Daily Survival

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Spices to Have in Your Pantry

Spices are the secret ingredients that transform any dish from ordinary to extraordinary by adding a new depth of flavor. Having a well-stocked pantry filled with various spices will enhance the flavors of your meals and open up a world of culinary possibilities for all home cooks. As someone who preps for emergencies and wants healthy and delicious meals, check out these spices in your pantry. How To Stock A Pantry

It’s a good time to look through your spices, see if you need to replace any of your favorites, and consider adding new ones you haven’t used before. Spice Rack Organizer

Spices to Have in Your Pantry

1. Cumin

Cumin is a versatile spice often used in Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Its warm, earthy flavor adds depth to curries, chili, and roasted vegetables. Toasting whole cumin seeds before grinding them releases their aroma and intensifies their flavor. I have found ground cumin to be a welcome addition to many of my meal recipes.

2. Paprika

Paprika is a vibrant red spice made from dried and ground peppers. Its heat levels range from mild to hot. This spice is commonly used in Hungarian and Spanish dishes, adding a rich, smoky flavor and a beautiful color to stews, soups, and rice dishes.

3. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, especially when you don’t have time to peel and chop the garlic cloves. It adds a savory, umami flavor to marinades, rubs, and sauces. Remember to use it sparingly as it can easily overpower other flavors.

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that pairs well with sweet and savory dishes. It’s commonly used in baking, oatmeal dishes, and desserts, but it can also flavor stews, curries, and roasted vegetables. Cinnamon: Everything You Need to Know

5. Chili Powder

Chili powder blends ground chili peppers and spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. It adds a kick of heat and a complex flavor to chili, tacos, enchiladas, and even chocolate-based desserts.

6. Oregano

Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. It has a robust and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with tomatoes, pasta dishes, pizzas, and roasted vegetables. Opt for dried oregano, which has a more concentrated flavor than fresh oregano. You’ll find that many dried herbs have the same effect.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines. It has a slightly bitter flavor and a warm, earthy aroma. Besides adding color to dishes, turmeric offers numerous health benefits due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Ginger

Ginger adds a refreshing and zesty flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s commonly used in stir-fries, curries, marinades, and baked goods. Fresh ginger can be grated or minced, while ground ginger is a convenient option for baking.

9. Black Pepper

Black pepper is one of the most widely used spices around the world. Its pungent and spicy flavor enhances the taste of almost any dish. Use freshly ground black peppercorns for maximum flavor, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different types like Tellicherry or Malabar pepper.

10. Coriander

Coriander seeds have a warm, citrusy flavor that enhances sweet and savory dishes. They are commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisines. Toasting and grinding whole coriander seeds enhances their fragrance and adds depth to curries, soups, and roasted meats.

11. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika is a variety of paprika that has been smoked over an open flame, giving it a distinct smoky flavor. It adds a delicious depth to marinades, rubs, and barbecue sauces. Sprinkle it on roasted potatoes or season grilled meats for a smoky kick.

12. Cardamom

Cardamom is a highly aromatic spice with a unique flavor profile that combines floral, citrusy, and slightly spicy notes. It is widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines. Ground cardamom is perfect for adding warmth to baked goods, coffee, and chai tea.

13. Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a versatile spice that adds so much to sweet and savory dishes. It pairs well with dairy-based recipes like creamy pasta sauces, custards, and eggnog. Grate fresh nutmeg for the best flavor, and be cautious, as a little goes a long way.

14. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are aromatic leaves commonly used in soups, stews, and braised dishes for their subtle earthy flavor. They add complexity and depth to slow-cooked recipes. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they are not meant to be eaten.

15. Allspice

Despite its name, allspice is not a blend of spices but a single spice with a flavor reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s commonly used in Caribbean and Middle Eastern cuisines, adding spice to jerk chicken, curries, and baked goods.

16. Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds come in various colors, including yellow, brown, and black. They have a pungent and slightly bitter flavor, adding depth to pickles, marinades, and salad dressings. Toasting mustard seeds before using them releases their aroma and enhances their flavor. This will become one of your favorite spices in your pantry, and every home cook should have it on their shelves!

17. Garam Masala

Garam masala is a traditional Indian spice blend made from a combination of ground spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, and coriander. It adds warmth and complexity to curries, lentil dishes, and roasted vegetables. Consider making your garam masala blend for a personalized touch.

18. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne peppers belong to the same plant family as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant. They are chili peppers and will have a moderately hot and spicy flavor. Cayenne pepper has several health benefits, including the reduced need for salt in recipes.

