Some Thoughts Inspired by a New (to me) Podcast
I just started listening to a new podcast (The Survival Podcast). This is a podcast that has been running for a long time that covers realistic disaster preparedness/survival issues. Listening to selected past episodes, it has caused me to think about a few things:
- I need to reduce my debt load. Not counting mortgage or car payment, I have over $600/month of loan(credit) payments. If I get these paid off, and then get my truck paid off, I will have an extra $1200/month. This could make things much easier for me. When you have less debt, you have more freedom. This means I won’t be doing the firearms related spending I’ve been thinking about now. But, it will allow me to be able to spend more later. I should be able to pay off my one actual credit card next month (I think).
- I need to look into permaculture. Permaculture is a gardening/farming method that produces higher crop yields in smaller spaces with more perennial plants. It is a little late to get everything started for this year. It involves planting things like heirloom vegetables (I’m doing this with tomatoes), fruit vines and trees that do not need to be replanted. You end up with a great deal more food for a lot less money. If I’m not worried about buying food, I have more options.
- I need to build up a longer term food supply. I have a limited supply of food that does not require refrigeration. I can do this slowly over time. This is another item that will provide me with greater freedom. If I’m not worried about buying food, I have more options.
- I need a to clear space in my garage for storage by getting some sort of storage shed in my backyard. My garage should be more long term storage than garden tool storage.
- I need to get a freezer. This will allow me to take advantage of sales on meat and other goods that can be frozen. Along with the freezer, I need a a vacuum sealer so I can more easily break up bulk purchases.