What are you doing to prepare for the bad stuff that's coming?

[CoffeeCat]

The * Administration and it's frightening policies, warmongering agenda, disdain for the middle class/poor and reckless disregard for basic economics---has me deeply concerned.

Our family has altered our lifestyle in some ways--due to these concerns. Emotionally, I feel braced for disaster.

I was wondering if any of you have made changes in your lives/lifestyles due to the anticipated, negative effects of BushCoWorld?

Here are some of the changes we have made (I'm sure some will think I'm a pansy-ass, worry wart--but it's just how I feel right now):

--We live in a 150k condo that we planned to live in for two years and then find a house. Because of the screwed-up housing market and other economic uncertainties--we are staying put. We also refinanced to a 15 yr mortgage and are aggressively paying it down.

--We paid off all debt and we have no car payments or credit card payments.

--We save more in case my husband loses his job (network engineer), since Bush's tax cuts reward companies for outsourcing.

--I anticipate more pre-emptive, terrorist-provoking warmongering from BushCo and I expect his lack of diplomatic skills will exacerbate hatred for America. My husband and I were looking at a map--thinking about where we might want to live if we had to relocate and I said no to any big cities, due to fear of terrorist attacks.

--Because of Bush's incestuous relationship with the media and his lack of respect for the press--which has turned them into kow-towing hacks--I no longer get my news from any MSM outlets.

--I'm wondering about the benefits of leaving the United States for a while; something I hadn't ever entertained in the slightest.

--I believe my mental health has been affected. I worry about the Iraqi people, what's going on in Gitmo, those who will be hurt by Bush's budget cuts; namely the poor, disadvantaged and working middle class. It's hard to feel peace or positively about the future with the dangerous PNACers controlling this country's destiny.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. A few things...

I'm maintaining a healthy level of paranoia.
And buying ammo for my shotgun.
And getting a wood stove just in case the grid goes down.

[meisje]

2. I'm digging a hole to China

about 10 feet in so far

[Sugarbleus]

5. LOL

n/t

[SammyWinstonJack]

23. Want some help? n/t

[YNGW]

43. I'm fixin' a hole where the rain gets in

And stops my mind from wondering where it will go.

[Clark2008]

3. No way I could pay off my house, but I am trying to plow

through on the debt I owe. Paid off two credit cards with the tax rebate - but it was just a bit over $200.
I still owe more.
However, on my salary, no child support and a beautiful little mouth to feed, it's very difficult.
My retirement plan is to educate my son so he can take care of me when I get old. It's the only way I'll be able to afford it.

[omega minimo]

4. Peacemongering

:headbang:

[yurbud]

6. North

If Canada doesn't have jobs for everybody, head to the wilderness. The bright side is, the longer GOP is in power here, the warmer Canada will get. Hell, the arctic could become the new Caribbean.

[Blue_In_AK]

11. Hey, it's raining in Alaska tonight. n/t

[yurbud]

18. Is that unusual for February?

[Blue_In_AK]

40. It used to be unusual

but over the past 10 years or so, you never know WHAT you're going to get here. Last week we had about a foot of snow, then it got really cold, single digits, then last night it was 35 and raining. Global warming at work, I guess.

[d_b]

69. Remember back in 2000?

It hadn't snowed by Christmas day - at least in Anchorage.

[alittlelark]

7. Opening up 2 international branches of our company

1 in NZ, 1 in Canada. 75% of our $$ out of US stock market, in Euro funds and other investments. Passports for kids and us up to date (will not leave unless ALL is lost). Keep cabin in CO stocked for the LONG Term (It's close to the extended family as well).

No debt aside from $120K in home valued at 8x that amt (not a lot out here) - but if housing crash occurs rapidly, it could be lost.

[Sugarbleus]

8. Your actions sound pretty good...it's always a good idea to

look ahead for "just in case". These are crazy times; times to be a wee bit more careful about what we do with our money etc.

As for me, I'm already poor. We live in THEE worst crowded, substandard dump on a section 8 voucher. I've been DEPRESSED like you wouldn't believe since we had to take this place. I couldn't even line the cupboards with paper because I kept thinking "We have to get out of here" this isn't fit for human beings.

Now, however, Bush has put the kabosh on all sorts of programs....no more helping needy people if they can get away from it. So we've decided to stay here and make the best of it.

