My neighbor introduced me to his friend, a handyman looking for extra income. We talked about projects I need done but cannot afford to get done by professionals. Randomly, the topic of food came up. I mentioned I had peaches I needed to process but wouldn't be doing peach salsa this year as I made too much last year. He was really excited to try it, so I gave him a jar, plus a jar of cranberry relish. Well, guess what? We are working out a plan to barter his work for my preserved food! I'll pay for supplies in cash and his labor in food. He's single and not much of a cook. So, I'm putting together meal bags with instructions/recipes. The amazing part is that we BOTH feel like we are getting the best out of the deal.
I'm thinking you now have a handyman for most of your projects. I bartered lessons in pressure canning (wives of hunters), when I served evening meals to all of them made with my pressure canned meats & root cellar veggies.
Being frugal- ibuy freezer bags and when I take a sandwich to work I don't throw away the bag i bring it home and wash it out when i do the dinner dishes and also for heavy duty foils as long as there is nothing stuck to it i carefully wash it and let it dry. As for mental preparing i am a Christian and i am trusting on God, to stand by me it really helps me.
I wash and hang all my freezer and storage bags to dry naturally, I take them and I told him and stick them in the largest Fraser or storage bag that I have to save them for reuse.
My dad had 6 part time jobs in the early 80’s to make ends meet. One of them was driving the garbage truck. (In a rural area) he would simply ask people who had apricot trees, peaches etc if they wouldn’t mind him picking them. Almost always they didn’t mind. Dad would come back and pick the trees, and my mom would can whatever it was. They fed 3 little girls and themselves this way during hard times.
Love it! My husband wears hearing aids, the ones that go around the ear with small curved plastic inside his ears. One hearing aid constantly would fall out, to fix this problem we cut those breathe strips into half inch pieces remove the white cover to expose the sticky part. I then trim off pointy edges and press onto plastic curved piece inside his ear, It’s usually sticky for two days. I call it my 2 cent fix. No more falling out.
My Dad's saying. Learn everything you can, it's something no one can take from you. I'm 64 and I still try to learn and am willing to share things I've learned. Then you tell them they now have something no one can take from them.😊
Talk to the elderly in your community because they've lived without the fancy gadgets - they weren't around. They've been through hard times and had to make do and stretch what they have until it's thin enough to see through. Our elderly citizens have a wealth of knowledge and skills that they can share.
Some of the elderly (like my 92 year old mom) has been a big spender since my dad passed in 1980. She has bought so much JUNK over the years, it is crazy. Even though she was born in 1932 and lived through hard years as an adult, she still didn't stop spendng until she became unable to drive and use a computer to order things! I, on the other hand, am 73 and have always been frugal. I taught my husband so well that he is "tight as a drum" my grandmothers would say! 🥁
What on earth? I'm 69, came from a nice middle class childhood. We had all the gadgets my father wasn't too cheap to buy. Dishwasher? Nope, spent the money on fishing poles and trap shooting guns. We had a dryer by the time I was 9. You're thinking about our parents, who are mostly 95 and above or deceased. Not one that we know who is still living have their wits about them.
My son was having an inexpensive night out with his girlfriend and ran into family friends who joined them . He casually mentioned that I had been canning items I found on sale. The friends approached me after church and said they had peach, pear, apple trees and grape vines that are loaded this year. They couldn’t possibly use all of the fruit and would call me when they were ripe and I could come get all I wanted . Sometimes people just need to know you will can things so they won’t go to waste.
I am disabled, have to use a wheelchair to get around, have no car and am housebound. I was talking to my Blue Cross rep a few months ago and found out I can get an aid to help with housework, laundry, groceries, etc and my health insurance will pay 100% for it. There is a limit on the amount of hours you are allocated, but you can request more. If you are 60+ talk to your health insurance rep to see what services are available for you in your area. Also found out the state farmers market does home delivery to several towns. One of our food banks will also deliver to housebound individuals.
My mom is on a tiered Medicare/Medicaid insurance program. They provide her with a monthly dollar amount for ‘food’, etc. It is done by debit card and most grocery stores accept it. Check your insurance company if you are older. Also, some stores will reduce their delivery service for reduced income customers on a Medicare/Medicaid program.
I'm going blind so my needs are different but I put a coffee table under a window, and my plants in a container are at a height to even water them from a wheelchair. I mix half potting soil and woodchips to keep them light, and have those pretty bulbs for watering. Food stamps were I am pays for seeds, or plants.
@@tifweaks6639yes my medicare plan give me 50 dollars a month on the debit card for food a month it comes in need too but only Safeway and Walmart in my town takes it I live in AZ
Side hustle baby! Babysit, clean a house or help with yard cleanup. You’re right, pride has to go out the window! Don’t worry about what others think; they’re not paying your bills or raising your kids ❤
Yes,I clean 3 homes a week.Thanks t my brother in laws business,word of mouth goes a long way,now I will hsve t get someone to help me bc some wealthy people don't like t clean,and I definitely will clean there homes.
My parents always encouraged reading, because they said you can learn anything if you know how to read. My parents remodeled their 120 year old home. We lived next to the library and my Dad would go check out books and would read how to fix everything in our house. My Mom said you want to understand something go look it up. I to this day still look up information daily.
Our local library has a seed bank & if you have a library card you can get seed packets for free. The only stipulation is, they request that you save some seed from your harvest & donate it back to the library to keep the inventory replenished. With the price of seeds now this can be a solution to backyard gardeners. ☮️
I and a couple of the library staff just started up our seed bank this spring at our local library. Now the rest of the libraries in our county are doing the same! It’s so comforting to know others can use this resource to grow their own food.
In the 70's we had a rough time. Our neighbor hood had folks in their 60's, 40s and my family. We got together taught each other different things. Gardening. Sewing and Rug making, preserving foods. It was a great experience. We never really felt poor. We made our own and enjoyed it all the more. My favorite memories are those times.
I started with $5 a week. I would go to Dollar Tree(when things were $1), buy a day's worth of meals and put the change in a jar. As things got better we went to $10 a week. Eventually the change bucket was used to buy higher quality items or water purifier and such. Before anything I sat and wrote out 30 days worth of meals and knew to multiply the meals by 12 and figure out how much of each item I needed. I learned to can foods and dehydrate fruit. I can sew so I got a toy battery operated sewing machine that actually works a simple patterns for scrubs and 2 children's patterns. I know how to crochet so sweaters, gloves and hats are taken care of as are blankets.
I take soiled adult clothes from Salvation Army for .1 c and resize them to baby clothes because I live in VT. There is a lot of older folks here so most clothes sold are for adults but there is a small consistent market for baby clothes.
As a been there-done that single parent, I felt every thing you mentioned. Worked a full and part-time job 15 yrs. (No insurance for kids.) All great advice! I was/am lucky that I grew up on a farm. Learned to preserve and forage our area. Got us through tough times. For the broke part: Once during a personal pity party about being broke, a person I had huge respect for asked if I had a penny. Actually had maybe 18 cents. They told me "if you have a penny you aren't broke!" I still have one tucked in a safe place in my wallet. Hokey as it sounds, that piece of copper has lifted my spirit more times than it will ever know!
Lisa I'm 62,been homeless since April of 2023, i live on $352/month from disability. Massachusetts is horrible when it comes to helping American citizens that are in need. I've been dealing with some sever health issues for over 11 months since we got to this shelter. I can no longer walk or stand but have a huge desire to learn new skills. I ordered a pioneer cookbook and I am trying to learn how to forage and make medicine from plants not pills.
If you've been working... You're able to take social security at 62. It's not the whole amount like you would have gotten at 67 but you can supplement that up to a point... Are you on SSI? If you haven't been working and you're disabled you can get SSI instead of social security. Maybe answer phones for a part time job... Best of luck to you and God bless!
Keep your home clean and clothes washed up. The last thing you would like to think about is not having clean items if you lose power for natural disasters or if a shtf event.
This needs pinned. Don't put off running that load of laundry or doing dishes (even washing by hand if you are on an electric well pump!). Having been thru both a "derecho" (f that. It was a tornado, we literally saw it) and a hurricane in the last 2 months we are over being without electric for days and days.
This!! If the SHTF and your house is clean and organized with laundry done, you have a great start. Maybe it's only psychological, but getting the brain in gear and on the right mindset is half the battle
I started a garden this year, first time in almost 30 years. It brings so much joy watching everything grow. Also just put up 23 1/2 pints of Strawberry jam, after 25 year. You just need to start learning!
It is a mystery to me how you can talk and give detailed information while working in the kitchen! I can't talk while working and can't work while talking. When I bake, I have to tell everyone to stay out of the kitchen, or I will mess up the recipe! YOU have a wonderful SKILL! 😊
I am 77 and have been through it. You are right on. If you want a job, go and look for one. If you need stuff, always be looking around. There opportunities out there. I used to collect scrap metals for extra money. veggies can be grown in pots. I keep my flower beds full of growing veggies.
I retired last year I’m not as active as I used to be and I’m feeling it and I had an idea today I don’t consider myself a senior lol but I’m 63 so I guess I am but we have a nice senior center in my town and I use to help out there when I worked for home health care so I went online and checked it out it cost 25$ a year they have excercise classes lunch crafts and they teach sewing crochet knitting .and so much more I think I’m going to like it plus I told hubby I’ll learn where the free stuff is too lol !! Wish me luck! I tried getting my mom to go there when she retired years ago and she said I’m not going down there with a bunch of old lady’s lol well here I am . Oh they also have an excercise room ❤❤❤
My daughter used to be a pharmacy advocate in a hospital. She helped the under insured and non insured patients get the medication they need. While this is not a prep resource, it’s a resource you should be aware of in case you find yourself in need. Check to see if your local hospital has one.
A year and a half ago I had a heart attack. They put me on very expensive meds! I was able to get them from the manufacturers at no cost because I am retired and met the income requirements, less than 2x the poverty level. Help is out there!
My Granny used to do that, she was a secretary for a Dr. and when people (poor farmers) came to her office to set up a payment plan for their bill she'd ask if they had any prescriptions to fill. She'd take the Rx to the pharmacy and tell Ralph she needed to see the sample box. If there weren't enough 'samples' available to fill the Rx she asked him to give her an alternative. That was back in the day, late 60's, early 70's when I witnessed her in action. Ralph, I'd like to see the sample box!
@@kathym7495. I was fortunate once to get free RX meds while I was in a financial bind. It’s been quite a few years and I’m sure that some things have changed. But any pharmacy will be able to help you.
And it's just recently come out that 78% of this country lives paycheck to paycheck. I've been there. I've been so broke I couldn't pay attention, and it took me a long time for me to break away from that cycle, but it's a great feeling when you can get all your debt paid. I got tickled at your reindeers in the background. Thanks for the content!
I can attest to the truth about being a volunteer at a food pantry. Started at a christian food bank as a way to meet people. Part of the " benefits " include a monthly allottment , produce on days I work (usually last day of sale items donated by large supermarkets ) , and as much less than prime produce as I want that is tossed into boxes for farm animals. ( I know how to cut out bad spots on food). Feeds my chickens too. PLUS, they have a thrift store attached to help fund the pantry. I am allowed $20 towards goods from the store on days I work. I shop every time I work and keep it under that. My son calls it " farming the food pantry ". They are so happy the food is going to good use instead of into landfills. One of the workers approached me about learning to can when I told them I can and dehydrate. And then, they Thank ME for helping out. Blessings galore. I work 3 days a week cause I can't afford to retire yet, but volunteering one day a week has been SO fufilling.
I have been telling people in my life to stock up on pantry items for the last few years. Some have said, I"ll go to your house if things get tough. I offer to teach them how to garden and can food. I will help them and support their efforts, but my prep is for my household. Only one has taken me up on my offer of learning these skills, and I am more that happy to share knowledge that allows them to stock up a few weeks of meals as a start.
