Too Poor to Prepare? 

As my husband sits watching the news or movies, I sit and learn how to do things. Videos on RU-vid have taught me so much. I am well stocked but I am learning herbs for medicine now. I hate wasting time watching “mindless” tv. I go 12-14 hrs a day homesteading, canning, dehydrating, or learning! I don’t travel, I don’t vacation, I don’t have fancy jewelry, etc. my pleasure is in my family and my homestead.

Have tried many times to get my daughters to stock up. Get the " can't afford to". Hit me the wrong way one day & I asked did they think those fancy fingernails, boxes of hair dye, newest iphones, would taste good when they were hungry? 😡 🤦‍♀️

I saw my prepper friend keep her house after a year's layoff. She ate off her food storage and used unemployment money to pay her mortgage. That really sold me on the idea.

I'm70 now, and a widower. I live on social security and a small retirement check. I refuse to be a victim! I do the best I can with what I have where I am. Not a bad way to live. Thank you Patara for what you do. You have a friend here in Northwest Alabama! Much love and many blessings to you and your family from an old man who is too stubborn to feel sorry for himself!

My husband lost his job a few weeks ago, it was very unexpected. I have been dehydrating food and buying extra cans every week. I can not tell you how grateful I am for that. I have been able to cook meals and make wonderful soup during this bitter cold weather we have had. ❤

This has got to be one of my favorite shows you’ve ever done. I’m 70 yrs old. I’m that really poor person, who chose to watch videos and learn to take care of myself and a special needs granddaughter I raise. I raise 80-85% of our food, I’ve learned to can. I’ve learned husbandry, I’ve learned to cull n process my own meat. No vacations, no mall visits, and new clothes. I asked my family members to give me canning jars for Christmas. I’m paying off bills fast as I can. Learning ever learning skills for myself. I support 2 people on one person social security. No excuses here. I’m proud of all I’ve learned in the last 5 years. I’m living my best life now. Love your show,keeping us accountable. From the Quachita mountains in Arkansas

I had a catastrophic illness where I went to work one day and have never been able to return due to changes in my health. I lost my career, my homestead, almost lost my life but I’ve survived! During all of this I provided for my daughter who was young when all of this happened. I’m coming up on my 24th anniversary of that illness in about ten days. I’m definitely not a victim, my pantry is filled for my needs. As of next month my car will be totally paid for and I’ll be debt free for the most part. I totally agree with you Patera!

I"ve been in this lifestyle for three years now. I don't have much money but buying just a little extra every time I go to the store helps build a pantry. I raise a small garden plus buy from local farmers during produce auctions. I can, dehydrate everything I can get my hands on. I have a good relationship with God and pray for guidance every day. My friends think I am crazy not going on shopping trips and little adventures with them but I find my peace and joy working with the dirt in my little garden and watching it grow.

The devil saw me with my head down and thought he had won until I said amen... stay strong and buckle up...

I was given a box of tomatoes and cucumbers from a free food program, I didn't let them sit and rot, I canned tomatoes and made pickles...if you go to food banks, have SNAP, even the poor have no excuse.

You are so cute! I am 77, live on $800 a month… My parents and grandparents were from the Great Depression so I am a prepped…2020 I started walking in Dollar Tree, spending $5 a week to get in extra supplies. Food, water,medicine…, you are such an encouragement to me. I was drawn to your channel because of of your love for all animals!!! I made sure to get extra food for my cats, birds, and strays…. I have been fasting 20 Ned a day and eat in a 4 hr window just to practice! Shop at thrift stores… I am happier now than ever!!! God Bless you!!!!! Debt free. Love you!!!! I am totally prepared…

I love useful gifts! My cast iron came from my mom. My sister gave me a case of toilet paper, I gave her a case of chili!😊 we think outside the box.

I'm in my 70's and I admit I spend a lot of time in my recliner but in my defense I have spent the last several years getting my pantry prepper ready. I have enough food for 5 years, 4 freezers with backup power, generators, a drugstore in a closet, cleaning supplies for several years and every item that I might possibly need and some I just want. I continue to add to my food each and every time I go to the store! You won't catch me unprepared!

My pressure canner was made in 1954, it’s called “Maid of Honor” I use it every time I can! Parts are still available. Use it up wear it out or go without!

Heck for under 4.00 you can get a 12 pack of ramen noodles. Not the best meal but it sure beats starvation.

