Posts Tagged: Economy

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It’s Official – The Economy Sucketh

Monday, December 1st, 2008

The National Bureau of Economic Research, a private organization, proclaimed today that we entered into a recession in December 2007.

Yup, you read that right: December 2007. It took this whiz-bang groups of economists a full year to figure out what you and I already knew; that the economy sucketh.

Here are some informational points to consider:

  • Manufacturing is at a 26-year low.
  • Employers have cut 1.2 million jobs in the first 10 months of this year.
  • It’s expected that number will increase to 1.5 million jobs lost when the November figures are tallied.
  • It took the “geniuses” a full year to “figure out” that we entered a Recession.

On this CNN Money page (click for link), there is a table to the left of the article that shows the previous 10 recessions since World War II. Of those, the two longest recessions lasted 16 months. We’re now into the 12th month of this recession and there is no sign that it will end soon. This clearly means that this will be the worst recession in 60 years – unless it’s reclassified as a Depression.

But, we’ve already seen the dirty little trick they use – we entered into a recession a year ago, but they’re just telling us now. Why? Simple. You’re no longer surprised to hear that news. Governments prefer to keep telling you everything is fine until it’s clear that it’s not fine and then they’ll tell you what you already know.

If they would have told us in January that we entered into a recession, many Americans would have changed their spending habits immediately; and that would be bad for the economy. Not your economy, but for the bankers and corporations economy, as they need us to keep spending as long as possible. Anything to separate you from your money.

So, what can we learn from this? First, the Government is not hear to help you; they think you’re a child and can’t handle the truth. Second, the Government is too slow to be effective. For the most part, they are reactive instead of proactive. Third, because of the previous two lessons, the Government can only make it worse.

If you haven’t started to prepare, what are you waiting for? Start preparing now! If you have started, use this information to prepare harder. Next year, 2009, is going to be an incredibly bad year economically and you need to be ready for it.

-Rob

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$7,700,000,000,000!

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

So, you really believed the Federal Government when they said that it was only going to cost the American Taxpayers $700 Billion for the bailout. I don’t think the ink was even dry on that paper when it already began to increase. The Federal Government is prepared to give away $7.7 Trillion dollars of your money. Isn’t that nice of them? Read the Bloomberg article.

I don’t remember giving anyone in the government permission to spend our money like that, but they’re doing it anyway. Why? Because they can. What does it mean? It means we’re in for a whole lot of hurt.

Seven trillion dollars represents about half of everything that was produced in the US last year. With the way that things are going, it could be all that we produce next year. Whether we approve of it or not, we Americans are responsible for this debt.

They are running the Treasury printing presses non-stop. This is insanity. It seems that everyone is too big to fail except the US citizens, who will have the pleasure of getting to hold the short end of the stick. Again.

Folks, massive inflation is headed our way. See the posts below for more information, but I don’t see how this ends up on a good note.

If you don’t know who David Walker is, check out the video below. It was recorded at the beginning of the year. See how much if it has already come true. Hang on people, this horror movie has just started.

- Rob

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Posted in Economy, Rob, Uncategorized, Why we Prep | 1 Comment »

Three Major Threats We Face

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

There are three major threats that we face in this nation, and globally.  You should keep these threats in mind as you go about preparing.  Unfortunately, as individuals, there is nothing we can do to reduce the likelihood these threats, as they are already in motion.  All we can do is make preparations to mitigate the effects of these threats.

The threats are Economic Crash, Food Shortage and Terrorism. The first two are happening now and the third will happen eventually. Each of these events, on their own, would be bad enough, but their occurrence during one of the other events makes it that much worse. For example, without the economic woes of the word right now, we could more readily solve the global food shortage crisis that has some mothers having to choose which of their children will die.  But not many are paying attention to it because keeping their eyes on other things, like the gearing up in Washington D.C. to start culling our freedoms away.  Likewise, another terrorist attack in this country like that of 9-11-01 will further push the economy deeper down the hole.

There is much discussion among people who are much smarter than I am about this economic crash lasting for years, probably for the better part of a decade, possibly longer.  I strongly urge you to watch the 30 minute mini-movie I.O.U.S.A at http://www.iousathemovie.com as it’s incredibly important that you understand what we’re facing and why this isn’t going to end anytime soon.  Pay particular attention to how this is a long term problem, and that by 2040, the Federal Government will only be able to pay Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the interest on the debt.  Nothing else.  Nothing.  No military, no payroll, etc.