You have been more than generous with your offers! You sound like an awesome person, we could be neighbors as I've made the same offers to so many people with the same results!! 😞 Last year my pear tree (I never liked pears until this tree...they are so sweet, they're like candy!!) had a huge abundance of pears. I've raised my children alone on very little while working up to 4 part time jobs at a time, shuffling them so I could be home to be a mom to my kids, so I know how hard it can be to make ends meet & provide for a family. I wanted to can pears for my kid's families, myself & I desperately wanted to share some. I asked around to 5 families who I know struggle & they all gave me a day & time, saying they'd love to come help me pick & take home pears to preserve. NOT A SINGLE FAMILY CAME!! It broke my heart, I canned more for my family & there were still bushels of pears on the tree. I took boxes of them to my church to share & people would only take 1 or 2. 😕 Wisdom came from my pastor however, she said "Don't ask any of those same families again next year, do them for yourself. God will show you good people who really need the rest!" She was right, I found a couple who were thrilled to come help me pick the rest & share some. Later my doctor told me that "next year (now this year) I'd love to barter your pears for my apples!!" Don't let those people hurt you!! God will guide good people to you who truly want & need your wisdom. God bless you!!
@@itsallperfectlynormal9805 if you were close you'd certainly be more than welcome! If nothing happens, there'll be a bumper crop again this year! God has blessed me richly! And I'm already praying that He shows me those people who need & will appreciate them!!
Been there myself and that was my learning experience….I swear my parents and grandparents are guiding me daily and I am thankful for that. The days of choosing to put gas in the car or food in my belly…I chose the gas to get me to my job in hopes my paycheck would be a full one…..I live with those days on my heart daily
I learned so much from my mom and aunts who survived the great depression. Try to fix something before you replace it, reuse everything you can multiple times. Never be afraid to ask for something about to be discarded it could be just enough for you. And much more
I was blessed to have a mom and dad that grew up in Ky. in the 40's they showed me a lot on how to live with very little and live rich and have lived on very little or no money all my life.I'm 64 now and on S.S. just getting by the skin of my teeth, but no problem I have skills that no one can take them a way from me.
I was offered a feather mattress for a hand crocheted blanket. She made the trade because she saw my original lap blankets, and wanted one. Still using it in winter. She flipped that featherbed off her spare bed and picked up that blanket right off my sofa. Had it for years, but made a new one for me using wool from the thrift store.
Hi Leisa, I would like to remind everyone to never underestimate what all can be done with small amounts of produce! Because of our excessive, unending triple digit heat, we are dealing with much smaller garden yields. As such, I am practicing small batch canning. I searched out and purchased a smaller pressure canner. It holds 4 qts or 5 pints and is wonderful for small batches. Exampe: On one day I canned 4 pints of chicken broth, did 5 pints of carrots, juiced a small bowl of tart tiny plums and made 4 half pints of jelly, made 4 half pints of boysenberry jelly, and shredded a couple of small zucchini and a leftover apple to make zucc-apple bread in my solar oven. None of the batches were full sized, but they still help fill the pantry. The last couple of times I went to CostCo there were small packages of meat in addition to their usual large packages. I quickly grabbed them up to pressure can. Another lady was there doing the same thing. We smiled and compared notes. Both of us were more than happy to be able to get a variety of meat instead of only 1 or 2 items in large packs. Btw, I live in Northern California in an agriculture designated county. It is illegal to have any water catchment containers, illegal to have a few backyard chickens unless you are zoned for them, and illegal to have more than 3 fruit/nut trees on your property unless you are registered with the county and pay taxes on them as an agriculture endeavor. Crazy! And they do choose to enforce it at times. Thanks for all your suggestions.
My great grandma and grandma & my mom all taught me that. Some was from the roof, some from the open sky into a 5 gallon pail. We all had long, beautiful, soft hair. I grew up with 3 generations in one house and down the road by bike or horseback was the next generation back. It was a great childhood with many, many hands-on lessons around planting crops (field or gardens), fruit trees, animals, and preserving all of it.
I have a single friend that I share food with (I am single also). Example - she makes a chicken salad and gives me a bowl, and I give her half of my pineapple. This helps both of us. We also "shop" at each other's storage closets before buying something new such as a blanket, afghan, coffee pot, pet carrier. Often we have something extra that the other needs.
I’m a SLP who was working outside my home community and had just graduated, a parent from local community bartered therapy for her son. She traded housecleaning and children’s outgrown toys and books for services. It was a total win for both of us.
I live out in the country a lot of farmers are happy to have people walk the fields picking up leftovers even some apple orchards will let you pick for free near the end of the season i feed my family this way along with a lot of others
i delivered the paper for 6 years. On the day people put out their recycle bin, I would stop and throw in all the Tide containers. I'd drain out what was left and would get about 2 cups a week. * I learned to cut up whole chickens and would buy 2 every 2 weeks. Id package two thigh quarters, two breasts, all the wings and save until i had 8, then boil the 2 backs and pick off about 1/2 cup meat from them and use the broth for 2 meals. I'd boil a whole chicken every couple of months and portion about 3/4 cup of the meat in bags for a meal. 3/4 cup because i was saving from 1 cup and ended uo with an extra meal every 4th time. * I picked up items at the side of the road or garage sales, painted them and resold. Id find designer clothes at thrift stores or garage sales for $1 and resell them. Basically, find an area where you have knowledge and then let that be what you flip. Records, game systems, designer jeans, quilts, designer purses, whatever you know about. * I had a business buying old holey quilts and making tote bags, pillows, bookmarks, hot pads from the old quilts. * I could teach sewing, smocking, embroidery, quilting, canning, people always ask me gardening advice because i share photos of my garden, painting furniture. And if my husband died and i needed to make money a great niche would be to offer childcare over night or weekends for nurses; or sitting with elderly people who dont need their bottom wiped yet. How about taking them to stores when they are wanting to get out but cant drive anymore. * You mentioned volunteering. When ive helped at church functions there is always food left over that you can take home. * We used to hit the local church festivals and they always had hotdogs or popcorn or snowcones. Walk through sams or costco and get samples. One time we were going to my sons baseball game and i had told them they could get a hamburger at the game for $1. My son got a slice of cheese out and i asked what he was doing. He said it is 25 cents for cheese and i want cheese on my burger, lol. *on water. I put a tub or big bowl in my sink and wash my dishes, then take it out to my plants to water. When i can I catch all my vegetable rinsing water, water after blanching, and the canner water to water plants. If you need hot water, put a pot or pitcher under the stream until it heats up. This is good drinking or cooking water.
We have been blessed the last few years. Its the skills we learned 25 years ago that we still implement to this day that help make us so blessed. While others think we are stupid for the garderns and critters, we look at it as it made us who we are and why give it up now. I think being self-sufficient is a gift that once you get into it you stay in it. I go to bed blissfully tired every night. 😊
If you have trouble motivating to get canning before the garden harvest actually begins, pressure can with a friend. If it wasn't for my friend Dragon Lady, I wouldn't have near the pressure canned jars in my pantry that I currently have. Everything is easier and more fun with friends. I also quit smoking which freed up a bunch of $$ and I feel so much better since.
Ideas besides library for skill info: I "invested" in one of the big homerepair store's fixit books. Then paid myself when something broke that i could fix (triple the book's estimated time) Reseated toilet, painted, replaced door, replaced dishwashers and garbage disposals, etc. Got some great jams, zucchini, microgreens etc. for helping neighbors. Also got some great exercise too.
FYI.....lol.....You "shuck" corn and you "shell" peas.......since you asked..:). Haven't heard that term since I was a kid and my Mom would start hollering for all 5 of us kids to pick and prepare corn, beans, peas, tomatoes, etc. I appreciate all you do and share with us......Thank You.
😊😊 I get free radio advertising because I work at a radio station. I've advertised for canning jars and got whole boxes for a dollar!! I've also advertised for other things and have sold stuff too. A recent find is a dozen 20 gallon containers from a company that bought them full of livestock salt and put them out for free to the public. I'm using them to plant vegetables, and to compost, and for rain collection. All free!!!
You shuck corn, shell peas and hull nuts, at least here in Indiana. If you live in an area where you can't collect rain water, collect water from your A/C unit, very easy to do and you'd be surprised just how much water you will collect. We got a 55 gal drum a day off ours in Indiana during summer. Enjoyed the video excellent tips.
Another resource is auctions. You would be amazed at what you can find there. I bought 2 huge tubs of used wedding candles for $5.00 each, a table filled with linen and bedding $5.00, a table fill of Jars for $5.00. I have seen stacks of storage bins there as well. I have used Freecycle and gotten boxes of misc fabric. I have someone who calls me when she is cleaning out her pantry and I take it all (she is not prepping despite my efforts) and keep what I eat and give the rest away. I get free 5 gal buckets from a restaurant and bakery. I save cans to make candles. I save cardboard from uhaul for candles as well. I save cans to sort my nails and screws and other things to and to make candles as well. In my neighborhood we put out things we dont want on the sidewalk and I got a small bookcase from my neighbor that way. I save all my jars both glass and plastic to store things in, outside of canning. Trade with friends and neighbors you trust. Think outside the box on what you can use X thing when you come across something for free or almost nothing.
You made me laugh when you said "to find your people, you gotta people. We just moved to a new state and I've been struggling. Now I know what to do.I gotta find my people. Thank you❤
I love how you said dont stop moving. Thats my goal in life. Even when i had a sinus infection head pounding and couldnt breathe coughing i ran a 5k with my daughter. Let me tell you running barely breathing blurred vision and finished the 5k with my daughter i felt great. Her joy and the bond kept me going. Couple days later i had no coughing, no head ache no pain. Volunterring is fun, i volunteered at the food bank and i shop at the food bank. I stocked my pantry. Sometimes they even give seeds for gardens. If it was up to me i wouldnt have tv or streaming service but my fiamce enjoys it. Also unplugging appliences/technology not in use reduces your bills. These are good tips
*Basic Home Repair books! Dirt cheap at Estate Sales and Thrift Stores! *Recreation Centers offer Programs *Senior Centers & Park/Recreation Senior programs and Lunches. * Hospital Community Outreach Programs: Education and Resources for Health and Wellbeing *Health Fairs (put on by Home Health Agencies and Hospitals)
Excellent information. You have such a gift for talking to people using common sense. I’m in my seventies and I am so happy I have skills. I was a country girl lived in a hamlet of 200 people. We canned and of course gardened (kitchen garden at home, acres at Granspa’s farm. Daddy had a garage next door to our house. If he got called out when I was not in school I worked the garage for him. I wanted to be a mechanic so I worked in my car. Couldn’t now of course, it is computerized. But I understand how things work, that is a skill. I helped Dad tear off the porch of a house and then we used it to build an addition onto his house for the furnace. In my 20s I learned about organic gardening and subscribed to Mother Earth News and Rodale’s Organic Gardening and Farming magazines. I began gardening as best I could with no garden space and also began canning. I learned to knit when I was right. I learned to sew a little later than that, first by hand making doll dresses. Then on to the Singer treadle machine (how I wish I had that. I loved that machine) and later an electric machine when we had enough money to buy it. We were dirt poor. Dad was too proud for welfare. I babysat, mowed yards, cleaned the local schoolhouse and it went to the family as it should. We worked together as a unit. I taught myself to crochet in my 20s. I went into information security so I became more of a nerd than ever. Dad always called himself a Jack of all trades, master of noneThat wasn’t true. He had a reputation far and wide for his expertise. But im a Jill of all trades and some I’m pretty decent at. Sadly I had no children. I have no one to pass my skills into. I joined a Facebook canning group several years ago and a few years ago was asked to be a moderator. Wow! I want to pass in my knowledge. I have taught people in my kitchen in the past but now I can do it often. And wow, little did I know how much more I’d learn as a moderator. My niece who lives back where I’m from wants to learn to can. I told her no problem, we’ll do a video call. I have to pass my skills on I found you and I found Darcy and she’s taught me about dehydrating. I’m beginning that journey. I can a lot. Meat on sale? Yep. Half bushels or bushels at the farmers market? You betcha. I’m disabled with chronic pain, COPD, and a heart issue soon to be fixed. But that stuff doesn’t matter. Does it slow me down? Oh boy! Does it stop me. Not a chance. I will not allow myself to be an invalid. Not gonna happen. There’s always a way. Tomorrow morning I go pick blackberries. I will be gasping for air when I walk back to the office to pay. But it doesn’t kill me. It is inconvenient, I’ve gotten over the embarrassment. lol I love the way you think. You are my people. It is so sad because few people I know care. But I have a good network. I belong to a group to help the homeless or needy in our area. I used to make and box up meals once or twice a month but that is too much for me so I donate the fixings from time to time and do other things. And they gratefully accept the canned goods I give them. The person in charge and I have gotten to be good friends. And I have good neighbors on either side of me and down the road. I believe we are blessed in that regard. Thanks so much for all you do. You are spreading the word. I’m sharing your videos and one niece is taking it to heart. 💜
Everything you said!! 👍👍👍 I'm 70, live alone, chose not to have a car for 13 years now. But that has never stopped me from accomplishing what I've needed...to prepare. I started 4 years ago, on a very limited buget. Little by little, the dollar store, goodwill, a few good investments and, although there's always room for improvement, I feel pretty comfortable where I'm at. I appreciate your down to earth wisdom! Subscribed!
