I tried bartering for the first time in my life last fall. I bartered my labor which was cleaning out a chicken shed for all the chicken manure I wanted. I came home with 12 chicken feed bags full of manure. My garden is growing crazy good this year.
I believe that people have forgotten that Americans have survived the Great Depression of the 1930s. One thing I learned from my dad, and he from his parents, was to collect everything, especially things that didn't expire- skills, gardening, husbandry, and stuff, because you can repurpose stuff, or modify them for other uses. Collect metal, and learn blacksmithing. Collect lint and tp rolls, and barter fire starters. Knit, crochet, sew, stock up on materials, and barter clothes, sweaters, head coverings. But the greatest things necessary are a Bible, some common sense, and a relationship with God. Great video, Colby, and God bless you and your family.
I would like to also bring up the Elderly..remember they might not be able to help themselves or have anything to barter..be willing to stock up extra things for them in hard times.. they may not be able to get out and garden any more or stock up on foods..be willing to help others for free!~ GBY ML
We are older. I am disabled and only able to garden under very limiting circumstances. Life is difficult. We have prepped to barter. But nobody ever has enough.
I felt like I was better off when my son still was here at home. I am disabled also, but I’m still working on it! He’s young and thinks that we’re all crazy anyway 🤣 but I could really use some help!
We have a nice older widow lady across the road. All of us take care of her. The community takes care of each other. We have been through tornadoes, floods, and a ice storm that cut the power for 38 days. Everyone helped clean up and take of each other because the place I live is just like that.
LOLOLOLOL...You can tell I didn't grow up on a farm...My tools are lying on the tool bench, or under a tree or shrub. I usually grab my OLD portable radio, turn it up and work until I can't see what's in front of of me. That is the time I have to do the outside work. My husband worked nights for years, and I always did the planting etc., in the evenings. In my last neighborhood, when we lived in the city, my neighbor asked if I was going to work through the night. LOL... I did consider a flood light. By the time I got all the actual work done , I would edge the sidewalk, and sweep it all up. Every spring, I would scrub the whole porch. Those rails were the worst. I am so grateful that I can do all that work.
@@jeanmader2302 I'm so jealous. I have been disabled for 12 years and can't do any of what you are talking about. Bless you for being a strong hard worker.
@@kathymc234 So sorry that you have to be limited in what you can do. I remember when I broke my ankle...both bones. LONG RECOVERY...I stood at the top step of the basement, thinking...I will never be able to go down these steps again, but, eventually, after wheelchair and walker, then cane, which I tossed...I was able to regain bone very fast. i swear, it was all those chicken wings and the gristle, and collagen I ate, growing up...I told my mom that chickens should have 4 wings. Then I giggled and told her that they then would be helicopters. LOLOL The surgeon was amazed at my fast growth of new bone in my xrays.! At 78, I still do things my much younger friends can't. I am grateful, because I am needed so much more, so I avoid most sugar, and try to eat healthier. Keep moving...it helps everything. God bless you!
My wife didn't understand why I ALWAYS had boxes/spools of bailing twine. Until she started gardening--now she gets it, loves it, and is very thankful. And now she understands my stockpile of screws, nails, PVC pipe, etc.
It's great when our hobbies cross over and a spouse realizes that it is a valuable skill. Make sure you support her hobby or craft. Grow stronger...together.
I was that way with zip-ties. My husband used them to connect the vines and tomatoes to their cages/trellis. I started using them for my climbing rose on an arch.
I will never forget my grandmothers story about fleeing a war zone . She carried the baby (my dad) and filled the buggy with a large ham and bottles of alcohol for bartering to help her get her family to safety.
Very smart lady...my husband always rolls his eyes when I do something clever, and I tell him, just wait...this will be handy some day. I can't remember what it was, but we did use one of those items, just recently. I use cherry, sugar free lozenges at night, when I have a dry throat, or feel stuffy. They are mentholated, and I keep them separate from the plain lozenges. I got an aspirin bottle, the rounder one, and put the lozenges in it. It stands straight up in my nightstand drawer, in a bin, and I love that. Those different shaped and sized bottles are awesom to use for all kinds of things. My little bin has eye drops, and a small flashlight, and bookmarks, a pen, and pad of paper. My stylist gave me a less than perfect cut last week. I had to go back yesterday, and get a recut, which I shouldn't have had to pay full price for. My life is so stressful right now, and I get cuts on the fly, so I don't have a scheduled one. She thought I hadn't been there in awhile. I said, "It was just last week."" I Told her I would call her when I figured it out, paid her full price again, and left. Last night, at midnight, I decided to think, after not finding my notation, and it wasn't in my journal...too busy. I remembered that I had to go to the eye surgeon for pre testing, and after that appointment, we headed for the salon, my husband stayed in the car. I remembered each issue, and her 12yr old called to say he was hungry, and wanted her to bring him a McDonald's. She was discussing the situation as she cut my hair, and thank God she only trimmed it, because I hated it. She usually does s good job.
