Many of my family, friends and associates speak of a financial collapse as if it’s coming in the future; but the truth is, it’s already come. I’ll say it again, the commencement of a financial collapse has already occurred. Oh, I’ll grant it that we haven’t yet seen the very worst of the a global financial collapse, but it most certainly has taken place—just as plainly as the nose on your face, with no less drama than what took place on Wall Street crisis that took place on October 29, 1929. The question is though, do YOU believe it, and if you do, are you living your life now as if a financial collapse has occurred.
You don’t think a financial collapse has occurred yet? Tell that to the millions of Americans who lost more than 110% of their net worth, including every penny of their retirement funds, and who are now upside down on any equity that had been built up in their home. Still think it’s not really that bad? Perhaps I’m a “fear mongerer?” Well, let’s look at some viable evidence.
In light of the news reflecting the financial collapse of Spain at present I don’t think any of us would disagree that Spain is in an economic collapse right now. Spaniards are trampling into grocery stores with organized, angry mobs in order to steal over 3 tons of food—and that’s just in one day! Unemployment in Spain is presently over 25% with their Youth Unemployment numbers at 53% and yet today global headlines report that Spain had just increased taxes by the largest percentage EVER! Their social security fund has officially run out of money even after a billions of dollars of bailout money thrown at them. Meanwhile banks in Spain have been seriously downgraded by every notable rating agency there is.
Now, let’s look at us in the U.S. We all know that our REAL unemployment rate isn’t the 8.3% number that we keep being fed, because we know that the way that our government calculates unemployment is strictly based on the numbers of people who are receiving unemployment. This obviously doesn’t take into account the more than 5 million Americans who are unemployed but who no longer qualify for unemployment, nor does it take into account the 15% of the population that are woefully underemployed. Nor does it take into consideration the 10.1 millions of individuals who have created jobs for themselves and become self-employed. We all know that there are millions of such persons who are earning below poverty wages. Some states are officially reporting unemployment rates for individuals over the age of 16 from 24% to as high as 46.1%!! Additionally, while Spain’s Youth Unemployment numbers are at 53%, while our government conservatively estimates that our Youth Unemployment numbers are at 49.8% at a time in which we should be seeing our peak youth employment. Though the end of the recession was officially declared (by SOMEbody) to be over in June of 2009, even our officially reported unemployment numbers have remained steady over 8% for 42 consecutive months—because that’s what happens when there’s a financial collapse. Do you notice how similar our situation is to Spain’s and yet not even our lamestream media would be foolish enough to try and say that all is well in Spain. There’s only so much reality that government reports can cover and hide from and when there’s been a genuine financial collapse, employment is certainly one of those realities that can’t be hidden.
Let’s look at the moment in history that most of us are willing to accept as a financial crash—Tuesday, October 29, 1929. The stock market crash lost 40 percent of its value—more than $35 billion dollars were lost in shareholder equity. At that time the entire American Federal Budget wasn’t even 3 billion dollars. By comparison, 2008 robbed us of $34.4 trillion dollars! That’s more than the GDP (gross domestic product) of the U.S., Japan, and the European Union COMBINED! In the U.S. alone, $8 trillion in wealth plus over $6 trillion in home equity for a total of $14 trillion which was more than the U.S. GDP in 2008. (2008 Federal Budget was $2.9 trillion and our estimated 2012 Federal Budget is $3.7 trillion dollars) People may say, “Oh, but we gained that all back, look at what Wall Street did thereafter.” Such a supposition is mathematically impossible. Sure, some wealthy folks who could take the financial hit and then buy up the stocks at rock bottom prices were able to regain ground, but that’s not the case with the millions of Americans who lost everything. When you lose EVERYTHING in your portfolio, retirement accounts, etc. then you have nothing with which to purchase low priced stocks that may rise again. You have nothing with which to earn interest no matter how attractive the return is. 130% return times ZERO is still ZERO, right? On the bright side of things some middle class workers “only” lost minimum of 70% of their retirement fund as a result of this collapse but they also lost 110% of their home value. This kind of a scenario far exceeds even the Great Depression financial loss by several times over.
