Preparing for What Could Be: What's to Lose?

How are you doing with your grocery bills these days? Gas is down, so there should be more to spend for groceries, right? Depends on how you watch the prices and quantities at your local grocer.

Are you eating more macaroni and cheese, hamburger helpers, crock pot meals, in other words, slicing the bread thinner?

Well maybe none of this applies in your situation. Maybe you are comfortable enough that dietary expectations and enjoyment have remained the same. If so, are you also considering stocking up on durables that may be needed if circumstance requires your being so prepared?

Most polls suggest the anxiety level of most Americans as being pretty high. Eighty plus percent still believe things are going in the wrong direction. Warnings abound. Indicators suggest that whatever happens next, the likelihood of a sudden and satisfying turn around won't be happening soon.

Sounds as if it may be time for some old fashioned prudence. Here are a few thoughts:

$What's to lose by stocking your pantry with items that have a long shelf life? Whatever happens, you will use them eventually.

$What's to lose by assuring you have a good drinking water supply? If you don't use it, you can always water the plants later.

$What's to lose by reducing the number of trips to the grocer? You will enjoy more time for other things.

$What's to lose by being sure you have your car in good repair, in the event of some sudden need or emergency?

$What's to lose by stocking up on a few extra gallons of gas with prices at 18 month lows?

$What's to lose by choosing to be prudent, smart, prepared and less stressed?

In previous times, when convenience was not a presumed luxury, folk thought about tomorrow. They didn't make runs to buy a loaf of bread and a carton of milk. They loaded up on needs to last them for weeks. Twenty five pound bags of sugar and flour, other staples, a root cellar, smoked meats were all common. We aren't there to be sure, but such a reasonable approach to uncertain times may be a good experience for us. Discovering more self reliance, as in Henry David Thoreau's counsel, might be an eye opening and a huge learning experience for you, your family and your future.

It may not be necessary, but then again, one can argue neither is insurance!