Even though I live with a very painful Arthritic condition, between my grandson and I we were able to grow a veggie garden last summer. It was a hoot. Having "some yard" turned out to be a positive thing. Thankfully, we live in Calif. It doesn't get quite as cold here as elsewhere so if the "grid" goes down, we just bundle up. We can cook outside with a barbecue or whatever if push comes to shove. We decided not to own any pets. Too expensive and emotional if something aweful happens.

I've paid off my credit card bills; I always pay them off as soon as they come in or ASAP if it's a large purchase. That means we DON'T GO ANYWHERE. Not going anywhere means I don't use a lot of gasoline.
My vehicle is paid off and I keep it in tiptop shape, in case we have to use it for a "get away" ..ahem.

I don't buy clothing all the time. I live in a laid back community so it doesn't matter what I wear anyway. I allow myself a "pretty" once in awhile, a luxury, just so living doesn't get too pointless.

Four people simply huddle here in this house. We live near the beach, so I really don't NEED a fancy vacation...plus we can fish. Hubby just stopped smoking about three months ago. Woohoo. All of us, especially me, are going to start a healthy living plan because God knows whether healthcare will always be available to us.

If worse comes to worse, my sister has a huge piece of property up in the mountains. We are welcome to cram unto her property and make do that way.

It's the pits but what can you do. :shrug:

[kineneb]

9. already in the country

Sold the house in the Bay Area and moved after the Dot Bomb. We are in a CA county that directory info in SoCal can't even find. We have 1/4 acre and I am putting in raised beds and fruit trees. Thinking about bankrupcy since our income is half what it used to be and my job lacks benefits like health insurance. If all else fails, we can occasionally eat the fish from the lake (within walking distance). Post office and little grocery are withing walking range too.

Too late to talk about staying healthy- Hubby is on insulin. Running away to Europe starts looking better all the time...especially since I am fluent in German.

[jdots]

10. I live in the reddest part of what really isn't a blue state

Sunny La-La land just a stones throw from some of the biggest neocon bastards in the world. We still have a roof over our heads, we spend very little money because we have very little money.My wife and daughters are vegan or eat fish.I on the other hand plan on eating some of the neocons soon. (ha ha ? )
What we see is alot of people with huge overheads so they put ribbons on thier pimped out 90 thousand dollar wastemobiles and hope they are included in the party of the greedy creating the needy.It is just a matter of time for these turd maggots,they have some padding in thier gated fortress but who will buy a 2-5 million dollar fake mansion when they can't afford the slave made crap at Wall Mart ? Atleast us mortals don't have far to fall and can take care of ourselves,these wanna be neocons are stupid enough to buy this big scam and have no skills other than
bossing people around. Plant that garden !

[evlbstrd]

12. Making repairs to my house,

teaching my kids to love the Constitution and despise those who would trample it, considering firearms, looking for "obsoleted" communications technologies, like a small non-electric letterpress for when the Internets are squelched. Glad I learned that stuff.

[Swamp Rat]

13. What book will you become?

I think I'll be "The Hobbit" or maybe "La Vida es Sueño" or "Love in the Ruins." :)

[ClayZ]

14. On Golden Pond

Have woodstove will travel. We have a pondless acre and plan to carve it up, throw it to the developers, and head for the hills. "Don't look back, Dorothy." We haven't found the cabin in the woods yet but it will appear.

We gave our four grown kids emergency totes. They included the Readers Digest book "Back to Basics", (I think thats the name) it tells your how to live off the land, build a house, plant gardens, etc. Each tote has a hand crank radio, hand crank flashlight, cooking gear, water carriers... Lots of seed, vegi and flowers, first aid kit etc.

What the hell, if they don't need it for emergency, they can use it for camping gear.

Still may look for that cabin in C A N A D A... Sure are less expensive up there.

It is fun to read about off the grid houses for sale. Google finds them for you!

I am not going anywhere till after the March 19 protest. BUCH FUSH!