Never in the history of our world have we had so many nations downgraded. Never have we had this many global banks downgraded (after all, how can a bank fail when it’s making exorbitant amounts of interest on AIR??) The FDIC which insures the $13 trillion dollars worth of assets is broke with only 70% of the assets properly covered. Never in the our nation’s history have we had this many municipalities, cities, school districts, states, essential goods manufacturers and vital utilities downgraded like this, let alone all at the same time. Even our own nation has been downgraded as severely as it was in 1933 just before it went bankrupt. The largest global economies have been downgraded. The largest global manufacturing has slowed down including Germany, Australia, China, and Japan. On top of all of that we’ve got record shortages of wheat and other grains in nearly every nation of the world. Meanwhile our cost of the most basic necessities have increased substantially—food, water, fuel, electricity, natural gas, clothing, education tuitions, as well as the non-essentials such as travel and entertainment. Oh yeah, and at the end of this year we’re in store for yet another speed bump in the form of the deep spending cuts and tax increases because Congress has yet to pass a budget in the past 3 years!
Ask yourself this, though you may not believe that a financial collapse has actually occurred as of yet, do you see ANYTHING that gives you ANY reason to believe that our nation’s economy is going to get BETTER?
Unfortunately, the evidence supporting this belief is mounting. In order to detail all of it, I’m certain it would require at least 300 pages. So the big question that you should be asking yourself is are you spending like everything is sunshine, Skittles and puppy dogs or are you drastically restraining yourself to pay for essentials that you know will still have their value and their use in the years to come? If there really has been a financial collapse then why in the world would you eat out like money is growing on trees? Why would you apply for another credit card or rack up the ones that you’ve got?
Sorry to be the bearer of rough news, but this full-blown depression is here to stay for a while. Historically situations like this have taken 10 years to fully recover however we’ve NEVER had such a serious situation go denied for so long either. I’m not sure what kind of effect such denial will have on our economic scenario as a result, but you and I both know it certainly won’t make it an easier or shorter recovery. Your gut is telling you that I’m not so crazy as some might think. You know things are ugly financially and I know it. But there are an awful lot of people around you that would rather we not ACT on that knowledge until the absolute bitter end because they don’t want people to stock up, they don’t want to suffer the consequences of their actions—whether that be panic purchasing, tightening the purse strings which will bring about even HIGHER unemployment numbers (and remember, no one has ever won an election with these kind of unemployment numbers). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a time in history in which the tale of “The Emperors New Clothes” ever had a more exact application. All of this denial and smoke and mirrors reminds me of the scene from “Monty Python’s The Holy Grail” in which the Black Knight has both of his arms cut off and declares such as “Tis nothing but a scratch.” “Just a flesh wound” he declares. When one of his legs is then cut off in the battle the Black Knight boldly declares “I’m invincible!” while hopping around on one leg. (If you haven’t seen this famous scene of warped British humor you can see it here. (Warning, PG-13 for a swear word and the bleeding from “the flesh wound” is present.)
It’s interesting to note that the headlines in the newspapers on October 30th , 1929 attempted to distract Americans from the truth using the same tactics that exist today. The headlines read “Rally at Close Cheers Brokers; Bankers Optimistic”. Unfortunately today we have so many more ways that the deceptive messages can influence us—more channels, more newspapers, blogs, social media—all trying to tell us it’s OK in hopes that they can fix it before we really catch on. Regardless of these efforts though, we literally can’t afford to still behave like “all is well”—like it’s all going to still be there for us when we retire or ready to take out a loan. It’s time we ALL got very serious about being extremely frugal and wise about what we spend our money on today and how we are going to work NOW in order to mitigate the great pain that’s coming our way when EVERYONE realizes that reality can no longer be spun into anything else.
63 Comments
Deborah · September 6, 2012 at 1:26 pm
AMEN sister!!!! I have tried to tell people that this is not going to get better…only worse before it gets better…A new President can fixed this. This has been happening since Regan…We as the people have to stand up and speak what we know…Our founding father did this…now it is our turn..
Holly R · September 6, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Two words: Normalcy Bias
TheBasicLife.com · September 7, 2012 at 12:17 am
We are on the Titanic, running at full steam, 200 feet from what we can see of the iceburg, and worrying about who we should vote for as Captain. I will certainly not be voting for the guy currently at the helm deperately screaming “Forward!”. However, even if putting the other guy at the helm may lead to a better decision to steer away from the iceburg, the sound of ice on the side of the ship’s hull can already be heard.
Charlotte Grove · September 7, 2012 at 3:24 am
I couldn’t say it any better but there are a lot of clueless people out there.
Each time food and gas prices go up more families are closed to disaster.It’s going to get ulgly.
