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When you’re out camping or hiking and old man winter strikes with an unexpected fury‚ it can be challenging to stay safe‚ much less comfortable. Sudden temperature and weather shifts can transform a chilly day outside into a harrowing or even deadly incident‚ especially for those who are caught underprepared. But don’t worry — even if you’re not acclimated to harsh winter weather‚ there are a few easy cold weather tips to make any outdoor experience more enjoyable. In this article‚ we’ll explore them together. Remember the Basics There’s no denying the incredible experiences and unforgettable moments that can be had in the great outdoors during the winter months‚ despite the cold temperatures. And while some of the basic rules may seem like common sense‚ they’re absolutely essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. So‚ let’s briefly cover the basics and equip ourselves to tackle any cold-weather adventure. Layer Up You’ll enjoy any trip a whole lot more if you keep yourself warm. However‚ that doesn’t mean you should just throw a heavy coat over your everyday T-shirt and call it good enough. It’s best to wear multiple layers of clothing that trap air and insulate your body. Start with a base layer of wool or synthetic material that wicks moisture away from your skin; avoid cotton‚ as it absorbs sweat and loses its insulative properties. Next‚ wear a mid-layer of fleece or wool for added warmth. Finally‚ wear an outer layer of waterproof and windproof material that shields you from the elements. Remember to cover your head‚ hands‚ and feet with hats‚ gloves‚ and socks made of materials other than cotton. Above: After finding his way out of a freak blizzard overnight‚ the author reflects on his winter experience in California’s Angeles National Forest. Stay Dry This point goes hand-in-hand with the last one. Getting wet can lower your body temperature and increase your risk of hypothermia. Avoid sweating by removing layers if you begin to overheat and reduce your level of physical exertion if necessary. If you get wet from rain‚ snow‚ or sweat‚ change into dry clothes as soon as possible. Keep your sleeping bag (or camper’s quilt‚ blanket‚ etc.) and gear dry by storing them in waterproof pack liners or bags. Bring extra socks and dry the wet pairs out by the campfire‚ because there are few things more miserable than cold‚ wet feet. Eat and Drink Well Your body needs more calories to stay warm in cold weather. Eat high-energy foods rich in carbohydrates‚ fats‚ and proteins‚ such as nuts‚ dried fruits‚ chocolate‚ cheese‚ and granola bars. When going on a winter camping trip or day hike‚ it is recommended to consume high-calorie foods with fats as they can help keep your body warm. As you hike‚ your body will metabolize the food and generate heat. It’s also essential to pay attention to the importance of staying hydrated during cold weather. Though people might not associate winter with being thirsty‚ it’s crucial to drink water to keep your body functioning correctly. Avoid eating snow as a replacement for water‚ as it’ll cool you down instead of warming you up. Instead‚ melt it in a kettle or metal water bottle and drink it. Keep drinking water close enough to your body to prevent it from freezing or keep it near a campfire. It’s also advisable to take advantage of cooking hot meals and drinking warm beverages before sleeping. They can help you stay warmer than uncooked food and dehydrated snacks. Make pine needle‚ spruce‚ or hemlock tea for a hot vitamin C-infused drink. However‚ it’s wise to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages like beer and hard cider as they can cause multiple trips to the bathroom‚ leading to a loss of the warm microclimate you’ve been painstakingly creating. Above: Cold weather winter outings must be taken seriously. Equip yourself physically and mentally for when Mother Nature gets pissed. Be Ready for the Unexpected Let’s say you’ve done your best and followed as many pre-planning tips as possible‚ yet the weather changes. It happens. Several years ago‚ I went on a backpacking trip in the Angeles National Forest in California. Back then‚ the snowline was about 6‚500 feet — we were at only 4‚000 feet. This was early November in a state that’s not known for rain or snow‚ in general. We hiked in with sunglasses and the sun on our faces. Later that night‚ we heard the sound of a light pitter-patter on our tarps as we hung in our hammocks enjoying the late autumn night. Eventually‚ the light tapping turned into a tin roof cat dance‚ and it was coming down hard. I told my cousin to pull the tarp over tight as it started to sprinkle before it was a full-on rain — or so we thought. After about 40 minutes of it‚ nature called‚ as it often abruptly does in the worst of times. I pulled the tarp back and turned in the sitting position to grab my shoes. To my surprise‚ I saw a sea of white powder. It wasn’t sprinkling‚ nor was it ever raining — we had snow. It was 1 a.m.‚ and the thought of “What will we do tomorrow?” hit hard. Expected lows of 50 degrees F became 20 degrees. It was time to act. What would you do in this situation? Above: Throughout the night‚ the author remained comfortable while sheltered under a tarp (with bivy) that effectively prevented heat loss. Despite the temperature dropping to 8 degrees F and the continuous onslaught of wind-blown rain and snow‚ he stayed warm and dry. Stay Active Waking up cold sucks. Waking up freezing in a blizzard is serious business. It’s common to wake up in the middle of the night while camping‚ especially if you need to pee. Remember that your body stays warm naturally through movement and digestion‚ so it may be helpful to get up and start moving around. Make sure you have a saw and a large piece of wood to saw and help create heat before you attempt to go back to sleep. Building a campfire can also be a great way to warm