Not a prepper? Are you ready for lifes road bumps?

Even if you do not buy into all the different reasons for being a prepper you may want to at least stockpile for  everyday reasons like job loss or a pay cut, illness or even an unexpected large bill.
 Look up the unemployment rate in you state HERE
Even having to replace a refrigerator of other large appliance can hurt ones budget.

If you lose your job for what ever reason it could be a year or two before you get another one. If you end up out of work on comp or disability for what ever reason can you live on unemployment or disability? or welfare and food stamps for 2 years? NO! This can be the kiss of death to a pay check to paycheck family.

But if you do some basic prepping it may just save you!

I had to an unexpected stomach issue that landed me in bed for weeks at a time spanning  several surgery's.  And my stockpile was my saving grace. Although my employer did still pay me every week (I am a very lucky person) I still had the issue of getting around for a good period of time. But I found that I had everything I needed. Just had to pay the bills.

STOCKING UP ON THINGS LIKE:

• Shampoo and other hygiene products
• TP
• Cleaning products (which can not be bought with food stamps) 
• Canned soups  
• Drink mixes  
• Vegetables
• Canned meat like chicken and tuna
• Solar charged battery's 

 This list can go on....it all depends on you and your family's needs, likes ect.

 EXAMPLE:  My biggest prep for this is COFFEE sugar and powdered creamer!!!!! I have several years worth :) And with the market the way it is, I invested in it and have already saved. I use a K cup now but have my stove top pot ready to roll for hard times, what ever they maybe. BECAUSE I CAN NOT LIVE WITHOUT COFFEE!

Remember to always keep in mind, meals and per person when stockpiling food.  And always check the date on canned goods to get longer shelf life.

These things can and will be the very things that will help you survive a job loss or illness.  Having a stock pile can help you keep the bills paid and keep you mentally healthy during a trying time. Also remember starting a new job may mean taking a lower paying job.  So learning to live on less before having to really do so can save you.

LEARN TO COUPON NOW!! 
Couponing is an art that takes time to learn, but learning it before hard times can help you stretch that dollar and help you be able to have a stockpile before you need it without costing you anymore money.
I have some of the basic how to's on couponing on this page Click Here

People say that using coupons or stockpiling is too time consuming.  Looking back on that I am thankful that I took the time to learn and  have a stockpile.

people say that using coupons or stockpiling is too time consuming.  Looking back on that I am thankful that I took the time - See more at: http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2014/03/how-to-survive-job-loss-by-living-off-your-stockpile/#sthash.lzlXNICl.dpuf

people say that using coupons or stockpiling is too time consuming.  Looking back on that I am thankful that I took the time - See more at: http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2014/03/how-to-survive-job-loss-by-living-off-your-stockpile/#sthash.lzlXNICl.dpuf

people say that using coupons or stockpiling is too time consuming.  Looking back on that I am thankful that I took the time - See more at: http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2014/03/how-to-survive-job-loss-by-living-off-your-stockpile/#sthash.lzlXNICl.dpuf

AND DON"T FORGET! 
 What I did was walked around my house and looked into all those draws and corners and made a list of those things that I would miss the most if hard times came and added them to my stockpile. 

• Other things to have on hand are extra printer paper, envelopes, printer ink and forever stamps (for resumes). 

• And last but not least....those special things that you will miss in hard times. Things like your favorite perfume or makeup (which I get free with coupons) or Candy (which I put in Mylar bags so they will stay fresh for a long time). Or any other little comfort items you may think of. 
•  Even having  emergency garden seeds stocked ready to go.

FIRST AID SUPPLY'S TO HAVE ON HAND
Here is a printable basic first aid supply list pdf (at Scribd) Click Here  Also note that I added a link to a great pdf

Handbook of Basic Nursing  Click Here PDF
Medical hard times can happen to anyone! Just when you least expect it! Be ready because most insurance company's now a day make you get over the counter stuff even if the doctor writes a prescription for it. So that will be an unexpected out of pocket cost that you can be prepared for. 

 

And the song I have to end this with is  .....G love and the Special sauce-This ain't living 

Thrift Store survival gear and finds

Thrift Stores
As we all know the dollar is already tight. I have always shopped at the thrift store for clothes. (we have a by the pound one, but you have to wrestle with the masses when they wheel out a new bins).
I also go to the regular ones (less stress) and always makes sure to go through the household area. I am presently on the lookout for canning equipment and cast iron pans. I just got a 20 pound box of brass light chains for $2.00. If I brought it to the junk yard I could get around $60 for it right now.

• Backpacks (I can get a bunch at the pound one for a few bucks)
• Pots and Pans (think campfire when looking at them)
• Spandex pants and shirts (I would never pay more than a buck for these) great for rash guard and heat when hiking long distances. 
• Winter wear and boots! and rain gear.
• Extra blankets and sheets
• Battery-operated appliances- so many people buy these thinking cool, but end up never using them. We as preppers know the importance of having these (and rechargeable battery's(solar charger).
• Medical equipment, crutches are always plenty, slings, braces. 
• binoculars, telescopes
• sewing and knitting supply's
• candles cheaper than the dollar store
• Bikes and bikes parts
• Oil lamps
• Sharpening stones and knives 
• If you have a By the Pound store it is worth stocking up on Levi's and Lee Blue jeans (different sizes they never go out of style) or some stores have the color tag sales.

When looking also keep in mind motors of ceiling fans can be used for your windmills! 
•and jumper cables to help build a battery bank when your windmill is up and running
 --jumper cables and a battery can also be used as a primitive soldering tools (if you have rods)



 

Yard Sales
• Now tents and camping gear are not big in the thrift stores, but I have seen many at yard sales in suburban areas.
• Sterling silver flatware,  at yard sales you can get this for pennies (thrift stores have caught on to this). sterling silver is known to have antimicrobial properties. In years past nickle and dime and quarters use to be used as a water purification tool.
• Tools (same as above thrift stores rarely have these now a days)
• Fishing equipment- all my fishing gear came from yard sales.
• keep your eyes open for short wave radios

Remember Estate Sales are different than yard sales, Look for them in your local paper. And also remember to be respectful to the family doing them because they are selling a loved ones belongings

Other Places


Right now I am trying to get my Alderman (statesmen in some parts) to do a junk shop at our local dump. He is a major green and eco guy, who is actually trying to make this happen. So much great stuff gets trashed in the dump. Worth see what your city allows at your dump. (I know some think this is to much work but if you can save a few hundred, why not?)

Craig'sList and freecycle are two other options. Both have free stuff listings. Many people just leave the stuff on their curb so you just drive up and grab it! FREE. My kid does this and consignment shops some of it so she can get stuff she really wants in trade.

Storage company's - call your local ones, they all do auctions on bins (like on TV) only issue is you have to remove everything from the unit that day. And most do not cost as much as the ones on TV. But alot of them are junk. Worth a shot, depending on were you live. 


Perfect song for this post! Just a fun song!

Jim Croce - Bad Bad Leroy Brown