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How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Clothing right now, even new, is relatively inexpensive here in the US. With growing youngsters it is easy to anticipate some needs like shoes and boots! While good durable clothing in larger sizes can be still be picked up inexpensively at yard sales, out-grow sales and consignment shops shoes, sneakers and boots are another story. Next paycheck I hope to pick up sneakers and look into some durable hiking/work boot types of footwear in several sizes. It is amazing how fast one active child can destroy a pair of sneakers! Also will be looking for warm slippers, underwear and socks.

The after Christmas sales will be coming up soon too. I think I will try to start putting a little savings aside for this in the budget now. With people trying to get the most out of their money I anticipate a lot of company looking for those after holiday bargains.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Now that Halloween is over here in the US many of the roadside stands in my area are selling off their winter squash for next to nothing. Many people just use these for decoration ignoring their food value! What a waste! One local farmer I know feeds them to his cattle after the holiday.

I picked up 10 huge hard winter squash yesterday for a dollar a piece. Maybe the lightest one weighs in at about 10 pounds most of the rest are much heavier. Most of these should easily keep for several months in my unheated basement. Note: pumpkins will keep for a few weeks in an unheated dark basement but will not last the months till spring, as some other varieties of winter squash will.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

We have an abundance of raccoons around here and many get killed on the roads. Usually, their bodies lay there until there is nothing left but a tail and grease spot.

2 really big ones were killed just outside of town last month and within 15 minutes, their bodies were gone. I thought it was likely someone picked them up for their hides. Now I notice they are disappearing rather quickly from the highway also.

I'm not sure what the going price is for their pelts; but that might be an easy $20 or so for those who can get by the ick factor of picking up smashed animal bodies.

The metal scrappers are doing well, too; especially the ones who are doing it illegally. So be aware of the crime factor that may be coming to a neighborhood near you. I just found out that a man a mile down the road from me died and the scrappers took everything of value from his vacant house... wiring, plumbing, faucets... I live in a really low-crime area so this came as a bit of a surprise to me. They are robbing new home construction, too.

One of my tenants moved out last week and put 2 fans out for trash pick-up. When I got there the next day, someone had already come along and cut the cords off both of them for the copper in the wire. My friend commented about all the stuff we all throw away and if the scrappers are making money doing this, maybe we should be saving all this stuff ourselves. Good point.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Many families and individuals are facing financial difficulties due to the current economic down turn. I know my husband and I have probably found a good many ways of screwing up financially over the years.

Two books we found helpful for getting us out of said hassles are "The Richest Man in Babylon" and Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Make Over". Both are relatively easy to understand. "The Richest Man In Babylon" may be a challenge for non-English speakers as it is written in biblical script (think King James version) but does not reference the bible that I remember. A banker reportedly wrote it back in the earlier part of the last century. This first book discusses age-old laws regarding money, wealth, debt and how to get out of debt. It is told in a series of short stories that identify a specific financial problem and offers solutions for taking care of that problem. The second book offers a more up-to-date, step-by-step method of getting out of debt and staying that way. We found, for us, following these "steps" resulted in a significant drop in indebtedness, increased security and has rid our marriage of about 90% of arguments (most of which were the result of poor communications and decisions regarding finances).
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

The Thanksgiving Holidays are coming up soon here in the US. I?ve heard it described as the one day of the year Americans eat better than the French. I intend to take full advantage of it for my preps. Certain shelf stable foods tend to go on sale as retailers try to lure shoppers into their stores with lower prices. Tasty holiday foods like herb flavored stuffing that only needs hot water added to prepare and special condiments like French Fried onions for topping casseroles. Then there are canned: sauces (cranberry and apple), gravies, pie fillings, sugar, evaporated and condensed milk and eggnog.