Today you can buy a 5 lb bag of rice for $3.34 and a 4lb bag of pinto beans for $3.76 at Walmart. There is zero excuse for not having some food stored. I will not tolerate a persons choice to be a victim, while they blame it on those who are wide awake.

I appreciate your message today. A couple of years ago, I had a strong prompting that I needed to learn to pressure can. I didn’t have a pressure canner. I didn’t feel like I could afford a new one. I decided to go to FB marketplace. I found one. I watched a TON of videos and I was no longer intimidated to do it. I’m so glad I did it! I love canning!! What a sense of peace it brings. Then later I had an elderly lady contact me about a bunch of canning jars. I was thrilled to buy them from her!!

I hope this inspires someone to start prepping something. I'm a momma of 7, we live off of a single income. by focusing on God cutting out things we really didn't need and being wise with our money. my husband brings home about 40k a year we have been able to buy a home outright pay off most all our debt and store food as well as other things that are vital. we didn't sit around and cry poor me. we prayed, made a plan and stuck with it. if our large family can do it off of one income you can do it to. buy extra cans of food when they go on sale, learn a new skill. great family time is learning something together.

I will be 52 th end of this month. Last week, I received a letter stating that March 5th will be my last day. Lay offs are hitting hard. I never thought at my age, I would be out here job hunting. I do not have 6 months of food stored, but I have several weeks. I took your advice and I do try to buy 10 cans of food each payday. I was given a pressure canner from family for Christmas. I have about 4 dozen jars stored up for canning this summer that I found thrifted. They always say God will close doors and open new ones. You just have to have faith and trust in his plan.

If you really want to do something you'll find a way... If you don't you'll find an excuse... One of my fav quotes

Yup, I’ve heard that line more than once in my life. However, I don’t get my gray hair colored, my nails done and my eyebrows waxed. I get excited when I do one of a half million things to provide for my family and my farm. I have an EXTREMELY tight circle of people I’m going to protect. There’s gonna be a lot of other people who are shocked to find out they’re not in the circle. 🤷‍♀️ Lorie 🧡😊

My power outage allotment is 2 per year and we have met that for 2024. As a result, I have now completed my scout badge in generator management. I'm so thrilled.

I do the five cans a week per Patera’s suggestion . It adds up fast! We drive 22 year old cars we bought used . You can do it.

I let go of cable, I purchased an antena from Walmart to view free TV channels, Saved $. I do not have internet, I use my phone for everything, Saved $. I purchase generic brands and look at sales and coupons for food, Saved $. I have not been on any vacations for many years. Just some of the things I do to save $. You can save if you stay aware and have a desire to save. It just comes down to what your priorities are. Also prayer helps!

If people stop eating premade food they would save alot of money, and that extra can go to preparing. Homemade food also tastes so much better.

I choose to be a survivor and a thriver, rather than a victim.

I will just put it out there, we are a single income family of 7. I homeschool the children. My husband does not make much money at all. We get SNAP benefits for food. I budget, coupon and cook from scratch nearly everything we eat. I grow a garden, I freeze food and can food. I donate to a local blessing box a few times per year. I have a fully stocked pantry. It is work, but being poor is not an excuse I buy into either. We are poor, but prepared as we can be.

Even if you just started this year you are in better shape than last year.

Patara you hit the nail on the head!! I'm so sick of hearing "it must be nice". Damn straight it's nice! These people watched us bust our butts working, cooking from scratch, learning new skills, paying off debt, all while they bought new cars, vacationed, and blew money. None of what any of us do is overnight, it's baby steps and continually going.

My husband passed away 11 years ago. That's when my son and I realized we needed to start preparing. Day by day, week by week ever since. We will never stop but we do feel more comfortable as time goes on. We have reached a point where we try to add $200.00 to others preps each month now, as well as continuing to add to our own. Seems like every time we try to add to someone else's, we find something we need on sale. Funny how that works isn't it. Bless you and all the good you do. You go girl.❤

Every journey begins with a single step. My pressure canner was a gift from an elderly customer because she could no longer can. I had asked her a few questions about how she canned food for her kids. She saw that I was interested In learning. We had good talks and she walked me down her memory lane. She gave me her old canner , jar lifter, and funnel. That was over 15 years ago. I still use that canner and think of her and her husband each time we use it. They are both gone now, but her legacy lives on in my kitchen. Thank you Mr and Mrs leach

Some people are confused as to what is a luxury and what is necessary. When we finally go without something, that difference becomes apparent. We need to pray for them

