With the market as volatile as it is these day, it is better to start investing in safer commodities that one can use for their future well being.  Stocks are plunging around the world!  Long gone are the days of  “easy money” from trading in the stock market.  Now, all that is left is the bitter, mood swings of  a dying market.  No one can trust in the market’s reliability. Investing your money in real assests that you can live off of for the next 10 years will be a better approach than investing in short term stock investments.

Many economic forecasters have warned that the coming days and the coming collapse will be nothing like we have ever seen before.  Some believe this crash will be worse than the previous one.  It turns out that economic forecasters such as George Soros, Gerald Celente and Martin Armstrong may, in fact be right with their warnings of an upcoming collapse.  In fact, Soros says that the full impact of the the collapse has not even been felt yet!

Invest into Hard Assets

Hard assets (anything tangible that can be used for the next 10 years) is an investment one could make that will have a reliable return on investment.  Hard assets, such as long term food, food devices (grain mills, cast iron pots), silver or gold, farming equipment, tools, necessary clothing, are items that can be put to use over the next 1-10 years that will ensure one’s well being.

Store Basic Necessities – Due to the possibility of a food shortage, as well as an increase in food prices due to an inflationary period from a major recession, the price of food will go up at least 20% or more.  Buying foods before this crisis hits will help sustain a family longer than foods bought later on during the inflationary period. Depending on what is purchased, lasting foods such as seeds, dry goods, dehydrated foods and dry beans and rice can be stored for years.  Additionally, begin storing water.  Water may be hard to come by in future.  Investing in a good water filter and ways to collect water would also be advantageous.  This will give a person the best bang for the buck. 

Invest in Precious Metals- If a person cannot invest in expensive precious metals, try and find junk silver.  Junk coins are typically quarters that were minted before 1965 and include Morgan and Peace dollars; Liberty Head “Barber,” Walking Liberty, Franklin and Kennedy half dollars; Liberty Head “Barber,” Standing Liberty and Washington quarters; Liberty Head “Barber,” Winged Liberty Head “Mercury” and Roosevelt dimes; and Jefferson “Wartime” nickles.  These coins are 90% pure silver!  The best way to find these coins is to go to banks and ask for rolls of coins that were given to the bank by private persons.  Do not accept the rolls of quarters that were given to the banks by bank security trucks.  Typically, bank security companies sift through looking for these specialty coins already, so the likelihood of finding any junk silver is next to nothing.  So, make sure it is from a private citizen.

Canada and the United Kingdom also has junk silver.  For a list of junk silver in these countries, click here.

Kevin, from the Neo Survivalist, states that, “ to protect your wealth, consider investing in precious metals.  Sure gold and silver will have volatile movements, but take a long term perspective with precious metals.  Also, consider it a way to store wealth versus getting rich.”

Large Investments for Your Future Livelihood

Assuming that major debts for a family are paid, any large investment should be made into things that can assist a family for long term self sustainability such as investing in farmland, tools, farm equipment or precious metals, even quality camping equipment can be a large (but necessary) investment.  During a depression, many find they can no longer live in the city.  There will be too many hungry and too many unemployed.  The only option will be to move out of the city in order to find a way to make money in order to care of their family.  Farmland used for long term survival, is a necessary long term investment.  Additionally, investing in non-gmo or heirloom variety seeds will give a major return on the original investment.  Many believe that seeds will hold more bartering power than precious metals in a long term disaster.

Investing each month into hard assets is an investment in securing one’s future.  The market is on it’s last breath.  The up and down swings will continue until eventually they will cease and the market will free fall with it’s dying breath.  No one knows for sure what the overall damage is going to be, but many are preparing for utter collapse and the destruction of the easy way of life.  It is time to invest in your future.  Doing it now, while prices are still relatively low is better than doing it when the prices increase.

A spokesman for the Center for Security Policy says that the threat of Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) is real. With Iran developing multi-stage Space Launch Vehicles (SLV) the possibility of such an attack will become even more probable than ever before:

From WND:

And experts forecast if such an attack were a success, it effectively could throw the U.S. back into an age of agriculture.