Dan Morrison · September 7, 2012 at 6:05 am
Charlotte, I agree that there are countless clueless ”out there”…I fear that the momentum for the collapse of the economy has gained such tread that nothing, npot even a new president can avert the looming disaster that we will all face in one degree or anothere…What we are now witnessing has taken decades to bring about. We are so systems dependent that I really fear what the ”reset” will look like. Myself, just a 56 year old man with a wife and two grown kiddos. I try to pick up a little extra food at the grocery store when we go, but a small propane canister for my propane stove, and skim a few bucks off the top of each check to buy water and ammunition…SO many things are out of my control, all I CAN do is to prepare inasmuch as I am able to. I will not allow my wife to starve nor will I forgo my ability to protect her…Good Post.Fasten your seat belt, we are in for a VERY bumpy ride…As to what our country will look like after this wringing out…no one knows……..
lori k · September 8, 2012 at 12:39 pm
A number of posts reference the presidential elections impact on our economy. When someone states how much of an impact thier vote has on the election I always feel compelled to point out that while your votes should impact the electorial vote, they don’t necessarily and its the electorial vote that actually determines presidency. I’m not saying don’t vote, I’m just pointing out our electorial system. Also, while the intent of my post is not to endorse a political candidate either way, the republicans did, in fact, contribute to the mess we are in.
Kellene Bishop · September 8, 2012 at 8:24 pm
BOTH parties contributed to the mess we’re in, as did We the People as a whole.
Holly · September 9, 2012 at 11:33 pm
I’m happy someone said it! Thank you! I’m afraid to express myself on anything but prep questions on here….seriously.
Todd · September 8, 2012 at 4:36 pm
Using the Titanic analogy, I suggest we’ve already hit the iceberg and the ship has begun to settle. People now have a choice; to get into a lifeboat now, or stay on board and head aft as the stern rises. (Forget that the bow is under water.) For one group, accepting the awful truth leads to limited but tangible security. For the other, holding desperately to the fading sense of normalcy will lead to tragedy when the ship finally goes under and all of the surviving lifeboats are being rowed away at speed to escape the turbulence. Choose now, but remember; it’s really the consequence of your actions that you’re deciding on.
Kellene Bishop · September 8, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Very good analogy.
Cheryl · September 7, 2012 at 1:43 am
Right on Kellene! I agree 100%! Do you have any idea where one might purchase the most inexpensive, yet efficient solar generator?
Kellene Bishop · September 7, 2012 at 2:19 am
You get what you pay for Cheryl. Scientifically, dollar for dollar, the Humless Sentinel is the best purchase. Unlike all the others it is created with sufficient technology to go full charge to full drain every day for five years minimum. Recent testing is coming back suggesting it actually has 5,000 full drains in it. Goal Zero and the others don’t eve come close to this technology.
Maren · September 7, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Would an EMP affect this type of generator at all?
Kellene Bishop · September 7, 2012 at 6:14 pm
yes, of course.
Robin · September 7, 2012 at 2:17 am
While I know how bad it is and how the economy got better in the past, I fear we don’t/won’t have time for it to recover. It’s going to be tough to laugh/smile your way through this. I wish I could deliver hard facts as well as you do. Often I am put on the spot and I have about 3 seconds to “prove my point” and I often fail to deliver. I decided I can only do my best and let others be accountable for their own choices. Thank ya, mam for all your hard work, passion, and the courage to inform anyone who will listen. You are great!
Gwen · September 7, 2012 at 2:30 am
This should be read at the Democratic convention! Then we could say truth had been said there! Thanks for summizing the truth of what is happening. TIme to prepare for trouble and don’t say maybe!
Kellene Bishop · September 7, 2012 at 2:40 am
I think it would have been good for both parties to hear it. Both are betraying Americans with this watered down currency and the smoke and mirrors.
Jakie K · September 7, 2012 at 5:40 am
I agree! BOTH sides need to hear it, say it and see it! Neither side has a true fix. They can’t even agree on a budget for crying out loud! I get so tired of people blaming one party or the other. Wake up! They both let this happen. WE let this happen. WE as a nation did not stop to look at our bank statement and say, oh shoot, I just bounced a darn check. Oh well, we can pay the fee and cover all things later………… I have been telling people for years now, this is bad, this is so so bad. What I get told is I worry to much. Uh, okay, well then why are you now saying, hey, if the Stuff hits the fan, I am coming to your house. GRRRRR I dislike that. Each time I hear it, I tell them, well you better bring some stuff b/c you won’t get anything unless you have a need of mine to fill. Then it is just blank looks. They think I am kidding. I am so far from kidding.
Anyway, thank you for this. I am going to share it on FB but I am sure like always no one will listen to me and just say, oh there she goes again!