No access to a washing machine? Get a bucket, soap, and elbow grease! It works! Love this video. There has been more than one time in my life, I had to rely on smarts to navigate no money situations. These are all great ideas and thank you so much for sharing them.
@@monicaluketich6913 That's what I was going to say! If you get a 5 gallon bucket with lid, cut out a circle for the handle to go through and put the lid back on. Of course I use a washing machine but rarely use the dryer.
I've been washing my laundry in a trug and a 5 gallon bucket since the Covid shutdown. I rent, and the units do not have hook-ups for machines. We only have a communal laundry room. No more germs and needing to clean up after the other tenants. I can do laundry whenever I want. Who knew I'd still be doing laundry this way....4 years later. Yikes. LOL
I use my chipped canning jars for storage of all kinds of things like band aids, q-tips, cotton balls, the open package of yeast in my freezer, seeds for next year's garden, etc. I have used the used flats and my nicer rings on them, and I have bought inexpensive plastic lids from a big box store - both work about the same.
In addition to helping others, we must be willing to accept help and ask for help. Bless others by being a willing recipient. Being stubbornly self sufficient denies yourself, as well as those who would receive blessing by helping you. Pride sometimes can be more harmful than people realize.
Yes, Classico sauce is in a mason jar. It may cost a little more,but the jar equals that out. Regular mouth size . I can never get the sauce smell out of the lid,so use Ball lids. Great for dehydrated goods.
Leisa I have to say that I love these little talks you've been doing. There is always something that is very useful in each one. Thank you so much for sharing
I bet there's quite a few people in Houston right now, who wish they had prepared by going out and getting acclimated to the heat! I do it, and it works. I have this gigantic umbrella to shade myself from the blazing Louisiana sun, and every day, I go out, at 2 pm, to walk in the 109º heat index, over concrete which brings the apparent temperature to about 125º. Your body will become accustomed to the heat, if you start doing midday walks in the spring, and allow yourself time to get used to it.
Frugality starts with getting out of debt. I am a cautionary tale of going gangbusters on getting the gear and supplies on credit. Don't do it on a credit card. Think of the hundreds you can save if you don't have all the finance charges and interest. It can pay for your preps if you tighten your belt and pay all you can on the principal over the minimum charge.
I had friends challenge me on water collection telling me it was illegal. I went about and found all rules, laws and ordinances and it was illegal if you were harvesting more than 20,000 gallons! no way is my rain barrel going to meet those demand:) I kindly sent them the rules and informed my friends. Information is priceless -if not only to prove others incorrect:)
I *heard* it was Oregon that made it illegal to collect rainwater. Saying it doesn’t belong to you! I would sue them for letting *their* rainwater fall on MY property! 😡
Washington used to be that way until 2009. But a law was passed allowing water collection for residential non-drinking use only. To make the rainwater drinkable, you needed a water permit. This year I will be putting together my rainwater collection system.
I don't think it is Oregon, I think it is Colorado. I collect rainwater in 5 gallon buckets and use a filter. I drink it for years. Most is used for plants and laundry.
So the owner of rainwater should be sued for it trespassing my property. Just like say if my neighbours dog jump fence and mess in my garden i would expect neighbour to be held responsible for it.
Thank you so much for this talk. In my church I am tasked with encouraging people to prepare for emergencies. I was told once that someone was told that we as older people didn't need to do that because our church (which has a robust welfare program to help those in need) would take care of them. I had to disabuse her of that dillusion because resources are definitely finite. Skills, frugality, and the adage use it up wear it out make it do it do without, have been godsends in my life. I have list 2 food storages and am now working on my third so I can teach others that you can do it on one thousand dollars a month an even live abundantly as you do it
Most people don't make enough money to spend $1000 to put towards food storage, especially after they buy groceries to feed their families. I would rather watch an influencer on RUclips show me how I can do it for $5-10 a week! I guess there ARE many levels of broke! 🤷
@@pippathomas5019 that's all I get per month is 1000 dollars. Out of that comes my bills, my rent and yes I'm in HUD housing and I do not get food stamps. I buy everything to support myself on that 1000 dollars. I eat better that many wealthier people and save a huge amount of money by bulk buying and preserving. I cannot grow a garden because I'm on the 12th floor with no balcony. So it can be done!
Every suggestion was GOLD !!!! These ideas are applicable to being broke, but the community building tips are good even if you have money. In some emergencies, you can't eat money!
The tutoring for just about anything is on you tube.. its a fabulous resource.. i have learnt so much.. from fixing my vacuum cleaner to starting my vehicle by removing the key mechanism when my hubby had the keys in his pocket 10miles away at work... i am making my own salves etc from you tube tutors.. Making bags from recycled clothing, learnt to dehydrate foods... and im 60 and retired ... NZ
I like that same statement the other day when I just kept moving all day long trying to get things done and my adult children were asking me are you all right you doing okay and even though I'm in my upper 60s I felt good and I made the same statement you got to keep moving to stay alive
You can dehydrate frozen vegetables, when they go on sale. My favourite is the veggie mix. Stretches the winter months with soup. I’m a big city girl and I’ve been growing food for 7 years. I joined a community garden and learned from everyone else plus RUclips. I have a black thumb and I can do it. You can, too! Lots of failures but lots of successes too. Join a community garden and learn.
When my kids were growing up, we lived on 1 income. They got new school clothes once a year. When Spring came, if their pants still fit, I cut them off, sewed a new hem, and they lasted through the summer. If my daughter's legs grew and her dresses got too short, I added a ruffle, and they lasted longer. I've been sewing since Jr. High, so I made my own clothes. We ate leftovers. I learned how to cut hair properly, so we didn't have to pay for it. I spent my younger years learning a ton from my grandparents who went through the Depression, and Leisa taught me how to can safely. My husband knows what's edible in the woods (Biologist), and my adult kids each have their own talents and knowledge to bring to the table. I have a wealth of "gold nuggets". But, am I 100% prepared? Nope.
I live in Ohio and know there's issues against collecting rain water. I put out little buckets and containers when I know we're getting rain. Use those first for watering the garden. Saves on water plus no mosquito issues. Thank you for this video. Sometimes it helps to have a reminder that I'm not a slacker. I'm doing what I can. I work 40+ hrs a week but still need to go to food banks. I preserve all that I can. Since I love to cook, I sometimes sell extra of things I'm making for freezer meals to my coworkers. Win win for all. If anyone has a garden or growing anything, offer to share or let people know you're willing to take overflow.
We use the grey water from our washer, IDK if it is still illegal in Tucson to do that or not though. Like fish in the sea, water from the sky belongs to ALL of us.
Agree wirh the Bartering, trading for food or skills. I hace been broke and there is something that can always be done to trade, get what you need. I can bake abd cook. Sew, wash, iron, mend clothing. Quilt. Babysit. Dog sit. House sit. Elder sit. Tend a garden. Clean houses. Home canning and yes, thanks to Suttons Daze, make Ugly Chicken!
I live in a rural area in Michigan. There are farms close by that grow potatoes, onions, pumpkins etc. Contact local farmers and ask about gleaning. If you do not know what gleaning is, gleaning is going in after a farmer has done his harvest and picking up what was left behind. Generally, this free and a fabulous way to get your hands on a ton of fresh FREE food that can be put away on your shelves! Hope this helps someone
I went to the Amish Auction yesterday and picked up my weekend prepping. Cherry pie filling, cherry jam, and cherry juice will be keeping my canner busy.
Last weekend I canned 6 half pints from the peels and pits that I boiled. I got the peaches on sale at Aldi and processed them, them Googled what to do with the scraps. I always save veggie scraps, peels and ends, for broth. Haven't bought broth in years!
I’m right there now make too much for healthcare but no where near enough to afford the $130 a week for my works family insurance. These are all great ideas. Thank you!
Today I have to change spark plug in my grizzly 10 years old. I could take it somewhere to be fixed but I have been learning to find the spark plug and change it myself. Maintenance on the JD mower I am learning oil change spark plugs greasing. My husband used to take care of this he can't anymore. So I am learning. My husband stopped moving so I know what it is like. Everything we have is older. I needed wood someone wanted a barn taken down that's where a lot of my wood comes from. Anyone can do anything if we try I am 71 still going strong.Thanks Leisa.
Same here! Hubby is 73 and not able to do much at all, advanced COPD and perfireral (sp?) aterery disease. I do 99% of everything here. I am 70 and push myself to keep moving.
My ceiling fan quit working for good this time - I texted out this morning looking for fan, bingo! Nice fancy fan traded for a truck bed box I picked out of the trash 🎉I am fortunate to have a small but good network of like minded frugals. Snagged a nice weber grill from the trash also today - that will get gifted or traded.
And if you have a charcoal grill that has a rusted out bottom, you can save the grate and put it on rocks or cinder blocks as a make shift grill or stove top.
I was raised on a ranch. Which we had to work on the ranch. As we got older the more we did. By the time i was 8 I drive the truck and roll fence wire off the truck for building fence. At 10 I drove water truck and water the animals and then feed them. We also learn to save what little we got paid. Our parents didn't buy anything we didn't need. We all learned a skill trade and we all are frugal in spending. We must spend a dollar 20 times before we let it go. I am now 80. Still save my money. I still like sewing, crocheting.
Make sure people who know you are willing to take things. Just this week a relative was getting rid of a whole case of canned del monte green beans because the best by date was 5 mos ago. 5 mos! They’ll be good for a few years. I also got a huge bag of lemons from someone with a backyard abundance which I will juice and freeze as well as two cans of smoked tuna. People don’t want to throw things away but don’t want to take time to take to a food bank, or it’s such a small quantity they don’t think it’s worth the time. Last week I scored two bags of dog food from someone with a picky eater.
Great video, Lisa ❤ In relation to needing stuff, if you start going to your local flea market every week, talk to the vendors! Our even become one :) Make friends! We literally get so much good stuff and make piles for the nice people that seem to actually need and/ or things... And give it to them at the end of the day.
You are never too broke to prepare, there are many different ways to prep, start off with a bug out bag, writ down what you think is most important to have ask fellow Prepper what they put in their bob’s and you can thrift to get stuff as well. I had a winter I lived in a tiny house that ran on propane so when my daughter wasn’t home I turned the heat off or super low to preserve propane. I have a whool blanket I hate it touching my skin so I cover with my soft blanket and that one over it. I was overheating at times in a 30 degree house lol my cat cuddled me too. Don’t forget about some pet stuff as well. Good luck my friends
Such good advice! I just found your channel. I'm 67 years old and recently realized that I have amassed more knowledge than I thought. My parents lived through the depression and grew up poor. No, I mean POOR. Log cabin, no running water, electricity, and desperately wanting for clothes. Both my mom's side and dad's side of the family. But they passed their knowledge to my parents, who passed much of it to me. There are still a lot of things I need to know and do, but I know I can. I live in Phoenix, and right now, it's too hot to go outside (118° F). But I do yoga and belly dance. I love it! I weigh 100 lbs. and am described as "spry." Lol! You're right about needing a certain mind-set. I'm a very spiritual person, so that helps me alot. Anyway, I love your channel and am subscribing. I assume you have a lovely online community? Thank you!