[Swamp Rat]

16. The Boyscout field manual has good info too.

I plan to head to the Southern hemisphere after I finish school... eu gosto do Brasil! :D

[ClayZ]

17. Here is Back to Basics editorial review... Sounds WONDERFUL, huh?

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
"Voluntary simplicity" has become a catch phrase for what seems to be a yearning for a simpler, more self-sufficient and economical way of living in the late 20th century. This book, first published in 1981 and recently updated, was probably many folks' first in-depth exposure to the idea of a simpler life, making things by hand, and enjoying a stronger sense of control over personal budgets, home projects, and lifestyles. Hundreds of projects are listed, illustrated in step-by-step diagrams and instructions: growing and preserving your own food, converting trees to lumber and building a home from it, traditional crafts and homesteading skills, and having fun with recreational activities like camping, fishing, and folk dancing without spending a lot of money. This book will have you dreaming and planning from the first page! -- Mark A. Hetts

[KissMeKate]

33. voluntary simplicity helped me pay off my debts.

now if only my husbanmd could get rid of his computer upgrade / electronics fetish! lol

[KissMeKate]

32. bugout bags for Christmas? LOL!!!

thats funny!

I hope it stays funny, and you never have to use them!

[ClayZ]

65. It was pretty funny, but fun to put together. LOL

Be Prepared.... ARGH!

[KoKo]

52. Do you have link for "grid houses for sale?" Much appreciated...n/t

[ClayZ]

64. Off the grid resourses...

http://offgrid.cjb.net/


http://www.pathtofreedom.com/links/offthegrid/index.shtml


http://longtail.typepad.com/the_long_tail/2004/12/off_the_grid.html


Some for sale...

http://www.eaglestar.net/Eagle/grid.html

Just google "off the grid"

I started reading about this in the 70s in Mother Earth News http://www.motherearthnews.com/
it is fascinating to me!


:kick:

[kitkat65]

61. Oh, gosh! I have that book. My dad must have bought it during the 70s

recession. My parents kept a little food stash down in the basement too.

My favorite part to read is the making beer section...

:toast:

[KoKo]

53. I'm Outta Here....Where are You Going? n/t

[Swamp Rat]

60. Brasil ou Portugal n/t

:)

[ClayZ]

66. Brazil ahhh JAZZ

Just listened to an obscure Jazz Band from the 60s called "Brazilian Octopus".

http://bsrlive.com/archives/playlist.php?p=933&h=9716

If they were doing that then, think of what kind of MUSIC must be coming out of those people now!

[Swamp Rat]

67. I don't know "Brazilian Octopus" but I do know chôro music by

musicians like pixinguinha or Jackso do Pandeiro from the beginning of last century. I spent time hanging out in chôro bars in Ipanema and Copacabana and elsewhere - live Brazilian jazz is awesome! Villa-Lobos is one of my favorite composers, if you like orchestral music. :)

[ClayZ]

68. I will check them out!

Thanks...!


:toast:

[loudsue]

70. KoKo!! You can't leave me!! We're (sorta) neighbors!!!

Are you & hubby REALLY planning on going somewhere?? :cry:


:kick::kick::kick:

[KoKo]

73. We haven't found it yet.......that's why I'm asking folks.

so don't get upset yet....Maybe we will take you with us...if we find it.

:hug:

[txaslftist]

77. Wow...what a great sideways literary reference...

Kudos to you.

[Swamp Rat]

81. thank you

I'll take all the 'kudos' I can get. :)

[ClayZ]

79. Do you have furry feet for walking softly in the forest?

I sculpted many of the characters from the lord of the rings.

My favorite was making the bag of tricks for Gandalf! heh heh

He is standing for (30 years now) in a Library Display Case in Kennewick Washington of all places.

[Selatius]

15. I'm a college student; I owe more than I own

I can't do much except keep spending down to a minimum with what I do have. Food and gas are the order of the day, nevermind new clothes and other goods.

If there is to be another terrorist attack that sends shockwaves through the economy, I really don't have much of a safety net. My mother works in the casino business, and the last attack slammed that sector hard. It's recovered now, but I remember hearing hundreds where I lived being laid off in the weeks after the attack.

My family is in a weak position regardless of what happens. I suspect that's where most lower and lower middle class Americans are.

[htuttle]

19. Networking and making sure I get to know my neighbors

I live in a very liberal city with ample fresh water supplies, surrounding farms, and lots of veterinarians. I'm staying put right here on Willy Street.

Having devoted a couple of decades to working in and organizing cooperatives, I'm not about to go run off into the North Woods by myself if something happens (or 'things fall apart').

[KoKo]

54. PM me....I want to move where you are.....if you are on speaking terms

with your neighbors that's the most important. The co-ops are great...thought they died with the 60's...at least where I've lived. :-(

[Mutley]

20. this is great..

because I thought my fiance and I were being a little too paranoid when we packed two bags of emergency supplies into the car in case something huge and horrible happens and we need to hit the road immediately. we've also been saving money outside of our bank (the old mattress savings account) for the last six months or so.