Hello Tennessee My water burst despite all my efforts Can’t wait for 63 degrees can’t even drive right now horses colicky now can’t even carry them water Not my favorite time of the year doing it all and pretty wore out plumber didn’t show hope I don’t have to fix it myself Again Prayers needed rough times

I started preparing & prepping during the great TP shortage. It's now my HOBBY. I'M 75 and retired . First time in all my life that I feel SAFE and SECURE. YOU CAN PREPARE, DO IT SLOW & AND A LITTLE VERY CHANCE YOU GET ! GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND START PREPARING AND PREPPING TODAY !!!!!😊❤

Don’t forget to let friends and family know you will take any food items they don’t want. Many times I’ve gotten to talking with people who mention they bought something they didn’t like or need. Recently I snagged three quarts of homemade vegetable soup that really only needed spicing up, a large bottle of Costco olive oil that was too big for my mothers household, most of a chocolate Bundt cake that I froze into pieces and a large bag of lemons from a neighbor that had several very productive trees. I am not too proud to say yes.

Amen Petara! I am so sick of people judging me! As I stated earlier in a reply several months ago I no longer talk preparedness to those that refuse to do so! Drive fancy cars, live in expensive homes and vacation several times and claim they don't understand why I spend so much preparing! Thank God you are still warning folks. I don't! And they will not know where I live! I can't save the world and that includes family! Be careful who you share your preparedness with!!!!!

I’m a 73 year old widow who cuts corners whenever I can. My Kroger frequently has 4X fuel points on Friday so that’s when I shop. I search the weekly ads and will only purchase items at least 1/3 off. I check out the 3 clearance areas in the store. Today I filled my gas tank saving 70¢ per gallon. No, I didn’t spend $700 on groceries, at 4X fuel points I had only spent $175 for the entire month. I can or freeze surplus. My pantry takes up a third of my basement.

Ground thawed out today. North East Texas here. Cranked up the old Case tractor and put the disc on and plowed up the garden spot. 74 year old gal working my farm on my own. Husband passed 3 years ago. I think he would be proud of what I'm doing with the land that's been in his family since the early 40's. I'm doing the best I can but tending all the goats piggies chickens and cows this past week in all the freezing weather took a toll on me. Made me wonder if I'll be able to do it next winter? Keep on keeping on! Put your trust in the Lord and keep on keeping on.

For Mother's Day I got a load of top soil for my raised beds...❤❤❤❤❤

Well I'll tell you what , I'm a Senior Citizen on my own with no car, liveing on a homestead the past 5 years down here in SW Missouri. I've been spending a little every month since the Covid hit 3 years ago!! Cut my own hair, do my own everything and take care of 4 dogs and 4 cats I rescued!!!! Gonna get me some chickens or quail this year for eggs!! My last quail the farm dog down the road got ahold of!!!!! I haven't went on a vacation for years!! I'd rather just be right here on my homestead with my pets!!! I'm not rich by any means just takeing care of business!!! Patera don't listen to these folks saying your rich thats why you have what you have, it takes WORK TO GET AHEAD IN THIS WORLD! Stay safe❤

I canned 7 quarts of cabbage and ham soup today, ham .99 a lb. cabbage .35 a lb. I look for sales. I canned 18 pints of buffalo chicken last week, i found chicken breast for .99 lb. I used the bones from the breast and canned chicken broth. Shop sales, im a 65 yeat old male and if i can do it anyone can.

My wife and I went through a pretty bad bankruptcy 6 years ago. Afterwards we had to answer the tough questions you posed to ourselves. It's hard at first to realize you made mistakes, but once you acknowledge what happened and are honest with yourself and your loved ones, life gets easier. It doesn't matter how much money you have, it's your mindset. We call that "getting over your bs and getting back to it". Our pantry may not be the best, but our family won't starve. You just have to try, and stop making excuses. Remember, it's not too late and do what you can. This ain't a race.

Did you see that Aldi's has a policy that says: if you have an expiration date that is due within five days, you can ask for a 50% off discount!

Girl you are speaking my language! I am old enough to be your mother, and oh how we could sit and have some good conversations. My husband and I have to pause your video so many times to talk about what you are saying and add our own 2 cents to the conversation. We live this life not because we are scared but it’s the life we choose and love it!! In fact when we greet people at church and they go to shake my 68 year old husband’s hand, they always comment on his worn, dried, calloused hands. They grab his hand and pull him closer to say now this is a real man’s hand! 🤣❤️ Trying to live by example to teach those willing to follow our example.

