2020 is Here Can 2020 possibly be more eventful than 2019? 2019 had international protests, impeachment proceedings, and natural disasters, to name a few. That said, 2020 is already off to a crazy start. If the upcoming US election wasn't enough to clutter the news, then the assassination of an Iranian terrorist certainly did the trick. Geopolitics sure aren't going to be less contentious this year. Our climate is unlikely to miraculously improve as we start the next decade. So, what can we expect? Below I explain why I'm beginning to feel New Year Fear. International Relations New Year Fear may subside a bit if a trade deal is finalized between the US and China. However...
10 Best Part Time Side Hustles for Preppers
One of the Most Important Preps is Financial Preparedness Prepping isn't simply about buying supplies for a bug out bag. It's a philosophical way of life. One of the most important components of the prepper philosophy is financial preparedness. Preppers should learn to be frugal, so they can save up for a rainy day. More importantly, preppers should diversify their income streams. No one should ever grow too dependent on a single source of income. Jobs are not guaranteed, so it's important to supplement your primary income with part time side hustles. Below I share the 10 best part time side hustles for preppers. 1. Writing Preppers are knowledgeable and savvy people. We...
How to Prepare for a Food Supply Shortage
When a Necessity Becomes Scarce Many Americans take for granted the ease with which we can feed ourselves today. We can have our food fast, delivered, cooked at home, or microwaved. In fact, it isn't until we pass by a homeless person asking for food or see video of the third world that we're reminded of our good fortune. People weren't always so lucky. The Irish Potato Famine killed between a fourth and a fifth of the population of Ireland. The fungus Phytophthora infestans destroyed half of Ireland's potato crop in 1845 and roughly three quarters of the crop over the next seven years. "The Great Hunger" that swept through Ireland seems like a long time ago. However, there was a m...
How to Survive in the Barter Economy
Trading After SHTF If SHTF, the banknotes we use as a medium of exchange today would effectively be worthless. United States dollars only have value because they're backed by the strength of the US government. If the US government loses its power following a SHTF event, what would we use to trade? How can we prepare for a potential return to a barter economy? And if we are to one day return to a barter economy, what tangible or intangible media of exchange would be the most valuable? Below I detail how we can survive in a barter economy. Humans Have Vices Whether or Not SHTF Alcohol We can trace vices back to human civilization's earliest days. The Wari Empire ...
How to be a Frugal Prepper
Don't Break the Bank There is no shortage of prepper gear we can buy these days. Some items are more practical than others, but "experts" will nevertheless try to sell us their latest product offerings. It's important that we're able to distinguish between something we need and something someone else wants us to buy. It's even more important that we're able to distinguish between those who are trustworthy and those who are not. I know that I need to earn your trust, so I'm not suggesting you buy anything. Instead, I will lay out a single fundamental principle you should take to heart: frugality. Below I detail how you can become a frugal prepper. Exercise Common Sense As...