Judy Laquidara · September 7, 2012 at 3:17 am
Thank you for speaking the truth . . for doing so much research and for sharing your knowledge with us. Even though I already felt we are on a sinking ship, your words bring it all into perspective. As shocked as I am about our “leaders” ignoring things that need to be done, I’m more shocked by those who continue to believe everything is going to be ok.
Katherin Keegan · September 7, 2012 at 3:28 am
My husband who has been of the opinion that websites like these are turning me paranoid, recently said he had been thinking about getting a RV in the name of being prepared. My the time he agrees there is a major economic problem I’m afraid it will be too late. He did say if he thinks there is an immediate sign of the dollar devaluing he would withdrawl his 401 and start buying supplies. I fear by then it will be too late. Do you and your husband still have 401’s or other long term money funds that are active or have you closed them?
Kellene Bishop · September 7, 2012 at 4:26 am
Uh, yeah, the time to withdraw his 401K has already come. In this instance he’s lucky that the gov’t is playing games. I personally believe that folks should get that money OUT NOW.
buni · September 7, 2012 at 3:56 am
today I put together groceries for several families out of my pantry, we talked about how they could not get unemployment anymore, how they work and barely pay the house payment and utilities. They have a pay as you go cell phone, did not run air conditioning even when we had 105 plus temps many days, and making everyone wash underwear each day but “outside” clothes every three days…
because I only shop sales I gave them enough hamburger/tuna/chicken helper for two weeks, along with tvp chicken and beef and tuna in cans. I only buy veggies in case lots I gave them enough of those as well as canned fruit. They did plant a garden but the high temps and low rain killed their efforts.
I am blessed my husband is back working, although we do not have any savings we finally have an emergency fund again. I have enough in two freezers, and a huge pantry to feed us and several other families for a long, long time. But no matter, the agencies think things are getting better, if people work at all they can’t get any help, churches do help some but in most areas the underemployed are ignored and no one wants to “see” them. Recently in Sunday School class a man said there are NO hungry people in our county! We are one of the richest in the state. I spoke up and disagreed, one lady began to cry and a few others mumbled. She hadn’t eaten in several days so her children could, she had a full time job but between the cost of getting to work and paying for the basics she had nothing left. Suddenly the class began to hear from others who were in the same boat, long story short, we took up an offering to help immediately, and pledged as a class to bring in a pantry item every class until a year goes by, and those who need can take from that “pantry” to help them. But I agree we are in a “hole” that most will not just climb out of. Thank you again for the facts Kellene, I do wish more would give from there abundance and know the blessing it gives. hugs buni
Geni · September 7, 2012 at 4:18 am
This economy is not going to improve. Even some pastors are saying that it is not going to imiprove. I believe there is going to be some really hard times ahead both physically and spiritually. I am trying to do all I can to prepare on both fronts while trusting God.
bran · September 7, 2012 at 5:07 am
Kellene, There is no way I could have said this better than you!! I have been prepping for a while now but not as seriously as I should be. Maybe a bit better than I think. I’m like 60+ and alone. Can’t seem to convince any decent lady that I’m real or anyone else that what you and I believe is real. Economic and financial total collapse will in deed happen, Perhaps before new year from what I’m reading from reliable sources. I’m still having much trouble getting myself to believe it. I’m spending money on some right things and too much on wrong things. I guess Americans will wake up one morning with out food and wounder where they can find it. God help us , we don’t have to kill them from stealing ours. Bran
Becky · September 7, 2012 at 5:17 am
Kellene;
My parents warned all of us kids that this day would come, they were the generation that was born before or during the time of famine, known as the depression. I have tried to get my siblings on the same page, and their spouses, but bricks move farther along than they do. Like all Americans they just can not believe that the path shown to them via the television will not be there for their children(“Don’t worry, be Happy”). I am thankful and feel blessed that my husband has seen this coming, and works with me and not againist me.
If you want to see the beginning of our down fall start reading old newspapers in and around the year 1913 forward, and what the banking system and money people did to this nation, it will make you cry. Until that time our finances were and had been stable. You learn a lot when you research old papers looking for your family history, it brings to light history that we were never taught.
Sueann · September 7, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Becky, I concur. If you haven’t yet, read the book “The Worst Hard Time” by Timothy Egan. The parallels between 1910-1940 and now are scary. I truly believe the only thing keeping us from such deflation is Bernanke and his promise to avoid it at all costs. The inflation he has caused is going to be MUCH worse and we just have to keep plugging away. We only have 2 more debt payments then we can throw our extra currency at prepping. Because I know when our economy hits the 1933 equivalent, I’m going to have to be helping an awful lot of people.