Another thing I have done to save money and provide quality meat for my family is to buy frozen whole turkeys when they are on sale, the big ones and ask at the meat counter for it to be cut in half. The butcher cuts the meat in half and wraps both halves for me so they are ready for my home freezer. Here this service is free. This way I get the sale price for the bigger frozen birds but don't have to cook the entire bird at once and still have a reasonable amount of meat for several family sized meals. Sometimes after the holidays i've even found the organic ones for a reasonable price. I have found it helps to ask and know the people in the store. If there should be problems with the power going out at some future time I plan to pressure can the meat.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Saving in the Kitchen

Not eating out, as much has been helpful in keeping food costs down. However, by processing some foods myself rather than buying it already processed can offer significant savings. Yes it takes time but the savings adds up for us.

Buying a block of cheese and grating it myself
Buying lettuce and making the salad instead of buying it premixed
Buying raw whole fruits and veggies instead of bite sized processed raw fruits veggies
Cooking a turkey breast and slicing it into lunchmeat instead of buying processed lunchmeat
Buying soft taco shells and making my own sandwich wraps
Making a big batch of potato salad, macaroni and cheese, meatloaf or lasagna for several meals instead of buy it at the deli or pre-made

It is also important to watch waste! Stews, soups and casseroles are good ways of using up veggies. Turkey and chicken carcass bones in our home can be used for broth. I add a chopped onion, carrot and celery. The broth can be frozen for future use. Some of our food waste is fed to the dog and chickens; some of the rest (veggie) ends up on the compost heap.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

I hope the economy will improve and a new level of stability be found. However, I believe in preparing for the worst and praying for the best. With this in mind we have been working on preventive maintenance here.

Everyone in the family has been in to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned, checked and any needed dental work taken care of. All vaccinations have been brought up to date (this includes pets). General physical exams are current within the last year. Eyes have been checked and eyeglass prescriptions updated where needed. Figured that this would be a good idea while we have Health benefits in place. The recent spat of layoffs has me concerned.

The vehicles have been inspected, worn tires replaced, oil changed and general periodic maintenance done.

Needed home maintenance has been reviewed and those things that cannot be put off with winter quickly approaching are being addressed.

The state of our property has also been reviewed and dead or damaged trees that might pose a hazard to adjacent properties have been cut down and split into firewood.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Bread

When I hit a sale on bread or rolls I like to freeze what cannot be used before it goes stale or molds. If bread starts to go stale but is still safe to eat and not moldy I try to make something useful out of it.

Italian bread
Good for using up sub rolls.
Spread
Italian seasoning
Bread or sub rolls
Mix a little dried Italian seasoning into the spread. How much is used will depend on how many rolls there are. The rolls are cut either lengthwise or in rounds. The seasoned spread is spread on the rolls. After the rolls are frozen on a cookie sheet over night, they wrapped in foil and sealed in a food grade plastic bag and stored in the freezer until needed. When I want Italian bread I take out what is needed and put it in the toaster oven a few minuets until heated thru.

Breadcrumbs
Toast bread until light brown and allow it to cool. Then toast it again for a few minuets and allow it to cool. After it is cooled it is cooled the bread is crushed into crumbs. These can be seasoned with some Italian seasoning and a little dried grated Parmesan cheese. I try to use this up in a week or two as I have had it mold.

Croutons
Bread is cut into bite sized squares and put into a frying pan. The bread is drizzled with olive oil and toasted over a low heat. After it is removed from the heat I sprinkle on Italian seasonings and a little Parmesan cheese. I like to use these up in a week or two (they usually don’t last that long).

Filling/Stuffing
Stuffing is not just for Thanksgiving. It is a good way to use up extra bread before it can spoil and is a tasty stodge for filling tummies not always filled by smaller portions of meat and veggies. It can be put under a few thin slices of lunchmeat like turkey or chicken roll and smothered with gravy for a quick lunch.
Bread cubed at least ½ a loaf or more
1 - onion (chopped)
2 or 3 ribs of celery (chopped)
Cooking oil or butter
Thyme – a pinch (a little goes a long way)
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot broth or Bullion dissolved in water
Sauté the onion and celery until both are soft. In a large bowl mix all of the ingredients. I like to add enough hot broth for extra flavor and to help hold it together. If I am going to bake for a meal with baked chicken or turkey I add an beaten raw egg and cook it in a pan in the oven along with the poultry.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Because our local economy is so bad here, there was a warning segment on tv tonight about women's purses being stolen and items stolen out of unlocked cars.