yourself up. Take advantage of the opportunity to warm up water for your water bottle or hydration bag. Once you’re feeling warm and cozy‚ you can try to get back to sleep. Moving around can help you generate heat and improve your blood flow. Do simple exercises‚ such as jumping jacks‚ squats‚ or push-ups to warm up your muscles and joints. However‚ keep yourself from overheating and sweating profusely. An old-timer’s trick used by experienced campers is to carry a candle in a pocket. When taking a break from hiking or setting up camp‚ they would light the candle and sit upright while draping a coat or blanket over themselves. This helps trap the heat from the candle and keep warm‚ making it a great way to thaw out and recharge quickly before continuing the hike. Above: Dale Kiselyk of Karamat Wilderness Ways in Canada stands outside a completed snow cave. Seek Shelter When you’re hiking and you get hit with an unexpected storm‚ it’s essential to find a sheltered spot. This can help you stay warm by blocking the wind and retaining heat. Good spots to consider include areas under trees‚ behind rocks‚ or in caves. However‚ it’s important to know about potential hazards‚ such as falling branches‚ rockslides‚ or wild animals. If you have a tent‚ make sure to set it up on a flat and dry spot that’s away from water sources or low-lying areas. It’s also a good idea to use a ground cloth and pad to insulate yourself from the cold ground. This is more crucial than most people give proper attention to. Don’t neglect it! Before getting into your sleeping system‚ fluff it up and zip it to keep warm. Additionally‚ you can use a blanket‚ bivy sack‚ or emergency mylar blanket for extra warmth. Above: After getting caught in a blizzard in the Northeast Woodlands‚ the author was properly equipped with warm clothing. To avoid frostbite and hypothermia‚ the author covers up completely to preserve body heat. Hard Lessons Learned One winter‚ I was fresh back from assisting a tracking/survival class in Louisiana on an Army base where the low was 50 degrees F. Afterward‚ I was flown to the East Coast with trail runners and deerskin bottom moccasins as my only footwear — in December. News said there would be a monumental blizzard closing in. Soon after‚ my phone lit up with a buddy saying‚ “Terrible storm closing in‚ I’ll pick you up at 7 a.m. to camp.” This was the first time I got frostbite. We hiked in the cold‚ crisp air of the early East Coast winter‚ observing black bear and deer tracks. By the way‚ I chose the trail runners. Suddenly‚ the sky opened up‚ and icy rain and snow fell. Time to act. In no time‚ the best of the worst campsites was selected‚ and we went to work establishing what would be our cozy impromptu camp. After clearing the ground of as much snow as we could‚ kicking it aside‚ it was time to bulk up on the ground insulation. Leaves and debris were covered with snow‚ but we had birch bark from nature’s store. The birch bark served double duty as a fire accelerant and ground padding. Large pieces of bark were used as insulation with my pack liner (a tall kitchen garbage bag)‚ filled with frozen leaves harvested from under the snow. On top of all that‚ I placed my torso-sized closed-cell foam pad. It was enough to fight conduction from the cold ground. Tarps were set‚ and we quickly got a fire going to stave off the chill. Above: Calorie-up for a winter trip and take advantage of high-caloric foods to help generate heat while asleep. Hone Your Fire-Building Skills When camping or surviving alone‚ fire can be a great companion. Not only does it boost morale‚ but fire preparation also provides us with a task that keeps us warm. Fire is one of the few things that can keep us entertained for long periods without speaking a single word. In fact‚ fire serves several vital purposes‚ such as warming us up‚ drying clothes‚ boiling water‚ and cooking food — especially during the winter. It’s always a good idea to keep at least three ways of starting a fire on hand‚ especially in colder weather when a fire can be a lifesaver. A ferrocerium (ferro) rod‚ stormproof matches‚ and a lighter are all examples of items that can help with ignition. However‚ building and maintaining a fire must be practiced to ensure you can successfully get one going when it matters most. When camping in cold weather‚ it’s vital to lay down a wooden platform first to serve as a base for the fire. This is especially true if there’s ice‚ snow‚ or moisture from rain on the ground. The forest floor is the coldest thing around‚ and it can quickly drain the heat from our fire. By laying down wood‚ we can create a barrier between the fire and the cold ground. The wooden platform will eventually become part of the coal bed‚ so it’s best to choose hardwood if possible. Practicing fire-building skills in places like a family car campsite‚ beach bonfire pit‚ or backyard can be a great way to prepare ourselves for camping in colder weather. These skills can come in handy in case of an emergency or if we want to impress our fellow cold-weather campers. Above: Fire is used to melt snow and make Hemlock needle tea while providing warmth‚ hydration‚ and a healthy state of mind. Six Ways to Improve Your Winter Sleep Urinate: As you prepare to settle down in your sleep system‚ it’s crucial to ensure that your body is warm enough to promote a good night’s sleep. One of the ways to achieve this is by emptying your bladder before you hit the sack. The reason behind this is that the body uses up a significant amount of heat to warm urine‚ which can be better used to keep the rest of your body warm and comfortable. So‚ urinate as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary heat loss that could lead to discomfort during the night.  Hot Water Bottle: During cold winter nights‚ you can keep warm by filling a water bottle or hydration bladder with hot water. Place it at your feet‚ between your thighs‚ or near your torso to keep these areas cozy. If you have two water bottles‚ add another to increase the warmth. The best part is that you don’t have to get out of bed to drink water when you wake up.  