I Thank you for your videos. I am woman on island this year. My daughter, and son in law moved to Florida, and my son and his wife moved about an hour and a half away, due to job issues.. My husband just got a dementia diagnosis, after surviving Esophageal cancer 15 yrs ago, and colon cancer a few months ago. I am prepping, and my husband says nothing bad will happen. I have had to take over the bills, etc, and care for him and our blind, and deaf dog who wears diapers, due to kidney failure. BUT...I know that I have stocked enough canned goods, rice, beans, pasta, and other needs, and I am strong for 78 yrs old, and reliable when I am called to help. But, I end up always being the helper, yet grateful to not be the helpee. LOL I appreciate your advice on barter items, but you didn't mention scissors, unless, I missed it. With my overly taxed brain, that is likely. I have purchased several different sizes of scissors, and even in calm times, I am AMAZED at how often I use them. For emergency bandaids, I buy the square packages of light days sanitary pads, and get the extra long...cut them , with medium sized scissors into 2 or 3 lengths, and with medical tape, can be a sanitary cut covering. Fourteen overnights, which are thicker, makes 28, at about 2.39 a package, and thinner ones are in pks of 18, which makes thirty-six...not a bad buy, and they can be used as deodorizers, just spray with a pleasant scent and peel off the liner to expose the sticky side. I also make my own body cream, and face cream, and an inexpensive deep mosturizer for elbows feet, etc., using a mixture of coconut oil and aloe gel, with some hyalauronic acid. SKIN dries out fast, especially in winter. STAY SAFE.!
I agree with the other reply. You sound like a great woman. I will add you and your hubby to my prayers. And, thank you for the wonderful advice on bandages.
@@cologypsy I grew up in the city...I think that was a good thing, and my childhood was tough. I Think those two factors gave me a bit of an edge in a crisis. Thank you, God
During the tornadoes, ice storm and floods I have been through CASH is the only way you can purchase something. They used a calculator and a old fashioned recipt book with a pen. Even Walmart did that. The 2000 ice storm knocked out power to this area for 38 days. When the ice and snow cleared we needed some stuff from the store so we went shopping. It wasn't that bad. It was very organized. And people were nice and friendly as usual. Of course, I am sure you always have that one person who is not nice or friendly but they are just that way as a normal way of being.
During the Great Depression gardening, bartering, and cash were the only ways to get something. My parents lived through it. They taught me to make do and mend. Grow what you can. Make food stretch. Make things yourself.I would say that most poor people have these skills. I think gaining a skill set is very important for the young people today instead of just "prepping". Can they sew, make bread, garden, hunt,fish, forage, wash clothes by hand, build a shelter, build a campfire, or do basic first aid? Bartering is kind of low on the list of skills. I probably don't think of it that way because we do it all the time. It's a normal part of life here because most people here are poor. In some parts of America prepping is just getting ready for winter or the next big storm. We don't worry about the rest.
This is so important! As I am watching this I am sitting in the dark because my electricity is off from the storm last night. I have my battery operated lantern and I'm cooking on my gas stove. It's 5 am and I am getting ready for work. I am a woman living alone but I'm doing ok because I have been stocking up and I can go to my sons house if I need to but for now I'm ok just inconvenienced,! Thanks for continuing to put this important information out there...we are listening! God bless!
Love this! My neighbor and I have practiced bartering for the last few years. We teach each other skill sets that we both may need when the other is not around. We remind each other of preps we both need to restock or add. We work hard and we prep hard. Maybe one day, we will be able to play hard! 😂
Thank You so much for your great ideas. You mentioned some things I never thought of. * I do have something else to add if you don't mind,,,, Now some people might think this is bad but it is valuable. Anyone who is addicted to cigarettes WILL swap things for them. In stores, most are near $10.00 a pack. Reservation Cigarettes are approx. $3.00- $3.50 a pack here. They stay fresh in the freezer for years. They're like money in a box.
