What skills should we have?

**ironmaiden** · 05-07-2007, 10:08 AM

I read that Back to Basics Reader's Digest book and was fascinated by the skills listed in there. Most of the skills were things the average person growing up on a farm a hundred years ago would know.

But the next question is what skills should people have TODAY. Knowing how to make cheese is a neat idea, but would not be in the skillset list for a person in the year 2007. I'm not talking about survival skills, just what the average person should "know" in today's world.

**acidcookie** · 05-07-2007, 10:15 AM

Computer skills!

**luvnspnful** · 05-07-2007, 10:19 AM

cool thread idea!

my

-being able to cook at least 5 different things that dont come in a box
-ironing
-polishing/buffing shoes
-hand wash clothing in a pinch with anything handy
-basic housework ( my SIL was 40 before she learned how to dust, vaccuum or do laundry- and shes still iffy on dish washing)
-driving

need more coffee before I can come up with more

**tbs727** · 05-07-2007, 10:34 AM

How to balance a checkbook. I am amazed at the number of people who don't know how.

**tigo** · 05-07-2007, 10:55 AM

- budget and plan for future expenses
- drive
- cook
- sewing basics (for ripped hems, missing buttons, etc)
- ironing
- hand washing (delicates especially last longer this way)
- first aid basics

**Hollyhandi** · 05-07-2007, 11:29 AM

Know how to garden and cook
Know how to can and freeze veggies and meats
Know how to wash clothes by hand
Know how to run a CB radio
Know how togo without all the fancy do dads
Know how to make bread and rolls from scratch
Know how to make change ( you'd be surprised how many people can not do this, especially younger folks ).
Know how to sew, crochet and knit.
Know basic health care and emergency care.

**Emerald_Mommy** · 05-07-2007, 11:33 AM

Everyone has already mentioned some great ideas. Some other skills that came to mind:

~ How to pump gas
~ How to check the oil in your car (if not change it)
~ How to weatherproof your home
~ How to invest money wisely
~ How to read package labels
~ How to do small repairs (on toys, clothes, household stuff...)

**peanut** · 05-07-2007, 12:04 PM

I think this depends a lot where you live, and how. If I lived in the country near water, I'd definitely be looking at traplines (if it was isolated enough), fishing and hunting.

But if it's in the city, I'd say comparison shopping and recognizing 'need' from 'want' are big skills to have.

In both cases I'd want good problem solving skills and creative thinking. I'd also want analytical skills, because those are pulled on all the time in frugal living when we determine whether it's worth it to do something ourselves, or buy it ready made. Sometimes sewing it isn't cheaper than buying it.

Jean

**HeatherB** · 05-07-2007, 12:06 PM

Lots of great ideas, everyone! I think another really important one is how to use credit! So many people (including many of us) get in over our heads with the loans, credit cards, lines of credit, etc. A good knowledge of banking practices would help everyone. Except maybe the banks and credit card companies!

**acidcookie** · 05-07-2007, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by Emerald_Mommy

~ How to pump gas

This may seem silly to some, but I never knew how to do this because I came from a state where you can't pump your own gas! I still get nervous doing it.