Economic survivalism

**Kazoo** · 04-15-2009, 04:36 PM

Interesting story (but too bad they filed it under Offbeat):

http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat...inside14_N.htm

The part about people no longer having survival skills, in particular, was not lost on me.

The writer must not be at all familiar with stockpiling or just needed to cite a source and chose a company (instead of, say, talking to some FV folks). That $3,375 pre-made food reserve to feed four people for three months is pretty outrageous. Out of curiosity, I had to go check out its contents:

http://www.nitro-pak.com/product_inf...oducts_id=1659

**onencgirl** · 04-15-2009, 09:28 PM

I agree the $3,375 for food reserve for three months was a bit much. It seems weird to see all these people jumping on the frugal wagon. I am beginning to see it around me and people are starting to complain about the prices. HHmm I know that alot of them will revert right back to to the way they were as the economy improves. And then history repeats.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 04-15-2009, 11:15 PM

Neat article...glad to see that many people are choosing family time and simplicity!

Thanks for sharing!

**Persimmon Lace** · 04-16-2009, 12:09 AM

Great article! Thanks!

**peanut** · 04-16-2009, 02:43 PM

Great article! That food pack is a rip off. I don't have a low grocery bill like some of you though...I still spend around $3600CAD a year for DH and I and assorted guests.

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 04-16-2009, 03:14 PM

That is a lot of money for a 3 month food supply, but if you look at what is included, there are only 39 dinners mentioned, some breakfasts but no lunches. that won't feed someone for 3 months. You can do much better creating your own stockpile from sales.

**redhead68** · 04-17-2009, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by onencgirl

I agree the $3,375 for food reserve for three months was a bit much. It seems weird to see all these people jumping on the frugal wagon. I am beginning to see it around me and people are starting to complain about the prices. HHmm I know that alot of them will revert right back to to the way they were as the economy improves. And then history repeats.

I suspect that the generation who will change long-term is the one under 22-years-old, Generation Z. It will be a life-changing event for them, just like the Great Depression was for my grandfather, who was a teenager during the dirty thirties. He keeps things forever, because they might be of use one day, including vacuum tubes from long-dead televisions! Do they even sell TV's that use them anymore? He's always had a large garden and stockpile.

Those of us who are a bit older and have become accustomed to affluence will have a harder time maintaining frugality once the tide changes and the economy begins growing again.

**redhead68** · 04-17-2009, 11:40 AM

Family time and extra-curricular activities can go together. Soccer is huge for my family! My husband coaches and plays in a pick-up rec league. Even though I don't play, I attend every game and so do the kids' grandparents. On non-practice days, we all head down to the park for a family scrimmage. I think we are absolutely making memories, and I think the fees are well worth it!

**GenB** · 04-17-2009, 01:36 PM

I grew up with parents/grandparents that lived/grew up in the Depression. Somehow, I lost my mind and when I became an adult, DH and I thought we had to lead a different lifestyle. (His dad also grew up in the Depression.) We spent, lived large, wasted tons of money. A few years ago, we both came to our senses after his fathter got sick and died. We spent alot of time examining and remembering his life and realized he was a truly incredible human being that had the gift of living a simple, uncluttered life that was a blessing to everyone that came in contact with him.

Now we strive daily to live like he lived - simply, thoughtfully, with minimal impact on the earth. I am happy to say that we are one couple in this country for whom a simple, frugal life is not a fad.

The ones I really worry about are the next generation. I watch my daughter's friends and am shocked and saddened by their attitudes. And the really depressing thing is that they all seem to have parents that perpetuate them. I hope that with time they will grow and learn - it took time for DH and myself. We were young and incredibly stupid once, too.

For now, we just do our small part and live each day constantly amazed at how little it takes to make us happy now.

**redhead68** · 04-17-2009, 01:39 PM

GenB, your parents & grandparents have gifted with you a wonderful legacy.

**GenB** · 04-17-2009, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by redhead68

GenB, your parents & grandparents have gifted with you a wonderful legacy.

Thank you Redhead68. They really did. I sincerely hope to pass that on to my kids. Just hope its not too late and that they one day see the light....

**nancycg56** · 04-17-2009, 02:05 PM

I liked the article although I am a little ticked with the title ~ survivalists makes everyone seem like freaks and putting it in the "off-beat" section just reinforces that.

I think that every family needs to do what works for them

**thefrug** · 04-17-2009, 06:36 PM

yea well, freak ain't so bad. I've been called worse by people who love me LOL. Everybody get their freak on!!! LMAO!

**Trishagirl** · 04-17-2009, 08:09 PM

Yeah if more people were like us the economy wouldn't be in the toilet huh?

**mauimagic** · 04-17-2009, 10:53 PM

checked out their food list - no cooking, just add water - strange - each to their own. I like our way better - we're in control and doing it ourselves!! And I love our support!!