What might happen and when?

Hi all,

We are currently in a recession. Whether or not the "adjusted" numbers point to that fact, few would disagree with my assessment of the current economic situation. For those that still have their job, things are better but do they realize how much buying power they have lost in the past 4 years? Do they realize that this is the longest economic turndown since the Great Depression? Anyone that does disagree with my assessment is free to post and defend their argument. Will it get worse before it gets better? I think so. Rather than argue that point lets return to the realm of philosphy rather than reality.

Can you survive financially if it gets "really" bad? Can you survive physically if it gets "really" bad?  Today, there are a lot of Government programs that will feed your family in the event of a severe financial crisis. What happens if those programs aren't there?  No one can guarantee that you will have sufficient funds to keep your home, keep your family fed and survive the coming economic downturn.

You have to be the one that can ensure your survival. You can attach any meaning to the word survival that you wish. Surviving can be as basic as staying alive or as simple as not losing everything you have if the crash comes. It will mean different things to each of you. The things you can do to prepare for the possible depression is the same for everyone. You don't have to spend a lot of money on the preparation and with rare exception, you shouldn't spend any money that will not benefit you today just as it would in the event of a catastrophe.

Growing a garden and stockpiling food is just as beneficial during the good times as it is during the bad. You will eat better and healthier food if you grow it yourself. Even short term castastrophes require a stockpile of food to get through without major incovenience. Keep at least a months supply of your favorite food source on hand at all times. This should be common sense but look at all those people on Long Island and Staten Island that had no food after 3 days of not being able to go to the grocery store.

I would like to start a discussion on just the sort of things one can do to prepare for "bad times" whether they turn out to be a total economic collapse or a couple of years of a bad recession that catches you this time instead of your neighbor. We all need to think about this because this problem has shown up every so often throughout history. We cannot escape the cycle. Don't be the one that says "I should've". Be the one that says "I did it".

Thanks for reading