“Within a year of that attack, nine out of 10 Americans would be dead, because we can’t support a population of the present size in urban centers and the like without electricity,” said Frank Gaffney, president of the Center for Security Policy. “And that is exactly what I believe the Iranians are working towards.”

A recent launch of an SLV by Iran has sparked renewed concern of an attack that could send an electromagnetic pulse powerful enough to wipe out computer controls for systems on which society has come to rely, officials say.

As the G2 Bulletin reported last week, Ronald Burgess, director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, revealed that Iran successfully launched a multi-stage SLV, the Simorgh. The device ultimately could be equipped with a nuclear bomb, which the U.S. intelligence community assesses Iran is developing.

Officials also report Iran has been testing detonation of its nuclear-capable missiles by remote control while still in high-altitude flight. The development makes a potential EMP attack on the U.S. more probable.

An enemy of the United States, be it Iran, North Korea or a terrorist organization, does not need to detonate a nuclear weapon on the ground.We believe this is the only reason why Iran would be testing SLV’s with in-flight detonations. With this kind of weapon, Iran (or anyone else) would simply need to strike first. Once the weapon goes off, it would be difficult to determine from where it came and to respond appropriately, as all forms of traditional communication would be wiped out.

A small-scale, five to ten kiloton weapon detonated 200 miles above Nebraska, or a few weapons detonated 50 miles or so above the eastern, western and central United States would do the job.

The effects would be nothing short of disastrous – literally the end of the world as we know it.

All unprotected and unhardened electrical devices would be left useless.

This means that everything, from the refrigerator in your kitchen to the semi-trucks that carry food across the country, would be non-functioning.

If an enemy of the USA wants to bring America to its knees without rendering the land completely useless, they could do so with an EMP weapon.

We’ve always believed that a mainland invasion of the United Stated would be difficult, if not impossible. But, if an EMP weapon were to be used, our country could effectively be invaded within a matter of months, as most of the population would be wiped out and the government and military infrastructures in disarray.

We consider EMP as one of the most significant threats out there. The recovery period from a collapse of this magnitude would be counted in decades, not years, thus, for those who are “prepping” for a worst-case scenario, consider long term sustainability planning when planning for an EMP SHTF scenario.

Recommended Research:

One Second After by William Forstchen

Jericho TV Series (Available on iTunes)

Patriots by James Wesley Rawles

This article has been generously contributed by Mac Slavo from SHTFplan

There is something about glass jars being used other than their intending purpose that makes a smile creep across my face.  My grandmother, a child that lived during the Great Depression, never threw out jars or plastic containers.  She believed they had other useful purposes.  Perhaps that is why I like seeing re-purposed glass jars.  It is because the jar has been given a second chance at being useful. 

Because of the durability of glass, if kept in a safe place they can last a lifetime, as well as serve a multitude of purposes.  Yet, many of us (including myself) toss out our used glass jars without giving it a second thought.  But those days of being overly frivolous are over.  The list below details some highly effective uses for re-purposing glass jars:

• Use the jars to store leftovers and you will no longer have to worry about plastic chemicals seeping into the food.
• An old spaghetti glass jar could be used to store homemade dry bean soup mixes, sugar, flour, etc.
• Use them as drinking glasses.
• For an attractive garden border, turn them upside down and bury them in a row.
• They can also be made into unique lanterns with a regular candle or a citronella candles placed inside to keep the mosquitoes away during the summer months.
• Glass jars are a wonderful tool to get plant cuttings started. Just take the cutting, dip it in Rootone, and plant it in a good potting medium. Water it well, and place it in your glass jar in a sunlit area.
• Use them in your garage to store nails, screws, tacks, bolts, etc.
• Use them in your craft room to store ribbon, brads, eyelets, stickers, buttons, markers, etc.
• Glass jars make wonderful gift containers. You can fill them with the ingredients to make cookies, brownies, pancakes, hot cocoa, tea, etc. After you place the lid onto the jar, decorate it with a piece of fabric.
• Make them into unique picture frames. Insert your picture, place the lid on the jar, and turn it upside down. It is a wonderful way to decorate a shelf or a ledge. (Note: This may not be a good idea if you have small children.)
• You can use glass jars to house Betas (Siamese Fighting Fish). These fish do not require an air filter.
• Create a terrarium for African violets or herbs.
• Fill your jar with potpourri and interweave battery-powered tea lights or decor lights. Place the cord out of the back and put a rubber band or decorative ribbon around to hold the cord in place. When you plug in the lights, the heat disseminates the potpourri’s scent. (Note: If you use Christmas lights instead of battery-powered tea or decor lights, then do not leave the plugged in jar unattended.)
• Fill a large jar up with water and some tea bags and place it out in the sun for some Sun Tea. 