[mhr]

21. Disaster - What's Coming - Unemployed 59 Months - I'm Living It Daily!

eom

[KissMeKate]

31. Damn. I cant imagine living like that.

Im sorry things are hard for you, and have been that way for so long. I hope things look up for you soon, MHR.

[mhr]

36. I Hope So To

eom

[DaDeacon]

38. Nah, man that's ALL ON YOU ... after a year MickyD IS hiring n/t

[mhr]

50. Overqualified For McDonald's - I've Already Tried

So Man It's All On You For Making Such A Dumb Post

[bluedog]

22. land purchased

and paid for.have small cabin in the Old Town area of "redneck" florida.......have 21/2 acres....plenty of room for a garden....we are going to build a safe room in case of the hurricanes.which might come in handy for other things.plant a garden.....have well water.with the old fashioned pump by hand...wood stove.plenty of trees..

the home in St Pete...well.if worst comes to worst......we'll let the bank take it back.....will retire in 7 years .....until then we are not buying major items.......have to add on to our cabin .in case the children want to move to a real southern area of Florida.

Just think I may be the only Democrat there.........

[distantearlywarning]

24. Here's what we're doing:

1) We declared bankruptcy in November prior to getting married (or at least he did for several years of unemployment debt), in anticipation of the current stringent legislation regarding bankruptcy that was proposed last week, as well as the upcoming slide of the dollar and raising of interest rates.

2) We expect to have all my credit card debt paid off in a month or two.

3) We are saving like crazy (the old "mattress account", as another poster said), and may invest this money in foreign currency in the near future. Again, to protect against the slide of the dollar.

4) We are also emotionally preparing for bad/hard times ahead and actively discussing our contingency plans in certain possible scenarios (I get drafted, we engage in unprovoked nuclear strikes on Iran, etc.)

5) I am reading as much as I can about foreign and domestic current affairs every day to try to stay ahead of the knowledge curve, and in an effort to be prepared for future unpleasant situations.

6) At the same time, we have almost totally abandoned MSM. There is good reason to believe that we are all being heavily "propagandized" and made immune to some pretty bad stuff (not to mention being told outright lies) and I would like to preserve a free and open mind as well as my current ethical standards. We shut off our cable in December, and I cancelled many of my magazine subscriptions (exceptions: Discover, National Geographic). I get most of my news from foreign papers and online sources.

7) Our long-term plan prior to 2004 was to save money to buy a house. Now our long term plan is more likely to be "work very hard to get a post-doc or employment in a foreign country". If things continue as they are for the remainder of my graduate education, it is likely that we will attempt to become citizens of New Zealand or some friendly and westernized European country at some later date.

8) Oh yeah, we are also buying a gun soon, as well as keeping the passports current. We have compiled all our identity and other important documents in a safe place in case we need to leave town in a hurry. I am considering the "emergency supplies stocked in the basement" thing, but don't know if that would really make that much of a difference in the long term.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

25. Paying down my debts

not buying property for the time being, and keeping my ears open for ways to leave the country, should that become necessary. (I no longer have youthful fantasies about manning the barricades.)

[AlCzervik]

26. We just paid off our last credit card

and we are selling our current home and actually buying a less expensive one, not that we live in a palace right now but the aim is to have a smaller mortgage.

[Blue_Tires]

34. exactly my plan, too

[Steely_Dan]

27. This Is Strange...

I've been reading all of the things people are doing to prepare for the future and it occurred to me that in some strange way, we are doing exactly what the Bush administration wants. Think about it...

Everyone is paying off their debts...
People are living with less...
We are being very careful about the money we spend...

Is any of this a "bad" thing?"

Now...before you flame me...I am a die-hard democrat that believes that Bush is the worst president in history and I am not very hopeful concerning the future of (once was) our country.

-P

[AlCzervik]

28. but remember more people can't pay off thier debts then can

How is that Bush wants us to do this things?

[KissMeKate]

30. let the repukes be slaves to debt- debt creates paper economic activity

makes the economy look better than it actually is. Plus, alot of debt profits GE, and banking firms that contribute to CONservatives.

[K8-EEE]

35. Nope I Think They Want Us In Debt....

"Ownership" society means they (banks, credit card companies, Walmart) aim to own US....