In Houston, the government *begs* us to collect rainwater. Our family also collects the shower water as it warms up in a bucket instead of letting it go down the drain. We also use this for our garden.
My washing machine broke over the holiday, we are a family of 5. I ended up washing the small stuff like rags underwear and socks in the sick with a toilet plunger(brand new). The o cedar mop buckets work great for wringing out the clothes. It was a great test run for what I could do in an emergency situation. My goal is to get one of those hand wringers for the bigger stuff.
I’ll give you a tip if you don’t have a hand wringer. Go get one of the mop buckets with a mop wringer on top, and use that to wring your clothes. Be sure to keep it dedicated for washing only, so it remains clean.
Look for discounted items throughout store, especially meat n chicken. I found 6 -3lb ground beef discounted for 6.00, thats 2.00lb, date is coming up, I'm freezing it tomorrow. I didn't expect to see it so i splurged, but in long run it's savings. Learn to can, freeze and dehydrate. My garden gets canned and froze. I'm 66, all my life I've bought used books, kitchen utensils and clothes, my kids came first. My husband yells at me, I can buy this or that, old habits don't die easily. I'd rather put it into my pantry or freezer!
You are so right Liesa. There are also people looking for a helping hand and that is a great way to learn skills. Usually older people need help because they can't do things without help.I use to help a senior to keep her property and chores done. It didn't pay much but it was a help when I needed it. And she would help me with a few things I needed too.
"Don't I need a tactical backpack?" "Please don't." LOL! THIS. Stop buying something because someone on some channel said it's the best. Use what you have. Check thrift stores for what you don't have and actually NEED before buying new. Before that use Freecycle and local free Facebook groups, etc. Some allow ISO posts and some don't. Follow the rules and remember to also post YOUR free stuff so it gets used by someone who needs it. Everybody doesn't even HAVE a TV. Don't need one, don't want one. I gave my last one (bought at the thrift store) away after I realized I had owned it for two years and never plugged it in. You can also watch free TV on your computer, but I prefer RUclips where I can watch exactly what I want to watch. Don't just garden, create a Food Forest with permaculture techniques. Focus on perennial plants, bushes, and trees that will last and never need replanting. If you don't have land (rent, own a condo, etc.), take advantage of community gardens. Another option is to find someone who has land but doesn't use it and offer to do yard work in exchange for some garden space. Maybe that person would love to have fresh flowers in their yard but can't care for them anymore. Grow their flowers in exchange for you growing your food. Even better, grow food for both you and that person. Learn how to save those seeds and do yourself a favor and grow heirloom varieties (bonus: they haven't had all of the flavor modified out of them). Rainwater harvesting works in conjunction with permaculture as well, but it's much larger than your eaves. Use earthworks to direct water where you want it go (this is especially useful if you happen to live somewhere that prohibits harvesting rainwater because you really aren't) whether that be your garden or a pond. Buy good (even used) tools and learn how to take care of them properly. Good tools will outlive you if cared for properly. Additional useful skills include hunting, fishing, and trapping. Learn what to do with that skin and fur. Smoke, dry, and can meat. Learn bushcraft skills. When was the last time you went camping? Do you know how to build a fire and how to put it out? Can you start a fire when you need to? Do you know where to put your tent and where not to put your tent? Can you build a shelter if you don't have a tent? In winter as well? Can you prepare food without electricity? Do you can, pressure can, dehydrate, and smoke your food? Do you have a Food Saver or other vacuum sealer (also purchased along with bags at the thrift store)? You can buy dehydrated / freeze dried food at both Walmart and on Amazon. Even if you only have food stamps, you can still buy a little each month and build up your supply (on Amazon look for "EBT eligible" on the listing. Some brands are and some are not). If you go to a food bank, process your leftover food as if you grew it yourself. Do you know how to stay cool / warm without central air / heating? Remember to turn down the thermostat and layer or open the windows in the morning and evening for free cooling. Place cheap car windshield reflectors (or Reflectix, if you can afford it - I bought the windshield reflectors and the Reflectix at a thrift store) in your South facing windows in summer to cut back on the need for cooling. Shade sails or shade cloth can also be used strategically to block the sun's rays. If all else fails, use some white flat sheets (thrift store) to shade windows as white reflects the sun and all other colors absorb it, with black being the biggest absorber of heat. Reverse that in the winter and use black to attract more heat. Paper towels - I have a roll that will last me at least six months and probably a year. I buy the good stuff but I only use it when I have to. I use dishcloths, dish towels, and sponges in the kitchen. In the bathroom it's hand towels, washcloths, and sponges for cleaning. Not for the faint of heart, but toilet paper is a recent invention. I use a "travel bidet" for number one followed by a cheap washcloth (buy them in big packages at Walmart or check thrift stores) for wiping (female) and wipes for number two because I can't quite go there and hope I never have to. Folded repeatedly, one wipe does the job most of the time. You can DIY a travel bidet with a plastic water bottle as well. You can make or buy "family cloth" but after much deliberation I just decided that cheap washcloths were good enough. If you have children or grandchildren, cloth diapers are significantly better than the plastic monstrosities filling our landfills and also incredibly cheaper. Laundry: most of us think we can only wear something once and it's "dirty." This is usually not the case. Keep a section of your closet for the "already worn" clothes, hang them back up and air them out before cycling them back through again. Even then most clothes only need to be freshened. Do that by using baking soda instead of laundry soap. You can also use it in conjunction with laundry soap for fabric softener that doesn't have the cloying perfume smell of commercial products. Even in an apartment you can hang your clothes to dry on the shower curtain rod and on clothes drying racks, no matter the weather. If you wash your laundry at home, consider getting an extractor-style "dryer." They will remove most of the water in your clean clothes in a matter of minutes (you can definitely collect THAT water for your plants!) which allows you to either hang dry or use a regular dryer to finish them in a fraction of the time. BTW, in the category of side hustles / extra income, check your local thrift store to see if they're hiring. All of the ones I know of give their employees a discount so you can save even more. If you're one of those people who thinks they "can't live" without their Starbucks, buy the beans (or grounds) and make your own at home. It's exactly the same for a fraction of the cost. What you REALLY can't live without is: oxygen, water, shelter, and food. Everything else is a bonus.
U do not want to wash adult clothes diapers or underpass! It’s so disgusting U want wipes n gloves too Ur doing an act of love Don’t let it sicken u to retching
I understand not everyone has the same opportunity that I have but being in the Army. The amount of waste is insane. I’m always on the lookout for stuff getting chucked in the trash. Thats how I have 3 months of MREs. 2 full packs of dial soap. Somewhere around 40 bars of soap. I am about to start showering at work. I was digging around at work and a bunch of random boxes and one had a box full of WAG bags. The plastic bucket liners used for field toilets. They have an absorbent gel for human waste. No one knows where they came from and they’re expendable. I go to the shop that maintains survival kits and collect the “expired” stuff. I distribute them to people at church who are all trying to build first aid kits and other such items.
i love this. i love your approach. i think the most important thing i learned when i had not much money was - i learned how to take things as they come. it seems like a mindset that can get your thru lots and lots of stuff.
I am off work with a broken ankle. Been hanging clothes on the line & using a drying rack in this heat. My husband works 2 jobs. I am quite handy & have been working on small projects that had not gotten finished due to our work schedules. I forage when I'm able, can, & utilize markdowns especially on meat. Always trying to learn or research something new. We use used items as much as possible as well
I have just recently started following this channel. After watching this video, I realized that I'm on the right track to my mental state being good when things happen. Every other weekend, I go unplugged. I have been teaching myself how to use gray water in many different ways. Washing some clothes in a 5 gallon bucket. How to cook over an open fire iron skillets and a Dutch oven (this is going to take A LOT of practice for me). And many other things to practice when things go sideways. No one will ever be fully prepared. However, if you can keep your mental state calm and knowledgeable, things will fall into place as best as they can and you will survive.
Let’s pray that doesn’t happen 🙏🏼 I most recently went through all my kitchen cupboards and made an inventory of what we had. I categorized by spices, baking goods, etc. I haven’t gotten yet to the excess pantry yet. I need to do that soon to order in what we don’t have and can up some more provisions.
Ha Ha I was born a Jones and trust me the Jones's I was born to wasn't rich we was some of the poorest folks in the neighborhood BUT my daddy worked 10 hr days and came home and put out a 1 acre garden with a flash light in his mouth (I've still got that old flash light today with his teeth prints in it) We had Chickens (Chopped a many a chicken's heads off and watched them flop around) Help with preserving and canning every year till I thought mama, granny grunt and Me would fall dead, daddy killed a hog every fall and we ground sausage till I thought my arm would fall off, had every frying pan eletric or not in the house going to fry up the sausage patties to can them with the grease by turning the jars up side down i'm 57 and I ain't dead yet by doing that either a hard life but OH how I miss it...all are long since gone but never forgotten as I sit here in my wheelchair wishing I could have that lifestyle back...I love U girl keep doing what u do and i'll keep watching, God Bless Connie C
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![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
My neighbor introduced me to his friend, a handyman looking for extra income. We talked about projects I need done but cannot afford to get done by professionals. Randomly, the topic of food came up. I mentioned I had peaches I needed to process but wouldn't be doing peach salsa this year as I made too much last year. He was really excited to try it, so I gave him a jar, plus a jar of cranberry relish. Well, guess what? We are working out a plan to barter his work for my preserved food! I'll pay for supplies in cash and his labor in food. He's single and not much of a cook. So, I'm putting together meal bags with instructions/recipes. The amazing part is that we BOTH feel like we are getting the best out of the deal.
That is perfection!!!
That's what's up, that's amazing
I once got A/C work done for pickled beets and "ugly" chicken!
I'm thinking you now have a handyman for most of your projects. I bartered lessons in pressure canning (wives of hunters), when I served evening meals to all of them made with my pressure canned meats & root cellar veggies.
@@gymgirlljathe ugly chicken probably synched the deal, lol.
Be friendly. Be kind. Be polite. This will encourage others to help you.
No one can do everything but everyone can do something.
Amen to that boy!
@@healthnbeauty1194 boy?
Amen my prepping Sister
And something is better than nothing. Nothing will come of nothing (King Lear by William Shakespeare).
Being frugal- ibuy freezer bags and when I take a sandwich to work I don't throw away the bag i bring it home and wash it out when i do the dinner dishes and also for heavy duty foils as long as there is nothing stuck to it i carefully wash it and let it dry.
As for mental preparing i am a Christian and i am trusting on God, to stand by me it really helps me.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
there are also sustainable alternatives that i use like silicone bags and beeswax wrap! i won’t have to buy sandwich bags now at all
I wash and hang all my freezer and storage bags to dry naturally, I take them and I told him and stick them in the largest Fraser or storage bag that I have to save them for reuse.
My dad had 6 part time jobs in the early 80’s to make ends meet. One of them was driving the garbage truck. (In a rural area) he would simply ask people who had apricot trees, peaches etc if they wouldn’t mind him picking them. Almost always they didn’t mind. Dad would come back and pick the trees, and my mom would can whatever it was. They fed 3 little girls and themselves this way during hard times.
You were very blessed! Your parents sound amazing!! God bless!
❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊
Good man and smart mom.
my parents same. there are many different ways to make money legally..
I had my first in 83
2nd in 85
Times were tough
Or so we thought HA
Look at now!!
My motto, "this one works & its paid for"
I wish one of my elder care clients would learn that. She wants new everything.
Love it! My husband wears hearing aids, the ones that go around the ear with small curved plastic inside his ears. One hearing aid constantly would fall out, to fix this problem we cut those breathe strips into half inch pieces remove the white cover to expose the sticky part. I then trim off pointy edges and press onto plastic curved piece inside his ear, It’s usually sticky for two days. I call it my 2 cent fix. No more falling out.
