3 Biggest Steps You Can Take Now to Survive and Thrive in a Crashing EconomyWe are living in an era where the economy fluctuates on a daily basis as we process what that shift represents to each of us and the world. President-elect Obama has stated that things will get worse before they get better, so one must prepare.In 2009, you will hear talk about deflation and depression. Personally I don't see things getting that bad, but lifestyles will change for a large number of people around the world. Many people remain unaffected to date, but this is a global happening that is rippling down to all sectors. Most people believe it is part of the cycles of time and all will be restored to balance if they are patient.Maybe ... Recently people who live and work in cities around the world, have had to shift jobs and careers, as the unemployment rate increases. And so we take a long hard look at our lives and incomes to determine how to be self sustainable whether we live on a single income, or more than one source of revenue.Years ago we were in a recession and things began to bottom out. Why? Because they just didn't work and as consciousness shifts ... that which does not work gets deleted. So let's see what we can do to preserve our lives in a sustainable way until it all shifts into something better. The following are preparatory steps complied by a friend that hopefully will guide the choices you make in 2009.Some of the suggestions go to survival in emergency situations, such as those created by natural disasters, while others go to the economy itself. You know the issues, but perhaps the information below can help you prepare today.STEP 1: Get Your Basic Necessities in Order In order to be self sustainable, one of the most vital elements to consider is whether you have enough food, water, medication, and money to last until your income returns.Action Plan1. Be sure to keep money at home to pay at least one month's bills.2. If you don't have one already, set up a 72-hour kit to be ready to go if need be. This should include basics: water, food, clothing, communication devices, passports (ID), toilet paper, etc. Visit 72hours.org for more info.3. You've heard about planting new seeds. It doesn't hurt to go back to the land and plant seed, either indoors or out.4. Gather items for your food storage. You will want to have at least 6 months worth of food supply available for your family, if possible. There is a great website that gives you all you need to know from what to stock in your food storage, to great food storage recipes: nomoregroceryshopping.blogspot.5. Find a way to cook your food whether or not you have electricity. A great step by step guide to building a solar oven can be found here: the farm, or do a google on cooking without electricity.6. If you can afford it, get solar power installed. Even if it is as simple as a solar powered flash light or radio.7. Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car to get you to wherever you need to go. Also, keep some extra gas cans around, just in case.8. For more information on how you can be prepared, visit ricktobin.com/roadtoready, and search through the archives of past radio shows on preparedness.STEP 2: Get Your Home in Order Are you currently living in a place where if something were to happen and you could not pay your bills for a while, you be okay? If not it is time to do some serious thinking about what you would do if you could not access your money from the bank.Sometimes the answer to these questions may be to downsize your home. Or it may be that you would go and live with relatives for a while until you could get back on your feet. Or if you simply do not want to leave, then perhaps you may get two part time jobs to keep you going. Whatever it is, make a plan A, and then make a plan B.Actions Plan1. Come up with a plan of action, network with family and friends.2. Get a generator that can power your home, and enough fuel to keep it going for a few days3. Consider cutting back on extra spending. Set a budget, and make sure that you are using your resources wisely.4. If you don't have one, and have the money to do so install a wood burning fireplace inside of your home, and get a couple months supply of wood that you can burn.STEP 3: Contribute We are seeing layoffs left and right, whether you are in the banking industry, the auto industry, or anywhere in between, there is a domino effect taking place. Many are wondering, what would our world be like without money? Would we go back to the barter system that was in place ages ago where one neighbor has eggs to offer and the other has wheat?Actions Plan1. Update your resume and cover letter and have it ready to go at a moments notice.2. Set clearly defined goals. What kind of work would you like to do? How much money do you expect to make? By when will you have this job?3. Finding work is a 40 hour a week job. Get off of the couch, search for jobs and post your resume left and right.4. If you have the resources and the knowledge to bring it about, start your own business. You can set it up as a side business for a start.5. Figure out what your best at. What is a practical life skill you have that you can offer? Are you great at building homes? Making bread? Knitting blankets? Do you have an orchard producing apples?6. Network with people who have different skills and trades. You never know when you may need to barter.7. Visualize and clearly see exactly where it is you see yourself being. When you have done all that you can do, have absolute faith that you will be provided for.Summary"When you have come to the edge Of all light that you know And are about to drop off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing One of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or You will be taught to fly" -Patrick OvertonWe are coming to a point in the world right now where it is time to get back to the simple things in life. As you simplify your life, you will find that there is immeasurable reassurance that comes with it.The knowledge that you have the power and the know-how to take care of yourself is something that no amount of money can buy.Living a simpler life not only takes away many stress factors, it also facilitates that close feeling of interconnectedness with our fellow human beings.By networking with those around you, you are able to develop relationships with people who you otherwise may have just passed by. Never give up on your dreams, always strive towards them, and be willing to take what comes and face reality as it is.Don't let the media and their fear keep you in their paralyzing grip. Choose instead to get your home in order and be ready for whatever life may decide to throw at you.
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