ZERO Cost Prep's

Doly · Expert Joined: Dec 03, 2004 Posts: 4041

Most of these zero cost preps seem to be mostly about hoarding. Hey, there's a lot of hoarders around (including me, I just can't throw away anything that could be possibly used later on). That doesn't necessarily mean that hoarders will be better off post PO.

Repeat with me: "Having stuff isn't the key to happiness". Stuff is useless if you don't know what to do with it. And I don't mean just intellectually knowing what one could possibly do, but actually trying it and knowing that your idea works. You think you can put a new handle on that tool? Try it NOW. Maybe it isn't as easy as you think.

I believe a big part of preparations isn't just getting things, but doing things. I like DYI, and I think it will prove useful post PO. I have a lot of tools I have needed for my DYI projects, I have used them and I have a fair idea of how good (or bad) they are. I have a fair idea about what it takes to do a lot of things.

And I can tell you, making new handles for tools is anything but simple!

WisJim · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 7:11 am Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

The time to learn new skills, whether it is bicycle or auto repair, home building or maintenance, solar installation, using/making/repairing tools (no matter what kind) is NOW, while it is easy/inexpensive to find someone to teach or guide you, or references are available at the library or on-line. I don't think you can ever know too much, or have too many skills (but sometimes I think I have too many tools).

RonMN · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 9:22 am Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

I totally agree with the "do it NOW" line of thinking...but I have to say...I'm certain i can carve a handle easier than i can forge & press steel into a shovel-head Smile

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elocs · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:12 am Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

Torion · Tar Sands Joined: May 09, 2005 Posts: 34

All of these are good ideas, but some of us have a lot less storage space than others and I wonder where I'm going to keep a lot of the stuff I've been saving.

Everytime I look at anything plastic anymore, I wonder if it can be used again. but now I'm overflowing with those useful plastic bags I bring groceries home in!

I"d think that saving any kind of cloth/clothing/damaged clothing at all would be useful.
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ca2devri · Coal Joined: May 02, 2006 Posts: 17

Pops · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 11:16 am Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

<too many tools>

No Such Thing, Jim! With the possible exception of clean-up time :^)

I agree that the most valuable free preparation is ideas and skills. Change a light switch and your own oil, clean out a clogged sink trap and patch your own roof. None of which may be required in the future but the give you confidence in your own abilities and an understanding of the way things work – come to think of it, doing those things is cheaper than free because they save you money!

And when you feel a twinge of curiosity over whatever subject, google it up and spend a half hour reading about it instead of watching a re-run of friends. The secret to creativity is wide-ranging knowledge and the ability to combine 2 disparate concepts to make a novel solution. Gutenburg was a goldsmith, one story says he got the idea of the printing press while at a wine festival watching the grapes being pressed with a screw type press – combine that with his ability to work metal to make moveable type and voila!, the printing press was born!

The more skills and general knowledge one has, the greater their ability to come up with solutions to problems – like Monte says it is the MacGyver approach.

Of course owning lots of tools and attending wine festivals helps ;^)
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Wednesday · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:04 pm Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

Walk your neighborhood.
Stop and talk to people.
Take the veggies they give you.
Reciprocate.
Celebrate their special occasions.
Keep your eyes open.
Carry a big stick.

RonMN · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:53 am Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

How about saving pennies & nickels? I've been doing this for years (for no particular reason) & have built up a sizeable container of them...but for the life of me, I can't imagine what i would ever do with these little metal disks. Smile

Sharpen into an arrow head maybe? Attach a trebble hook & turn into a fishing lure? Any ideas?
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TheTurtle · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:02 am Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

WildRose · Light Sweet Crude Joined: Jun 21, 2006 Posts: 1092

Some mental/practical preparations I've been working on for a time when I may not be able to drive as much, or money may be a lot tighter:

- walk to the grocery store when you only need a few things

- simplify meal plans, try to spend less (a challenge when prices are going up)

- take the bus to work, just so I know it's not so bad

- invite friends over for dinner/cards/movies instead of going out

- clothes for kids - see if you can arrange a "clothing swap" with others in your kids' school or community

- enjoy the great outdoors

These are but a few suggestions. I'm sure others could come up with many more!

JustinFrankl · Intermediate Crude Joined: Aug 22, 2005 Posts: 657

BrownDog · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:28 pm Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's

PraireRanger · Tar Sands Joined: Aug 21, 2006 Posts: 39

go to the library and learn to:

-SewingSew
-Tie a Knot
Weaving (this will come in pretty handy and is a bit of a lost art)

Also learn some good body weight exercises.

Pretorian · Posted: Fri Aug 25, 2006 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: ZERO Cost Prep's