[Cats Against Frist]

74. Uh... you think the GOP wants us to "live with less?"

Au contraire -- they want us to be uberconsumers and spend every goddamn dime we have, and more, to enslave us with credit to keep us working in their slavemills.

Their entire "branding" process involves the excess of American life -- giant cars, obesity, Kentucky Fried Chicken. I don't think they really want us to live with less.

[KissMeKate]

29. paid off our cars, credit card, and preparing nursing credentials to move.

my husband is in the navy- but I will be a long distance spouse if Bushtard starts drafting nurses.

[TheOriginalAmerican]

37. I come from a family of survivors.

I'm an black woman. If there's anything that we understand, it's struggle. My grandparents tell me about their younger days when our people were being lynched. They lived down south where that was not as uncommon as one might believe it was today. It just wasn't safe to be a black person in America. Today, I have to see my people being killed in gang related activity. The killing of our people just goes on and on.

The way we survive is through working hard to support ourselves and believing in our hearts that the other oppressed people are surviving as well. This is how the oppressed have survived for centuries. We've survived all of that, and we'll survive some puny little Bush.

Meanwhile, you need to do some things that will help you get your mind off of what you can't change. Have some fun. If you think you need therapy, then get it. Then, share the tips about how to handle thing given to you with the others. I don't think you're the only one really afraid right now.

[DaDeacon]

39. OVER REACTING

Stop living your life in fear!!!
you need to remember that "trouble don't last always". Paying off debt can only be a good thing but moving out of the US out of fear. If Young Republicans were goose stepping down times squire i would almost understand but COME ON get real! You wanna do something don't run fight engage others around you to think! Run for office! Help others! When they come for you (if they would) they would have to get through an army of friends and neighbors you have had an impact on!

[TheOriginalAmerican]

41. Amen.

I've been through a hell of a lot worse than this. I didn't survive it by living in fear.

[DaDeacon]

42. Glad u feel me, Being a Black man in the south is all the prep I need! n/t

[FreedomAngel82]

44. I agree

It's very good to be prepared but don't run away. Just think that being a republican and all of this is just the fad right now. Like everything this to shall pass. Find things to keep your mind on peaceful matters. Spend time with your family, teach your children the history of our nation, continue your jobs (or finding one), schools, etc. Things make get hard but I know we'll make it through. We did the Great Depression didn't we (as a nation)? I still think there is too much unbalance in the government. Something will happen sooner or later.

[FromTheLeft]

49. Martin Niemöller:

In Germany they came first for the Communists and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me - and by that time, there was no one left to speak up.

[prairierose]

45. Here are a few of the things I'm doing:

Paying down debt/not incurring new debt.

I have been sort of offered a job that would pay much more than I make here & I may take it for a short time to make money to pay off a piece of land.
Saving to buy a piece of land where we can produce all of our own food. Looking for the best/reasonable area to buy land nearby. I live in the middle of nowhere on purpose.

Researching, building and buying parts for off-grid living. Looking for a used pellet stove.
Writing about simple living, partly to get myself into the mindset and remind myself of what I know.
In my family, we have many very useful skills for supporting ourselves on the land.

The house I live in now is free & clear.
Planning/designing the house we will build. It will be expandable in case more family needs to retreat here.

Buying organic/heritage vegetable seeds.
Starting my tomato plants etc. for this year. Starting to prepare garden area for this year. Up to now, I relied on the local farmer's market.

I have a large well-stocked pantry but this is nothing new. Many of my friends think I'm really neurotic about this but it's the way I was raised. Out on the prairie, you can get snowed in for a week or more at a time, you'd better have food in the pantry. Of course, now we don't get much snow or low temps. I have to say that I don't miss the 30 below temps but the snow is important for moisture & I worry about that.

Just a few of the things we are working on.

[ginnyinWI]

46. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst

Get out of debt and stay there. Save money in case you lose your job. Don't buy things on credit--save up for it first. The exception would be a home mortgage, because real estate goes up in value.
Only buy what you really need, unless you already have a nice cushion of savings and can afford to.

Don't invest using dollars: buy European stocks, or Canadian, etc.

Think about what you would do if they start a draft. Would you go, or would you rather go to jail? If it affects your kids, would you help them avoid serving in the military?

If your kids are younger, teach them things that your inadequate schools may not be teaching. Go to the library and let them pursue their interests, and learn the joy of learning.

