arbitrarykitten
if you can visit to my post
Which picture did you like the most?
all picture @arbitrarykitten
Thank you!
All of them
Yes we should prepare for the worst !
It is always wise to be prepared!
Absolutely
It's always good to prepare.
Economy will reset not collapse I believe...
No matter what happens, one who is prepared will suffer less. And with so many people today living paycheck to paycheck, a little bit of foresight is important. One missed paycheck or emergency can destroy everything one has worked for...
This is an important and timely piece, with lots of useful insights, information and advice.
p.s. You may want to correct the typos in this phrase ... "whenn the shirt hits the fan."
Oops, thank you so much for letting me know! Done :)
Hi @arbitrarykitten, such a useful post. Even if people pick up on only half these points they will be in a better position than the majority when bad times come.
I am just compiling the November edition (v10) of the list of Homesteaders and Preppers on steemit.
Do let me know if you would like to be included on that?
Hi! I would love to be included, thank you so much!
That's great. You are now on the list. The new list will be coming out in the next few days. We are just coming up towards 250 on the list.
Oh wow! That is a lot! Where will I find this- I'd like to resteem
This is the October edition :
I'll let you know when the November edition is posted. We just need another six more homesteaders or preppers and we will reach 250 on the new list.
How very cool, thanks!
Try @phillip20steem if you haven't
From the comment below, they are into prepping as well :)
Congratulations! This post has been upvoted from the communal account, @minnowsupport, by ArbitraryKitten from the Minnow Support Project. It's a witness project run by aggroed, ausbitbank, teamsteem, theprophet0, someguy123, neoxian, followbtcnews/crimsonclad, and netuoso. The goal is to help Steemit grow by supporting Minnows and creating a social network. Please find us in the Peace, Abundance, and Liberty Network (PALnet) Discord Channel. It's a completely public and open space to all members of the Steemit community who voluntarily choose to be there.
Best to be prepared for an uncertain future. Upvoted & resteemed.
Very true.
Thank you :) And wonderful to meet you!
Absolutely
Yep
;)
I'll just plan to head south and come find you when shit hits the fan, now that I know how prepared you are! :)
Oh I see... Well, a strong back and a decent set of arms will always be in high demand... ;)
Fantastic post but I think my number one concern is zombies. ;P
Methinks a zombie epidemic will surely cause a financial hiccup ;)
@arbitarykitten i belive people should be preapared themselves for all kind of situation . carelessness is not something that can ba expected from all individuals
Carelessness aside, one bad unexpected thing can totally turn your finances into dusty memory...
Thats true.....but then it is Destiny....dooms day
Yes. Unfortunately our leaders aren't really in charge. Unelected people control our currency through the Federal Reserve.
As far as water, I have what I consider to be the best water filter. This is not an endorsement, but if you're interested I can provide a link.
Sure, please. Bonus if it removes fluoride too!
Yes they do. Here's the link. This guy is a scientist, so his page is a little messy, lol, but I've had a stainless steel filter for a little over a year. Love it.
http://www.jmccanneyscience.com/SecWebOrderPg.htm
Sweet! Thanks!
I great post that everyone will find pointless( hopefully) because everyone is already doing these things! lol
All your points are good, and people need to take these things seriously.
If I may just add a couple of my own personal perspectives...
Leaving ANY money in accounts not needed to cover day to day bills etc. is a bad strategy.
Bail ins (ie confiscation of money in accounts), WILL NOT be broadcast - for obvious reason. One day it's there, the next it's gone.
Get Out Of Debt
I would argue the opposite ( if dangerous, strategy).
IF the collapse happens, it will be monumental, and I think debt will be wiped off balance sheets. There will be no balance sheets left existing.
There will have been no collapse - in history - to compare to this one.
Entertainment - buy my wargame when I have finished making it!
lolol
(Months of mental stimulation, no electricity needed!)
It's good to be back, missed chatting!
Where have you been, my favorite wargamer?!
See, the whole debt thing... So a complete collapse happens over time. The first thing that will happen to those in debt is you will be sought.
I absolutely love your handmade wargames! If my boys were into that I would buy a set from you! But I will help get the word out :) Will you be making a sort of strategy booklet to accompany?
Had to take a break from steemit - negative frustration - I had to make my money elsewhere.(I hate poker but can can grind my $10/15 a day target - the one which I had hoped from steemit. ).
The sheer mountain of mounting debt will make it unworkable, in my opinion. The system will collapse in on itslef ( the debt collectors with have debt collectors coming after them. A total deluge).
My wargames will be rules, maps, scenarios, fantasy campaigns, website for other add ons - extra terrain ect. ( napoleonic wars/ american war of independence or american civil war - you can collect them and have all three! )
I hear ya.
So cool. Your creative mind is amazing!
An example of my nerdiness lol
https://steemit.com/blog/@lucylin/changing-the-course-of-history-with-a-drop-of-rain
thanks - but it's more of a 'military history nerd', thing... lmao
Wise plan. I prep a bit but generally I plan for a life off grid anyway so don't think of it a prepping really. Just need to work in the growing my own food, this is my focus as the moment.
I am the same way. I just thought that was life, it was how I was raised.
Haha yep I was a boy scout once guess it stuck.
I recycle my upvotes into solar energy
https://steemit.com/solar/@solarcoach/recycle-your-upvotes-into-solar-energy-week-1
Developping solar energy is the best way to stabilize the economy, because the lack of growth is due to the stagnating extracted quantity of oil.
Interesting...
I'm on it!
It would be interesting to compare this list with what folks in poor Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, and other places hit by hurricane Maria are actually experiencing and how they are coping. I think we will all have a lot of learn from them, after they have time and energy to reflect and share.
Wow... this sounds like a post preparing for a tribulation war.... but I totally agree about getting debt free.
You never disappoint me with your article. We have a solar system in our house that we run so if the power goes down we are good . My hubby is an all around handy man so prepping is his stuff.
Very cool! So you are all set!