September 09, 2008 7 Comments

Yesterday was a big day as Congress tries to sort out the financial mess we are facing in the U.S. We are not alone in this as many counties are also facing a crisis situation of their own. No matter where you live or what the cause we can not solve it. We can, and should exercise our right to voice our opinion and we should always research the candidates for ourselves and vote for those we believe have the insight and integrity to do what is best for the country. That said, we also need to accept financial responsibility for own households.

I watched with great interest as Suze Orman appeared on the Oprah Show this week. It was frightening to listen to her speak of the future and the financial mess that faces us. She pointed out that many, if not most of us, have become too focused on short term pleasures and ignored the consequences of our appetite to accumulate stuff. There are some who have been caught in a situation that was beyond their control and they are starting over and those who have been foolish and are now just waking up. She encouraged people to pull their money out of anything that is not FDIC insured unless they are prepared to leave it there for the long term, more than 5 years. She always encourages people to get a second job to pay off debt. But what if you can’t find a job or are unable to work? Right now in our area jobs are very scarce and many college kids could not find work this summer. Many of my friends have been looking for months. What if you have no money to move to an FDIC secured account? Then, you need to be cutting your expenses. If you can’t make more you need to save more. I can help with that.

I have watched as friends have given their children cars, cell phones and game boys. They have purchased “the latest” fashions and hired limousines for graduation and proms. Their children have suffered. As they went away to college they accumulated credit card debt and huge cell phone bills. Now they are getting married and are still charging or running to mom and dad for a bail out, and getting it. Now mom and dad are having problems and there is no more money to dole out. These same young adults still believe when there is a crisis they will be able to run to the store and charge what they need. Don’t they know that some times store shelves are bare? Ask the people in Houston and Galveston. Don’t they know credit cards can be canceled when you don’t pay the bill?

Tomorrow I will be speaking to a group who have labeled themselves the Preparedness Posse. They work together to prepare for the future needs of their families and are striving to become self sufficient. They share ideas and tips, buy in bulk, share the fruits and veggies from their yards, learn skills like canning, and trade and barter whenever possible. I will be teaching them about water storage. You can do this too. Call your friends and family today and form your own preparedness group. If you feel you are alone in this, you are not, just join us here at Totally Ready. Once you have a group formed let me know how I can help.

I will be giving you tips each week to get you closer to the goal of having a stash of food and cash. What is more important than feeding your family? During the depression food banks and churches could not keep up with the demand for food and people were on their own. Just think, once you have a month or two of food stored you will never have to buy food again unless it is on sale…saving you a bundle!

Don’t feel depressed, overwhelmed or hopeless. You can do this and I am here to help! Let’s work together to prepare and along the way we can help those around us, especially our families, to learn the skills to give them the confidence and peace of mind to keep moving forward and achieving their dreams. So today, go gather that group and plan that first meeting! Don’t forget to check back for tips and don’t forget to share your own.

You can do this!

Before the Disaster, Food storage, Money Savers, where to begin food storage

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