Life is all about choices! Some want to make poor choices yet get others’ help and sympathy. As Patara has consistently said, preparing even a little at a time makes a big difference. Just like building a savings account a dollar at a time.

“The greatest wealth is to live content with little “-Plato

5:41 I’m so proud of myself! I live in South Knoxville, almost Seymour, and this snowstorm was actually so much less stressful than in past times. I looked around at my canned goods, my water containers, my extra wood for my fireplace, and my Buddy heater, and I told my daughter (in West Knoxville) that there is nothing that I need or want! You are right. It takes years to prepare, but the peace of mind is SO worth it! ❤❤

You're 100% right Patara. We live in a small suburban town, living check to check. Our back yard is less than 500 sq ft. In the past 2 years, I bought a used water bath canner, a new Presto pressure canner, learned how to seed save, converted a 5 shelf wire rack into a mini indoor greenhouse so I can grow my own saved seeds. Last year I planted (90) 5 gallon buckets of tomatoes, cukes, peppers, beans, squash and various herbs. We buy a few extra boxes of pasta or cans of tuna each week and bulk buy beans, sugar and flour and store it in mylar bags. 😅 Preparedness is a marathon, not a 100 yard dash. It takes time, devotion and is definitely a lifestyle change. Take the $10 you spend on your Grande' Starbucks coffee every day and buy a $10 48oz jar of Maxwell House grounds and you'll have coffee for a month. You just saved $200 per month.

When the pandemic hit, i started stocking food & supplies. I live below poverty level and I still do something every month & go to the pantry, too! I do not receive Snap bc they want to know your whole life. I went to Sams Club this month & bought 10 lbs of hamburger that I tried to purchase the last 2 months. Sure its hard but I'm as ready as i can be as a single woman. Keep trying your best. Put your priorities in order bc food is costly. Keep stacking & Patara I've listen and you keep telling people to prepare. Thank you so much...

It really comes down to a state of mind. The vast majority of us have weaknesses and vulnerabilities and I would guess that the majority of us to varying degrees have been hit where it hurts and sets us back. Some of us have been slammed down numerous times. I grew up in a pretty affluent home, but we also farmed. Farming relies heavily on the weather. A tornado can take all you have, a hail storm, wind storm, flood, drought, you name it, it can knock you back bigtime. It's at these moments that we have to make a choice of whether we're going to give up or figure out how to pick up the pieces and carry on. It'd be easy to just wallow in it and give up, but very few ever do. We learn from the older generations how to prepare for the bad years as much as possible, but we also know that no matter how much we prepare there will be times where we're going to need a hand. That is why we try to help others when they're down and hope that they'll be there for us if needed. Today, I see so many people who not only spend every penny they make, but they spend it all on making payments for things they didn't want to wait for. Debt and immediate gratification has become a way of life. They have no savings to cover even the smallest setback. Some can't afford to live where they're living, yet they choose to stay rather than move to a more affordable area or home. There is almost always a choice to stay in your current situation or to get out of it. That choice is often not something that we want to do. It might be a very difficult choice to make or even scary as heck, but it is still a choice. When you're drowning in 2' of water you have to stand up to survive. I've watched so many choose to drown. They quit trying, they quit their marriage, they blame everyone else, but never look in the mirror for answers. It's hard, but you have to choose to be a survivor or remain a victim. It's all a state of mind. If you think I haven't been a victim, think again. I've been through plenty. The only reason I'm alive today is because someone thought I was already dead. I'm disabled and single trying to prepare the best that I can for what's coming. I can't afford that beautiful woodstove that Patera has, but I can get a little grill to use in the garage. I don't have all the animals, but I also don't have their feed bill LOL. I do have a handful of chickens though. I plant a garden to help feed myself and the chickens. I can trade things that I can still do for some other needs. I have plenty of days when I consider giving up. I'm in so much pain and my body doesn't work worth a crap, but I believe God still has a purpose for me being here. For the life of me I don't know what that could be, but I'm still here and still trying to do the best that I can. Get your head in the game and it will eventually work out however it's supposed to I guess. I hope this helps someone else out there.

People need to understand that they have choices and choices have consequences. It's about making better choices not excuses.