Absolutely ❤
Once you have knowledge, no one can take that away from you. It will always be yours.
Facts !! 💯
My Dad's saying. Learn everything you can, it's something no one can take from you. I'm 64 and I still try to learn and am willing to share things I've learned. Then you tell them they now have something no one can take from them.😊
Brings another meaning to what Christ said. paraphrase..."My people parish from a lack of knowledge."
Dementia can take it away, amnesia can.... Poor memory can, but basically you are correct...
Unfortunately my husband has dementia 😢@@annsaunders5768
Talk to the elderly in your community because they've lived without the fancy gadgets - they weren't around. They've been through hard times and had to make do and stretch what they have until it's thin enough to see through. Our elderly citizens have a wealth of knowledge and skills that they can share.
Some of the elderly (like my 92 year old mom) has been a big spender since my dad passed in 1980. She has bought so much JUNK over the years, it is crazy. Even though she was born in 1932 and lived through hard years as an adult, she still didn't stop spendng until she became unable to drive and use a computer to order things! I, on the other hand, am 73 and have always been frugal. I taught my husband so well that he is "tight as a drum" my grandmothers would say! 🥁
😊
What on earth? I'm 69, came from a nice middle class childhood. We had all the gadgets my father wasn't too cheap to buy. Dishwasher? Nope, spent the money on fishing poles and trap shooting guns. We had a dryer by the time I was 9. You're thinking about our parents, who are mostly 95 and above or deceased. Not one that we know who is still living have their wits about them.
@@design2c436 even if its what not to do.
My son was having an inexpensive night out with his girlfriend and ran into family friends who joined them . He casually mentioned that I had been canning items I found on sale. The friends approached me after church and said they had peach, pear, apple trees and grape vines that are loaded this year. They couldn’t possibly use all of the fruit and would call me when they were ripe and I could come get all I wanted . Sometimes people just need to know you will can things so they won’t go to waste.
I am disabled, have to use a wheelchair to get around, have no car and am housebound. I was talking to my Blue Cross rep a few months ago and found out I can get an aid to help with housework, laundry, groceries, etc and my health insurance will pay 100% for it. There is a limit on the amount of hours you are allocated, but you can request more. If you are 60+ talk to your health insurance rep to see what services are available for you in your area. Also found out the state farmers market does home delivery to several towns. One of our food banks will also deliver to housebound individuals.
My mom is on a tiered Medicare/Medicaid insurance program. They provide her with a monthly dollar amount for ‘food’, etc. It is done by debit card and most grocery stores accept it. Check your insurance company if you are older. Also, some stores will reduce their delivery service for reduced income customers on a Medicare/Medicaid program.
I'm going blind so my needs are different but I put a coffee table under a window, and my plants in a container are at a height to even water them from a wheelchair. I mix half potting soil and woodchips to keep them light, and have those pretty bulbs for watering. Food stamps were I am pays for seeds, or plants.
I think some counties will also pay for companions. Most will help with cleaning and errands.
@@tifweaks6639yes my medicare plan give me 50 dollars a month on the debit card for food a month it comes in need too but only Safeway and Walmart in my town takes it I live in AZ
Side hustle baby! Babysit, clean a house or help with yard cleanup. You’re right, pride has to go out the window! Don’t worry about what others think; they’re not paying your bills or raising your kids ❤
Good tip, thank you
That's what I always said that's what I live by too.
Yes,I clean 3 homes a week.Thanks t my brother in laws business,word of mouth goes a long way,now I will hsve t get someone to help me bc some wealthy people don't like t clean,and I definitely will clean there homes.
My parents always encouraged reading, because they said you can learn anything if you know how to read. My parents remodeled their 120 year old home. We lived next to the library and my Dad would go check out books and would read how to fix everything in our house. My Mom said you want to understand something go look it up. I to this day still look up information daily.
Our local library has a seed bank & if you have a library card you can get seed packets for free. The only stipulation is, they request that you save some seed from your harvest & donate it back to the library to keep the inventory replenished. With the price of seeds now this can be a solution to backyard gardeners. ☮️
I started seed saving a couple of years ago....so easy!
I and a couple of the library staff just started up our seed bank this spring at our local library. Now the rest of the libraries in our county are doing the same! It’s so comforting to know others can use this resource to grow their own food.
Our library has a tool/small machine bank. You can check out hand tools, etc. How cool is that??
In the 70's we had a rough time. Our neighbor hood had folks in their 60's, 40s and my family. We got together taught each other different things. Gardening. Sewing and Rug making, preserving foods. It was a great experience. We never really felt poor. We made our own and enjoyed it all the more. My favorite memories are those times.
That is great!
❤
Your awesome keep up the good work oh 👏👍
I started with $5 a week. I would go to Dollar Tree(when things were $1), buy a day's worth of meals and put the change in a jar. As things got better we went to $10 a week. Eventually the change bucket was used to buy higher quality items or water purifier and such. Before anything I sat and wrote out 30 days worth of meals and knew to multiply the meals by 12 and figure out how much of each item I needed. I learned to can foods and dehydrate fruit. I can sew so I got a toy battery operated sewing machine that actually works a simple patterns for scrubs and 2 children's patterns. I know how to crochet so sweaters, gloves and hats are taken care of as are blankets.
I take soiled adult clothes from Salvation Army for .1 c and resize them to baby clothes because I live in VT. There is a lot of older folks here so most clothes sold are for adults but there is a small consistent market for baby clothes.
Well done you!
Yea I save all my change so I have money at the end of the month
As a been there-done that single parent, I felt every thing you mentioned. Worked a full and part-time job 15 yrs. (No insurance for kids.) All great advice! I was/am lucky that I grew up on a farm. Learned to preserve and forage our area. Got us through tough times.
For the broke part: Once during a personal pity party about being broke, a person I had huge respect for asked if I had a penny. Actually had maybe 18 cents. They told me "if you have a penny you aren't broke!" I still have one tucked in a safe place in my wallet. Hokey as it sounds, that piece of copper has lifted my spirit more times than it will ever know!
Getting prepared is the best way I know to manage the fear of the unknown
Lisa I'm 62,been homeless since April of 2023, i live on $352/month from disability. Massachusetts is horrible when it comes to helping American citizens that are in need. I've been dealing with some sever health issues for over 11 months since we got to this shelter. I can no longer walk or stand but have a huge desire to learn new skills. I ordered a pioneer cookbook and I am trying to learn how to forage and make medicine from plants not pills.
If you've been working... You're able to take social security at 62. It's not the whole amount like you would have gotten at 67 but you can supplement that up to a point... Are you on SSI? If you haven't been working and you're disabled you can get SSI instead of social security. Maybe answer phones for a part time job... Best of luck to you and God bless!
So true
Keep your home clean and clothes washed up. The last thing you would like to think about is not having clean items if you lose power for natural disasters or if a shtf event.
SOOOO important both Practically and Mentally!!!
So true!
This needs pinned.
Don't put off running that load of laundry or doing dishes (even washing by hand if you are on an electric well pump!).
Having been thru both a "derecho" (f that. It was a tornado, we literally saw it) and a hurricane in the last 2 months we are over being without electric for days and days.
This!! If the SHTF and your house is clean and organized with laundry done, you have a great start.
Maybe it's only psychological, but getting the brain in gear and on the right mindset is half the battle
Yes and know where you put things
I started a garden this year, first time in almost 30 years. It brings so much joy watching everything grow. Also just put up 23 1/2 pints of Strawberry jam, after 25 year. You just need to start learning!
Nice work!
It is a mystery to me how you can talk and give detailed information while working in the kitchen! I can't talk while working and can't work while talking. When I bake, I have to tell everyone to stay out of the kitchen, or I will mess up the recipe! YOU have a wonderful SKILL! 😊
E very time I make anything I pretend I am teaching someone. Wish I had younger students
Oh gosh me too! If I talk on the phone while baking I ALWAYS leave something out!
Oh my gosh, she is monotonously over and over shelling peas, NOT measuring and baking!!!
It takes practice!
@@lcatt236me too!
I am 77 and have been through it. You are right on. If you want a job, go and look for one. If you need stuff, always be looking around. There opportunities out there. I used to collect scrap metals for extra money. veggies can be grown in pots. I keep my flower beds full of growing veggies.
There aren't going to be any jobs.
I retired last year I’m not as active as I used to be and I’m feeling it and I had an idea today I don’t consider myself a senior lol but I’m 63 so I guess I am but we have a nice senior center in my town and I use to help out there when I worked for home health care so I went online and checked it out it cost 25$ a year they have excercise classes lunch crafts and they teach sewing crochet knitting .and so much more I think I’m going to like it plus I told hubby I’ll learn where the free stuff is too lol !! Wish me luck! I tried getting my mom to go there when she retired years ago and she said I’m not going down there with a bunch of old lady’s lol well here I am . Oh they also have an excercise room ❤❤❤
That is awesome! Have fun
I use Walmart bags for my small bathroom trash cans as trash bags.
Good tip, thank you
Me too
Me too!
Upsidedown command strips will hold them in place....yep..
.
Every little bit helps!
My daughter used to be a pharmacy advocate in a hospital. She helped the under insured and non insured patients get the medication they need. While this is not a prep resource, it’s a resource you should be aware of in case you find yourself in need. Check to see if your local hospital has one.
A year and a half ago I had a heart attack. They put me on very expensive meds! I was able to get them from the manufacturers at no cost because I am retired and met the income requirements, less than 2x the poverty level. Help is out there!
My Granny used to do that, she was a secretary for a Dr. and when people (poor farmers) came to her office to set up a payment plan for their bill she'd ask if they had any prescriptions to fill. She'd take the Rx to the pharmacy and tell Ralph she needed to see the sample box. If there weren't enough 'samples' available to fill the Rx she asked him to give her an alternative. That was back in the day, late 60's, early 70's when I witnessed her in action. Ralph, I'd like to see the sample box!
@@kathym7495. I was fortunate once to get free RX meds while I was in a financial bind. It’s been quite a few years and I’m sure that some things have changed. But any pharmacy will be able to help you.
And it's just recently come out that 78% of this country lives paycheck to paycheck. I've been there. I've been so broke I couldn't pay attention, and it took me a long time for me to break away from that cycle, but it's a great feeling when you can get all your debt paid. I got tickled at your reindeers in the background. Thanks for the content!
I can attest to the truth about being a volunteer at a food pantry. Started at a christian food bank as a way to meet people. Part of the " benefits " include a monthly allottment , produce on days I work (usually last day of sale items donated by large supermarkets ) , and as much less than prime produce as I want that is tossed into boxes for farm animals. ( I know how to cut out bad spots on food). Feeds my chickens too. PLUS, they have a thrift store attached to help fund the pantry. I am allowed $20 towards goods from the store on days I work. I shop every time I work and keep it under that. My son calls it " farming the food pantry ". They are so happy the food is going to good use instead of into landfills. One of the workers approached me about learning to can when I told them I can and dehydrate. And then, they Thank ME for helping out. Blessings galore. I work 3 days a week cause I can't afford to retire yet, but volunteering one day a week has been SO fufilling.
I have been telling people in my life to stock up on pantry items for the last few years. Some have said, I"ll go to your house if things get tough. I offer to teach them how to garden and can food. I will help them and support their efforts, but my prep is for my household. Only one has taken me up on my offer of learning these skills, and I am more that happy to share knowledge that allows them to stock up a few weeks of meals as a start.
I've heard the same comment. Kinda scares me. I dont share my garden or anything I make on social media anymore
You have been more than generous with your offers! You sound like an awesome person, we could be neighbors as I've made the same offers to so many people with the same results!! 😞 Last year my pear tree (I never liked pears until this tree...they are so sweet, they're like candy!!) had a huge abundance of pears. I've raised my children alone on very little while working up to 4 part time jobs at a time, shuffling them so I could be home to be a mom to my kids, so I know how hard it can be to make ends meet & provide for a family. I wanted to can pears for my kid's families, myself & I desperately wanted to share some. I asked around to 5 families who I know struggle & they all gave me a day & time, saying they'd love to come help me pick & take home pears to preserve. NOT A SINGLE FAMILY CAME!! It broke my heart, I canned more for my family & there were still bushels of pears on the tree. I took boxes of them to my church to share & people would only take 1 or 2. 😕 Wisdom came from my pastor however, she said "Don't ask any of those same families again next year, do them for yourself. God will show you good people who really need the rest!" She was right, I found a couple who were thrilled to come help me pick the rest & share some. Later my doctor told me that "next year (now this year) I'd love to barter your pears for my apples!!"