Change Socks: If you have a second pair of socks‚ changing them before bed is one of the best tips I can give. Feet can become damp due to rain‚ melted snow‚ or sweat. Therefore‚ it’s important to keep them dry and warm by changing into fresh socks. I always carry a pair of Arctic Carhartt socks in the winter‚ which feel incredibly warm and cozy to slip on at night.  Bivy: Using a bivy bag while camping can benefit cold sleepers. It captures and retains body heat effectively‚ adding 5 to 10 degrees of warmth to your sleep system. However‚ it’s important to note that condensation may be an issue in colder weather if you don’t use a breathable bivy. Additionally‚ some people may feel confined in a bivy bag‚ so it’s worth trying a larger size to see if it suits your needs better.  Beanie: Even a light beanie can do wonders in the cold. In fact‚ a Buff-style neck gaiter can double as an emergency beanie and help retain heat. I prefer Alpaca wool or fleece beanies and will never camp without one. Since essential body heat escapes through the neck and head‚ it can also be a reason why people get cold feet. The late survival guru Ron Hood used to say‚ “If you have cold feet‚ cover your head.”  Ground Pad: A good ground pad is often overlooked in cold-weather gear. Heat loss to the ground can be a real issue. Even if you spend $300 or more on a high-quality sleeping bag‚ you may still end up freezing all night because you didn’t get a good sleeping pad or didn’t use one at all. I recommend using a closed-cell foam pad‚ which is lightweight‚ inexpensive‚ and nearly indestructible during regular use. Above: Winter meals like stews and soups are not only comforting and warming but also packed with nutrients. Chicken soup and lentil stew are great options to try. Five Heat Loss Mechanisms It’s one thing to be cold and another to know why you’re cold. Understanding these five mechanisms will help you get one step closer to avoiding or preventing them. Conduction is felt by losing body heat when contacting colder surfaces‚ such as the ground.  Convection is another way of saying wind; it saps the heat out of your body almost as fast as water.  Radiation is heat loss through the skin into the air‚ especially your head and neck.  Respiration is experienced when we exhale warm body heat.  Perspiration/moisture is any water (such as sweat) that draws heat away from your body. The evaporation of this moisture also amplifies the effect of convection to further chill us. Above: When it comes to winter fires‚ make them big. The author starts a winter fire and maintains it throughout the night for warmth and cook coals. Be Ready to Become a Cave-Dweller If you actually get caught in the snow‚ be it a snowstorm or a place with deep snow‚ you may have to make a snow cave. This is grueling work and runs a high risk of overheating‚ but it could save your life if you don’t have another adequate shelter. Thick snow walls offer an insulated shelter and can keep you warm and safe from the elements. Digging a snow cave requires a shovel or sturdy metal cook pot to assist in the scooping of snow. To make a snow cave‚ find an area with deep‚ compacted snow. Dig a hole in the snow that’s big enough to crawl into but not so big that it’ll be challenging to keep warm. Use a shovel or other tool to make the cave walls thick and sturdy. Once you have dug out the inside of the cave‚ smooth the walls and ceiling with a flat tool such as a snow saw or ski. After that‚ let the snow walls settle and harden for a few hours before you start using the cave. Finally‚ cover the entrance with a tarp or other material to keep the wind and snow out. Remember to practice safe snow cave-building techniques and avoid creating a cave in areas with avalanche risks. Above: Birchbark is versatile in the woods as a cutting board‚ serving platter‚ sitting pad‚ and ground insulation. Closing Thoughts Camping in winter is a lot of fun‚ but weather can change quickly‚ and you’ll end up in serious trouble if you’re not prepared. It’s crucial to take proper measures to stay safe and comfortable. First‚ ensure you have warm and waterproof clothing‚ including layers to keep you insulated. Next‚ keep your body temperature up by staying active and eating high-calorie foods. If you’re in an emergency‚ it’s essential to have the right gear‚ such as a sturdy shelter and a reliable heat source. Finally‚ be prepared to improvise‚ such as building a shelter from natural materials or digging into the snow for added insulation. Above: A long-fire is an excellent way to stay warm and cook in cold weather‚ especially if you need to sleep next to it. About the Author Adventurer‚ writer‚ photographer‚ and survival instructor for Randall’s Adventure &; Training‚ Reuben Bolieu has spent most of his life hiking and backpacking through the wildernesses of the world. He has traveled abroad in extreme environments and seeks out primitive survival techniques‚ construction‚ and uses of knives and edged tools. Bolieu has published many articles on survival‚ knife and tool use‚ and woodcraft. He remains a lifetime student of survival. Above: Yellow Birch bark is an excellent resource in the wilderness. The bark is flammable‚ and larger pieces can be used for insulation and mats. Read More Subscribe to Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter for more content like this. Winter Wheels: Preparing Your Vehicle for Cold Weather Cold Water Safety: Avoid Common Mistakes in Freezing Temperatures Snow Camouflage Tips from Cold-Weather Experts Cold Weather Survival Pack Cold War Combatants: Essential Preps for Winter Driving Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original print version for the web. The post Let It Snow: Cold Weather Tips appeared first on RECOIL OFFGRID.