I am broker than broke but I am still prepping. I mean, people would not believe how cheaply I am living and I am still growing stuff. I just got a whole bunch of seeds that were gifted to me by answering an ad I saw for someone who was giving out seeds. I mean unbelievable amounts of seeds. There's always something you can do I have a little farm within the farm where I stay and take care of animals. I've got geese. I've got a pig which I will breed when she is old enough. I've got my horse for transportation. When there is no more gasoline .barely scrape by in order to feed my animals but I get it done I grow food also to feed my animals. My pig basically cost me nothing to feed. She gets every scrap plus things that I grow. Never throw away any leftovers whatsoever. They are very useful for feeding beginning to make cheese. Because this is a goat farm. And I get free Milk There is always away and I watch videos. Constantly, I'm going to start making my own bread. You can truly do all these things with hardly any money whatsoever.

Been “prepping” for 38 years, since I married my farmer husband. Our location here in Eastern Kentucky taught me within a few weeks of getting married that better be stocked up when winter hits. Our grown children thankfully stock up because that’s how they were raised, and it stuck! Even though they’re not totally “awake” on how tough it might possibly get.

You are so right, Patara! Rich people can run out and buy all the stuff but they don't have the skills to use it properly. There is more to being prepared than just buying stuff.

Been prepping since around 2008-09. Don't make a lot of money and I remember thinking ,"How will I ever get accomplished what I want to do?" I can tell you being determined to live this type of lifestyle, with the help of the Holy Spirit, and ALWAYS looking for the next thing on the list to do.......In a few years, it not only builds up what material things you need, it builds your faith and character! Absolutely love your videos Patera and reading through the comments .....thanks to everyone and stay warm!

I get upset when someone tells me they can't afford to prep but they smoke or vape. The average cost of a pack of cigarettes is $8. If they gave up 2 packs a week, you can get, for example: 19 cans of pinto beans at my Walmart. Next week, 17lbs of rice. The next week, 23 cans of chicken noodle soup. The next week, 13 cans of spaghetti-O's. That's 72 cans on your shelf, in one month. And they can still smoke. Maybe the next month cut out one more pack. They'll feel better physically and emotionally.

15 years ago i was working for a company that didn't care for the employees and in deep -4 me- dept. It will be finally paid off this year!!!! 5 years ago i realized my mother was going too far into dementia and i couldn't deny it anymore. I lost her 7.4.22. I was trying to get a pantry going while watching my mom open and toss everything that she came across and didn't understand. I have been learning how to make bread. I just found out rodents were having fun with some of my flour bags. I am very grateful that I put my rice in glass jars. I have bought myself a pressure canner i just have to get over my fear of it. One year all i had to eat was the malva weeds growing in my backyard. I bought some fruit trees but not sure how long i will be living here. My sister's want to sell the house as soon as my dad passes. So my pretty trees might just be a gift to whomever gets the house. Only thing i can do is focus on things going good and not letting someone year me down. Thank you Patara we all need a kick at times.

I’m 😊poor and I have prepared. You can do something .I ve been doing preparing for 20 years and with the loss of my home do to a fire. I just pull up my pants and started all over again. Oh by the way I’m 75 and not in good health.you know it girl and your right the government won’t help.

I am starting over as my husband and I split up. I have my mom and grandma's cast iron and my water bath canner. Have my cookbooks, my mom's ball canning book and her recipe box. Also have the memories of helping those wonderful women on the farm. I am stuck in a trailer park and will be planting things in flower pots and buying from farmers market but I will can what I can. Right now working on getting a deep freezer and trying to save for a pressure canner but I know that one is out of my reach for some time. Living on SSI only goes so far but I try and catch what sales I can and put back something each month even if it is only a few cans.

I grew up poorer than dirt only getting one Christmas present in 18 years. Our parents taught us from the time we could walk what to do in the gardens. If we didn't have a garden growing up we probably wouldn't be here today. We didn't depend on the government for nothing There are no excuses! 😠

I put this freezing weather to good use. Put my big bags of newly purchased rice and flour on the porch before storing. My apartment sized fridge wouldn’t fit them. Im out on s/t disability with no income for another month. I still find ways to put back.

Jesus is your #1 prep by far anyways. And salvation is 100% free!

Every time I go into Walmart I buy a case of veggies. I get 3 cans of 4 types. It cost about 8.00. I get toiletries from dollar and a quarter store. When I go in I get 4 tubes of toothpaste or 4 bottles shampoo etc... I gave up my cable box 5 years ago and only watch you tube tgat I cast to my tv. It can be done a dollar here a dollar there. It may look puny sitting in the closet at first but it adds up fast.