Kellene Bishop · September 8, 2012 at 1:28 am
Sueann, I LOVED that book! He did SUCH a great job with it. Glad to know someone else appreciates it.
KIC · September 7, 2012 at 6:05 am
I believe that part of the reason most people do not see the extent of our economic problems today is the difference between the “Great Depression” and the “NOW Depression”. During the “Great Depression”, everyone saw the long breadlines and the hobos, etc. They were visible to everyone and could not be denied. Today, these people are hidden with their “food stamp” debit cards. The majority go to a grocery store (instead of a bread line) and pay with a debit card, so they look just like anyone else who pays with their own debit or credit card. As a result, few know what’s going on. It is hidden in plain sight.
As of June 2012, the total food stamp recipients is 46.7 million, which is more than the entire populations of many large nations. [http://www.trivisonno.com/food-stamps-charts]. With a US population of 314,317,000 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_population], then that is 14.8576%, so more than 1 in 7 people. So think about it when you go to a grocery store and let others know that 1 in 7 people in the store is possibly on food stamps. Maybe that will help it soak in.
Becky · September 7, 2012 at 3:41 pm
KIC
Thank you for the websites, I am shipping this link to my family. Maybe some will understand we at the edge of the falls, just seconds from going over.
trish · September 7, 2012 at 11:43 am
Another great article. Thanks, Kellene!
2 questions: How does one withdraw a 401k (and what are some options for where to put roughly 40k)? I imagine there are high penalties? And, 2) What is meant by losing 110% of the value of one’s home? All of the value and then some? Ours went from 400k to 300k (a 25% loss).
My husband and I use a lot of your advise. Keep up the excellent work. You inspire so many!
Kellene Bishop · September 7, 2012 at 6:18 pm
The answer for the 401K would be difficult for me to cover in an article let alone a comment. 🙂 There will be a penalty, in most cases. But we decided we’d prefer a penalty instead of having nothing to show for it because we trusted someone else with our retirement. Yes, 110%. in fact the other day I met someone who lost 135% of his net worth because of how far upside down his in on his house in which he got a 125% 2nd mortgage.
Cheryl · September 10, 2012 at 3:16 am
In addition, some 401K’s are set up so that a person has to prove “extreme hardship” like being 3 months or more behind on mortgage payments or a very large medical bill in order to request a withdrawal. We found this out with my husbands. Would have never set it up had we known.
Marianne · September 7, 2012 at 1:32 pm
My grandmother warned me (starting when I was 5), this would happen. She told me to learn to do things without electricity (like sewing-she insisted I learn to sew by hand. She had a treadle sewing machine). Basically, I’ve known for over 50 years these days were coming. It is hard to prepare when you are on the poverty line but it can be done. We don’t use credit cards (my first husband had 6 maxed out credit cards-that I didn’t know about and had it pay off. Plus even though he is living “high on the hog” never paid child support)-sorry had to vent). We grow our own vegs and can them. We don’t go out to eat. Our TV is eighteen years old and our computer is thirteen. Our house is 520 sq. ft.-and we have 4 rescued dogs and 3 rescued cats–animals have it rough now days too. My husband is disabled because of a work accident. ALL your advice is helpful and we listen.
Carrie · September 7, 2012 at 2:25 pm
I’m afraid I’ve given up on trying to convince others of the seriousness of the current situation. Thank you for stating it so well!
My husband doesn’t share my view on prepping but he tolerates it and doesn’t try to stop me. I guess as the saying goes, “you can’t stop a speeding train” or maybe a woman who is trying to protect and safeguard her family!
Joan Hackney · September 7, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Thanks to you Kellene, my amxiety level is alot lower than before finding you. You have provided a massive amount of researched info to help us prepare. I am so glad God led me to your blog. I feel very fortunate indeed.
jeff breazeale · September 7, 2012 at 5:35 pm
The late Larry Burkett spoke of this back in the 90’s. he said a day of reckoning was at hand. He believed it would be worse than the Great Depression. BUt then he stated something that really caught my attention. I had never heard it phrased this way. He said that we do not have the same character now as we did in the 30’s. There was no pushing, knocking each other out of the way, no riots,(as there would be today). I’m sure some folks were “rude” but there was nothing like we will see when this all comes to pass. I enjoy you’rework very much. thank you!