19. Basil

Often called sweet and great basil, this culinary herb is a tender plant used worldwide by cooks in various cuisines. Basil is part of the mint family and is grown for the use of its aromatic leaves. It is thought to be native to India and is used as both a dried and fresh kitchen herb to bring out flavor in fish, meats, sauces, and salads. I use Sweet Basil in my soups; it’s so good.

20. Onion Powder

Onion powder is a spice that can be homemade by dehydrating and grinding onions. Most commonly, it is a commercial product most cooks use for seasoning. It can be made from white, red, and yellow onions. Another variety is called onion salt, which is made by mixing onion powder and salt.

21. Red Pepper Flakes

Sometimes called crushed red pepper, red pepper flakes are a spice or condiment made from dried and crushed red chili or cayenne peppers. You often see them on the table at your favorite pizza parlor as something you can sprinkle on that slice of pizza for a unique additional flavoring.

22. Taco Seasoning

I wanted to add this item since we eat a lot of tacos and use taco seasoning to make them extra special. You can make this seasoning at home with many of the spices listed above, including chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.

23. Herbes de Provence

Herbes de Provence is a French herb blend that typically includes thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, and lavender. It adds a fragrant touch to roasted meats, vegetables, and sauces. This is one of the most important spices to have in your pantry.

24. Other Spices to Consider

As mentioned in item 23 above, there are a few other spices to consider adding to your spice rack or pantry shelves. Thyme, rosemary, lavender, and marjoram are also spices many cooks rely on to add a unique flavor approach to meals.

Be willing to experiment with the spices discussed in this post and find those you like and your family requests.

More Tips

Final Word

With these additional spices in your pantry, your family and meal guests will be super happy! Store your spices in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and potency. Fresh is always best, so inspect your spice containers occasionally and discard those that have passed their “use by” date. May God Bless this World, Linda

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from Food Storage Moms

Self-Sufficient Living 101

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Self-sufficiency is a noble and empowering goal. The idea that you can live independently and free from all the costs and limitations of the outside world is both attractive and encouraging. But it comes with a price.

Self-sufficiency is a significant responsibility. It essentially means you’re on your own to provide for everything you need to live safely and comfortably. How self-sufficient you become can vary, but total self-sufficiency takes planning and a careful analysis of everything you'll have to do along with how to do it.

Throughout this article, we’re going to share links to more detailed information and checklists for items to stockpile or assemble. Self-sufficiency isn't easy, but once you understand some of the basic concepts, it gets easier.

Here are the basics:

Power Generation

Most people who live self-sufficiently are off the grid. They usually use solar power to generate electricity, but some also use wind power and even small-scale hydroelectric power. They also set up systems to store the power they generate, whether through lead-acid batteries, lithium batteries, or solar power banks.

Getting off the grid is a giant step towards self-sufficiency, but you have to do your homework to assess how much power you need, how you’ll store it, and how to use it efficiently.

Water

Without power you are going to need alternative solutions for water collection and storage. A had pump drilled into the ground is a simple solution. So are rainwater collection systems, RAM pumps on a creek or river, and even snow and ice in winter.

When there’s no power to deliver water, you have to find ways to find, harvest, purify, and store your own. Combining solutions can help, but here again, you’re on your own.

Just as important is proper filtration and purification. It’s not just about collecting water but properly treating it so it’s safe to drink. Boiling for at least 3 minutes is fairly foolproof, but water treatment tablets for immediate purification and long-term storage are just as important.

Food

Gardening is an obvious solution, and anyone pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle is an avid gardener. In fact, a truly self-sufficient lifestyle results in gardens stretching across a property, from vertical gardens to barrel gardens to potato towers.

If there’s a bare plot of land, there’s something growing there that you can either eat or use for medicinal purposes.

Livestock and Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry is another hallmark of a self-sufficient lifestyle. Chickens are a good place to start (especially when you consider the price of eggs these days.) But rabbits, ducks, turkeys, and even pigs and goats can join the homestead to bring protein to the plate.

Goats are popular with many homesteaders as a source of goat milk and ultimately goat cheese. Sheep are a possibility as a food source and source of wool, and if you have the space and the inclination, you can step up to cattle or dairy cows.

Hunting, Fishing and Wild Foraging

Once again, this depends a lot on your location, but even suburban yards can be a source for wild foraging. Dandelions, plantainsc and even clover have micronutrients on par with spinach and kale, and any fruit trees you plant will always give you a late summer and early fall harvest.