Next time you go to toss that glass jar into the trash can, remember that any glass jar can still serve another useful purpose, as well as save you money in the long run.  So, with all the creative and useful ways to re-purpose glass jars, perhaps we should give those jars another shot at being useful.

Three days after Hurricane Katrina devastated multiple states around the Gulf of Mexico, there were people who were on the verge of revolting.  For three days, they had been wading through contaminated water, searching for food only to find it spoiled and desperately searching to find any kind of safe drinking water.   They were also exposed to water born diseases, infections caused by injuries sustained during the storm.  These conditions coupled with the irritation of having no help from the government, caused the people to become angry and desperate.  They were in a nightmare and were living on the edge. Many of these inconveniences could have been avoided just by preparing for a disaster.

Disasters come in all shapes and sizes.  Hurricane, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes, home fires, floods – there are so many, and they happen quite frequently.  But, for one reason or another, many do not prepare for any type of disaster that could affect them in the area they live.  Despite their reasoning, disasters happen to everyday people all over the world.  We may each be faced with a disaster some time during our lives.  Starting to prepare simply involves sitting down and writing a list of survival needs.  Once the list is complete, start acquiring items.  Those that are prepared for those unforeseen disasters stand a better chance at surviving than those that do not. 

Food and Water

Storing a short and long term food supply a little at a time is not a difficult task, nor is it excessively expensive according to many prepping and survival sites.  With water being one of the most important items required for survival, having alternative means of getting this invaluable resource would be a good idea.  Some alternative sources to use as a back up plan would be rain water collection barrels, water filters or gravity filters.

Small amounts of food can be purcased each time one steps into a store or whenever they can afford it.  There are food storage calculators to help a person obtain the right amounts of food needed to survive for a year, and the numbers can easily be multiplied for further food storage calculations.  Taking time to read the nutritional information on the back of the food source will help a person make the best choices for their needs.  If a person needs to use their stashed food supply, having foods high in vitamins, nutrients, and proteins will provide their bodies with what it needs for mental clarity, rational thinking as well as maintaining energy levels in order to carry out more intensive, “survivor oriented tasks”. 

Skills and Tools

Surviving a disaster will require more than just stored foods and water.  Having first hand knowledge of skills, such as first aid, CPR, basic survival skills, fire safety skills can help ensure safety until help arrives. These skills will create avenues of opportunity that can help a person thrive or help a neighbor or person in need survive.

Tools are another category of necessities on a preparedness plan.  Tools such as generators, flashlights, batteries, utility knives, etc are necessary items to assist in surviving a disaster.  For a complete list of suggested tools, click here.

Medical Supplies

Injuries may occur during disasters.  Typically, those in need to medical assistance are elderly people that were unable to escape the devastation, the handicapped and those that had no transportation to escape.  Having a well stocked arsenal of medical supplies is essential to any one preparing for any type of disaster scenario.  Therefore, someone should prepare for the worst case scenario.  If a person has any medications they take regularly, or prescription glasses, get extra refills of these items and stash them away.  If someone has a heart condition or diabetes, prepare accordingly.

Mental Preparation

It is always hard to see the aftermath of a disaster.  For those that have not mentally prepared for such possible scenarios to occur, post traumatic stress disorder and mental illnesses such as depression can occur and the person experiencing these will need to get help.  Children especially should be watched closely after a disaster occurs.  Having the right frame of mind to handle the stresses before and after a disaster is a key component to surviving the event.  Without mental preparedness for a given situation, many succumb to the traumatic event, due to distress, shock, indecision or panic.