Thank you! Both of your channels, which I subscribe to, give me so many practical ideas that I can implement! You also point out areas of weakness in my own preps! Thank you and God bless your family and your homestead.❤️
Always good to hear your take. My daughter just made arrangements to barter her SD bread for the use of a tool for cutting flooring. Both parties happy! 😊
I collect rain water for plants and washing cars but find lots of leaves, sticks and dirt usually. I live on the river bottom and my well water is only 10 feet down .dont even have a sand point on it , just a 2 inch plastic pipe .
We bartered some our eggs & $10 for 82 strawberry starts and 3 other edible plants! And now they need help butchering their quails and they want my fiancé to do it!! So we really gained a great connection!!
I crochet like a crazy person. Yarn and I are the best of friends😊. I do some craft shows, but have totes of hats, scarves, blankets, shawls. I think they would be very good things to barter with❤️ thanks for all the ideas. Love both your channels!
Isn't the crochet stitch used when making the dishwashing scribbles? Those are very nice for scrubbing without scratching. Good bartervin my book. I have purchased them when I can find them.
@@jeanmader2302 I use all kinds of stitches for dishcloths, 100% cotton is your best bet. Scrubby yarn is so hard on my fingers. Sedge stitch is good for scrubbing, half double crochet is good for showering.
@@kathyerb3134 thank you for the tip. I will look into that. Sorry you don’t crochet anymore. It’s my sanity in this crazy world. I also have arthritis and several other autoimmune conditions. I rub Vicks on my hands every night, it does help a lot. Blessings
My neighbor hollered over the fence telling me he had 3 watermelon for me. I had 3 English cucumbers for him. I love both your channels and I’m subscribed to both your channels.
great video, 1oz silver maples are also good for getting the products you want and you can ask full pop for them meaning, no premiums when bartering and full market price what ever it happens to be on that day.
Good info folks write it down yes on paper. I was fortunate enough growing up to learn how to make wine, beer, and white lightnin. So alcohol is not a problem actually a 6 pack lasts me about 3 months. Just backed up my screws from 1" to 4" deck screws the other day. Pvc connectors I have a milk crate full, Pex not much guess i should get some but the tool for that is expensive. My van 15kwh in there, 3 way charge. I love my cast iron.
I do believe in barter, and my husband taught me a lot about it. So I’m a little older now, so there was things you can do that I can’t, but I do understand how it works.
My granddaughters were down about a week ago and I was showing them the garden and the young one said momma can't grow a garden and I told her that her mom can make clothes and I can't even sew a button on and I told her that if God gave us all the same gift he would only need one of us and that's why he gives people different gifts ❤
Hi Macs. Great video and very informative. Thanks for your insight and wisdom. People need need to wake up and see what is happening in America. God bless and love yall ❤❤
I store lye crystals, Red Devil brand drain opener, because I started making soap 🧼about 30 years ago. I used fats I saved from meats, like chicken, turkey, venison, lamb, beef, etc., basically recycling the fat instead of throwing it away. Now I use oils too like coconut, since it makes a good lather. My son gave me a bunch of bacon grease which I cleaned with successive boilings in water, (same thing I do with all the meat drippings but I do more for bacon grease because of the salt) and my daughter gave me some old ghee. I also make salves and oils with healing herbs in them and when they lose their potency/get old, I throw them in too. It is a lot of weighing and adding numbers together. My last pot of fat was about 9 quarts! That was a bit big for just stirring with a spoon! My stick blender could not handle that much either! But I got 100 bars! I call it "Rustic Soap" when I sell bars at markets. Makes a great gift too and is perfect for bartering! In disaster situations, soap is something people really want and need. Hygiene and wound care are so important. I have friends who use recipes for pretty soaps and add fancy clays or charcoal and essential oils but that makes it cost a lot more. I really like using up what I already have so it doesn't go to waste. The soap has turned out so amazing! It heals chapped and bleeding hands in the dead of winter in Wisconsin...so dry! It takes grease spots out of clothing! My youngest daughter found a stocking cap in the gutter that was so dirty and greasy, she considered it a challenge to get clean, which she was able to do! She was saying how well my bar soap worked on it! And then there was the time when my husband tried to catch a bowl of tomato soup in a nursing home. 😲🍅🥣He was wearing one of our western shirts with rhinestones💎 and fancy gold trim and music notes🎶, as we were entertaining there. Big mistake! We were hundreds of miles from home but always travel with my soap. It took the extensive stains out of the shirt! What a save! It works on all natural and food stains. My Chemistry background helped me figure out why commercial soap does not have these qualities. For one, they take the glycerin out, that forms in the soap making process, to sell for things like cosmetics and hand lotion. Glycerin is a recognized skin healer. One daughter even said it was the best thing she had ever used on her face! I did finally (mentally), figure out how they used to do it with ashes and a big cauldron over a fire and hope that need doesn't arise!😅 I do always make soap outside when no little ones or animals might get into it. Lye is very dangerous. I keep a bowl of water and a bottle, plus a bowl of vinegar handy for neutralizing lye, if it gets where it is not supposed to be. When I pour the lye crystals into the water, I always make sure no one is downwind because a lot of fumes are released and it gets very hot. I wear a plastic apron and safety glasses. It is tricky and a learning process but oh so useful a skill to have!