Shirley · September 7, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Just want to comment..for years I have been canning, everything except meat. I was ALWAYS told never can meat..bad for you, etc. Then I saw your article on canning meat.. wow..I did just 6 lbs the other day, of hamburg to try it. It was the easiest stuff I ever canned! Got some of the reusable lids, (they work great) and nx am going to do chicken and venison! If anyone reading this has been afraid of canning meat try it! You will be surprised how easy it is. And IF the grid either goes down, or, becomes unaffordable , at least you will not be stuck with spoiled food! Thanks Kellene!
Carrie · September 7, 2012 at 7:06 pm
I agree Shirley! I’ve got six packs of boneless chicken waiting for me now. I think canning meat is super easy. I can chicken raw so it doesn’t even require cooking first and turns out really well. In the jar with no added liquid and just a little salt and when it’s finished it has made it’s own broth.
Danelle · September 7, 2012 at 8:32 pm
I am so glad you were able to so perfectly say what I and others have been trying to get across to people for a LONG time!! It will get worse before it gets better is the bad news…..the good news is it CAN get better.
Great Post!!
Ainokea · September 7, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Have you ever read the story about “The Grasshopper and the Ants”?
I rest my case….
Kellene Bishop · September 8, 2012 at 1:28 am
Amen, that’s what we all need to do…be prudent based on the information we have, and be ready so that we don’t have to fear anything or panic and so that we stay as far away from “desperation” as is possible.
La-Shawn Jennings · September 7, 2012 at 10:15 pm
I just started and let me tell you it’s not that hard. What I feared the most was telling my family what I was doing. I was so overjoyed when they all agreed with me. We are and have been in the Military and understand the importance of being preprared. We talk everyday about prepping where I get the best tips from this site. Thank you everyone..
ForReals · September 7, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Sorry to say this but it sounds like everyone on this blog has just given up.
Does anyone realize that people have been calling for the collapse of society for decades? Everyone sounds so sure its going to happen now but the truth is you don’t know. They say even a broken clock is right twice a day, and ya, if you live your life waiting for economic problems eventually you will find it. Please don’t over react to articles like this because times are tough, you can contribute so much to a society instead of trying to take your selves out of it.
It would seem to me that we as a whole should be more grateful for all the amazing things we have in our lives. Right now we are the most privileged and have the most luxurious lives ever in the history of man and all I read is how terrible our situation is. You can go anywhere you want, and be anything you want. Our technology is so advanced we have access to unlimited knowledge at our finger tips and cell phones more powerful than computers Nasa used to send people into space. Sounds like we’re really lucky, honestly…
I’m sorry I don’t understand; bank and country downgrades are bad? What would be wrong is keeping their ratings high and misrepresenting their value. Because of these downgrades the irresponsible and negligent are swept aside while the strong and fiscally prudent survive and are given the opportunity to expand and grow. This seems more likely to make economies strong and healthy.
People create their situations not statistics, and because of that I am not worried about a bunch of apathetic youth who have had everything given to them being employed. They will find their way when they need to support themselves. That has always been the case, and will continue to be so. When we want to change our society, then we will begin to do so. If you think we have an employment problem you are unfortunately wrong, we have a debt problem, and when that changes so will the employment situation.
I am sorry to disagree with the prevailing opinions of this article but it seems very narrow minded and nonobjective. Best of luck to everyone but let’s not cross our fingers and hope the world collapses this year.
Kellene Bishop · September 8, 2012 at 1:27 am
Earth is such a beautiful planet this time of year. Wish you were here.
I’m not sure which article you read, but it clearly wasn’t mine. What’s worse is that you’ve insulted the best kind of people…our readers, who are a part of the prepping world only because they want to improve their own lives and the lives of those around them. Perhaps we can just chalk this up to some poor reading comprehension skills on your part as opposed to believing that you’re just trying to be insulting of people you don’t even know.
Holly · September 10, 2012 at 12:08 am
Kellene, darlin’… you’ve got josh and I busting up… into our bag of classic responses! Thanks for never giving up on those of us who are going to keep on prepping,not despite our blessings, but because of them… ages 10-20, for starters!
Kellene Bishop · September 10, 2012 at 7:17 am
🙂
Leia · September 9, 2012 at 11:44 pm
Where will the employment come from? Do you not realize that over 75% of our economy is consumer based? All the production jobs have left the country. Evidently you have very little background in history. I have an attitude of better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. There is nothing wrong with seeing the evil and preparing for it. If you are prepared then you don’t spend your nights worrying about the future. I think that is what people here are focused on, not gloom and doom. Maybe you should analysis what is really bothering you…is it that we are focused on reality or that you fear reality because you are still in denial and refuse to take personal responsibility and prepare. survivalist are the ultimate optimist because rather than lay down and die we prepare to live.