This is an updated guide on financial planning for preppers. We will continue to update as more financial prepping resources are developed. Financial planning is one of the most important skills a prepper can master‚ yet it is often overlooked. Personal finances are nowhere near as flashy as knives‚ guns‚ and food storage- but it is more important than all of these‚ believe it or not. 41% of people can’t afford a small financial setback without further going into debt. 80% have unwanted debt. 33% of Americans have never created a budget. When you look at these metrics‚ you can see that there is a huge proportion of people that simply don’t understand financial planning and are‚ simply put… financially illiterate. If you are looking to be prepared for whatever the future may throw your way- financial literacy should be one of your top priorities. It is a requirement in our current day and age to become self-sufficient and is one of the most valuable and easy-to-learn skills you can use throughout your life. In this guide‚ we go over more reasons to become financially prepared and share 7 steps to get there. Contents (Jump to a section) Why Financial Preparedness Matters Build an Emergency Fund Kill Your Debt Budget Basics Leave Consumption Behind Stretch Your Dollar Invest Wisely Diversification Why Financial Preparedness Matters Financial problems can happen from a personal level‚ all the way up to a global catastrophe. There are many pitfalls for individuals‚ but there are also regional‚ national‚ and global risks out of our control. No country on Earth has escaped trying financial times: from America’s Great Depression‚ war-torn regions of the World Wars‚ and the many third-world countries that exist today. Well-established countries attempt to create economic safety nets- but nothing is ever guaranteed. Your financial position affects your preparedness for any other emergency or disaster situation. I don’t remember being taught much about finance in grade school. I’ve had military experience‚ a secondary education‚ and a financially savvy father that have helped me get ahead over the years. But consider me blessed because the vast majority of Americans do not have any of those things. Early on‚ young adults are confronted with financial decisions that can affect their entire lives. Student debt‚ credit‚ budgeting‚ saving‚ and investing can all be new to them. One misstep and anyone could find themselves in a financial hole they will never be able to escape. Self-sufficiency is the ultimate level of preparedness. This means that you rely on as little as possible outside of your control to live your life. Financially‚ this would mean that you are free of debts and have enough capital or investments to last you and your family the rest of your life. The technical term for this is “Financial Independence.” Some people can be obsessive about financial independence‚ and grind hard so that they can retire early. These people are part of the FIRE (Financially Independent‚ Retired Early) community‚ which has gained some traction lately. FIRE chasers are usually financially prepared- but they are an extreme example. You might have to create an extreme budget to save 60% of your income to retire early‚ but there are plenty of other ways to become financially prepared. Being well off financially can reduce stress‚ open up new opportunities‚ and lower risks every day of your life. With enough financial resources‚ both individual and global emergencies become less impactful. If you find yourself in a position where finances are constantly a challenge for you‚ it is a good idea to fix it sooner than later. Seven finance ideas that you should explore include: Building an emergency fund Understanding and managing debt Budgeting basics Consumer culture and spending habits Thriftiness and spending less for more Investing and getting your money to work for you Diversification and not putting all of your eggs in one basket Keep reading to learn how to apply these financial topics as a prepper. Build an Emergency Fund 41% of American adults are not able to cover an emergency expense of $1‚000 without going into unwanted debt. This is how people get on track to lifelong financial hardship. Medical emergencies are one of the top expenses that can catch a family off guard and send them into financial disarray. A large car expense that you can’t afford can destabilize your job and employment. Not fixing home problems due to their expense can cause cascading problems that worsen down the road. Anyone can see the benefit of creating and maintaining an emergency fund‚ but most people disagree on how much they should stow away and where it should be stowed. Situations vary‚ but the preferred method is to: Create at least one month’s income in ‘short-term’ emergency savings for overdraft protection‚ small emergency expenses‚ and any budgeting inconsistencies. These savings should be a mix stored in checking‚ linked savings for overdraft protection‚ and cash in a lockbox or safe for easy access. Build a larger emergency fund to cover large emergency expenses and potential job loss. This should be built up over time and cover 3-6 months’ worth of expenses‚ depending on your job security. These larger savings should be in a high-yield savings account or other low-risk investment that can be easily accessed. Don’t put too much money into savings past the amounts you need for the first two steps. You should diversify further money‚ invest it‚ and pay down debt. When people state that you need a specific amount in your emergency fund‚ they usually don’t know what they are talking about because everyone’s situation is different. Building an emergency fund should be your first financial priority (followed quickly by addressing your debt)‚ on the way to financial preparedness. Kill Your Debt 80% of Americans have unwanted debt. I’ve been in a large hole of debt myself and can tell you that it’s no fun. Debt can affect many parts of your life past just your finances. The helpless feeling it causes can worsen relationships‚ draw out addictions‚ and fuel bad decisions. There are a few camps that give out two types of advice on debt: keep ‘good debt’ that is low interest‚ or get rid of all debt. The real answer which you should follow depends on you. If you have a low risk to lose your income‚ are a homeowner‚ and are financially savvy… it may pay off to keep ‘good debt’. For most people‚ getting rid of all debt as quickly as possible is the best way forward. Credit cards‚ payday loans‚ high-interest car loans‚ and student debt are usually higher interest than an average investment return‚ and usually fall under ‘bad debt.’ How do we get rid of debt? Here are a few methods: Avalanche Method – Pay the highest interest debt as much as you can budget. Snowball Method – Pay the lowest balance of debt as much as you can budget. As you pay off different cards/loans‚ use the freed-up payments to pay an even larger amount towards the next highest amount of debt. Make More Money – Figure out a way to turn your time into more money. Get a side hustle‚ mow some lawns‚ drive for Uber‚ or deliver pizzas. It can be grueling to work 12 hours a day‚ but it’s worth it to dig yourself out of a debt hole that you could be in for your entire life. Spend Less Money – The best way to save money is to make a budget. For that last point‚ budgeting can be the best tool to regain control of your finances. Budget Basics There are a ton of budgeting apps‚ software- and even people that you can hire to do it for you. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated. It is just simple addition and subtraction‚ after all. Don’t get me wrong- some apps and software can make your spending easier to keep track of. Google Sheets is a solid tool that makes it easy to collaborate on a budget- and it’s free. Still‚ one of the simplest ways to create a budget is to just sit down with a pen‚ paper‚ and a bank statement. To create a monthly budget you will need to: List your income for one month (taxed) Find itemized expenses (credit card and checking account records should have these) Categorize your expenses List your expenses under each category Subtract all of your expenses to determine your net income Once you have your spending categories and know your monthly net income‚ you can get a good idea of what you can set your category limits to each month to stay within budget. If you have a lot of expenses that were one-time expenses‚ you can repeat this process for other months and find an average to set your budget. Using an average of about a year is a great idea because it will account for annual fees and costs that you might not catch looking at just one month’s worth of data. Example budgets using the popular budgeting apps Mint and YNAB. A budget is a useful planning tool that can help you with your debt strategy‚ investing‚ or cutting your costs. The last one is one of the more fun objectives for us thrifty preppers- once you see what you may be overspending on‚ it is pretty easy and satisfying to cut back the spending in those areas. Leave Consumption Behind Consumption is a large part of American culture. It has been great for our economy and has allowed most Americans to live great lives. Unfortunately‚ anything in excess is just too much of a good thing. Impulse buying‚ keeping up with the Joneses‚ fast fashion‚ and other addictive consumerism behaviors are where you’ll find most people that are in a struggling financial position. Ignore the hype and culture that asks you to buy more to fill that hole inside you. Spoiler alert- it won’t fill up when you buy stuff. Black Friday riots and violence show how excessive consumerism can bring out the worst in people. We could blame marketers‚ savvy businessmen‚ payday loans‚ or cheap Chinese goods for the consumption culture that has grown into a beast. As an individual‚ that won’t help you out much. Do what you can do and control what you can actually control. Two things that you can control are your income and what you spend that income on. Even adjusting your income can be difficult‚ so the one immediate thing anyone can concentrate on is their spending. If you’ve developed a budget as we suggested earlier‚ you know what you are spending on. Consider cutting spending as much as you can- even if you can afford the spending you are doing. Think hard about whether new designer clothes‚ a brand-new truck‚ or other purchases that have no chance of gaining value are worth it. The more stuff you buy‚ the more stuff you have to take care of as well‚ which can eat into your time. Once you’ve decided what you actually need and what you can live without‚ your budget will be much more healthy. A healthy budget will let you eliminate debt or build wealth. Stretch Your Dollar When can a dollar be more than a dollar? When you have patience and a keen eye for deals. Learning how to make your money go further for you can have a real impact on your finances. Some of the best ways to stretch your dollar include: Buying in Bulk – Buying in bulk is a prepping strategy already- you don’t want to run out of critical supplies in an emergency. This makes bulk buying doubly effective because buying in large lot sizes can save you a lot of money. Couponing – Not just for housewives- a coupon can be found for almost anything these days. Whether you’re buying tools from Harbor Freight‚ or really just anything online- check for coupons or discount codes first. Seasonal Deals – Holidays have become magnets for great deals. If you plan to purchase something‚ waiting until it is on sale can help you make fewer impulse purchases and save you money. Some of the biggest now is Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Buy Repairable – Buying something that is too cheap means that you will have to throw it away when it wears out or breaks. Buy tools‚ clothing‚ and other items that are repairable and tough so that you can repair rather than replace them. Thrifting – Thrift stores‚ yard sales‚ consignment stores‚ Craigslist‚ flea markets‚ swap meets – there are plenty of places to find used stuff at great prices. You will need to know a little about what you are trying to get since there are plenty of items that are not priced well. Most of these are places that allow haggling‚ giving you a great place to practice your negotiating skills. Freebies – Nothing beats free. You can find free stuff in Facebook groups‚ Craigslist ads‚ and through friends and family. We have some free stuff listed in our freebie list. Be careful about other ‘free’ claims online- a lot of the time they want you to pay ‘shipping and handling’ which actually covers the cost of the stuff. Making your dollar go further is one of the more fun prepping finance practices‚ in my opinion. Nothing quite like the feeling of getting a good deal with thorough research and hard negotiation. Once you’ve budgeted and saved some money‚ it’s time to do what makes rich people richer: invest your money. Invest Wisely Make your money work for you. The problem is- that is a lot harder than it sounds. There are a lot of different options that come with different levels of risk. There are entire job sectors designed to figure this out for you- for a fee. Talking to a financial manager may be a good option if you don’t want to manage the risks yourself. On the other hand‚ financial managers have been found to not outperform the entire stock market‚ mainly because of the fees they charge. The amount a portfolio manager outperforms the market is called ‘alpha.’ There are plenty of smart people with high alpha‚ but they also have high fees to match. Add to this that past performance- which alpha is based on- does not imply future performance‚ and you can figure out why portfolio managers have not performed as well as a low-fee S&;P500 index fund. Individual stocks are very tough to predict‚ and even harder to time entry and exit points. Financial analysts sift through tons of data and information every day- so unless you know something they don’t‚ you are unlikely to get an advantage over fund managers on individual stocks. One of the easiest ways to invest in a low-fee S&;P index fund is to use Robinhood- a user-centric investment app that lets you buy stocks‚ ETFs‚ cryptocurrencies‚ and even stock options without any trading fees. Competitors have caught up to the no-fee trading Robinhood introduced‚ so most trading platforms are worth exploring at this point without the fee barrier to get started. A simple stock index outperforms most financial managers. (Chart from Investopedia.com) SPY‚ or VTI – both indexes of larger chunks of the stock market have given a good performance. Although these are some of the best options according to multiple sources‚ it doesn’t make sense to place your money in just one investment. There is a risk that the investment may not perform well‚ but there are also broad risks that can affect your investments‚ like financial collapse and pandemics. This is why diversifying not just your portfolio- but all of your investments is important. Diversification Diversification is just a fancy finance word for not putting all your eggs in one basket. It’s common sense. As preppers‚ I suggest you do this with pretty much everything: from food storage to survival caches. It can be even more important with finance since diversification has been proven to be more effective for financial success because of how it minimizes risk. Eggs in a basket all break when the basket is dropped. You don’t want your financial ‘eggs’ to have this risk‚ so you spread out your assets. Every investment has risks‚ but if you do different types of investments- they have different risks. There are plenty of investments with diversification built in as we discussed in the Invest Wisely section above. Funds‚ like mutual funds‚ and exchange-traded funds (ETF) lump several securities into a fund to lower risk versus single security. But even these diversified funds can be diversified. Beyond investing‚ there are other ways to diversify the ways your money works for you. You can invest in: Stocks‚ ETFs‚ and Stock Options – Great for aggressive retirement plans or longer-term savings. Cryptocurrency – Good as a way to hedge inflation or currency manipulation‚ as well as a speculative investment. Securities‚ Bonds‚ and CDs – Okay for very low-risk retirement plans‚ but some do not outperform inflation. Savings and High Yield Savings – Great for short and long-term emergency savings. Private Equity – Good if you fully understand a company and have a lot of capital‚ since there is usually a large minimum investment without guaranteed performance or timing. Real Estate and REITs – Great for DIYers who like some control over the performance of their investments. Bullion – Great for hedging for a financial collapse or TEOTWAWKI events. Silver and gold are the big two with a good value difference letting you get precise denominations. Side Hustles – Excellent for anyone looking for more income. Our Prepping Side Hustle Guide can give you more ideas here. Invest in Yourself – It’s a good idea to invest in learning skills‚ acquiring survival resources‚ or increasing your survivability. Cash – A needed resource to get things done in emergencies and everyday life. Keeping a cash stash is a good idea for anyone. The key is not to be in just one or two of these‚ but most of these. We won’t go into too much depth on what your mix should be since it varies a lot on your financial position and interests. Since we’re a prepping site‚ we’ll just emphasize the importance of diversification and leave the specifics to you. Financial Resources There are plenty of finance-focused sites and resources mentioned throughout this article that can be helpful‚ from creating a budget to investing with free trades: Investopedia – great for learning investment terms or quick info‚ like which HYSA has the highest rate Robinhood – great for free stock‚ cryptocurrency‚ ETF‚ or options trades Mr. Money Mustache – one of the quintessential ‘financial freedom’ blogs YNAB – “You need a budget” is a paid budgeting service that is simple and effective Mint – Mint is a budget tool and planner Reddit Personal Finance – Over 14 million members can help answer your specific finance questions The Final Word Financial planning is one of the cornerstones of prepping. Without your finances in order‚ any emergency or disaster becomes extremely difficult to handle. As we mentioned‚ most Americans fall into this category. Simple emergencies put stress on the majority of people’s finances- but it doesn’t have to! Self-sufficiency is a common goal for preppers‚ and financial preparedness is one component of this. If you need to rely too much on others‚ or safety net systems for your and your family’s financial readiness- you may find yourself in a tough situation when SHTF. Stash some money‚ pay debts‚ create a budget‚ don’t buy as much stuff‚ hunt for deals when you do‚ invest smartly‚ and diversify your portfolio. Once you have the basics down‚ you’ll lead a much more stress-free and prepared life! Here are some more guides our subscribers have found helpful: Prepping Side Hustles | Translate Your Skills into Money Free Survival Gear and Prepper Samples How to Start Prepping: Prepper 101 Keep exploring‚ stay prepared‚ and be safe. You’ve Been Missing Out Join the 2+ million preppers that rely on our prepping advice by subscribing to TruePrepper. Practical guides and tips Useful survival giveaways Free‚ forever <; 0.4% of people unsubscribe Thanks for subscribing‚ reading‚ and welcome to the club.             The post Financial Planning for Preppers appeared first on TruePrepper.

