Three years ago, I wrote about our deteriorating economy. As I recall, the words were “current lousy economy”. The good news is that so far, a global economic meltdown has been abated. And the bad?
From what I can determine by simply opening my eyes and looking around, we are nowhere near the recovery that politicians and the economists in their hip pocket are touting. If anything, we are barreling forward to a collapse not unlike the big crash of 1929.
I say this without intending to invoke fear. Quite the contrary. Living in fear is simply not my thing. Okay, I lied. I do fear the ramifications of Fukushima. But other than that, surviving an economic meltdown is something that I will do by continuing to build up my supplies, skills and knowledge so that I can soldier through whatever the bad guys (and you know who I mean) toss my way.
[amazon asin=B00BZLP0NK&template=*lrc ad (left)]So How Bad is Bad?
Who is to say? I am lousy at textbook economics. I prefer to look around and be observant of the families around me. I watch what people are putting into their grocery carts and mostly, I read all of the comments and emails that are sent to me from Backdoor Survival readers around the world.
I see a lot of financial downsizing. I see people making the decision to pay for food or for medicine but not for both. I also see vacant storefronts while the thrift stores are doing a booming business. Most of all I see a thirst for learning how to do things the “old fashioned way” or like the Amish, the Native Americans, or our grandparents during the great depression.
I read things like 10 Stories From The Cold, Hard Streets Of America That Will Break Your Heart and my heart does indeed break. It is almost as though suffering has become invisible in power elite and upper class circles.[amazon asin=B000HHO1RO&template=*lrc ad (right)]
The Future Looks Bleak
Why? Here are some of the reasons:
- There is a continued lack of employment opportunities for those that are currently unemployed of underemployed. Or, sad to say, old of age but not of spirit
- Droughts, freakish storms and other natural disasters are affecting the viability of farmlands resulting in increased costs for for food
- [amazon asin=B008SLO9XM&template=*lrc ad (left)]Out of sight fuel costs affect transportation and heating costs
- The cost of health insurance, for many, has doubled if not tripled
- Devaluation of homes and real property continues in many parts of North America
- Cities are declaring bankruptcy and reneging on public employee pensions
- Crimes against persons (knifings, murders, even road rage) indicate a barometer of frustration and malcontent among citizens in almost every modern, first world country
These are just a few indications that an economic meltdown of horrific proportions could be on its way. (And since I am an economics knucklehead, I won’t get into the technical reasons having to do with the way monetary policies affect the economy. To me, the anecdotal and real-time experiences with real people are good enough).
Oh sure, there are pockets of economic growth here and there. But for the most part, I see and sense a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness when it comes to money and matters relating to the economy. As much as I hate to admit it, even I feel that the middle class life I have known most of my adult years will never be the same. Pretty depressing when you think about it.
[amazon asin=B003S8INIM&template=*lrc ad (left)]
[amazon asin=1602399999&template=*lrc ad (left)]
[amazon asin=1495933415&template=*lrc ad (left)]
[amazon asin=B005S28ZES&template=*lrc ad (left)]