Don't let those people hurt you!! God will guide good people to you who truly want & need your wisdom. God bless you!!
@@merryanneadair4451amen
@merryanneadair4451 I would have shown up! Glad you found some who are appreciative!
@@itsallperfectlynormal9805 if you were close you'd certainly be more than welcome! If nothing happens, there'll be a bumper crop again this year! God has blessed me richly! And I'm already praying that He shows me those people who need & will appreciate them!!
Been there myself and that was my learning experience….I swear my parents and grandparents are guiding me daily and I am thankful for that.
The days of choosing to put gas in the car or food in my belly…I chose the gas to get me to my job in hopes my paycheck would be a full one…..I live with those days on my heart daily
They never leave us
Try a Food Pantry
@@ladyventura7302 If we had that option 30+ years ago I sure would have
I learned so much from my mom and aunts who survived the great depression. Try to fix something before you replace it, reuse everything you can multiple times. Never be afraid to ask for something about to be discarded it could be just enough for you. And much more
I was blessed to have a mom and dad that grew up in Ky. in the 40's they showed me a lot on how to live with very little and live rich and have lived on very little or no money all my life.I'm 64 now and on S.S. just getting by the skin of my teeth, but no problem I have skills that no one can take them a way from me.
I’m a 67 year old woman. I replaced my dryer timer with the help of RUclips. I also fixed my air fryer with RUclips. So much helpful stuff on RUclips.
I was offered a feather mattress for a hand crocheted blanket. She made the trade because she saw my original lap blankets, and wanted one. Still using it in winter. She flipped that featherbed off her spare bed and picked up that blanket right off my sofa. Had it for years, but made a new one for me using wool from the thrift store.
Hi Leisa, I would like to remind everyone to never underestimate what all can be done with small amounts of produce! Because of our excessive, unending triple digit heat, we are dealing with much smaller garden yields. As such, I am practicing small batch canning. I searched out and purchased a smaller pressure canner. It holds 4 qts or 5 pints and is wonderful for small batches.
Exampe: On one day I canned 4 pints of chicken broth, did 5 pints of carrots, juiced a small bowl of tart tiny plums and made 4 half pints of jelly, made 4 half pints of boysenberry jelly, and shredded a couple of small zucchini and a leftover apple to make zucc-apple bread in my solar oven. None of the batches were full sized, but they still help fill the pantry.
The last couple of times I went to CostCo there were small packages of meat in addition to their usual large packages. I quickly grabbed them up to pressure can. Another lady was there doing the same thing. We smiled and compared notes. Both of us were more than happy to be able to get a variety of meat instead of only 1 or 2 items in large packs.
Btw, I live in Northern California in an agriculture designated county. It is illegal to have any water catchment containers, illegal to have a few backyard chickens unless you are zoned for them, and illegal to have more than 3 fruit/nut trees on your property unless you are registered with the county and pay taxes on them as an agriculture endeavor. Crazy! And they do choose to enforce it at times.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Another tip in summer weather: hang your laundry to dry. I do it all the time in sptmg and summer.
Good tip, thank you
I do it all the time. Hang indoors in winter. We have no room for a dryer in our home.
My mom hangs laundry outside year round no matter how cold😅
You must not live in triple digit humid heat. The time in the sun is dangerous, nothing dries easily.
I hang all my clothes late spring to as far fall as I can go! They smell amazing especially sheets 😊
My grandma caught rain water in the open yard ( not roof) used it for washing her hair she had soft beautiful hair.
My great grandma and grandma & my mom all taught me that. Some was from the roof, some from the open sky into a 5 gallon pail. We all had long, beautiful, soft hair.
I grew up with 3 generations in one house and down the road by bike or horseback was the next generation back. It was a great childhood with many, many hands-on lessons around planting crops (field or gardens), fruit trees, animals, and preserving all of it.
I have a single friend that I share food with (I am single also). Example - she makes a chicken salad and gives me a bowl, and I give her half of my pineapple. This helps both of us. We also "shop" at each other's storage closets before buying something new such as a blanket, afghan, coffee pot, pet carrier. Often we have something extra that the other needs.
I’m a SLP who was working outside my home community and had just graduated, a parent from local community bartered therapy for her son. She traded housecleaning and children’s outgrown toys and books for services. It was a total win for both of us.
This special education teacher loves this! ❤❤❤
I live out in the country a lot of farmers are happy to have people walk the fields picking up leftovers even some apple orchards will let you pick for free near the end of the season i feed my family this way along with a lot of others
i delivered the paper for 6 years. On the day people put out their recycle bin, I would stop and throw in all the Tide containers. I'd drain out what was left and would get about 2 cups a week.
* I learned to cut up whole chickens and would buy 2 every 2 weeks. Id package two thigh quarters, two breasts, all the wings and save until i had 8, then boil the 2 backs and pick off about 1/2 cup meat from them and use the broth for 2 meals. I'd boil a whole chicken every couple of months and portion about 3/4 cup of the meat in bags for a meal. 3/4 cup because i was saving from 1 cup and ended uo with an extra meal every 4th time.
* I picked up items at the side of the road or garage sales, painted them and resold. Id find designer clothes at thrift stores or garage sales for $1 and resell them. Basically, find an area where you have knowledge and then let that be what you flip. Records, game systems, designer jeans, quilts, designer purses, whatever you know about.
* I had a business buying old holey quilts and making tote bags, pillows, bookmarks, hot pads from the old quilts.
* I could teach sewing, smocking, embroidery, quilting, canning, people always ask me gardening advice because i share photos of my garden, painting furniture. And if my husband died and i needed to make money a great niche would be to offer childcare over night or weekends for nurses; or sitting with elderly people who dont need their bottom wiped yet. How about taking them to stores when they are wanting to get out but cant drive anymore.
* You mentioned volunteering. When ive helped at church functions there is always food left over that you can take home.
* We used to hit the local church festivals and they always had hotdogs or popcorn or snowcones. Walk through sams or costco and get samples. One time we were going to my sons baseball game and i had told them they could get a hamburger at the game for $1. My son got a slice of cheese out and i asked what he was doing. He said it is 25 cents for cheese and i want cheese on my burger, lol.
*on water. I put a tub or big bowl in my sink and wash my dishes, then take it out to my plants to water. When i can I catch all my vegetable rinsing water, water after blanching, and the canner water to water plants. If you need hot water, put a pot or pitcher under the stream until it heats up. This is good drinking or cooking water.
We have been blessed the last few years. Its the skills we learned 25 years ago that we still implement to this day that help make us so blessed. While others think we are stupid for the garderns and critters, we look at it as it made us who we are and why give it up now. I think being self-sufficient is a gift that once you get into it you stay in it. I go to bed blissfully tired every night. 😊
If you have trouble motivating to get canning before the garden harvest actually begins, pressure can with a friend. If it wasn't for my friend Dragon Lady, I wouldn't have near the pressure canned jars in my pantry that I currently have. Everything is easier and more fun with friends. I also quit smoking which freed up a bunch of $$ and I feel so much better since.
Ideas besides library for skill info: I "invested" in one of the big homerepair store's fixit books. Then paid myself when something broke that i could fix (triple the book's estimated time) Reseated toilet, painted, replaced door, replaced dishwashers and garbage disposals, etc. Got some great jams, zucchini, microgreens etc. for helping neighbors. Also got some great exercise too.
I should have added that im 5' single 70 year old female caregiver... not Mr. Handyman.
FYI.....lol.....You "shuck" corn and you "shell" peas.......since you asked..:). Haven't heard that term since I was a kid and my Mom would start hollering for all 5 of us kids to pick and prepare corn, beans, peas, tomatoes, etc. I appreciate all you do and share with us......Thank You.
😊😊 I get free radio advertising because I work at a radio station. I've advertised for canning jars and got whole boxes for a dollar!! I've also advertised for other things and have sold stuff too. A recent find is a dozen 20 gallon containers from a company that bought them full of livestock salt and put them out for free to the public. I'm using them to plant vegetables, and to compost, and for rain collection. All free!!!
Wow! The 20 gallon barrels were a great find. Free advertising is handy, too.
You shuck corn, shell peas and hull nuts, at least here in Indiana. If you live in an area where you can't collect rain water, collect water from your A/C unit, very easy to do and you'd be surprised just how much water you will collect. We got a 55 gal drum a day off ours in Indiana during summer. Enjoyed the video excellent tips.
Good tip, thank you
Another resource is auctions. You would be amazed at what you can find there. I bought 2 huge tubs of used wedding candles for $5.00 each, a table filled with linen and bedding $5.00, a table fill of Jars for $5.00. I have seen stacks of storage bins there as well. I have used Freecycle and gotten boxes of misc fabric. I have someone who calls me when she is cleaning out her pantry and I take it all (she is not prepping despite my efforts) and keep what I eat and give the rest away. I get free 5 gal buckets from a restaurant and bakery. I save cans to make candles. I save cardboard from uhaul for candles as well. I save cans to sort my nails and screws and other things to and to make candles as well. In my neighborhood we put out things we dont want on the sidewalk and I got a small bookcase from my neighbor that way. I save all my jars both glass and plastic to store things in, outside of canning. Trade with friends and neighbors you trust.
Think outside the box on what you can use X thing when you come across something for free or almost nothing.
Curb alerts on Craig's List too!
You made me laugh when you said "to find your people, you gotta people.
We just moved to a new state and I've been struggling. Now I know what to do.I gotta find my people.
Thank you❤
I love how you said dont stop moving. Thats my goal in life. Even when i had a sinus infection head pounding and couldnt breathe coughing i ran a 5k with my daughter. Let me tell you running barely breathing blurred vision and finished the 5k with my daughter i felt great. Her joy and the bond kept me going. Couple days later i had no coughing, no head ache no pain.
Volunterring is fun, i volunteered at the food bank and i shop at the food bank. I stocked my pantry.
Sometimes they even give seeds for gardens.
If it was up to me i wouldnt have tv or streaming service but my fiamce enjoys it. Also unplugging appliences/technology not in use reduces your bills.
These are good tips
*Basic Home Repair books! Dirt cheap at Estate Sales and Thrift Stores!
*Recreation Centers offer Programs
*Senior Centers & Park/Recreation Senior programs and Lunches.
* Hospital Community Outreach Programs: Education and Resources for Health and Wellbeing
*Health Fairs (put on by Home Health Agencies and Hospitals)
Excellent information. You have such a gift for talking to people using common sense. I’m in my seventies and I am so happy I have skills. I was a country girl lived in a hamlet of 200 people. We canned and of course gardened (kitchen garden at home, acres at Granspa’s farm. Daddy had a garage next door to our house. If he got called out when I was not in school I worked the garage for him. I wanted to be a mechanic so I worked in my car. Couldn’t now of course, it is computerized. But I understand how things work, that is a skill. I helped Dad tear off the porch of a house and then we used it to build an addition onto his house for the furnace. In my 20s I learned about organic gardening and subscribed to Mother Earth News and Rodale’s Organic Gardening and Farming magazines. I began gardening as best I could with no garden space and also began canning. I learned to knit when I was right. I learned to sew a little later than that, first by hand making doll dresses. Then on to the Singer treadle machine (how I wish I had that. I loved that machine) and later an electric machine when we had enough money to buy it. We were dirt poor. Dad was too proud for welfare. I babysat, mowed yards, cleaned the local schoolhouse and it went to the family as it should. We worked together as a unit. I taught myself to crochet in my 20s. I went into information security so I became more of a nerd than ever. Dad always called himself a Jack of all trades, master of noneThat wasn’t true. He had a reputation far and wide for his expertise. But im a Jill of all trades and some I’m pretty decent at.
