Prepping-Buy nothing

[silva]

I came across this woman on YouTube and she really has me thinking about the best ways to get through the uncertain times.
I've often 'banked' shelf stable foods through different phases of my life to see us through lean times, and now it seems more important than ever
I can't even keep a 1500. saving for long
Food prices will increase, health care, and I wouldn't rule out another pandemic (though it would never be called one!)

 

[Raven]

There is a prepping thread on the other forum that I'm on and they were the people who were very prepared for lockdown during the pandemic. Some of the other people on the forum ridiculed them, but I think a lot of us were caught out by how much normal life changed.

I usually have a store of tinned food (I always have beans and soup) and I am very careful to have a store of cat litter and toilet paper as that was what I had the most trouble getting during lockdown. I got caught out a few years ago when my cat had to go to the vet and all the cashpoints near me were empty as it was near Christmas so I keep £50-£100 in cash at home at all times. It was a really rainy and cold winter night and I was walking around and thinking that I would always keep cash on hand from that point onwards! I keep my phone charged and have a charger in every room. I keep a torch in every room now as well thanks to reading what they do.

I didn't have much paracetamol as well during lockown so I am more careful to keep a stocked medicine cabinet. The pandemic was the reason I moved out of London and to the seaside as I thought if this ever happened again (especially when we were only allowed outside for one hour of exercise) I could at least walk to the beach or to the woods from my house now.

 

[Emma JC]

I don't think I will ever lose the prepper mind set - especially with Canadians being constantly threated with tariffs I am trying to buy canned beans etc when on sale as we use a lot of them anyways - rice, pasta, potatoes, etc lots on hand. Always some cash and we do have a portable power point that also inflates tires and can boost a car battery and that is always kept charged. A fullish tank of gas/petrol is also a priority.

Emma JC
Find your vegan soulmate or just a friend. www.spiritualmatchmaking.com

 

[silva]

I am already seeing prices go up again. I'm having the same sticker shock as I was about, what, one two years ago?
My big problem is I get anxious and start thinking of everything I don't have, or have been putting off.

One thing that I love is my neighborhood has a great FB buy nothing site. People are very generous, everything from just getting rid of things to taking requests for things or asking to borrow items like lawn equipment and tools

 

[Tom L.]

I was surprised last time, seeing how bare the shelves in the local store were. Ultimately, I had everything I needed- I almost always have a good supply of certain bulk staples (such as dry grains, legumes, etc), but I really should have been more well-prepared. I will be from now on. At least I'm fortunate that I have relatives and friends nearby, and we could mutually help each other if we had to.

 

[PTree15]

I keep a good supply of canned goods and dry goods on hand. Same with toilet paper and medications like ibuprofen, cold remedies, etc. I also keep a little cash on hand and my devices charged up. I have small solar-powered Luci lights in the house along with a good supply of batteries for other devices. I have a headlamp as well.

I also have a solar-powered Sun oven that was a house-warming gift from a friend. That thing is great. You can make just about everything it it, bread, soups, desserts, etc. All you need is a sunny day. I use it more in the summer than in the winter because you have to go outside a few times to adjust the position to keep it lined up with the sun if you're making something that takes more than an hour or so (like bread). But it's very handy.

 

[Blues]

It might sound slightly arrogant but I think I have far too much food and I’m going to try and stop the purchasing and eat what I’ve got

 

[silva]

It might sound slightly arrogant but I think I have far too much food and I’m going to try and stop the purchasing and eat what I’ve got

For me, that ability of having so much on hand that grocery money could go to other needs without impact was like having a secret bank account.
I have to admit though, that it has morphed into having 'fun' money more than for needs. I now so anxious about the US economy and structure that I'd better change my thinking.
It's so hard because food is like the last splurge item to give up. I clearly remember the feeling the freedom of buying special foods instead of everything cheap

 

[Tom L.]

@Blues I don't think it's arrogant if you see possibly unstable, chaotic social conditions down the road (even in New Zealand- it could happen), and you want to have a supply of healthy, non-perishable food.