Missed the other parts? Find them here: Check out Part 1 Part 2 is here. Part 3 And here’s Part 4 Dear Diary‚ It’s me‚ Jessica. I went to the market today!   Well‚ Dad‚ Mr. Miller‚ Jack‚ Rae‚ and I went to the market today.   It was so different and crazy! Mr. Miller wanted to build a small windmill to power a pump for both the house and the livestock. Mr. Miller and Dad worked up plans for one‚ but they needed some parts. Dad asked Jack if he thought the market would have some of the parts Mr. Miller needed. Jack thought so‚ as long as they had things to trade the parts for.   I asked to go with them! Dad looked uncertain at first‚ looking to Jack for advice.   Jack said since Andy was gone‚ the people at the market had ‘elected’ a retired sherif with two deputies.  The rest of the community would back him up.  There was a basic set of rules‚ but they were ‘more like guidelines. There were still some shady people around‚ but it was relatively safe as long as we stayed vigilant.  ‘Buyer beware‚’ whatever that means.   Rae heard of the plan to go to the market and said she was in.  She had things to trade.  Then‚ both Dad and Jack were okay with me going.  I was a bit annoyed that they seemed to think I was naive.  Diary‚ they were right.  I am glad Rae was there. Everyone met at our home in the early morning.  Jack and Rae had breakfast with us.  Mr. Miller declined as he ate before he made the hump to our place.  He did have a cup of coffee‚ though.   I asked him where Billy was.  Mr. Miller simply said‚ “He is guarding the farm.” Over coffee‚ Jack said no one was to go off on their own.  We would all stay together.  Everyone was to keep their eyes out for anything that seemed off.   Mr. Miller brought 5lbs of maple cured and smoked bacon‚ maple syrup‚ and honey to trade for parts.    Rae had half a dozen quart-sized jars packed full of canned seasoned venison with onions‚ potatoes‚ and rutabaga—a ready-cooked meal in a jar. One jar could easily feed two people. We left for the market to arrive by midday when the number of people willing to trade would be at its peak.   Before the power went out‚ I never thought about how hills‚ even low ones‚ could make walking more difficult. Now‚ I was feeling it—feeling it in my feet and legs. And that was just on the way to the market! The market just seemed to pop up along the road.  It was an absolute ‘chaos’ of slapped-together wood shacks‚ broken down trucks‚ cargo vans‚ other vehicles‚ and even two tractor-trailers.  It centered on a small clearing at the crossroads of the county road leading to the bridge and the Old River Road.  The river to the West and the heavily wooded and hilly terrain prevented anything much larger.  People milled about mostly on foot‚ but some pushing bicycles.  I saw a few people on horses.  Several fires were going to help people keep warm‚ and a few folks were cooking something.  Even though I ate breakfast‚ when I smelled the hot food‚ I was suddenly hungry. People were talking‚ some laughing‚ others haggling over an item for trade.  Winter hats‚ coats‚ and boots of all kinds and colors‚ from orange blaze to hunter camouflage to navy blue.  Nearly everyone was carrying some kind of rifle‚ shotgun‚ or a drop-leg holster like Jack wore.  Jack said if someone tried to ‘start’ something‚ they would quickly find themselves surrounded til the sheriff and his deputies could arrive to sort things out.  Since the new arrangement after Andy and his deputies were gone‚ things were much better. And no taxes. As we walked through the market‚ several people called out to Jack. He then took their hands and warmly greeted them‚ asking how they and their families were doing. It was a side of Jack I had never seen. Rae said he was ‘playing’ the crowd. Just off the four corners‚ sitting on a big log in front of a small fire‚ was an old man with a long beard‚ a weathered leather hat‚ and an equally weathered leather long coat‚ plucking a banjo. Seeing Jack‚ he stopped to shake Jack’s hand in greeting.   “Good to see you‚ Jack‚” he said with a heavy Irish accent. “Good to see you‚ Sean.”  Jack reached out to shake his hand but passed something to Sean‚ who quickly slipped whatever it was into his long coat.  Jack then asked where the parts Mr. Miller was looking for could be found.  Without hesitation‚ he nodded over Jack’s shoulder.   “North Old River Road‚ right side‚ you’re looking for Nate.  Funny green hat‚ big guy with a red beard and mustache.” He then looked at me and asked what my name was. After I replied‚ “Jessica‚” he began plucking the banjo at a rapid pace‚ occasionally using his thumb to thump the banjo cover like a mini-drum. He sang a song about a woman named Jessica‚ whom an Irish sailor longed to see again. When he finished‚ several people who stopped to listen around us began to applaud vigorously. Rae did‚ too.   Jack went to hand him something else‚ but he held up his hand and‚ in his strong Irish accent‚ simply said‚ “The inspiration was worth it‚” giving me a wink and a smile.  Jack said to Sean‚ “softy‚” with a grin. I blushed. Dad did not look thrilled.   Jack then turned and led us across to North Old River Road.  He explained Sean and several others were the unofficial organizers of the market.  They kept the road clear‚ made sure people used the outhouses‚ and applied homemade lye to them as needed.  If someone was cooking something for trade‚ it had to be reasonably sanitary‚ and the food had to be real.  No unnecessary ‘fillers‚’ whatever those are.  They were also the only ones who could push back against Andy and his deputies when they were around.  Sean was the ‘information desk’ even though there was no desk.  He knew just about everyone in the market‚ who had what to trade and where they could be found.  For trade for information to make navigation of the market faster‚ a bit here or a bit there and the occasional song‚ he ate well or could trade for something else of ‘value.’ We were making our way through the market when some unkept‚ greasy-looking man staring at me smiled with yellow teeth and called out‚ “Hey‚ little girl!  How much?” Rae put her arm around my shoulder and responded‚ “She is not interested!” “How about you‚” he asked Rae‚ grinning even bigger.   “I am not either!” Diary‚ I have never seen my Dad even hint at taking a violent action in my life‚ but the look in Dad’s eyes‚ I think he was about to use his rifle on the yellow tooth man when Jack stopped and turned around.  