The Next Steps of Preparation

This week we've been looking at steps everyone can take to prepare for these unsettling economic times. The first topic we looked at was to reach out and help others around you. This may sound backwards, but you would be amazed on how your own problems are solved when you solve other people's problems. If you don't believe me, try it sometime and live the results.

Then, we looked at simplifying your life and identifying what is most important to you. The analogy used is to imagine that your house is on fire. What would you take with you if you only had a minute or two to save your life? When you simplify things, priorities become much clearer.

Now, let's say you've taken these steps and you're ready to take the next steps. In the example used yesterday, the person did not have any money saved. I would begin setting up an emergency fund (This topic was covered in this blog on Tuesday, November 27, 2007) by saving a some money every week or month and setting it aside. Given these financial times, your neighborhood bank may not be the best place to store this emergency fund, but you should keep it someplace safe and not where you are tempted to take from it.

Considering for a minute the worse scenario, let's say your money has little or no value. How will you get food or other essentials? (This is where having plenty of friends close by would really come in handy, as well as having a few staples stored.) You could always go over to your church which would likely be able to assist those that are really in dire circumstances. Your church would also be a place to unite with others to serve the local community and help others in need.

Next, you would probably have to learn to barter. Bartering is exchanging one thing for another without the use of money. For example, you could trade a tool in your garage that you do not need for some gasoline. Bartering usually replaces money as the method of exchange in times of monetary crisis, when the currency is unstable and devalued by hyperinflation.

Even without dire financial consequences, bartering makes good sense when it benefits the parties involved. These are just some of the benefits:

• Increased purchasing power
• Increased revenue
• More clients (both from the barter exchange and from cash-business referrals from barter clients)
• Better cash flow
• Greater marketing opportunities
• Improved efficiency

Another way to find ways to barter or things you need using the internet, go to CraigsList at www.craigslist.org. Craigslist is a central network of online communities, featuring free classified advertisements (with jobs, internships, housing, personals, for sale/barter/wanted, services, community, gigs, resume, and pets categories) and forums on various topics. It is organized by local communities and by topics. As of September 2007, Craigslist had established itself in approximately 450 cities in 50 countries.

These preparations may seem ridiculous to some. But consider what the residents of New Orleans went through after Hurricane Katrina. Imagine for a minute what that would be like if there was a economic disaster with those type of implications across the country.

Think of what Noah went through building an ark for 120 years. Imagine the ridicule his family endured. But when the flood came, "only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark." Genesis 7:23 (NIV).

Tomorrow, there will be more survival and preparation tips. Stay tuned ...

By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7 (NIV)

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.com