Support your local and national Democratic leaders. Speak up for our values, and point out the immorality of this administration. Make people question their government's activities. Put a Democratic bumper sticker on your car, even if you are in a red state or county (which I am) The repubs need to know that everyone is NOT marching in lock-step.

Work hard for the 2006 elections, and then for the 2008 presidential. Stop the in-party bickering and spend time knowing the real opposition and pointing out their failings instead. Constructive criticism of our policy issues is fine, but divisiveness is not.

[Donailin]

51. Thank you.

This is a very balanced approach, and I wish I knew more people like you because the ones I know are like me: not very hopeful.

[KingoftheJungle]

47. Can someone please inform me how to move my assets into euros?

I tried consulting with my investment firm person and they claimed to have no idea how to do this. I knew it was bullshit but my parents bought it and told me that I probably can't do it, which I also know to be bullshit. So someone, if you would be so kind, help me understand possible ways to do this (I assume it would involve investing in european firms) and which mutual funds/investements look solid to you?

[Benbow]

71. How to buy euros, or convert your assets from dollars to euros

Google on "buy euros". This is one of the results,

<http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=430368>Google Answers, dated 17 Nov 2004 18:50 PST.

=====================================================
I'd like to convert part of my assets from dollars to euros, and
place them in a European bank. What's the safest way?
...
... There is a simple way to invest in euros, says Greg McBride, a
senior financial analyst with Bankrate.com, a data company that covers
financial institutions nationwide: With a $10,000 minimum purchase,
you can buy an FDIC-insured foreign currency certificate of deposit
through Everbank, a Jacksonville, Fla.- based bank."
source: Newsday, October 10, 2004
http://www.newsday.com/business/printedition/ny-bzbrenner103999444oct10,0,254266.column?coll=ny-business-print

More information from EverBank about their foreign currency accounts:
http://currency-investing.everbank.com/direct.asp?Idpage=pro_wc_aa_t1
http://currency-investing.everbank.com/world-currency/single-currency-cds/pro_wc_cd_t2

Also see CNN.com:
http://money.cnn.com/2003/06/02/pf/expert/ask_expert/
BusinessWeek.com:
http://www.businessweek.com/2000/00_44/b3705144.htm

"The Coming Collapse of the Dollar?"
http://www.j-bradford-delong.net/movable_type/2004-2_archives/000514.html

"How to Play the Weak Dollar," Smart Money, November 2004
http://www.smartmoney.com/sectorpatrol/index.cfm?story=20041111

"Playing the Weak Dollar," Forbes, March 1, 2004
http://www.forbes.com/markets/free_forbes/2004/0301/106.html

"Guard Against the Falling Dollar," Kiplinger's, Feb. 2004
http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/value/archive/2004/va0203.htm


As mentioned in some of those articles, another option would be a
mutual fund that invests primarily in Euro-denominated bonds, stocks,
or money-market instruments. For example, several of the articles
cite the American Century International Bond fund (ticker symbol:
BEGBX) which invests primarily in Euro-denominated bonds. See:
http://www.americancentury.com/funds/fund_facts.jsp?fund=992

========================================================

And a supplementary post, 25 Nov 2004 21:12,

=======================================================
the biggest American banks do NOT offer Euro deposit accounts to their retail customers. If you're one of their "private" clients with big bucks (e.g., millions on deposit), perhaps the story might be different.

From the New York Times:

"SINCE the beginning of the year, demand for the accounts has been
strong. Everbank reported a 124 percent increase in deposits held in
foreign currencies in the first six months of 2003. Despite such
growth, major banks have not rushed to add similar accounts. Citibank,
Chase, HSBC, Washington Mutual and Bank of America say they do not
offer them at their retail banks, although they may be available to
clients of their private banks or overseas divisions."
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/27/business/yourmoney/27FORE.html


You may not have heard of EverBank, but it is really the only American
bank mentioned in the press (i.e., New York Times, BusinessWeek, WSJ,
etc.) as offering Euro deposit accounts. See, for example, the Wall
Street Journal from two weeks ago:

"Where to Invest As the Dollar Hovers Near Its Record Low"
"...A safer alternative is owning foreign currency outright -- and
that isn't as difficult as it might seem. EverBank.com offers savings
accounts and certificates of deposit in a variety of major and
secondary currencies. Savings accounts require a minimum deposit of
$2,500; CDs, a $10,000 minimum. The accounts are FDIC-protected,
meaning the deposit is guaranteed, though any losses from currency
fluctuations aren't. The benefit is that you earn interest at whatever
prevailing rates are in a particular country and have the potential
for capital gains if the dollar continues to fall."
source: Wall Street Journal, November 9, 2004
http://www.forex.com/04-11-09.html

As the WSJ notes in that same article, another option would be to buy
American Express Travelers Checks in Euros. You won't earn any
interest, but that's another option if you don't feel comfortable with
Everbank.
See AmericanExpress.com for more information:
http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,11532,00.asp

==========================================================

Hope this helps.

[Trish1168]

83. stick with gold, silver, mining stocks or Swiss Franks

The euro is okay in the short term, but not in the long term.

Read Turk's book on the dollar crisis. He talks about investing to make money off the decline in the dollar. This is where I get my info.

[FromTheLeft]

48. Preparing to fight...

1) Getting ready to give up my just blossoming career and go to Law School. I have begun studying for the July LSAT and I am hoping to major in Constitutional Law.

2) Taking every chance I can to inform all those I know about all that I see, right and wrong.

3) Just finished paying off my credit card debt. 5000 in three years, and yes I'm damn pround of myself.

4) Patting myself on the back for always say that the one thing conservitives are definately right about is their fight against gun control. I really would like a bazzoka and an AK just in case...

[phusion]

55. Peace Corps oddly enough...

I'm hopefully on a plane to some small village in SE Asia early next year. I'll hopefully be able to ride out the storm for the rest of Bush's term from there...

[ClayZ]

63. Good on you!

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to promote world peace and friendship.

This was long befor the let YAYHOOS run the government!

[sendero]

56. Defensive mode...

... I bought 40 acres out in the country in 2002. At the time, it was to be a place to live when my wife and I retire. It still is, but I've changed the focus somewhat....

I'm trying to set this place up to be as self-sufficient as possible. I had a 1.75 acre pond built, I'm stocking it and it will provide enough fish to feed several people in a couple of years. It will also provide water, I've learned how to treat the water for drinking if need be.

I have bought several guns. I now have a fair complement of firearms, from handgun to shotgun to plinking rifle to blow-you-away rifle.

My wife and I are planning our gardening activities. We're growing pecans, grapes, blackberries, plus the usual summer-garden fare.

I've been studying solar electrical systems - they are still way expensive but not impossibly so if you can forget running things like electric heat and A/C. We have 30 acres of trees so our dwelling will be heated with wood for sure.

I have bought a quantity of silver and gold bullion coins.

I've started a new profession that is "recession proof" :)

I hope it doesn't happen, but I see hard times for Americans on the horizon. Even if Bush** weren't in the WH, America has built up some long term economic problems that I don't see any easy way out of. That doesn't mean disaster will actually come to pass, but at this point it is no longer the long shot it used to be IMHO.

[Just Me]

57. Stuff my mattresses and be ready to run and hide my only son.

Keep on "praying" that I hit the lottery?

:shrug:

The only "property" I own is a car worth less than a grand, two dogs and a cat (and I am absolutely certain they believe they own ME *LOL*).

I finally have a job.

I'll tuck away as much cash as I can to protect my son either via Canada (should the neoCONspirators get their world war) or a nest egg to get him through college. I don't expect to be a part of that "ownership society" Busholini propagandizes. If I strike it "rich",...it'll be due to some exceptional great fortune (and, ya' never know *LOL*).

Yup. I am the epitome of the average human being.

[KoKo]

58. A great thread...Welcome to all the Newbies...and others who've posted

their experiences. I think many of us are in the same frame of mind, but those on this thread are giving great tips for coping rather than total despair.

Thanks to all of you! :toast: for minds figuring how to survive and cope and even those who are figuring how to stay and fight it.

[OnionPatch]

59. We've been doing things "just in case"

We don't live in fear *because* we are prepared for just about anything. Here's what we've done;

Paid off as much debt as possible

Stashed up extra food and supplies in case of any grid failure, etc.

Bought potassium K, you know, the stuff you take in case of nuclear fallout exposure. (We live too close to LA.)

Bought some gold. If they ever close the borders, start rounding up liberals, or anything else that crazy, we'll have the funds to get outa here even if the dollar has collapsed.

