Usually I prefer to focus on How to’s. As Paul Wheaton puts it “Building bricks”. Today though I just want to share some news. I am in no way a news junkie. In fact I’m terrible about keeping up with news, but I can’t ignore certain news. From what I’m seeing my gut feeling is that this coming year (2013) is going to be a rough year for the economy. I’ll share why I’m thinking this and urge you to make (common sense) preps a priority for a few months at least.
Keeping a Level Head
I just want to preface this by saying you will not see any fear mongering here at Survivalpunk. I have nothing to sale you here. I’m not going to tell you that the end is near and that you better buy a pallet of MRE’s now or your a goner. Hell if you eat a pallet of MRE’s you just might be a goner from stomach pains. I wont be like on idiot commenter I read about on a YouTube video that stated if Obama got re-elected that “There would be war in the streets”. If that’s what your looking for this ain’t the right place. What I think we are facing is much less grim.
When the Big Boys are Scared
The big piece of news I’ve heard is from the company I work at. I won’t name it but rest assurd you know it. It is a very big company that knows how to make and keep money. So when I see that the big wigs are getting scared I know something is coming. I have not seen anything to directly confirm this. No corporate emails stating that the economy is about to bust. However I have seen several that lead me to believe it will not be a great year for the economy. The big push right now is controlling costs. I have never seen a cost control this strict before.
First was the hours being cut for employees. Although this happens from time to time, like in 2008 when the economy crashed. I’ve not seen it happen when the stock price is soaring, not when sales are doing great and definitely not heading into the holiday season. This is normally the time when hours goes up and overtime is allowed. To help fill in the void salaried management are being scheduled to work more days. Basically getting free labor from them to make up the work lost from hourly employees.
Hours are not the only costs being cut. Are expenses are being scrutinized. Down to very tiny amounts. The company is putting a stop to traveling so millage money is not paid. Even to the point of stopping regional honchos from driving around to save money. Supplies are down to the bare minimum. Repairs are being pushed off till later. To be honest they are literally penny pinching. I’ve never seen this level of expense control before and I’m sure most of the measures being taken are above my pay grade.
Others Following
The other day I caught I news snippet about McDonald’s in anticipation of Obama care cutting full time employes below thirty hours a week. Doing so would let them avoid giving their full time employees Obmacare approved health care plans and by being below thirty hours they avoid the fines for not offering them insurance. From doing a quick search about this I found that McDonald’s is not alone. Many more companies plan to skirt around the fines and higher costs plans by screwing people out of both money and coverage. It’s a double whammy. Without this “New Tax” they would have more hours and some coverage. Combine this with massive layoffs that are happening. Bank of America plans on cutting 16,000 by the end of the year.
What you can do
I don’t see this year turning into Ralwes’ Patriots but it sure won’t be a great year. My advice would be to focus on basic things and shore up any holes you have in your preps. Try to copy the big boys action plan. Scrutinize all purchases, cut back on eating out or stop altogether. Work on your savings. Make sure your savings are diversified as well. This year my focus will be one increasing my Bank savings >Cash > Precious Metals in that order. I’ve stopped contributions to my 401(k) for now and will divert that into metals and food storage. If things are great I lose a year of contributions in lieu of hard assets that will not lose value. That’s a risk I’m willing to take. My only stock investment I’m keeping an eye on and will sale at the first drop. In other words I’m just doing some basic common sense preparations. Having more money in my savings account December 2013 wouldn’t be a bad thing. If I’m wrong I’m better off and I’ll take some of my savings and preps and throw a party. If I’m right then I’ll be better off and I can help myself, my friends and family to get through a rough year. Win win either way.
Have you heard any rumblings at your work or in the news. Whats your gut telling you? Let me know in the comments.
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