My condolences on the great loss of your son and family. I wanted to tell you that you have really touched me and I am really going to work on being better prepared. I don’t know if you will even see this since you posted it in 2016. During this unprecedented time in history, I pray that you are safe and well. Thank you

My son and his wife met in high school, first date, first love, married fifteen years, no children. Since that time they have both worked hard, saved their money, spent wisely and planned for the future. He spent two years designing their dream home, taking into consideration all the articles written for preppers. Any possible idea that could be included from double walls, alternative electric, water, safe room etc. was built in. Beautiful from the outside and a fortress on the inside. He had prepared for every scenario.

On Valentines day he and his wife, her brother and his wife went out to dinner. Two of them never made it home. A drunk driver three times the limit and twice the speed crossed the center line killing two family members and permanetly injuring one. As is so often the case nowdays the other driver had no license, no insurance.

My daughter in law though injured was now faced with having to plan a funeral, deal with insurance and the other aspects of a sudden death. I write this to try to get people to learn from his mistakes. Though he had planned for every scenario possible while alive no one thought about him dying. They both worked from home and seldom left the farm. He took care of all the finances, bills, banking, insurance, everything that a surviving spouse would need to know but did not. First they never talked about their personal wishes for a burial. Do you want to be cremated, buried and if so where. She had never dealt with the banking; was there a lockbox, where’s the key, what do we owe, credit cards, loans, the list goes on and on. The only thing worse than talking with your spouse or a trusted friend about your dying is not talking about it. We can be sure that it WILL happen to all of ue sooner or later.

Another very important issue was the vehicle insurance. I cringe when the commercials advertise for minimal auto insurance. That all works out for the fender bender in a Walmart parking lot but having a plan that actually covers you is a different story. Although they were passengers in another persons vehicle their uninsured, underinsured and pip insurance has been a financial life saver. This coverage still applied. I did not know that. Be sure you are adequatley covered for the disasters in life that are a real threat. Insurance is extremely cheap considering the financial burdens of not having enough. After reviewing my own policies I wasn’t prepared for a personal disaster either. Yes I’m paying a couple hundred more a year but if needed its there.
Something we did not know was to immediatley run a credit check on the deceased. This will give you an idea of whats owed and a baseline so when all the crooks read death notices in the paper and start opening accounts and charge cards in your loved ones name. There are other readers who can elaborate on this I’m sure.

Please consider every detail to the survival of yourself and your family. As a previous reader stated, stay drug free, take care of your physical bodies, Cherish your relationships and enjoy what you have today. Its not all about the zombie apocalypse, guns and bullets, stockpiles of food, offf grid power and gold in your hand. My son planned and prepared for everything; except the man that lived down the street.

When your salary goes up, hold on to the higher amount. Put it into your savings.

Women, more than men, spend a great deal of money on their appearance. Some of this is necessary. But, a lot is just a waste of time and money. Most face and body creams are loaded with nasty chemicals. The need to be beautiful and stay young will give you wrinkles and age you before your time. Unless you are seriously deformed, pass on cosmetic surgery. Instead, focus on giving love and creating a healthy environment for yourself and your family. Take a look at the beautiful faces of women and men who live a life in balance with nature. These women and men go to Natures Pharmacy. They grow their own herbs for food and medicine. They aren’t ever lonely surrounded by butterflies and bees. The birds visit their gardens.

I know a man who is thrifty. His girlfriend dyed her hair. He tried to get her to go natural to no avail. Her monthly visit to the beauty parlor was insanely expensive. Finally, she agreed to let him dye her hair at home. And she looked better than before. They both were happier and since she started using natural skin conditioners like olive oil and coconut oil, she is looking radiant. Also eating Sea Vegtables which took a while to adjust to. She planted a black walnut tree and she claims the walnuts are keeping her brain sharp, which is probably true because they have healthy fats.

Many people can avoid costly medical expenses by simply taking better care of themselves and their families. The number of people abusing drugs and alcohol is staggering. The financial costs are astronomical. Besides the initial money wasted on this poison, the failure in jobs and business is incalculable. But what is perhaps the worst of all, is the accumulative effects resulting in shorter lifespan and medical conditions which were totally avoidable, with redicilouslrediculously expensive medical care prior to a long painful decline followed by death.

So go with nature. Live drug free. And enjoy freedom from the side effects of drugs.

That’s my main approach to financial and spiritual well being. And martial arts training. Because you never know when you might have to defend yourself or your loved ones. Guns have a place, but you don’t need to use maximum force in most situations. This is particularly helpful for diminutive females, children, and even elderly.
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