If there are local lakes and riversc you can always go fishing. And if you're in a forested area, hunting is always a possibility. Even that rabbit that raids your vegetable garden is fair game.

Food Preservation

The ability to properly and safely preserve the foods you grow or raise is another critical skillset for self-sufficiency. It starts with basic canning to drying and dehydrating, smoking, and fermenting.

The ability to stockpile and safely store the food you grow and raise is a crucial step toward the self-sufficient lifestyle.

Heat

Most of us live in an area subject to winter temperatures. Wood fired heat from a stove is the obvious self-sufficient solution, but it assumes you have access to a reliable and steady supply of firewood.

If you don’t, a pellet stove is an alternative, but you’ll need to buy pellets to keep it going. On average a ton of pellets totaling 50 forty-pound bugs runs about $250 or more depending on your location. A bag usually lasts two days in cold weather.

Propane is another option but once again you’re buying the propane. Wood heat from firewood you chop and split is the pure self-sufficient solution but not all of us are lucky enough to live in or around a deep forest.

Refrigeration

We take it for granted but without electricity, refrigeration is a challenge. Refrigerator/freezers are power hogs and while propane refrigerators offer a solution it also puts us back to a dependence on a supply of propane.

Root cellars are the traditional solution and can keep many fruits, vegetables and canned goods safely cool. It’s not so good for meat and seafood and they should either be canned, dried or smoked.

Winter months offer some free opportunities for refrigeration and freezing and many self-sufficient homesteads have a “cold room: where a window is always open to keep the temperatures cool. It’s a balancing act but it’s self-sufficient.

Cooling

Air-conditioning is the biggest power hog off-grid. Fans are the simplest solutions especially if they are solar powered. There are also clever ventilation solutions inviting cool air in and venting hot air out. How far you go with any cooling solutions depends a lot on your location and the local temperatures in summer.

Light

Lighting is another self-sufficient solution. Our pioneer ancestors used candles and lanterns but today we have solar lights and LED bulbs that make lighting solutions a lot easier.

Tools

Nothing gets done without tools and a battery-operated tool that can be recharged with a solar panel is a great idea. Then again, traditional hand tools are always a steady option and anyone pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle should have traditional hand tools in their workshop.

This would include axes, saws, carpentry tools, plumbing tools, and all of the conventional wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and assorted hammers and sledges. And don’t forget to collect and stockpile hardware wherever you find it.

Medical Supplies

This is where things get serious. Many people pursuing a self-sufficient lifestyle live remotely. That can mean that conventional medical services are at a distance or even unavailable. What’s critical is to anticipate possibilities.

A good first step is an expedition level first aid kit. It has just about everything you need to manage a medical emergency including a range of diagnostic equipment.

Another consideration is related to medicines. A large and full stock of over-the -counter medicines makes a lot of sense. You never know what’s going to show up so anticipate.

Prescription medications are another story. There are Canadian pharmacies where you can buy prescription meds in bulk, or you can ask your doctor for a script for a 90-day supply. Most medical plans will cover a 90-day prescription refill.

There’s also an extreme option using veterinary meds as a substitute for traditional prescription medications.

Here’s a link with more information but this is a desperate and potentially dangerous option.

Medicinal Herbs

When there is no pharmacy, you have to improvise. That’s what self-sufficiency is all about and for centuries people have used natural cures to treat a variety of conditions.

It also makes sense to plant a medicinal herb garden and not only understand which herbs to use, but how to prepare them. Most have the same benefits of over-the-counter medications and some even provide the relief of pharmaceuticals.

Transportation

It’s hard for most of us to imagine life without our car or truck. But the Amish have found solutions and it’s not just about horses and buggies. Bicycles are a common form of transportation for many Amish families including bikes with a carriage attached to the back to transport both goods and people. Some of these setups are bicycles built for two to add horsepower or “leg-power” for transport.

This gets back to a fundamental definition of self-sufficiency. It’s the ability to compensate for things using yourself as the source of inspiration, action and power.

Repairs

Everything breaks. Eventually. What’s important is to stockpile and assemble the things you need to just basically fix it. This goes beyond tools to salvaging and stockpiling hardware, assembling and saving materials like scrap wood and roofing shingles. It’s not about hoarding but it comes close. If it has value and you might need it someday -find a place to keep it and store it.

This applies to any vehicles as well. Change your own oil, fix your own tires, know how to maintain a car battery, assemble the basics to keep your vehicles running even if it’s that bicycle built for two.

