Preppers are Risk Management Experts As I've said before, prepping is a form of insurance. Preppers identify risk factors in their lives and systematically reduce those risks. This doesn't mean we need to buy every insurance product someone wants to sell to us. Some risks are so small that we cannot possibly justify paying the insurance premiums. What we need to do, then, is learn which risks need to be mitigated. Risk management, the act of assessing and mitigating risks in our lives, is a skill every prepper should master. Below, I share three ways in which peppers can become better at risk management. Identify the Downside People hate losing. It doesn't matter what it...
New Year Fear: What to Prep for in 2020
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 ...