Thank you so much for your videos. My wife and I both enjoy them and we feel that you guys are the most practical and down to earth and wise people putting this kind of information out there. Again, thank you for sharing your wisdom and discernment!
I started bartering with neighbors about a year back. My neighbor gives me all her double yolk eggs she can’t sell, and I make and giver her some of my gluten-free organic squash bread. I’ve been trying to find more and more opportunities for this type of behavior to build community and connect better. Unfortunately though there are always the asleep twits that only want to take advantage of everyone else, but I’m also starting to tag those people in my mind, so I know who to stay far away from when everything goes down😂
Darling if you can cook round artisan bread in a dutch over over your fire...you will barter that forever. A friend's MIL made Atisian Bread and I would send her $20 and she would send back a loaf of bread. Soooo delicious. In SHTF, you could make bread twice a week and sell it through a front window or a shack/stall near the street until it's all gone. If you decide to do that, start practicing now and stock up on your supplies including a paper wrap for selling. I'm disabled or I would plan on doing this. I sew and repair clothes. I'm hoping someone may have a need. Good luck.
@@kathymc234 In my county we have neighborhood granges...like a social center. I'm about a mile away from the closest one. It would be a good central location to have a small barter event. I better get the tires on that bike fixed!
Many Thxs for your practical and affirming discourse on Prepping/Bartering! Great! Tarps, I have been stockpiling for a while and only a few channels have mentioned them! At any rate, I have sooo much more to do! Wish there was a good local “friendly” prepping group to talk to but there is not!
Dear Mac’s, Thank you so much for all of your suggestions and loving kindness. May our God watch over you. I’m new at making comments but just wanted to let you know I am subscribed . Thank you
I dont think anyone else has explained bartering, and in such a relatable manner. Great video. Great ideas. I agree and I am moving some of my preps to have some extra when someone else needs it. Thanks.
In northeast MS we just had a little storm but a lot of rain. Sun is shining now. Thanks for the videos. My mom is a nurse. Back in the day she was the director of nursing over a nursing home. She said when her patients had been treated and treated for a cough but nothing seemed to work she would sneak and give them a toddy of liquor that had honey and peppermint in it. She said it would cure them every time. My 2nd daughter just got her nursing degree and started on the step down floor from the ICU. She’s going to get a lot of good experience.
I just recently bartered for a chicken plucker! I love to barter! I have been saving most of the items you suggested today. Thank you, again, for sharing your knowledge with us!
My sister went to her local ReStore (Habitat for humanity) and found a food saver vacuum sealer for $12. They are usually anywhere from $80-$300 so that was a good find. I found a practically new loveseat for my living room for $70. It reclines too. I love to find a good bargain
Growing up, anytime that we had sore throats, our mom would have us gargle warm salt water, to draw the soreness out. I’m subscribed to both channels! Appreciate all that you all do!
My German dad did this always, as did his whole family. Also, when he was coming down with something, like a bad cold, he always did the hot toddy; a little whiskey, warm water, and some honey in a mug, then covered up and sweat it out. Next day, GONE!