The most important points were to leave all extra credit cards, cash, etc at home in case your purse is lost or stolen. The other was to use the child seat strap in the cart to strap your purse in and then fold it over the strap. Never leave your purse unattended or (men) your wallet partially hanging out your back pocket. Keep your purse close to your body while in line and walking to your car.

I find those nylon nets or bath poofs for bathing use less soap than washcloths.

Check all your old coins to see if any were made while silver was still being used... prior to 1965 for dimes and a few years later for dollars and half-dollars. If you have a business or run a cash register, check the change if you have any spare time.
http://www.coinsite.com/content/faq/ussilver-coins.asp
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

The US nickel coins (five cent piece) minted during the years 1943, 1944, 1945 and part of 1942 were also made partial out of silver. They do not have as high a silver content as the US silver dimes or quarters. These nickels actually contain no nickel at all. They are 35% silver, 9% manganese and 56% copper. They are easy to pick out because of the mintmarks above Monticello?s dome on the coins (P, D or S).
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

SFgate.com
Root cellars thrive as food prices rise
Michael Tortorello, New York Times

Sunday, November 16, 2008

(11-16) 04:00 PST New York


"The Worleys, like a number of other Americans, have made the seemingly anachronistic choice to turn their basement into a root cellar. While Cynthia Worley's brownstone basement stash won't feed the couple through the winter, she said, "I think it's a healthy way to go and an economical way.""

snip

"According to Bruce Butterfield, the research director for the National Gardening Association, a trade group, home food preservation typically increases in a rotten economy. In 2002, the close of the last mild recession, 29 million households bought supplies for freezing, drying, processing and canning. Last year that number stood at only 22 million - a figure Butterfield said he expects to rise rapidly"

Link for the entire article:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/11/16/MNJF13V5CS.DTL&type=printable
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Below is a link to the Dollar Stretcher site. Found a lot of ideas and suggestions there for saving money, negotiating better and finding deals and living more frugally. Maybe its' time for frugal living habits, good financial judgment and self reliance to come back into style?

http://www.stretcher.com/index.cfm
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Home made Christmas.

One of my favorite gifts to give to family and friends is a Holiday basket filled with home made goodies. I buy a basket at the craft store for maybe 3 or 4 dollars (or regift one that was given to me!) and line it with a pretty Holiday dishtowel. The basket is filled with home made jellies, jams, mini breads, and cookies. I also save or buy inexpensive decorative tins and fill them with homemade cookies for gifts. Small cut glass canning jars filled with homemade rum balls, dusted with powdered sugar make a nice gift for my friends. I cover the jar lid with colorful fabric tied with twine.

A friend of mine makes them too with a theme for welcoming new neighbors into the area. In her basket she put packets of flavored coffees or teas and things like home made biscuits or scones, maybe a jar of homemade buckwheat pancake mix (with the recipe for the pancakes). Basically breakfast in a basket for a family tired from the challenges of moving into their new home.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

What to do with leftover turkey

Turkey Balls
Turkey meat
Bread stuffing
Broth (if needed)
Gravy

Mix finely chopped turkey meat into the stuffing and make into balls about the size of a cupcake. If the stuffing is to dry to hold a form then adding some broth may help. Bake in the oven until heated thru and serve with warm gravy. - I'm debating zapping some of the leftover veggies in blender or food processor and mixing them in it to hide them from the children.

******

Hot Turkey Sandwiches

Sliced turkey meat
Bread (sliced)
Gravy

Heat the gravy, thin with water if it has gotten too thick. Stirring with a whisk may help remove some of the lumps. Put two slices of the bread on a plate, top with turkey slices pour a little of the gravy over top. If desired add another layer of bread and top with gravy. We like it served with leftover cranberry sauce. Other times we substitute leftover stuffing for the bread.