Sanitation

This is a complex challenge, It’s not just about bathing, but human waste management, laundry, and general cleaning. And if there’s no garbage service you need to figure out how to deal with anything you have to throw away. Here are the sanitation subsets:

Bathing

All you really need is a bucket of water, some soap and a towel to take care of some general bathing needs, but there are solar shower setups that can let you take a warm shower outdoors and there’s always that big washtub as an option.

Many wood-stoves have a reservoir attached to the side that can hold and heat up to 30 gallons of water to not only help with bathing but laundry as well.

How to Stay Clean Without Tap Water

Outhouses and Composting Toilets

Many people who live off-the-grid have both an outhouse outdoors and a composting toilet indoors. The composting toilet is nice to have in winter. If you’ve ever sat in an outhouse in January, you know why an indoor toilet option is a good idea.

Laundry

There are a variety of ways to do laundry, and most involve nothing more than a wash tub and a washboard. You also need soap and maybe a second tub or 5-gallon bucket for rinsing.

Drying is done on clothes lines but once again, winter presents some challenges. You can make an indoor drying rack that will not only give you a place to dry your clothes. But add humidity to the very dry wood-fired heat.

General Cleaning

A self-sufficient lifestyle is both active and a bit dirty. Eventually you have to wash the floors, do the dishes, and just wipe down counters and cabinets. A bucket and mop is a good place to start but remember that vinegar is a great, natural disinfectant on floors and countertops. A dish rack to allow dishes to dry also makes sense.

How to Turn Fat and Ashes Into Soap

How to Make a DIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

7 Natural Cleaning Recipes for Your Whole House

Garbage and Composting

You have a few options to consider with garbage. You can burn it, bury it, recycle it or compost it. How you manage garbage depends a lot on where you live, but if you don’t have garbage service you need to improvise.

Recycling aluminum, plastic and other metals is a good idea. If there’s a local store or location that pays you for recycled metals you’re in luck. Worst case scenario is to bury it but few people like the idea. It all depends on your situation and location.

Communication

If you have a way to generate power and a satellite Internet connection, you’re in luck. That not only lets you use a laptop to communicate via email and social media, but gives you access to a wealth of information about anything.

A cell-phone of wireless mobile device also makes sense. Whether it’s just keeping in touch with family and friends or having the option to contact emergency services – a cell phone makes sense.

HAM radio is also highly recommended and has historically been the self-sufficient survival communication platform of choice. You need to take some classes and get licensed, but it’s one of the ultimate self-sufficient communication options.

Simpler and more basic solutions fall in the category of CB radios and other two-way radios. If you live on a large property with multiple family members or friends, it makes sense to think about two-way radios as an option. They’re pretty cheap, easy to use and try to power them with solar rechargeable batteries. That just makes sense.

Security

Many off-grid and self-sufficient homesteads are in remote locations. That helps as wild locations present more natural options related to water, firewood, fishing, foraging and hunting. But living in the middle of nowhere has a downside and while out of sight, out of mind is a good idea -remote areas are sometimes vulnerable to trespassers, poachers and others.

Good locks on doors and windows make sense, and a fence can at least discourage trespassing. A chain across the front of long-driveway is standard police recommendation, and having something as basic as a dog in the house can not only deter trespassing but alert you to something going on outside.

Perimeter lighting that’s motion activated and solar powered is another effective security deterrent as well as audible alarms and even motion activated video cameras.

How far you go with personal and property security has a lot to do with your location, the local situation and your personal feeling about security. Here are some links to various subjects related to security for a self-sufficient lifestyle:

Learning the Skills

You can stockpile all of the equipment and supplies you can think of but what sets apart someone who is self-sufficient is their knowledge and skills. The Internet is a good source of information and there’s no shortage of YouTube videos covering many subjects in depth.

Take the time to learn more, and it also may be wise to put together a library of books on various self-sufficient subjects. If you ever find yourself without power or Internet access it’s good to have a reliable fallback like a good book.

It’s a Mindset

Self-sufficiency seems to be defined by stockpiling and a good bit of preparation, but it’s really about a way of thinking, Our motivations for self-sufficiency vary. Some of us just are tired of over-paying for utilities and products. Others are genuinely concerned about the lack of goods and services.

Regardless of the reason, a self-sufficient mindset is a source of independence. It's reassuring to know that no matter what may occur, you have the will and the wherewithal to survive and thrive in the best and worst of times. These days it’s hard to know which way things will turn, but if you can keep a focus on self-sufficient behaviors and actions it just makes sense to continue to think and act that way.