Obviously a disaster is not something to take lightly.  With food and water shortages occurring and basic needs not being met, desperation from the unprepared could turn violent.  Preparing for any type of disaster puts a person at a greater advantage than most.  And, while many are still enjoying the greater things in life, some are using their extra cash streams and using it to the best of their ability for preparing for an unforeseen disaster that may come there way in the near future.

“For anyone living in an inland area, I consider salt the highest priority barter and charity item.  Buy a lot of salt, in several forms.  As space allows, buy 20 to 30 of the 50-pound plain white salt blocks from your local feed store.  These are great for barter — both for folks with livestock and for people that want to attract wild game.  Buy a couple of 25 pound sacks of iodized salt for your own use.  Also buy 100 to 200 of the standard cardboard one pound canisters of iodized salt for small scale barter transactions.”

Survival Blog

The Importance of Salt Should Not Be Underestimated

In the CBS apocalyptic series, Jericho, there were towns that literally went to war over salt. 

Everyone knows that salt is a necessity in food preparations, but it has many other important functions around a homestead environment as well.  Animals, as well as humans cannot live without some salt in their bodies.  On a physiological level, salt is a requirement to sustain a body.  Specifically, salt assists in regulating the functioning of the digestive system and the kidneys, as well as helps conduct electric signals in the body.  Additionally, farmers have also used Epsom salt to heal scratches and rashes on their livestock.  This type of salt suppresses muscle aches and inflammation.

Ways to Use Salt Around the Homestead

• Food preservation – Table salt is the most important ingredient in curing food.  According to Wikipedia,  salt kills and inhibits the growth of microorganisms by drawing water out of the cells of both microbe and food alike through osmosis.
• Medical Purposes- Modern medicine has recently rediscovered the healing effects of salt on the body.  Salt provides antiseptic and bactericidal qualities when ocean salt is used.  A way to treat chronically inflamed skin is by bathing in salt (Dead Sea salt or normal salt can be used).  The salt helps to regenerate the skin.  Therefore, it would be effective in the use of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and chronic eczema, inflamed mucous membranes, as well as arthritis. 
• Tanning hides is another way that salt can be used on the homestead.  The salt preserves the hide.  Experts suggest that for “Hair on tanning,” spread fine granular salt (table salt, canning salt or solar salt) on the hide to completely cover it.  The hide should be salted for 1-3 days.  For further instructions, click here.
• Soaps can get an added boost when  adding salt, specifically sea salt to the soap making process.  The added benefits are that the salt will exfoliate skin and naturally heal the skin from it’s natural antiseptic factors. There are different methods to the soap making process, and research should be done as to which process is right for you.  Additionally, a person can add 1 cup of finely ground sea salt to 1 cup of liquid soap to make a daily exfoliating soap.
• Livestock - Mineralized salt blocks are a supplemental feeding that can be fed to livestock such as horses, sheep, and goats.  Not to mention, salt blocks can be  used to attract wildlife.  Deer will go the distance to find salt blocks.  Luring wildlife to the homestead would be a beneficial way to hunt without wasting much needed energy when searching.  The wildlife will literally come to you.

Salt is a multipurpose, low cost prep that will be highly desirable if a long term disaster were to come around.  Prepping calculators suggest having 25 pounds of salt stored for one year.  With all of the uses that salt can provide, perhaps we should think about stocking up a little more on this worthwhile prep item.

Uses For A Coffee Can

Bug Out Bag 

• Store dry food
• Collect water
• Use a coffee can to make a hobo stove
• Store rope or toilet paper (basically anything that needs to be waterproofed)
• Store ammunition or hunting items (fishing hooks, knives, etc)

In The Home 

• Use metal 1 lb. coffee cans to bake bread.
• Use the lids of the coffee can to place under flower pots to avoid water run off.
• Hold kitchen scraps to use in the compost pile.
• Make a dehumidifier – place a coffee can in a corner where it will be untouched and fill it with salt.  Replace salt monthly.