The man saw we were with Jack‚ his eyes went wide‚ his yellow smile gone. “Whoa! Jack‚” he held up his hands‚ empty. Hey man‚ no harm‚ no foul. Just asking!” Jack paused for a moment‚ then nodded and said‚ “Right‚ Bob. No harm‚ no foul.” Jack glanced at Dad and gave a single nod‚ as if to say everything was okay and to leave it. “What did that man mean?” I asked Rae.  She said she would explain later as we continued on our way. We pressed on into the market till Jack found a big man with a green beret and red beard.   As they shook hands‚ Jack introduced himself.  Nate said he had heard about Jack and he was trustworthy.  Jack simply shrugged but then turned to Mr. Miller and Dad and said‚ “These are the men you will be trading with.  I will vouch for them.” Nate nodded understanding and then asked what they were looking for.  Mr. Miller gave Nate the basics.  Nate thought for a moment and suggested a few parts when Dad interjected with specifics.  Nate gave a broad smile and said‚ “You’re an engineer.”  It was a statement‚ not a question.  Dad nodded.  Nate gave a chuckle‚ offered his hand to Dad‚ and said‚ “Good to meet a fellow engineer!” Then‚ for the next half hour‚ the three of them totally geeked out about Mr. Miller’s windmill.  Jack and Rae both turned and watched the people strolling about.  Jack motioned for me to come closer and whispered into my ear‚ “The crowd.  Watch them.  Not only the look in their eyes but their body language.  Note in your mind’s eye how they carry themselves.  Are they nervous?  Are they relaxed?  Are they hostile?  Are they friendly?  Who are they talking with?  Watch them‚ too.  Rae is doing the same thing.” While both Jack and Rae seemed relaxed‚ they held their rifles in a manner that looked comfortable and relaxed but could easily be used if needed. I took a similar stance with my rifle‚ watching the crowd as Jack instructed and making mental notes.   When we were ‘humping’ it to the market‚ Jack said haggling at the market was the norm.  Haggling was more an art form than a science.  If you haggled poorly‚ that was on you.  However‚ if someone cheated and did not deliver what was agreed upon‚ word would get out.  No one would trade with someone like that.  At the market‚ name and reputation were gold.   Mr. Miller said he was okay with haggling.  He had been to hundreds of county fairs and livestock auctions.  Mr. Miller traded all the maple syrup‚ all the honey‚ and three of the five pounds of cured bacon for the parts he needed.   Once they shook on the deal‚ the items were exchanged‚ and we left and made our way back to the four corners.   Sean greeted us warmly in the afternoon light.   Jack told him of the remaining bacon Mr. Miller had and Rae’s canned venison to trade. Without hesitation‚ Sean hooked his thumb behind him and said‚ “See Anne.”   Jack nodded and led us away to South Old River Road.  We moved past most of the market‚ and Jack took us on a trail leading into the woods.   The woods opened to a good-sized meadow with three buses in the middle. The rear ends of the buses were backed up to each other‚ with a clearing in the middle and a large fire pit. Each of the buses’ sides was buried with a deep earthen berm and topped with thick raw logs just below the bus windows.   Jack said that about two weeks after things went ‘sideways‚’ Sean and his friends drove the converted buses here‚ stole a back hoe‚ and built up the berms around the buses. He also said not to ‘stray’ off the path‚ or you might lose a leg or more‚ and to keep our hands in the open‚ off our rifles.   He stopped a good fifty feet away and called out‚  “Anne!  Sean sent us!” The back of one of the buses opened‚ and a woman older than Rae but younger than Joanna hopped down the stairs.  She smiled broadly and exclaimed in an accent similar to Sean’s‚ “Jack!  Good to see you lad!” She then shouted over her shoulder‚ “The soup is hot!” I saw movement inside the buses‚ but no one else came out. Jack later explained that “the soup is hot!” was a passphrase for “all clear.” Had Anne said‚ “The soup is cold!” we would have been shot right then‚ right there.   Diary‚ I nearly peed myself at the thought of people aiming at me with loaded rifles and safeties off at that very moment.   For Mr. Miller’s bacon‚ Anne traded animal dewormer. For all six of Rae’s meals in a jar‚ she traded a variety of seeds in packets marked “heirloom” and two dozen column-like bee wax candles.   Anne offered to host us for dinner‚ but Jack said we needed to get going to get back home before dark. I was so hungry. I wanted to stay for dinner. But I didn’t say anything. On our way out of the market‚ Rae pulled out a worn wax paper bag and offered it to me. I pulled out a bacon and green onion biscuit. The top had been rolled in warmed bacon grease. Rae said it was hardy and calorie-dense. It was a bit dry but so good at the same time. Diary‚ I ate two. About 1stMarineJarHead 1stMarineJarHead is not only a former Marine‚ but also a former EMT-B‚ Wilderness EMT (courtesy of NOLS)‚ and volunteer firefighter. He currently resides in the great white (i.e. snowy) Northeast with his wife and dogs. He raises chickens‚ rabbits‚ goats‚ occasionally hogs‚ cows and sometimes ducks. He grows various veggies and has a weird fondness for rutabagas. He enjoys reading‚ writing‚ cooking from scratch‚ making charcuterie‚ target shooting‚ and is currently expanding his woodworking skills. The post Dear Diary‚ It’s Me‚ Jessica: Part 5 appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

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by Jim Rickards‚ Daily Reckoning: Yesterday was “Super Tuesday‚” when 15 states and one U.S. territory held presidential primaries. As expected‚ Joe Biden won on the Democratic side. Also unexpectedly‚ Trump won the Republican primaries “bigly.” Nikki Haley has finally seen the writing on the wall and dropped out of the race. TRUTH LIVES on […]

from Vigilant Citizen: After years of subtly hinting at Monarch mind control on YouTube‚ Poppy’s video “V.A.N” puts it all in the open. Here’s a look at one of the most blatant music videos about MKULTRA ever made. In 2017‚ I published an article about Poppy – a YouTuber who went viral due to her bizarre short […]