Cindy McKenzie · September 9, 2012 at 11:07 am
There are a lot of people out there with their head in the sand. they are the ones who will be knocking at your door asking for help when SHTF. We are putting up what we can and trying to think ahead about what we would need. I’m thinking solar panels might be a good idea.
Thanks for all you do, Kellene.
kf · September 9, 2012 at 11:02 pm
I just have to say I agree with the article 100 % however funny thing is I am self employed in the retail business and own small bridal store. While we are down some in sales this year we are still doing well enough and people are still buying dresses and accessories. I also do extremely well in prom and formal dresses. I just placed a big order for next years stock and I must admit I am nervous about it. However I always have been each year for the last several years but somehow we do okay. I realize that life does still go on for the most part even when things appear to be bad and if I don’t have the dresses obviously I cannot make the sale and then I would put my self out of business. It amazes me the money spent on theses items in these times but it also tells me there is money still to be spent out there and while not all can do it many do do it . Yes many are out of work etc but many are still working as in “me” I just hope the shoppers are prepared as well . People will continue to carry on as normal as possible for as long as they can. Someone once said we need to continue to plant our cherry trees because we can’t just give up and hide out until the end comes but we also need to be prudent in the things we do as well. If ye are prepared ye shall not fear . We do prep and have lots of storage and are out of debt etc so for us we try to be prudent but as I said before life continues to roll on and as long as it does I will stay in business and hope many others will as well.
Kellene Bishop · September 10, 2012 at 6:44 am
I’m a FIRM believer in self-employment being a key component of the solutions for what ails our nation and its economy. Way to go on your business. Where there’s one that succeeds there are hundreds that fail because they feel entitled to their customers. Clearly that’s not you.
Mike · September 9, 2012 at 11:54 pm
I just read the comments above and I agree with the prudent ones. Go Yee To The Ants. Listen to Joseph.Kellene, I read you knew how to can meats. I sure appreciate that information . GOD Bless All.
Mark · September 10, 2012 at 12:26 am
Your aticles make a lot of sense – really enjoy your updates. I’m a long way from the US (Australia) and things fortunatley arent quite as tough here. I came across the following – thought might be of interest – they’re saying the same thing.
US Banks and Sociopaths http://ow.ly/dA4eg
Holly · September 10, 2012 at 12:44 am
I have a few questions for anybody who can offer an answer. I have been doing a lot of mylar bagging for the past three months. I buy the very thick ones and purchased the expensive heat sealer. I add enough oxygen absorbers to give that well-shrunken look. My daughter opened a small mylar bag of lucky charms today,that was purchased and baged last month, and it was stale! It;s worth noting that I have created some individual sized mylar bags by cutting my larger mylar bags and making sure it’s properly sealed. I am stressing as to what went wrong. Oxygen absorbers worked. I’m afraid of other bags that may be stale. I like to bag so I’m not spending a fortune on jars, but, can dry cereal only be jarred? I’m trying so hard to prep without errors that could cost me my children’s food supply. Thank you Kellene and others for always helping us still struggling newbies.
Kellene Bishop · September 10, 2012 at 7:20 am
I confess. I had a bowl of Lucky Charms this evening and it was simply in one of those tupperware containers with the flip top lid that’s made for cereal. It’s nearly a year old and it was still fine.
There are three enemies to the taste texture and nutrition of food–heat, light, and oxygen. Sounds like you had the oxygen taken care of but you may have been storing it in an environment that was too hot, or your cereal could have been older in the first place.
Holly · September 10, 2012 at 7:55 am
Kellene,
Thank you for your help! I LOVE my Lock n Lock cereal containers. (My Mom is a QVC junkie) I think I know what the problem is with the cereal-heat and light. I put the assorted mylar bags in a food grade bucket but it was sitting in my kitchen…high light and heat…ugh. Common sense can take a vacation when trying to hard to accomplish something. Thanks Kellene!!
Kellene Bishop · September 10, 2012 at 9:08 am
I’ve certainly had common sense take a vacation many times in my efforts too. 🙂
Holly · September 10, 2012 at 1:08 am
Another question I have is about jarring with the foodsaver. I love this method! Is jarring using the foodsaver the proper way to store rice, flour and sugars? Do I need to put anything in the jar before sealing? Ex-Sugar bear in with brown sugar. Like I mention in my above post, my fear is great of making mistakes.