I saw a lady post that she buys crock pots at yard sells for winter. She said she pots water in the crock pots on warm setting to make sure there is water for her chickens

Yes girl! I always ask for "prepper things" for birthdays, Christmas, and Mothers Day! I could care less about fancy clothes or jewelry. I don't make much but hard work pays off! I hope my kids are seeing it and realize it one day.

Dave Ramsey said it well, “live like no one else so you can live like no one else” ! It’s all about priorities!!!

I can understand how hard it is to be prepared when you don't have money. There was a time not that long ago when I was in the same spot. I traded things with my friends. I searched yard sales for deals. I started growing my own food at home, at my parents house, and as part of a church garden. Think outside the box. Do you have an elderly neighbor with a garden plot or fruit trees? Make a deal, you can maintain the garden and split the veggies/fruit. They might be able to teach you to can or preserve food! Are there fruit trees in your area that never get harvested? Talk to the owners and make a deal. Many are elderly and just can't get out there anymore. Make a deal to pick the fruit and spilt it. One lady in my town would let my friends and our kids pick her plum trees every year. We would bring her back plum jam and plum jam bread as a thank you. She was so excited to see younger people canning and baking. Our church had a soup-n-swap every spring. It was fantastic! We had a potluck and brought in clothing to trade. I was able to get clothing for my kids and get rid of things they had outgrown. Think outside the box.

Many people hear the words "prep", " get prepared" and instantly think that will cost a fortune..It doesn't. GATHER as you go..Stop off at that yard sale, gather that tent, extra silverware/pans, blankets, sweaters, etc..Gather an extra can or 2(or 10) of that on sale veggie, fruit, beans...Patera is spot on, its a LIFESTYLE..change your mind set. Many people see extra blankets/pans at yard sale/thrift store and its just extra clutter, has a dent, doesnt match etc..A changed mindset sees oh nice, cheap extra blankets/pans that can be put back for future use, if no heat and heck even a fort lol..All about priorities, mindset and doing the best with what money you have..Knowledge is free!

I am so not rich! But if something is on sale, I will buy it! I can whatever I can. It gets done over time. Buying five cans a week of something possibly even at the dollar store, to squirrel away, will add up quite nicely over time. Don’t need to be rich to do that!

I'm 68 almost 69 years old and we called them snot rags too!!😊

We don't take vacations either. Too many other things more important and I can't leave my babies (animals).

We have always lived under our means, now after 49yrs of marriage it's finally paid off 👍

Some time ago my husband lost his job unexpectedly from plant closing. He was out of work for 6 months. I took a part-time job and we had unemployment which is not much. At my job I found a family (with 2 young childred) sleeping in the trailer I worked in. I took them home. They stayed with us while they got back on their feet . Not long after that my husband found a job the week our unemployment ran out. God was looking out for us. We were able to do that because we always have some additional preparations. I cannot imagine only having 3 days of food on hand like they tell us some people do. Even when I was working part time jobs and living at the Y years ago (in the 70's) I had a box with extra food for when I didn't have work and a little hotpot to heat soup. I lived that way for almost a year before getting a full time job and an apartment. I had $10 a week for food the weeks I got paid. I always had at least a months supply of food in that box. It can be done. Seriously, if you are determined.

I'm teaching myself how to can and preserve.

Patara, your neck is red....that shows your passion and concern you have for others. ❤

I began my preparedness life style in 2010. Last vacation was around 2007. For my 20th wedding anniversary, I asked for an All American canner. I am very happy and there is NOT a high maintenance bone in my body. 😊

Patara i haven't been able to go on a vacation since 1976. And i don't miss it. I'd rather stay home, and i did. Helped my parents out, got a couple jobs, got married and had 3 babbies, Got divorced and raised those 3 by my self. Found a full time job. After 5 years Ended up getting hurt by the hands of someone else and now im disabled. I have a hard time standing just acouple minutes. And i was the kind of person that was always on the move. Im ADHD and my mind is still trying to tell my body to get up and move. But the body says piss on you. I dont know why im telling you this, i guess cause its on my mind. Love y'all ❤❤ have a great night and a better tomorrow. God bless. From Michigan. Freezing our buns off.

People seem to misunderstand. We are preppers because we are NOT rich.