It's awesome to be in this space with the Mac's/ Life 💯✨ All channels cater to all aspects of life: spiritually, mentally, physically, emotionally and financially on an epic scale 🌎🙏✨✝️
Colby, I love both of The Macs’ channels!❤ Great video today. Misty’s pantry video from yesterday was also fantastic. Bartering skills will be important. Don’t know how good I’ll be at that skill. My friends and family tell me I give too much away. ❤
That was one of the most informative video I have seen in prepping. Your videos have propelled my own skills and management in prepping. Thank-you and God bless❤
This is a great list! I have an extensive one going. And try to pick up stuff here and there. The skills is key. I’m trying to learn more and build community with people who have skills different than me. As an example, I have a relative that’s really good at canning a couple that are excellent at hunting and breaking down animals and processing meat and one that’s really good with a gardening and one that’s good with electrical and we’re trying to make sure that our little extended family has all the skills that we needed. So even if it’s a skillet you can’t do her you’re not good at you could try to get in community with someone who has a skill do you think could be helpful I also think things like sugar and maple syrup can keep forever if you buy 100% natural, maple syrup and store them properly. For people who like to bake those are important. The miscellaneous list is great. I include trash bags which can be used for lots of different things as well as bungee cords and for sure zip ties, super glue and patch kits for tires and tarps. Also things like batteries and for light, fire and energy. The other thing that came to mind for me was if you have different types of lanterns or batteries or solar lamps are battery operated lamps and oil and oil lamps, it’s important to have different things to provide light. And another good barter is Ammo. It would take a special circumstance for me to trade it but you never know. And lastly things like caffeine for some people who will want it and if you don’t need or use it would be great to trade. Coffee and cola can give a lot of comfort in hard times. You can buy instant coffee that comes in little packets and would keep for ages and be worth trading for things you need.
My question,when money is"cancelled"and is not used any more,how will taxes be paid?How much of what will it take with who to to keep our property.BIG brother won't take a flock of chickens or a herd of cattle as taxes.They already want to get rid of those because they make greenhouse gases.They already want to ban farming.Better help vote in people who have at least a little sense.
Thanks Colby. Inner tubes for all your tires. Tire Repair plug kits and patches. Wooden handles for your tools. My brother gave me some hickory hammer and hatchet handles and 6ft hoe and rake handles. Saw blades. Metal buckets. Love me some zip ties. Thanks again.
I am so thankful for the helpful tips. My hubby and I have been working on our preparedness. Water is my worry. Hopefully, in time, we can make that purchase so we can filter it.
I went to a wholesaler and bought number of cases of tea, coffee, tp and tissues, enough to last me about 10 or 12 years, now of course prices have gone way up since I bought, example my coffee in a large can I paid 3.00 a tin for it, whats coffee now 10.00 or more. I am not telling you this to brag but to seek out wholesalers in your area and make it worth your while, of course I paid cash and there was no tax, lets just say the business owner paid the tax for me. Where theres a will theres a way.
Thanks again for sharing wisdom with us. I grew up in Pensacola, hurricanes, ECT. Learned a lot. Keep extras. Now up in the north east country. God bless Y'all always.✝️🙏
You gave wonderful information for bartering! Thank you. I have often wondered. I think cigarettes would also be good for bartering - by the pack. So many items that I want to get and add to my supplies for that purpose. Your videos and your wife’s have been extremely helpful and informative. A big thanks to both of you! ❤️🙏🇺🇸
Hi, what an awesome video. I have worked hard on our supplies and stock piles but you have just opened my eyes to all my weak links in my chain of preparedness. Oh my! I’m going to get right to work. Bless You and a Huge Thank You
You always give us so much to think about & act upon! Much appreciated, Colby! I'm glad I am subscribed to your other channel too, your wife is amazing!
Just when I think your information can not get any better, you outdo yourself. I truly feel it is because you are a man of God. Our Father is trully blessing us through you. I praise Our Lord because I found your channel that you so faithfully serve so many of us. By the way, I am not able to find your family channel. Can you write it so we can connect? Thank you so much!!
Fabulous video with lots of good ideas--thank you! as a good husband and good neighbor..Be Looking Up as well, "for our redemption draweth nigh." (Rev 22:7)
I use disstilled water for my CPAP machine and when it's empty, I refill it with water. So far I have filled eight Jugs For emergency. I Watch both your sites and have learned so much. Thank you. Blessings
@@JustCookIt813 we've used it for a bean tent; strings to climb in between the 3, 6 ft, 2x4s connected at the top. Also strung it over our blueberry bushes to hang i/2 lath strips on, with a hook, that had reflective streamers on the ends, that always flutter in the breeze. Works great to scare raiding birds!