You should be researching this now, and doing what you can to learn more about what’s happening and how it relates to history, as many societies have been down this road before.  Research the Weimar Republic and see what hyper-inflation will look like. Oh, think that can’t happen in today’s world?  Check out what’s happening in Zimbabwe, WHERE PRICES ARE DOUBLING EVERY 1.3 DAYS! They may be a small African country, but the economics are exactly the same.  Read that article closely.

Also, download and listen to podcasts, like Glenn Beck or Don McAlvany, while you’re driving to work or working out, to get broader perspective on the situation.  Soak up as much information as you can, so you know what to expect.

Then sit down with your family and make a plan for your future. Start preparing now. Prepare hard.

Listen to The Preparedness Podcast and other preparedness and survival focused podcasts to learn more about how to prepare.  Time is running out, so you need to start today.

Are you scared?  You should be.  I am.

– Rob

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Posted in Economy, Preparedness, Rob, Why we Prep | 1 Comment »

The Crash of 2008

Sunday, November 9th, 2008

It’s interesting to note how some people view the current economic crisis as something that’s going to clear up in a few months.  Is it just me, or are these people simply not paying attention?  I suppose that they could be choosing to ignore it, as that’s what many people do when faced with something they think is too overwhelming.

I think it’s clear that we are in a major economic crash and this is only in the first few months of what will probably be a depression that will last several years; longer if the FedGov keeps trying to “fix” things.  Honestly, IMHO, I think we are in for a serious world of hurt.  This has all the makings of a depression so big, that the country may not look the same on the other end.  Yes, it’s that serious.

If you haven’t already, NOW is the time to start preparing for harder economic times. Actually, unless you have the financial wherewithal, it’s probably too late to put yourself in a safe position, but you can still do somethings.  Below are some things to consider.  Everyone needs to decide a plan that works best for them, but the below should get you thinking.

- Cut down on your spending and start saving more.  Having cash on hand is going to be highly valuable soon, so cut down where you can (like going out to dinner a couple times a week).  This gets tricky as there are somethings that you’ll need to buy now in order to be better prepared, but cut down on anything that isn’t necessary.

- It might be too late to pay off debts.  Paying off or down your debt (or just staying out of debt) is always good advice, but we’re entering a period that may be changing rapidly.  You might have a stable job and no problem paying your bills, but that could all change next week.  You could find yourself suddenly needing your savings to cover your bills and mortgage.  It’s my opinion that you should pay the minimum on your debt and start hoarding cash.  You can always use the money to pay down your debt, but by saving it, you’re putting yourself in a position where you have options on what to do with the money.

- If you’re brave enough to have investments, or can’t get out of them, try to put them in a safe area (or as safe as possible).  I have a good friend that can (legally) transfer 401K investments into physical gold and silver.  His business is booming as people learn that they can do that.  If you’re interested, check out his site for more info on this (goldenira.net)

- If you can find any, buy some gold and/or silver.  This is one way you can protect your wealth.  As the value of the dollar goes down, meaning you can’t buy as much with it as you used to, the price of gold and silver goes up, thus retaining its value.  For a more in depth look on what gold and silver are doing, and why, check out Jeff’s Gold and Silver site at http://www.flyingeaglegold.com.  He points out relevant articles on the web, as well as giving some insightful posts himself.

- Stock up on food and hard goods.  Food, clothing, shoes, tools, books, camping gear, etc. are all hard goods that you might be needing in the future.  Especially consider your food storage.  Look into increasing the amount of food that you store.  At the very least, it will be cheaper to buy food now than it will in the future.  Food prices have increased dramatically over the past year – just ask the person who does the grocery shopping in your family (if it’s not you).  My wife has to do the food shopping now as I can’t even go to the grocery store without having a coronary over the prices.  The US is relying more and more on imported foods.  If these food imports stop, the price (and scarcity) of food will increase.  Store food now while you can still get it for cheap!

- Place on being colder.  As the cost of energy increase, along with the reliance on imported oil, energy prices are going to increase dramatically.  Like food, as the price increases and if the supply decreases prices will spike sharply, you will be forced to use less.  This is particularly dangerous in the winter where most people need electricity, gas and heating oil to stay warm.  If you have (or can install) a wood-burning stove (not fireplace), stock up on wood now (and make sure it’s secure from thieves!).  Additionally, make sure you have plenty of blankets and warm clothing.  Figure out how to heat one room in your house and which room it will be.

– Rob

NOTICE: This is not professional financial advice.  Do your own research.

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