By the end of 2021, we experienced two new variants of the COVID pandemic (Delta & Omicron); home prices have soared to a 19.9% increase in value, and there has been a decrease in housing inventory. We experienced a 7% increase in inflation, a shortage of microchips affecting the supply of home appliances and electronic gear, favorite food items randomly going missing from stores periodically, coin shortages at local retailers, and emergency preparedness gear out of stock.
We see photos of destruction in Ukraine and war stories filtered through our news feeds. Our fuel prices are soaring, and food prices continue to climb. It can have a frightening effect! The U.S. has placed “severe sanctions” against Russia for attacking Ukraine. We can only speculate how Russia will respond and how these sanctions will affect the U.S. economy. Russia’s top exports are wheat, crude oil, natural gas, precious metals, fertilizer, and metals (iron, steel, copper, aluminum).
It brings to mind questions like: am I prepared for higher prices, grain shortages, stock market fluctuations, or a host of other things.
If you have been prepping (gathering food storage and stocking away other essential survival gear), then it’s possible that YES, you are prepared for whatever the future holds. Will there be some inconveniences – SURE – but that is life! It is important not to get caught up in doomsday headlines. Here are several ways to prep your home for a wartime economy and feel some measure of control during uncertain times.
Prepping Your Home for a Wartime Economy
1. Consider Ways to Use Less Gas
With sanctions on Russia, it is widely believed that we will continue to see fuel prices race upwards. We use gas in our cars, trucks, RVs, generators, and lawnmowers. A hefty increase in prices can devastate a household’s budget. Make simple changes now before you feel the hurt in your pocketbook. Meal plan and take one trip to the store a month instead of going once a week. Many preppers are trading in their gas-guzzling RVs for small Teardrop Trailers. Electric bikes are another way you can minimize fuel costs. Last year my household gas budget was $180 (I know that is much lower than most US households). I’m making budget adjustments now as prices continue to climb.
2. Stock Up On Grains
Did you know that Macaroni and Cheese were very popular during WWII? When dairy was rationed and in short supply during the war, a box of Mac & Cheese satisfied people’s cravings for the taste of cheese. Are you into sweet, spicy, crunchy, cheesy, chocolatey, or salty? Make sure you have some basic food staples stocked away, plus some foods that will curb a craving. I’ve been stashing a few boxes of brownies.
Russia is…