Sadly I had no children. I have no one to pass my skills into. I joined a Facebook canning group several years ago and a few years ago was asked to be a moderator. Wow! I want to pass in my knowledge. I have taught people in my kitchen in the past but now I can do it often. And wow, little did I know how much more I’d learn as a moderator. My niece who lives back where I’m from wants to learn to can. I told her no problem, we’ll do a video call. I have to pass my skills on
I found you and I found Darcy and she’s taught me about dehydrating. I’m beginning that journey. I can a lot. Meat on sale? Yep. Half bushels or bushels at the farmers market? You betcha. I’m disabled with chronic pain, COPD, and a heart issue soon to be fixed. But that stuff doesn’t matter. Does it slow me down? Oh boy! Does it stop me. Not a chance. I will not allow myself to be an invalid. Not gonna happen. There’s always a way. Tomorrow morning I go pick blackberries. I will be gasping for air when I walk back to the office to pay. But it doesn’t kill me. It is inconvenient, I’ve gotten over the embarrassment. lol
I love the way you think. You are my people. It is so sad because few people I know care. But I have a good network. I belong to a group to help the homeless or needy in our area. I used to make and box up meals once or twice a month but that is too much for me so I donate the fixings from time to time and do other things. And they gratefully accept the canned goods I give them. The person in charge and I have gotten to be good friends. And I have good neighbors on either side of me and down the road. I believe we are blessed in that regard.
Thanks so much for all you do. You are spreading the word. I’m sharing your videos and one niece is taking it to heart. 💜
Everything you said!! 👍👍👍 I'm 70, live alone, chose not to have a car for 13 years now. But that has never stopped me from accomplishing what I've needed...to prepare. I started 4 years ago, on a very limited buget. Little by little, the dollar store, goodwill, a few good investments and, although there's always room for improvement, I feel pretty comfortable where I'm at.
I appreciate your down to earth wisdom! Subscribed!
No access to a washing machine? Get a bucket, soap, and elbow grease! It works! Love this video. There has been more than one time in my life, I had to rely on smarts to navigate no money situations. These are all great ideas and thank you so much for sharing them.
Another way is to get a never used toilet plunger and a large bucket. The plunger will imitate the machines' action, going up and down.
I used my bath tub to was clothes for over a year till I could afford a washing machine. I still hand-wash some items x
@@monicaluketich6913 That's what I was going to say! If you get a 5 gallon bucket with lid, cut out a circle for the handle to go through and put the lid back on. Of course I use a washing machine but rarely use the dryer.
Yes! I’ve had to use this same set up and it works.
I've been washing my laundry in a trug and a 5 gallon bucket since the Covid shutdown. I rent, and the units do not have hook-ups for machines. We only have a communal laundry room. No more germs and needing to clean up after the other tenants. I can do laundry whenever I want. Who knew I'd still be doing laundry this way....4 years later. Yikes. LOL
I use my chipped canning jars for storage of all kinds of things like band aids, q-tips, cotton balls, the open package of yeast in my freezer, seeds for next year's garden, etc. I have used the used flats and my nicer rings on them, and I have bought inexpensive plastic lids from a big box store - both work about the same.
Good tip, thank you
In addition to helping others, we must be willing to accept help and ask for help. Bless others by being a willing recipient. Being stubbornly self sufficient denies yourself, as well as those who would receive blessing by helping you. Pride sometimes can be more harmful than people realize.
Yes, Classico sauce is in a mason jar. It may cost a little more,but the jar equals that out. Regular mouth size . I can never get the sauce smell out of the lid,so use Ball lids. Great for dehydrated goods.
Those classico ATLAS jars can be used in a canner. They are thick and safe. I woukd also use the typical canning lid and ring.
Thank you for sharing
Leisa I have to say that I love these little talks you've been doing. There is always something that is very useful in each one. Thank you so much for sharing
I'm so glad!
I bet there's quite a few people in Houston right now, who wish they had prepared by going out and getting acclimated to the heat! I do it, and it works. I have this gigantic umbrella to shade myself from the blazing Louisiana sun, and every day, I go out, at 2 pm, to walk in the 109º heat index, over concrete which brings the apparent temperature to about 125º. Your body will become accustomed to the heat, if you start doing midday walks in the spring, and allow yourself time to get used to it.
Frugality starts with getting out of debt. I am a cautionary tale of going gangbusters on getting the gear and supplies on credit. Don't do it on a credit card. Think of the hundreds you can save if you don't have all the finance charges and interest. It can pay for your preps if you tighten your belt and pay all you can on the principal over the minimum charge.
I had friends challenge me on water collection telling me it was illegal. I went about and found all rules, laws and ordinances and it was illegal if you were harvesting more than 20,000 gallons! no way is my rain barrel going to meet those demand:) I kindly sent them the rules and informed my friends. Information is priceless -if not only to prove others incorrect:)
😊😊
I *heard* it was Oregon that made it illegal to collect rainwater. Saying it doesn’t belong to you! I would sue them for letting *their* rainwater fall on MY property! 😡
This is not true.
Washington used to be that way until 2009. But a law was passed allowing water collection for residential non-drinking use only. To make the rainwater drinkable, you needed a water permit. This year I will be putting together my rainwater collection system.
California too
I don't think it is Oregon, I think it is Colorado. I collect rainwater in 5 gallon buckets and use a filter. I drink it for years. Most is used for plants and laundry.
So the owner of rainwater should be sued for it trespassing my property. Just like say if my neighbours dog jump fence and mess in my garden i would expect neighbour to be held responsible for it.
Thank you so much for this talk. In my church I am tasked with encouraging people to prepare for emergencies. I was told once that someone was told that we as older people didn't need to do that because our church (which has a robust welfare program to help those in need) would take care of them. I had to disabuse her of that dillusion because resources are definitely finite. Skills, frugality, and the adage use it up wear it out make it do it do without, have been godsends in my life. I have list 2 food storages and am now working on my third so I can teach others that you can do it on one thousand dollars a month an even live abundantly as you do it
I live on 457$ cash per month and get 291$/mo. foodstamps. I manage!
Most people don't make enough money to spend $1000 to put towards food storage, especially after they buy groceries to feed their families. I would rather watch an influencer on RUclips show me how I can do it for $5-10 a week! I guess there ARE many levels of broke! 🤷
@@pippathomas5019 that's all I get per month is 1000 dollars. Out of that comes my bills, my rent and yes I'm in HUD housing and I do not get food stamps. I buy everything to support myself on that 1000 dollars. I eat better that many wealthier people and save a huge amount of money by bulk buying and preserving. I cannot grow a garden because I'm on the 12th floor with no balcony. So it can be done!
Every suggestion was GOLD !!!! These ideas are applicable to being broke, but the community building tips are good even if you have money. In some emergencies, you can't eat money!
Seamstress since I was 9, canner, baker, gardener, etc. Budget and meal planning, I think, is lacking in many families today. Blessings.
The tutoring for just about anything is on you tube.. its a fabulous resource.. i have learnt so much.. from fixing my vacuum cleaner to starting my vehicle by removing the key mechanism when my hubby had the keys in his pocket 10miles away at work... i am making my own salves etc from you tube tutors..
Making bags from recycled clothing, learnt to dehydrate foods... and im 60 and retired ... NZ
I like that same statement the other day when I just kept moving all day long trying to get things done and my adult children were asking me are you all right you doing okay and even though I'm in my upper 60s I felt good and I made the same statement you got to keep moving to stay alive
You can dehydrate frozen vegetables, when they go on sale. My favourite is the veggie mix. Stretches the winter months with soup. I’m a big city girl and I’ve been growing food for 7 years. I joined a community garden and learned from everyone else plus RUclips. I have a black thumb and I can do it. You can, too! Lots of failures but lots of successes too. Join a community garden and learn.
EXACTLY!!! Skills are PERMANENT!!!
I always say being well-rounded is the WIN!
Knowledge, Skills, Health & Wellness are MY ONLY PRIORITIES!
Haven't watched the TELL-LIE-VISION programing for years & started thinking instead.
God bless & thanks ❤
I have been canning about a 100 pounds of red potatoes.
When my kids were growing up, we lived on 1 income. They got new school clothes once a year. When Spring came, if their pants still fit, I cut them off, sewed a new hem, and they lasted through the summer. If my daughter's legs grew and her dresses got too short, I added a ruffle, and they lasted longer. I've been sewing since Jr. High, so I made my own clothes. We ate leftovers. I learned how to cut hair properly, so we didn't have to pay for it. I spent my younger years learning a ton from my grandparents who went through the Depression, and Leisa taught me how to can safely. My husband knows what's edible in the woods (Biologist), and my adult kids each have their own talents and knowledge to bring to the table. I have a wealth of "gold nuggets". But, am I 100% prepared? Nope.
No one is 100% prepared
I live in Ohio and know there's issues against collecting rain water. I put out little buckets and containers when I know we're getting rain. Use those first for watering the garden. Saves on water plus no mosquito issues. Thank you for this video. Sometimes it helps to have a reminder that I'm not a slacker. I'm doing what I can. I work 40+ hrs a week but still need to go to food banks. I preserve all that I can. Since I love to cook, I sometimes sell extra of things I'm making for freezer meals to my coworkers. Win win for all. If anyone has a garden or growing anything, offer to share or let people know you're willing to take overflow.
We use the grey water from our washer, IDK if it is still illegal in Tucson to do that or not though. Like fish in the sea, water from the sky belongs to ALL of us.
Agree wirh the Bartering, trading for food or skills. I hace been broke and there is something that can always be done to trade, get what you need. I can bake abd cook. Sew, wash, iron, mend clothing. Quilt. Babysit. Dog sit. House sit. Elder sit. Tend a garden. Clean houses.
Home canning and yes, thanks to Suttons Daze, make Ugly Chicken!
I live in a rural area in Michigan. There are farms close by that grow potatoes, onions, pumpkins etc. Contact local farmers and ask about gleaning. If you do not know what gleaning is, gleaning is going in after a farmer has done his harvest and picking up what was left behind. Generally, this free and a fabulous way to get your hands on a ton of fresh FREE food that can be put away on your shelves! Hope this helps someone
They often drop a lot of those things off the trucks when they go around corners, especially on Interstate ramps.
I went to the Amish Auction yesterday and picked up my weekend prepping. Cherry pie filling, cherry jam, and cherry juice will be keeping my canner busy.
Last weekend I canned 6 half pints from the peels and pits that I boiled. I got the peaches on sale at Aldi and processed them, them Googled what to do with the scraps. I always save veggie scraps, peels and ends, for broth. Haven't bought broth in years!
I’m right there now make too much for healthcare but no where near enough to afford the $130 a week for my works family insurance. These are all great ideas. Thank you!
Today I have to change spark plug in my grizzly 10 years old. I could take it somewhere to be fixed but I have been learning to find the spark plug and change it myself. Maintenance on the JD mower I am learning oil change spark plugs greasing. My husband used to take care of this he can't anymore. So I am learning. My husband stopped moving so I know what it is like. Everything we have is older. I needed wood someone wanted a barn taken down that's where a lot of my wood comes from. Anyone can do anything if we try I am 71 still going strong.Thanks Leisa.
You are an inspiration to ❤️
Same here! Hubby is 73 and not able to do much at all, advanced COPD and perfireral (sp?) aterery disease. I do 99% of everything here. I am 70 and push myself to keep moving.
I have shucked many a pea while watching your video's !
The advice you give is spot on, learn a skill and find a circle of trusted people. 🥂
So nice of you
I canned 5 pints of zucchini relish and 5 pints of pickles today.
My ceiling fan quit working for good this time - I texted out this morning looking for fan, bingo! Nice fancy fan traded for a truck bed box I picked out of the trash 🎉I am fortunate to have a small but good network of like minded frugals. Snagged a nice weber grill from the trash also today - that will get gifted or traded.
Perfection!