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How to Prepare Small Children for Survival Situations

Children are a joy and a blessing, as well as being a burden that we have to bear. Anyone who has children recognizes this dichotomy, whether they openly admit it […]

The post How to Prepare Small Children for Survival Situations appeared first on Survivopedia.

from Survivopedia

Overrated Prepping Items We Have To Stop Praising

As preppers, we accumulate and stockpile stuff. In fact it’s what we’re most famous for – the public perception of preppers is people with an arsenal of guns and a basement full of canned beans. In fact a lot of prepping is about acquiring skills and knowledge, but collecting and storing items is important, too. […]

The post Overrated Prepping Items We Have To Stop Praising appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

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Monday, March 24, 2025

How War Drastically Affects Us All

Have you thought about how war drastically affects us all? The war in Eastern Europe is one example. It’s hard to live in a world where war is constantly breaking out, and people are displaced as refugees or dying. We have to be prepared for war, both mentally and physically.

How War Drastically Affects Us All

War can take a toll on our mental health as we witness the horrible things that happen to those directly involved. We also have to be physically fit if, at an age and circumstance, we are called up to fight in the war. Prepping for war is something that everyone should do, as it could one day save your life. Several ways can affect you even if you aren’t fighting in it.

Although there haven’t been any wars in the Americas for some time now, armed conflicts throughout the world affect us. Sometimes our militaries will be asked for our participation as allies or to just support what is considered a fight for justice and human rights far from home. Also, as those countries are involved in military action, we might be subject to food shortages or limited industrial minerals and other resources needed to support new technologies. So, we as civilians in the private sector truly are affected by war elsewhere.

Economically

War can have a substantial economic toll on large populations, even those not located close to the conflict itself. When a country is at war, it must spend significant money on weapons, manpower, supplies, and other things to properly support its fighters. This can lead to inflation and higher taxes at home. People against the war may also suffer, as their businesses may be boycotted. Here are a few ways the economy has been affected by war:

Food shortages: One of the main ways war affects us is through food shortages. When a country is at war, it often blocks off supplies to its enemies. This can lead to food shortages and other necessities for those who rely on the government to provide products. We may also see an increase in the prices of goods due to inflation as the demand exceeds the available supplies. As the conflict engulfs the rural areas, farmers aren’t in a position to visit their fields or livestock to perform the necessary farming tasks, and getting products to market is also disrupted. There is also the fact that some farmers are called into military duty or have family members listed as casualties.
Oil shortages and inflation: Oil is another big one. When a country is at war, it often blocks off supplies of oil to its enemies. This can lead to inflation in the prices of oil needed at home and by adjoining countries that have relied on it for years.
No travel: Travel is often restricted during wartime. This means that people can’t go on vacations, and businesses can’t ship their goods. This can have a huge impact on the economy.
Property damage: as witnessed in various conflicts today, civilians are losing their homes and businesses due to the explosive weapons and drones used during the conflict. Civil society is turned on its head as the war rages around them. Also, without homes to live in, the general public in adjoining countries is inundated with refugees seeking a safe haven, putting a strain on housing, food, and other necessities.

Mentally

War can take a mental toll on people. Some may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other cognitive disorders. They may also have trouble sleeping, flashbacks, and nightmares. Getting help if you are suffering from any of these conditions is essential.

We can suffer just by watching what is happening to others on the news, but it directly affects those who are on the front lines and then come home and try to get back to normalcy.

The terrorism seen throughout the world makes us wonder if any location is safe. We are now seeing domestic terrorism as those supporting factions elsewhere are now targeting local cultures and businesses.

Physically

You don’t just have to be mentally prepared for war; you must also be physically prepared, mainly if combat is your vocation. This means being in good shape and being able to handle a weapon. If you are injured in war, you may also have to deal with physical scars.

It is also essential to try to stay as healthy as possible if indirectly affected, such as uprooting your family and traveling elsewhere to live.

Changes Our Beliefs

War can also change our beliefs. For example, if we see someone die in battle, we may start to believe that life is not worth living. We may also become more cynical and distrustful of people. Some former believers question God and how he may influence their future. They may also question the existence of God if he allows just injustices to take place, particularly to babies and young children.

Environmentally

War can also impact the environment. When bombs are dropped, they can cause pollution and destruction, which can lead to changes in an area’s living conditions and ecology. People use the term “war zone” to describe the landscape and destruction resulting from local warfare events.

How is the US Affected by The Ukraine War?

