There is a great deal of uncertainty in the world. And that uncertainty naturally draws people towards self-sufficiency, preparedness, and homesteading.
Yet it’s arguably more difficult to make everything balance than ever before. While we are seeing a much better employment rate compared to the 2008-09 recession or even the 2020 meltdown, inflation has been pounding hard on the door.
The US inflation rate is sitting at an average of 3.5%, which seems rather manageable. Yet in the big picture, energy and fuel costs have grown at a much greater rate. In the moment, we like to think of the inflation rate as a barometer. When the number is up, it’s bad for us. When it’s low, life is running smooth.
Truth is it’s always bad for us. High prices rarely go back down. It’s just the rate at which it climbs. And I don’t know about you, but pay rates never seem to stack up against the rising tide.
Which brings us to the core issue: How can we possibly prepare for the future when we can barely afford today? That 50lb bag of wheat remains just out of reach when there are mouths to feed.
What people rarely see is that it does not have to be an all or nothing proposition.
We are deep in the dog days of summer, which means gardens should be blooming. If you missed the spring planting window, there is still time. While clearance plants cost a bit more than seeds, garden centers are discounting plants right now to clear shelves for fall.
A few extra dollars can increase food storage. You can also stretch your budget through community:
- Split bulk purchases: A single family might not be able to afford or store a bulk crate of produce, but dividing the cost across three or four families makes it manageable for everyone.
- Share skills and tools: Creating local networks fills gaps that money cannot.
True preparedness takes a village. This is a principle we cover deeper in our guide to community resilience.
Don’t feel like you need everything all at once. What matters more is open ears and a slow pace to preparedness. Ignoring the coming storm won’t make it go away. The storm will win if you do nothing. The more you listen to the world around you, the more prepared you will be – even if you have little on the shelf.