On the Homestead

• Use a large coffee can as a way to feed livestock such as dogs, horses and other animals.
• Coffee cans can also be re used as flower pots.
• Coffee cans can also be used as a rain gauge.
• Poke holes in the bottom to sprinkle seeds for a garden area.
• Place a coffee can down on the ground to create a safe haven for friendly frogs.  Frogs in the garden area are very useful to have around as they eat unwanted insects.
• Use a coffee can to create a bird feeder.  To create a bird feeder, poke holes around the can.  Glue a large plate or saucer to the bottom of the can.  Punch a hole on the  both sides of the top of the can can for string or rope to go through.  Fill the feeder with seed, and hang in a tree.  The movement of the can will cause seed to drop for birds to eat.
• Coffee cans could also be used as a wind and weather protectant for young plants.  Using a can opener, remove the bottom of the can.  Place the can over the plant being sure to push it into the dirt to hold it in place.  Keep your eye on the plant so that the coffee can can be removed as the plant grows.

Water

Drinking water is the best way to keep the body hydrated.  Store 3 days worth of potable water in plastic containers.   Potable water is water safe for human consumption.  It is free of disease causing microorganisms, poisonous substances, minerals, organic matter, chemical, biological and radioactive substances.  Another method is to freeze water in plastic soda containers.  FEMA recommends that a person should have 1 gallon of water per person for at least 3 days.  Try to stay away from caffeinated beverages as much as possible as they tend to dehydrate the body. 

Food

Stockpile a 3 day supply of non perishable items such as canned goods, dehydrated foods, high energy foods such as granola bars, power bars, trail mix and cereals.  Try and find foods that do not require a lot of water to prepare them.  Certain family members may need special foods such as infant formula, baby food or needs for someone who is diabetic. 

First Aid Kit

Keeping a well stocked medical supply can come in handy if someone has a injury.  First aid kits can be assembled at home and include all of the basic first aid items that may be needed.  A list of complete first aid items can be seen here.

Sanitation

Maintain good hygiene and wash hands often.  Sanitation items are good to keep around not only to stay clean, but also to have in the event that someone comes in contact with the flood water.  Flood waters have microorganisms such as E. Coli that can infect a person and cause them to have serious illnesses or injury.  Items such as:

• Hand wipes
• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Person hygiene items
• Bleach
• Feminine hygiene items

Disaster Tools

Pre-packed disaster tools in a centralized location can be a life saver if a person needs them in a time sensitive manner. 

• Flash lights
• Batteries
• Propane stove
• Fire extinguisher (ABC variety)
• Battery operated radio
• Can opener (non electric)
• Duct tape
• Multipurpose tool
• Waterproof matches
• Floatation device
• Tube tent
• Extra cash 
• Trash bags
• Signal flare
• Wrench to shot off gas appliances and water
• Pliers
• Map
• Survival manual
• Whistle
• Compass
• Plastic cups and plates

Bug Out Bag

 In the case that a person has to evacuate, having a prepared 72 hour kit or bug out bag will expedite the process of leaving as well as keeping things running as smoothly as possible.  A 72 hour bag should have all items necessary to survive for 3 days.  When preparing a bag keep the main surviving points in mind (water, food, shelter, clothing).  Having a separate bug out bag for the vehicle will also come in handy in the event that someone has to leave their home immediately.

Things to Avoid During a Flood

• Avoid the flood waters as much as possible.  The CDC states that “flood waters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems and agricultural and industrial bi-products.”  Other serious germs are present in the water as well and some can enter through broken skin where infection can set in. 
• Do not wade through the water.  There are a number of unknown objects in the water, such as  fallen electric lines that may still carry a charge, holes in the ground that cause a person to fall and possibly drown.  Flood waters are not safe.
• Do not drink the water.  Microorganisms such as E. Coli, Giardia, Toxoplasmosis, Norovirus, and Cryptosporidium can be ingested, thus causing severe illnesses.  Not to mention, there could be traces of metals, leads or fertilizers in the water.
• Never drive through flood waters.  Driving in flood water is extremely dangerous and unpredictable, and a car could easily be swept away.