I have to admit I have the same pressure canner as Kellene, and I walked around it like it was a darned land mine for about a month before opening the box!! I have sterilized jars with it but still haven’t pressure canned. I want so much to can things, especially meat!I read the book that comes with my All-American but it freaked my out even more. I don’t get the sea level stuff they mention, nor do I know if the times they provide for certain foods are times others use. I wish I could have simple directions. They don;t actually tell you what you do with th racks anywhere in the book. I just used common sense and knew the jars sit on the rack. The pressure gauge is something I’m hoping I get right. I want to spend as much time as I can canning hamburger, chicken,sausage,pot roast, etc. Not staring at my canner in fear. If anyone can give me a bit of guidance so I, too, can say how easy it is to can meat; I greatly appreciate it. I know no one who can help me within my circle of family and friends. I’m flying solo with the knowledge that my prepping is smarter than those around me spending on restaurants every single day. Thank you! Bless you all!
Holly · September 10, 2012 at 2:08 am
Kellene has great step by step canning info on the website…use the search bar and canning will become a favorite pasttime rather than a feared chore…one of my favorite sounds in the world is those pinging lids! :o)
One of the other Holly’s
Holly · September 10, 2012 at 8:04 am
LOL! Yes, I must admit, when use my foodsaver hose attachment, I get a rush when I hear that delightful sound. I’ve read info on canning here but I think reading the manual that came with the canner threw me way off. I think I’m better off following Kellene’s steps. Thanks!
Newbie Holly (:
janet · September 10, 2012 at 8:32 am
The downward spiral of the middle class has been going on since the 70’s. Thats when wages stagnated because of “free trade” and the middle class adjusted by having two paychecks instead of one to maintain the same lifestyle. Then inflation cought up with even that and then poof the magic of easy credit maintained that illusion of still being able to afford the good life After the dot com bubble burst we should have taken the pain then and there, but we didnt. The infinate wisdom of the Federal Reserve encouraged easy money with low rates. That just fueled the housing debt bubble. We never had a real recovery. It was all smoke and mirrors, most of the jobscreated between 2002 and 2008 were somehow related to the housing credit bubble. The middle class bought the story live high on the hog with credit- want a car -refinance your home ect… The reason this recovery is so tepid is that either people cant get credit or they have learned that debt is a trap. Inflation has reduced our standard of living. Outside of creating yet another bubble I ask you where are all the new good paying jobs going to come from The public is just now on some level coming to grips with the fact. that their is no magic fairy who is going to come along and produce good paying jobs, or give them a wage increase that even comes close to the rate of inflation. We are like frogs that have been boiling for a long time. I dont know if or when a collapse is coming. For me its already happened. I need only look at what my insurance gas electric food ect ect ect…. was even 5 years ago and what my wages are in comparision. I do believe a collapse is looming. You can only play the make money appear out of nowhere game for so long. The gig is going to be up for us “little people” one way or another. Hyperinflation delfation or stagnation is going to get us all in the end, It is only prudent to look at the evidence and plan accordingly to protect you and your loved ones. That means preparing, learning skills and becoming more self sufficient in every aspect of our lives. Not to is simply foolish.
Eric Reading · September 13, 2012 at 12:03 am
What made me get my head out of the sand was hearing about agenda 21 !!!!!! since learning of this and many many other things to list about the turn our country is heading for i am taking a different aproch to life so i can survive in the after math. i try to inform them by telling them to look up agenda 21 for dummies and leave it at that. usually they come back going what the hell. and from there u can fill them in a little more and tell them different sites to check . Thats what triggeres the get ur head out of the sand effect. unless they are complete moran then nothing helps. Lots of great post and comments thanks for all the usefull info and keep up the great work. see all us preppers on the other side and good luck. god bless
Jae Carter · November 16, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Excellent post Kelleen, I couldn’t agree with you more. I am wondering what you suggest for a family like mine. My husband and I do not own, we rent. We want to buy a house but are self employed, if we don’t have our money in the bank how could we buy a house. I am really not feeling comfortable keeping money in the bank especially with the article I read yesterday about fdic only insuring accounts until 2013. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kellene Bishop · November 17, 2012 at 1:39 am
Jae, the answer is more detailed that I could possible write in a comment and in fact I’ve written about it in several Financial Preparedness articles. My suggestion is that you look at the rotating icons up at the top of the page and select the icon for Financial Preparedness which is a money bag with the dollar sign on the front of it. Click that icon and it will bring up the articles I’ve specifically written for financial preparedness.
As for getting a home without having money in the bank, that just got trickier with this new development with the FDIC. If it were me, I’d focus on lease to own scenarios which typically don’t require you to play the typical bank and credit games.
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