******

Turkey carcass soup/stew
Turkey carcass and cooked skin
Onion
Carrot
Celery (2 or 3 ribs)
Bay leaf
Salt (a pinch)

Chop the vegetables into chunks and put all ingredients into a pot and cover them with water. Simmer the virtue out of the bones and veggies (cook a good hour after the water has been brought to a simmer). Strain the broth and discard the carcass and spent veggies. Add leftover vegetables and turkey meat as desired to the broth for carcass soup. I plan to pressure can some of the broth this year.

*****
Shepard pie with turkey

In a lightly greased pie pan place a layer of cooked peas, cover the peas with chunks of turkey. I like to add leftover gravy. Top the pie with a layer of leftover mashed potatoes. Bake until heated thru.

*****

Any meat not used in three days I plan to freeze in family serving sized portions. Food is to expensive to let waste.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Corn meal mush (polenta)

I have been talking to some of my Amish neighbors and a common sight on some of their tables at each meal is corn meal mush. This is a very cheap filling, easy to make stodge. It can be served as a hot pudding like oatmeal or put in a loaf pan and after it has cooled it can be sliced and fried. In my area much of the meal sold for mush is parched or roasted and ground. This gives whatever is made from the meal a stronger corn flavor.

Corn meal mush
1-cup corn meal
3-cups water (a little more water will not hurt, would not advise using less)
Generous pinch of salt

In a large pot whisk or stir together one cup of meal and one cup of water. After meal and water are toughly mixed add the rest of the water. Bring the mixture to a simmering boil and stir constantly so it will not scorch on the bottom. The mush will eventually thicken and then it is ready to serve. I like it with syrup and a little spread, others like cooled, sliced, fried and topped with cheese.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Coarsely ground corn, called grits in the southern US, can also be used.

I have only used the coarser version and very much enjoy it.

Once cooled and sliced, it can also be used as a base layer topped with vegetable or meat sauces such as one would use a pasta or grain dish. A real meal stretcher.

I have only found pre-ground corn products or popcorn available in stores. Has anyone found a source of whole dried corn that can be ground fresh to the desired texture?
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Another way my family has found to economize is with haircuts. I purchased an electric hair clipper with a good pair of scissors a few years ago and have been cutting the hair of the male contingent in the household ever since. The clippers paid for themselves in a month of haircuts.

Yes, it is inconvenient at times. Yes, sometimes I feel like I am trying to groom a squirming basketball while it is in play. Yes some times the cuts are not exactly perfect. For us the savings have been worth it.
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

TIGHT ECONOMY HAS MORE AMERICANS PRACTICING DEPRESSION-ERA BARTERING TACTICS

Video
http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=251803

***********
This summer I bartered with an Amish farm wife who had lost her elderberry crop. She bartered her jelly making skills for my elderberries. Now both our families have homemade elderberry jelly. I have never used the barter site mentioned in the video. We have used Craigslist and have been pleased with those transactions.

It is important the both sides in any agreement completly understand what is being offered and what is expected in return.

AC
 
Re: How Regular People Can Survive in This Economic Climate

Over the Holidays I asked my Mother in Law what kind of foods they had during the Great Depression. Her family survived on ethnic food from a culture that focused keeping a close watch on expenses and a diet based on beans chick peas, fava, cannelloni), rice, bulgur, cuscus, vegetables, yogurt like drinks and sauces, cheese and meat used in scant moderation.

A typical snack her mom would serve her went she got home from school to hold her until dinner was call Lah-pah, rice mixed with puréed tomatoes. Another snack was a ketchup sandwich. Knowing my In-Laws I would not be surprised if a container hummus was a constant resident of their "ice box" for the duration of the depression to fill in the empty places and serve as main course when times were more difficult.

I also asked a young man who it looks like may soon to be a new addition and in-law to our family about his family’s Great Depression stories. He told me about going thru his Grandmother's affects after she had died. He found US silver coins dating back to the time of the Great Depression that she had evidently hung onto these coins most of her long life... just in case.
 
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