Related Information Sources:

Store Your Food and Be Ready

Disaster:  It’s Not a Case of If but When

Flood Safety Tips

When a disaster threatens, the initial  step is the rush to the store for provisions, thus causing unwanted stress and tension.  In some cases, many go home empty handed due to the fact that people buy the same type of emergency food items.  A government website suggests having a two week supply of food on hand in the event that a disaster cuts off the food supply for that length of time.

Things to Look For When Buying Food

When beginning a small food supply, many are overwhelmed with the idea of what foods to buy and how much to buy.    Using a food storage calculator will help determine how much food is necessary.  There are some considerations to keep in mind before purchasing the food items. 

• The amount of people in the household.
• Have a good amount of food varieties to reduce food fatigue.
• The serving amount in the food.
• Vitamin content in the food.
• The expiration date or “best if used by” labels on the food.
• Special health conditions for family members.

Taking time to read the nutritional information on the back of the food source will help a person make the best choices for their needs.  If a person needs to use their stashed food supply, having foods high in vitamins, nutrients, and proteins will provide their bodies with what it needs for energy and mental clarity. 

Getting Ready for the Short Term and Food Supply Suggestions

Gathering a three day food supply is useful for the home as well as for 72 hour kits.  Begin by listing all family members (pets included) and keeping in mind any special health needs (allergies, diabetes, etc)  for the members.  Plan meals to meet a 1500-2000 calorie diet that are high in nutrients.  Having a ready food supply already stocked will keep the mind focused on creating a safety plan and preparing rather than losing precious time at the store and the gas stations getting provisions and supplies. 

Some suggested food supply items are:

• Canned fruits, vegetables and meats
• Canned meals
• Dry mixes
• Trail mix
• Whole grain cereals
• Beans
• Canned soups and broths
• Dried soup mixes (including bouillon cubes)
• Boxed juices and milks.
• Crackers
• Peanut butter
• Jellies
• Beef jerky or dried/smoked meats
• Granola or granola bars
• Energy bars
• Instant pudding
• Hard candy
• Instant rice and potatoes
• Pastas
• Instant oatmeal
• dry milk
• Infant formula or baby foods
• Powdered drink mixes
• Ready to eat meals (such as MRE’s)
• Freeze dried foods
• Vitamins
• Flour
• Sugar
• Popcorn
• Food for pets

Important Notes to Consider:

• Water, infant formula, and canned foods are usually the first items to go.  People buy the same foods, so if there is a mass rush and everyone is buying the same foods, there will not be enough for everyone.
• It is important to note that water is one of the most important items to have on hand.  Without water, some foods cannot be prepared as well as th uese for drinking purposes.  Have water in food grade containers so they last longer.  Some preparedness sites suggest having atleast two quarts of water a day, but that amount seems too small and does not take into account that issues arise and more water may be needed.  When preparing a water supply plan on using 1 gallon of water per day per member of the household.  If water supplies is a concern, avoid certain foods and drinks that are high in salt, over processed foods or caffeinated beverages.  These foods tend to make the body crave more water due to the high salt content.
• Having ready to eat foods, staple foods, and speciality foods stocked such as hard candy or cookies creates a sense of normalcy and lifts moral.

Getting a Food Storage Space Ready

Wherever one decides to store their food supply, the food should be in a safe, dry space.  Many people that are tight on space use creative methods such as shelving units high in their closets, bedrooms or closets.  Some people use extra rooms or unused closets as their storage space.  As long as the space is dry and big enough to store the foods, it can be used. 

Managing the Food Supply

Storing food is a continual process of using, rotating and reloading.   If a short term food supply is bought, the food must be used and more food purchased to resupply the storage shelf.  Thinking of the food supply as a small store where the foods in the front has the shortest expiration date and the ones in the back have the longest.  The food storage area should be checked every six months to make sure that appropriate food items are rotated.  Rotating the food and resupplying when needed will keep the supply of food as fresh as possible. 

Keep an inventory list of foods that have been purchased and add to the list accordingly when more items are purchased will provide a well rounded supply.