And if you have a charcoal grill that has a rusted out bottom, you can save the grate and put it on rocks or cinder blocks as a make shift grill or stove top.
I was raised on a ranch. Which we had to work on the ranch. As we got older the more we did. By the time i was 8 I drive the truck and roll fence wire off the truck for building fence. At 10 I drove water truck and water the animals and then feed them. We also learn to save what little we got paid. Our parents didn't buy anything we didn't need. We all learned a skill trade and we all are frugal in spending. We must spend a dollar 20 times before we let it go. I am now 80. Still save my money. I still like sewing, crocheting.
Make sure people who know you are willing to take things. Just this week a relative was getting rid of a whole case of canned del monte green beans because the best by date was 5 mos ago. 5 mos! They’ll be good for a few years. I also got a huge bag of lemons from someone with a backyard abundance which I will juice and freeze as well as two cans of smoked tuna. People don’t want to throw things away but don’t want to take time to take to a food bank, or it’s such a small quantity they don’t think it’s worth the time. Last week I scored two bags of dog food from someone with a picky eater.
Great video, Lisa ❤
In relation to needing stuff, if you start going to your local flea market every week, talk to the vendors! Our even become one :) Make friends! We literally get so much good stuff and make piles for the nice people that seem to actually need and/ or things... And give it to them at the end of the day.
You are never too broke to prepare, there are many different ways to prep, start off with a bug out bag, writ down what you think is most important to have ask fellow Prepper what they put in their bob’s and you can thrift to get stuff as well. I had a winter I lived in a tiny house that ran on propane so when my daughter wasn’t home I turned the heat off or super low to preserve propane. I have a whool blanket I hate it touching my skin so I cover with my soft blanket and that one over it. I was overheating at times in a 30 degree house lol my cat cuddled me too. Don’t forget about some pet stuff as well. Good luck my friends
I can’t work
I’m beyond too broke
I can’t even buy food for today
Such good advice! I just found your channel. I'm 67 years old and recently realized that I have amassed more knowledge than I thought. My parents lived through the depression and grew up poor. No, I mean POOR. Log cabin, no running water, electricity, and desperately wanting for clothes. Both my mom's side and dad's side of the family. But they passed their knowledge to my parents, who passed much of it to me. There are still a lot of things I need to know and do, but I know I can. I live in Phoenix, and right now, it's too hot to go outside (118° F). But I do yoga and belly dance. I love it! I weigh 100 lbs. and am described as "spry." Lol!
You're right about needing a certain mind-set. I'm a very spiritual person, so that helps me alot.
Anyway, I love your channel and am subscribing. I assume you have a lovely online community? Thank you!
In Houston, the government *begs* us to collect rainwater. Our family also collects the shower water as it warms up in a bucket instead of letting it go down the drain. We also use this for our garden.
Ask and you shall receive 🙏🏻
Praise God 🙌🏻
My washing machine broke over the holiday, we are a family of 5. I ended up washing the small stuff like rags underwear and socks in the sick with a toilet plunger(brand new). The o cedar mop buckets work great for wringing out the clothes. It was a great test run for what I could do in an emergency situation. My goal is to get one of those hand wringers for the bigger stuff.
I’ll give you a tip if you don’t have a hand wringer. Go get one of the mop buckets with a mop wringer on top, and use that to wring your clothes. Be sure to keep it dedicated for washing only, so it remains clean.
Look for discounted items throughout store, especially meat n chicken. I found 6 -3lb ground beef discounted for 6.00, thats 2.00lb, date is coming up, I'm freezing it tomorrow. I didn't expect to see it so i splurged, but in long run it's savings. Learn to can, freeze and dehydrate. My garden gets canned and froze. I'm 66, all my life I've bought used books, kitchen utensils and clothes, my kids came first. My husband yells at me, I can buy this or that, old habits don't die easily. I'd rather put it into my pantry or freezer!
You are so right Liesa. There are also people looking for a helping hand and that is a great way to learn skills. Usually older people need help because they can't do things without help.I use to help a senior to keep her property and chores done. It didn't pay much but it was a help when I needed it. And she would help me with a few things I needed too.
Got some good ideas here. Good luck to you all for what is coming. Stay safe
"Don't I need a tactical backpack?"
"Please don't."
LOL! THIS. Stop buying something because someone on some channel said it's the best. Use what you have. Check thrift stores for what you don't have and actually NEED before buying new. Before that use Freecycle and local free Facebook groups, etc. Some allow ISO posts and some don't. Follow the rules and remember to also post YOUR free stuff so it gets used by someone who needs it.
Everybody doesn't even HAVE a TV. Don't need one, don't want one. I gave my last one (bought at the thrift store) away after I realized I had owned it for two years and never plugged it in. You can also watch free TV on your computer, but I prefer RUclips where I can watch exactly what I want to watch.
Don't just garden, create a Food Forest with permaculture techniques. Focus on perennial plants, bushes, and trees that will last and never need replanting. If you don't have land (rent, own a condo, etc.), take advantage of community gardens. Another option is to find someone who has land but doesn't use it and offer to do yard work in exchange for some garden space. Maybe that person would love to have fresh flowers in their yard but can't care for them anymore. Grow their flowers in exchange for you growing your food. Even better, grow food for both you and that person. Learn how to save those seeds and do yourself a favor and grow heirloom varieties (bonus: they haven't had all of the flavor modified out of them).
Rainwater harvesting works in conjunction with permaculture as well, but it's much larger than your eaves. Use earthworks to direct water where you want it go (this is especially useful if you happen to live somewhere that prohibits harvesting rainwater because you really aren't) whether that be your garden or a pond.
Buy good (even used) tools and learn how to take care of them properly. Good tools will outlive you if cared for properly.
Additional useful skills include hunting, fishing, and trapping. Learn what to do with that skin and fur. Smoke, dry, and can meat. Learn bushcraft skills. When was the last time you went camping? Do you know how to build a fire and how to put it out? Can you start a fire when you need to? Do you know where to put your tent and where not to put your tent? Can you build a shelter if you don't have a tent? In winter as well?
Can you prepare food without electricity? Do you can, pressure can, dehydrate, and smoke your food? Do you have a Food Saver or other vacuum sealer (also purchased along with bags at the thrift store)?
You can buy dehydrated / freeze dried food at both Walmart and on Amazon. Even if you only have food stamps, you can still buy a little each month and build up your supply (on Amazon look for "EBT eligible" on the listing. Some brands are and some are not). If you go to a food bank, process your leftover food as if you grew it yourself.
Do you know how to stay cool / warm without central air / heating? Remember to turn down the thermostat and layer or open the windows in the morning and evening for free cooling. Place cheap car windshield reflectors (or Reflectix, if you can afford it - I bought the windshield reflectors and the Reflectix at a thrift store) in your South facing windows in summer to cut back on the need for cooling. Shade sails or shade cloth can also be used strategically to block the sun's rays. If all else fails, use some white flat sheets (thrift store) to shade windows as white reflects the sun and all other colors absorb it, with black being the biggest absorber of heat. Reverse that in the winter and use black to attract more heat.
Paper towels - I have a roll that will last me at least six months and probably a year. I buy the good stuff but I only use it when I have to. I use dishcloths, dish towels, and sponges in the kitchen. In the bathroom it's hand towels, washcloths, and sponges for cleaning.
Not for the faint of heart, but toilet paper is a recent invention. I use a "travel bidet" for number one followed by a cheap washcloth (buy them in big packages at Walmart or check thrift stores) for wiping (female) and wipes for number two because I can't quite go there and hope I never have to. Folded repeatedly, one wipe does the job most of the time. You can DIY a travel bidet with a plastic water bottle as well. You can make or buy "family cloth" but after much deliberation I just decided that cheap washcloths were good enough. If you have children or grandchildren, cloth diapers are significantly better than the plastic monstrosities filling our landfills and also incredibly cheaper.
Laundry: most of us think we can only wear something once and it's "dirty." This is usually not the case. Keep a section of your closet for the "already worn" clothes, hang them back up and air them out before cycling them back through again. Even then most clothes only need to be freshened. Do that by using baking soda instead of laundry soap. You can also use it in conjunction with laundry soap for fabric softener that doesn't have the cloying perfume smell of commercial products. Even in an apartment you can hang your clothes to dry on the shower curtain rod and on clothes drying racks, no matter the weather. If you wash your laundry at home, consider getting an extractor-style "dryer." They will remove most of the water in your clean clothes in a matter of minutes (you can definitely collect THAT water for your plants!) which allows you to either hang dry or use a regular dryer to finish them in a fraction of the time.
BTW, in the category of side hustles / extra income, check your local thrift store to see if they're hiring. All of the ones I know of give their employees a discount so you can save even more.
If you're one of those people who thinks they "can't live" without their Starbucks, buy the beans (or grounds) and make your own at home. It's exactly the same for a fraction of the cost.
What you REALLY can't live without is: oxygen, water, shelter, and food. Everything else is a bonus.
U do not want to wash adult clothes diapers or underpass! It’s so disgusting
U want wipes n gloves too
Ur doing an act of love
Don’t let it sicken u to retching
Brilliant advice.. I think all the time "is this a want or a need".. Lots of us struggling right now. Thank you very much.
I understand not everyone has the same opportunity that I have but being in the Army. The amount of waste is insane. I’m always on the lookout for stuff getting chucked in the trash. Thats how I have 3 months of MREs. 2 full packs of dial soap. Somewhere around 40 bars of soap. I am about to start showering at work. I was digging around at work and a bunch of random boxes and one had a box full of WAG bags. The plastic bucket liners used for field toilets. They have an absorbent gel for human waste. No one knows where they came from and they’re expendable. I go to the shop that maintains survival kits and collect the “expired” stuff. I distribute them to people at church who are all trying to build first aid kits and other such items.
i love this. i love your approach. i think the most important thing i learned when i had not much money was - i learned how to take things as they come. it seems like a mindset that can get your thru lots and lots of stuff.
I am off work with a broken ankle. Been hanging clothes on the line & using a drying rack in this heat. My husband works 2 jobs. I am quite handy & have been working on small projects that had not gotten finished due to our work schedules. I forage when I'm able, can, & utilize markdowns especially on meat. Always trying to learn or research something new. We use used items as much as possible as well
I tell my grown children hunting in couch cushions for change for gas money builds character.
I have just recently started following this channel. After watching this video, I realized that I'm on the right track to my mental state being good when things happen. Every other weekend, I go unplugged. I have been teaching myself how to use gray water in many different ways. Washing some clothes in a 5 gallon bucket. How to cook over an open fire iron skillets and a Dutch oven (this is going to take A LOT of practice for me). And many other things to practice when things go sideways. No one will ever be fully prepared. However, if you can keep your mental state calm and knowledgeable, things will fall into place as best as they can and you will survive.
Let’s pray that doesn’t happen 🙏🏼 I most recently went through all my kitchen cupboards and made an inventory of what we had. I categorized by spices, baking goods, etc. I haven’t gotten yet to the excess pantry yet. I need to do that soon to order in what we don’t have and can up some more provisions.
I love that you were teaching 5 families how to can. Your knowledge sharing is a wonderful gift. The pressure canners - what a bonus!
Huge bonus!
Ha Ha I was born a Jones and trust me the Jones's I was born to wasn't rich we was some of the poorest folks in the neighborhood BUT my daddy worked 10 hr days and came home and put out a 1 acre garden with a flash light in his mouth (I've still got that old flash light today with his teeth prints in it) We had Chickens (Chopped a many a chicken's heads off and watched them flop around) Help with preserving and canning every year till I thought mama, granny grunt and Me would fall dead, daddy killed a hog every fall and we ground sausage till I thought my arm would fall off, had every frying pan eletric or not in the house going to fry up the sausage patties to can them with the grease by turning the jars up side down i'm 57 and I ain't dead yet by doing that either a hard life but OH how I miss it...all are long since gone but never forgotten as I sit here in my wheelchair wishing I could have that lifestyle back...I love U girl keep doing what u do and i'll keep watching, God Bless Connie C