The United States has not been affected by the war in Ukraine as much as other countries have. However, the war has increased tensions between the US and Russia. It has also led to an increase in defense spending by the US and had an economic impact. Here’s how we are affected:

Gas prices: The war in Ukraine has raised gas prices, as Russia has blocked off supplies to Europe.
Stock market: The war in Ukraine has also caused the stock market to fluctuate widely. It is fluctuating because of tensions between the US and Russia, as well as the economic impact of the war and uncertainties that accompany it.
Tensions with Russia: The Ukraine war has increased tensions between the US and Russia. This is because Russia is supporting the rebels in Ukraine, while the US is supporting the Ukrainian government.
Global economy: The war in Ukraine has also impacted the global economy. This is because of gas prices, the stock market, food shortages from what has been called the “breadbasket of Europe,” and tensions between the US and Russia.
Defense spending: The war has led to an increase in US defense spending. The US is funding the Ukrainian government and sending military aid to Ukraine. This puts pressure on US citizens since taxes may go up, but the additional money in the currency supply available can cause additional inflation.
Inflation in the US: The war has also caused inflation in the US. This is because of gas price increases, higher food costs, and other economic forces at work.

Food Shortages

Currently, we are seeing several food shortages in the United States, with some caused by climate change. Wars on a global basis are prompting several food shortages on top of those caused by drought, floods, and severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes. Here’s a list of foods you should stock up on when you can:

Baby formula- Recalls on formula are making it challenging to find sources of formula again.
Meat- The chicken shortage and supply chain issues are causing a meat shortage.
Dairy- There is also an egg shortage due to a chicken shortage and the Bird flu.
Fruits and Vegetables- Imports from Mexico have been suspended and may be subject to new tariffs, directly affecting the supply of avocados and other food products.
Canned goods- There is also a shortage of some canned goods due to an aluminum shortage.
Imported goods- We have stopped importing some things from other countries. Tariffs on Canadian goods may adversely affect food supplies.

Besides the war causing inflation, there are labor shortages and supply-chain issues from food manufacturers to grocery stores. In essence, there aren’t enough people to make, move, and sell the goods.

How Can We Prepare for the Effects of The Ukraine War?

There are a few things we can do to prepare for the effects of that war:

Get a Gas Card

This will help you save money on gas. A gas card is a type of credit card that gives you discounts on gas as a loyal customer of a particular brand. When the price of gas goes up, any discount is appreciated. However, make sure you pay the card off each month, so you’re not paying interest on the gas purchase. Save your receipts at grocery stores that offer gasoline discounts.

Keep a Stock of Food

If there is a food shortage, it’s essential to have a stockpile of food. This way, you’ll have something to eat if food prices go up or there isn’t any food on the shelves. Check out my posts below if you need help getting started:

Be Prepared Mentally and Physically

Mentally, war can be very tough. It’s essential to be prepared for it by getting help from a mental health professional if you are feeling depressed or have anxiety, especially if you have a family member called into duty. You should also be physically prepared by being in good shape and knowing how to use a weapon if the conflict comes close to home.

Build an Emergency Fund

This will help you if you lose your job, have an accident, get sick, or have other financial problems.

Have a plan

Talk to your family about what they would do if war broke out close to home. This will help you be prepared as you follow that plan. Have a plan for what you will do if war breaks out or you live next to a border that becomes subjust to the effects of the conflict. This includes having a place to go, food, water, and supplies.

Be informed

Stay updated on the latest news about possible war closer to home. This will help you be prepared for what is happening. It seems that misinformation is rampant on so many levels. Be sure to validate information before you move forward with any significant decisions affecting your family that may be influenced by wars and rumors of wars.

Invest in gold/silver or whatever you feel Comfortable With

Gold is a good investment because it has been shown to hold its value even if the economy collapses. And, as inflation increases, so does the value of gold. Your paper money loses value when inflation is high.

Have a bug-out bag

A bug-out bag is a bag that has everything you need to survive for 72 hours. It should have food, water, and other supplies. This will help you if you have to evacuate quickly. Make sure to use my Comprehensive Bug-Out Bag Checklist.

Have cash on hand

Having cash on hand is essential if the war causes the stock market to crash. This way, you will be able to buy food and supplies. In addition to the stock market crashing, card readers may have issues, so using a card to pay for things may not be available.

Final Word

We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it. If you are already seeing the effects of the Ukraine war or are worried about it, use the tips above to help you prepare. If war does break out, you will be glad you did. Remember, war drastically affects us all, no matter where we live. How has the war in Ukraine and other ares affected you? Let me know in the comments below. May God Bless this world, Linda

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