Guidelines for Food Storage:

Use within 6 months:

• Powdered milk (in box)
• Dried fruit (in metal container)
• Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)
• Potatoes

Use Within 1 year:

• Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
• Caned fruit, fruit juices and vegetables
• Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)
• Vitamin C
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Hard candy and canned nuts

May Be Stored Indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

• Wheat
• Vegetable oils
• Dried Corn
• Baking powder
• Soybeans
• Instant coffee, tea and cocoa
• Salt
• Non carbonated soft drinks
• White rice
• Bouillon products
• Dry pasta
• Powdered milk (in nitrogen packed cans)

Source – www.nationalterroralert.com

 When a disaster threatens, tensions run high and food and water supplies are typically the first items to go as far as preparedness goes.  Already having these items on hand alleviates some of the initial stress that comes along with preparation, and concentration can be put to more constructive uses.  Adding a few items to the shopping cart each time at the store is the most effective way in being proactive in preparing a food supply.

 Related Articles:

What Items Will Disappear First

Food Storage: Getting Started 

Prepping With Wheat Allergies 

Taking advantage of the holiday deals (or any deal) that are available is the best way to extend the budget to create extra money for purchasing goods for your short and long term food storage.  Comparative shopping at the large volume supermarkets typically has better deals than at the smaller stores.  Those extra dimes and nickles that are saved can add up to another item to buy.  For example, going to websites such as Walmart and Target and looking at their local ads can save on shopping time.  The Dollar Tree even has weekly specials, so check them out too.  The Dollar Tree website even has medicine and vitamins that can be bought in bulk.  These items are more valuable than gold if the SHTF!

The holiday food sales are here, so take advantage of them and buy as much as you can.  There are a few things to consider besides the price of the cans.  Take a few minutes to consider:

• Expiration Dates
• Find Items On Sale
• “In Season” Vegetables Are Typically Cheaper
• See If Larger Canned Food Items Have Better Deals

Some great supply goods that are on sale right now are:

• Sweet Potatoes
• Gravy Mixes
• Cranberry
• Canned Vegetables
• Boxed Potatoes
• Campbell Soup
• Disposable Plates
• Plastic Eating Utensils
• Chocolate Chips
• Sugar
• Flour

Frugal shopping helps in the long run and can stretch the smaller budgets out as well.  Get creative and spend some time looking around to find the best deals.  Stocking up on extra cans can be stored food for when budgets get really tight.  Buying the items on sale a little at a time will bulk up your short term food supply in no time at all.

Related Articles:

Money Saving Wednesday…Stock Your General Store…Holiday Foods

Long Term Supplies

Higher levels of food are needed to last 3+ years.  Keep buying some of the short term items to compliment the long term:

• Water
• Larger Amounts of Short Term Supplies
• Vitamins
• Longer Term First Aid Supply
• MRE’s – susceptible for temperature and storage problems.  good for more short term problems.
• Canned Goods – find some on sale and make sure of the expiration date.  Most last 1-3 years.
• Drink Mixes/Teas/Coffee
• Oil
• #10 cans – Freeze Dried foods can last for  20-30 year shelf life.  Buckets of mylar packaging material.
• Seeds of all kinds – Heirloom and Non-GMO seeds are better. Some to grow, and some to be used for sprouts (pumpkin, alfalfa, broccoli, lentil).
• Mylared Packaged Goods or Super pails of Goods - grains, rice, beans, oats, legumes, flour, corn meal, powdered milk, sugar, salt, baking powder.
• Spices
• Large Storage Containers
• Tools – Axes Shovels, Wrenches, Hammers, Multi Use Pliers, Farming Tools
• Wood – pre chopped
• Matches and Other Fire Starting Equipment
• Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils – You dont want to waste water on washing dishes.
• Matches and Other Fire Starting Equipment
• Paper Plates, Plastic Eating Utensils – You dont want to waste water on washing dishes.
• Bleach
• Freeze Dried Foods
• Personal Hygiene (Paper, Towels, Toilet Paper, Soap, Deodorant, Toothpaste)
• Clothing (Lots of Warm Clothing, and Items to Layer Under)
• Food For Pets
• Gasoline and Other Fuels (Keronsene, Lamp Oil)
• Candles (Camping Candles Burn Longer)
• Ziploc Bags
• Garbage Bags
• Batteries
• Weapons – Just in Case