We're both country people and know how to hunt, fish, farm, etc. etc. and we have relatives with land in the boonies, so we're not worried about surviving any sort of collapse of society, great depression, etc.

With all this done, it's much easier to relax and not get so upset about everything. We've done what we can to protect ourselves and we do all we can to combat the neocons. Meanwhile, we live life and enjoy it as much as we can, and sleep well.

[kitkat65]

62. I've become an activist so, hopefully, we don't have to get to that point

I want to drive into people's heads how corrupt our government is becoming by comparing their words to their deeds. Signs, slogans, pamplets, bumper stickers...

I'll bring it to their doorstep if I have to.

The realist part of me:

Thinking about stocking up on food items

Thought I was nuts for considering buying a gun, but after reading here, seems I'm not alone.

Some other really good ideas here. Thanks.

[sendero]

72. Since I'll be in the country..

.... if the stuff hits the fan, guns are not a luxury but a necessity.

I'm not an experienced hunter but you can bet that if my family is hungry I will take down Bambi, Peter Cottontail or Squirrel Nutkin without a second thought :)

Also, we've stored away a quantity of "survival" foods, flour, beans, rice, oil, stuff like that.

It really doesn't take a lot of $$$ to have a cache of beans and rice and everyone should consider having it. Disruption of the ability to distribute food could result in acute shortages in a hurry. A little insurance is in order :) Oh, and as for caloric bang for the buck, those ramen noodles are hard to beat. 350 calories for 20 cents, whatta deal!

[Cats Against Frist]

75. I've been preparing for this for five years

Starting with not getting into debt. The only debt I have is student loans, and as long as I never have a job, I don't have to PAY them.

I got the hell off the coast, and seriously, started fattening up, a bit. Moved interior near my parents and farming community -- who have land, are Democrats, have guns for hunting -- stocked ponds.

We have back-up water supplies, access to cattle, seeds, deer, rabbits -- yes, have some survival books.

If it all doesn't come crashing down within the next two years, I will probably try to buy, outright, my own land somewhere more scenic and tree-covered, and do the self-sufficient homesteading thing, as many others here have planned to do. My boyfriend and I have been learning how to build a solar and wind-generated property, and will start aquiring materials, soon.

CB, Ham radio -- I'm basically preparing as if it was a "Night of the Living Dead," movie...

I don't think it's wrong to prepare, just a little. I think it rocks to live simply, too.

[txaslftist]

76. Bought a twelve guage...

...but that's just acheiving parity in Texas.

[Trish1168]

84. Gun ownership, per capita, in Texas is 5

You need to buy 4 more for parity!

[Greenberg240]

78. Nothing

Not doing anything different than I did a year, 2 years or 5 years ago. I've got a relazed easy going life.

[earth mom]

80. I've looked into moving to Canada or the UK

but we haven't put the house up for sale...yet. Mainly because DH and I are not in that good a position to leave yet.

DH has a newish job with the post office; which was a damned hard job to get and a relief to us both after living as the working poor for the last several years. We have a house with a mortgage and fortunately a decent amount of equity in it. We own a very old car in addition to a newer, financed car. We have no credit cards, but have a personal (family) loan plus some other bills all totaling about 10K.

We live in a semi rural area and our house has a woodstove and our 1/2 acre has fruit trees and berries and the garden has it's own well. DH has been looking at guns; which I'd been opposed to him doing since I don't like guns; now I can see the possible need for one. We gave up cable a year ago, and I gave up MSM a couple of months ago after I found DU and realized just how big a bunch of liars they are.

Overall, I really wish we were better prepared for what may come. Money in the mattress or in gold or euros would sure help me sleep better at night! I keep thinking we need or should sell the house NOW or YESTERDAY...but I'm not sure if the time to leave is NOW or not. Though...if it came right down to it, I would leave everything-the house & the stuff-if it meant our safety and our very lives. Though, the thought of having to do that fills me with such frustration and rage! I mean, my gawd, HOW IN THE HELL DID IT ALL COME DOWN TO THIS THAT WE'RE ALL EVEN DISCUSSING THIS TOPIC??!!!

[Trish1168]

82. I'm thinking about selling my house

I am worried about the economy and would like to move in with my parents (I'm 38, they are 73).

I want to invest the money I have from house equity into precious metals (gold or silver) and mining/energy stocks. These will protect me from the devaluation of the dollar.

I can't think of much beyond that.