9 Things To Do to Prepare for Hard Times Ahead

27th March 2015

By  Gaye Levy

Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

Most Prepper types that I know appear to have a common trait: they are good at evaluating risks then moving to mitigate those risks in a nimble manner.   What that means, in somewhat plainer English, is they have the ability to evaluate a situations, make a plan, learn from it, and ultimately act  in a responsible manner.

Along those lines, more recently I have done some  personal analysis and put more focus on what I call “hard times ahead”.   With my disaster preps more or less in order, I want to ensure that my own household will get through a period of difficulty when, for instance, there is not enough food, work, or money to go around.

A couple of years I shared 7 Tips to Prepare for Hard Times. Today, with even more concern about an eminent financial collapse, I suggest 9 more tips to prepare for hard times ahead.

1.   Accumulate cash and store it under your mattress, preferably in small denominations

No silly, I don’t really mean that you should store cash under your mattress (so do not come over and look under mine!). Rather, you will want to store cash is some well-hidden place or places where you can get to it in secret, if needed. Although I have not done so yet, I plan to locate a cache of bills underground in two or three different locations.

Now that I think about it, burying a supply of heirloom seeds, well sealed in Mylar bags, might be a good idea as well.

2. Maintain a survival library and a survival notebook

The time may come when your online resources may no longer be available.   Perhaps, as mentioned above, the grid may be down.   Or perhaps the internet will be censored with survival and preparedness sites blocked.   It could happen, you know.

Accumulate some preparedness books in print form and maintain your own survival notebook in a three ring binder.   Don’t overlook free resources that may be available from your local county or state emergency management department.

3.   Practice haggling and the art of barter for goods and services

A good place to start is at flea markets or thrift shops. In my big-city days I have even tried this in boutiques but I never did have enough nerve to do so while shopping for shoes at Nordstrom.

For many, this will take you outside of your comfort zone so start modestly and work your way up toward more sophisticated barter transactions.

See:  101 Low Cost Items to Barter When the SHTF

4.   Take care of major or minor health concerns now

Get your teeth cleaned and take care of any dental work that needs to be done. If there is a medical procedure you have been putting off, do so now. Are you overweight and in poor physical shape? Cut out sweets for awhile and start walking to build your stamina.

5.   Make learning a habit

Set aside a brief period each week to either learn a new skill or practice becoming more proficient at a skill you already possess. Better yet, take some time – even a few minutes – each day to find a new trick or tip to add to your survival notebook.

Amazon frequently offers free e-books on a variety of topics. These books are typically only available for one to five days and are a great way to learn something new. Sure, they may not be available if the power is out but if the goal is to learn from them, take notes and put what you learn into action now rather than later.

One of the most important things you can do now to prepare for a crisis or disaster is to always be learning. Side note: On most days I post a link of two to relevant free e-book over on my  Facebook page.

6.   Take care of home repairs that have been on the deferred maintenance list forever

This one is near and dear. My home was built in 2006 so it is fairly new. On the other hand, it is getting to the point where walls need to be touched up, boards on the porch need to be nailed down, plumbing fixtures need to be checked for leaks, and a lot more.

All of those little things around the house that have been put off may be an mere annoyance now, but down the road? Anything and everything in disrepair can and will come back to haunt you.

7.   Learn to cook bulk foods from food storage

In a recent comment, a Backdoor Survival reader took issue with the “store what you eat” mantra of food storage.   And in a way she was right but with this twist.

Without question, beans, rice, oats, wheat and the like are going to be the cheapest food storage items out there.   Rather than shun them because you don’t eat them now, learn to prepare them in such a way that they become palatable to your family. For very little money, you can store a year’s worth of bulk foods. Perhaps they will not be as tasty as a juicy hamburger, but you will not starve.

I suggest you start with the ubiquitous pinto bean:   Respect for the Lowly Pinto Bean

8.   Make arrangements for alternate living quarters  just in case

This is a two way street. If something should happen and you could not live in your home, where would you go? It would be nice to have a reciprocal arrangement with family or friends, even if they are not preppers.

Speaking for myself, I have set up such an arrangement with friends and likewise, have prepared my small home with those things that will be needed in the event my non-Prepper brother and his family needs a place to stay.

9.   Learn to become self-entertaining without spending money

Like an old broken record that has a repeating skip, I am again telling you to become self-entertaining.

Learn to enjoy your free time without being dependent upon money, cable-TV, or trips to the shopping mall. Read, ride a bicycle, play cards or board games, dance or go for a hike. There are are way more pursuits to keep you occupied than I can list here, and yet it amazes me how many people can not stand to be by themselves.

The Final Word

As cliché as it may sound, prepping IS overwhelming.   Likewise, it is a lifestyle choice that will provide insurance against disruptive and possibly catastrophic events. I find it interesting that whereas the US government promotes preparedness, they tout economic recovery rather than prepping for hard times.

Let us take control of our future and prepare for hard times. They may, or may not occur, but at least we will be ready.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye

Further articles by Gaye Levy:

• Using Nature’s Remedies for Health and Wellness
• 20 All Purpose Remedies Using Essential Oils
• The Powerful Healing Qualities of Rosemary Essential Oil
• 15 Alternative Uses for Honey
• Vermiculture: How To Build A Worm Bin the Cheap and Easy Way
• Spices for the Survival Pantry
• 21 Home Remedies for a Toothache Emergency
• The Miracle of Tea Tree Oil: 80 Amazing Uses for Survival
• 26 Five-Minute Prepping Projects
• 10 Simple Steps Toward Self-Sufficiency
• Creating a Healing Garden: 9 Healing Herbs You Can Grow Yourself

About the author:

Gaye Levy, also known as  the Survival Woman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and has moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State.

Gaye lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle through her website at  BackdoorSurvival.com.  At Backdoor Survival, she speaks her mind and delivers her message of prepping with optimism and grace, regardless of the uncertain times and mayhem swirling around us.  You can find Gaye through her website  Backdoor Survival.com, plus Facebook, Twitter  and  Pinterest.

If you have not done so already, please be sure to like Gaye’s  ‘Survival Woman’ Facebook page, which is updated every time there is a new article, news byte, or free giveaway.  In addition, when you  sign up to receive Gaye’s email updates  you will receive a free, downloadable copy of her e-book  The Emergency Food Buyer’s Guide.