I have worked two jobs a total of nine years to get where I am. Not even close to being rich… but I am prepared ❤

On Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays our salvation army has fresh produce. I stopped in 10min before they closed. Only 4 different items left, lentils, pitted prunes, cut cantaloupe and cut honeydew melon. They were getting ready to throw it all in the trash. I took a couple of each, they ask me if I wanted the rest- i said yes. I ended up with 18 2lb bags of lentils, 8bags of prunes and 4 each of the fruit. Big score..And they were going to throw it all away.

Found your channel last yr. I have accumulated a yr worth of food. Sadly I had a judgment against me for money dad supposedly owed on HOA amenities. The extra money I need to pay has made it so difficult to make ends meet. I am on SSDI. I am so thankful for what I was able to get. I now go to our food bank in order to get food. Sadly I am in a contract with DISH but as soon as it is up, I will cancel it. My landline phone bill and Internet are bundled for CenturyLink price for life program. I still try to get extra where possible. I now go to thrift store for Christian books. I recently got right with Jesus and am doing so many devotionals. Even though money is very tight, I am happy. I am thankful the Lord worked it out that I could still live here since dad died in this house and I want to die in it too.

I never expected that it would all go so bad so fast.....thank you Patara 💕

I have worked for everything in my life. My husband & work hard as both of our parents taught us. I am resentful when people tell me I am " lucky" for what I have. I worked hard and made sacrifices for what I have.

YES, I AM DOING THE BEST THAT I CAN. IT ISN'T EASY.

I agree, it is a case of priorities, Patara. I have a living below my means lifestyle, and it has enabled me to prepare and to get out of debt. I am not rich by any means, and I don’t live the high life, but God has been good to me. I don’t have a spouse, so I am doing it alone. If I can, so can others.

Stay warm y'all!

What kills me that some people think that we are rich. i am far from it. I have been purchasing a little extra for over 4 years now. When I see a deal on things i put other WANTS on the back burner for NEEDS. I am on disability but i grow food, can food, dehydrate food, etc. i have egg layers, raise meat chickens and turkeys. It can be done on a fixed income if you hunker down and do it. Buy seeds instead of that meal at McDonalds or whatever.

I really relate to this Patara, Ive been busting butt trying to get ready, tried telling others, they dont listen...or say Ill be coming to your house....nope, you dont want to do that...71 yo Navy Veteran

You do without to prepare, you find a penny on the ground pick it up. You be surprise how it adds up.... how many times have you walked by and not pick it up?? It's funny because now I find quarters. I always wink at God and thank him for the raise LOL... when you don't have money you learn to do things that most people don't think about. God gives you ideas as you walk on this path. The next thing you know God is helping you. It's called being led by the Holy Spirit. Those are going to be the ones that will thrive through all of this. Oh you may not get wealthy . But you learn faith through it all.

Just replying to thumbnail. Even if you are homeless and broke, you can read books at your local library. I recommend Eulle Gibbons, Stalking the Wild Asparagus. If you are under 50 and able bodied, get a bicycle. You can figure out a place to go stay overnight in the woods, six or seven miles outside of the settlements, if you choose carefully. Use the shelters as resources, get a shower, get clothes and get a job. My own off the grid project is involved with using ecargo bikes. I can dump my garbage and get groceries without having to register my vehicle. I see it as myself having more freedom because DMV doesn't know about me. I do think that young people should think about it the ebike technology is taking off right now. I do see it as another way for one to liberate ones self from the system

I live on a fixed (small budget) and have been prepping for a year. Everytime I see a sale I will pick up an extra. It will never go to waste. And it adds up.

While I am working and have the money, I bought a new pressure canner, food saver, dehydrator and grain mill. I gave my old items to my stepson. Haven't had time to use them and no garden my first year here but I won't always be working. I am so happy to have the car paid off and be debt free. For so much of my life, I couldn't afford anything and it was a struggle.

I’ve been working with prep for 3 years and I’ve accumulated quite a bit. Unfortunately, I’m in a subdivision and can’t get any livestock. I do can all meat including deer, chicken and beef.

Sending hugs and prayers , for your strength , peace and clear mind ! The loving Truthtellers are desperately needed...keep them wrapped in prayers , please !

I have learned to Can and preserve food, I have learned to garden, and freeze dry food, I am completely debt free now becasue of watching videos like yours. I have canned pasta sauce canned chicken and burger, potatoes, and I even made chicken and turkey stock for the first time this year. I'm very proud of myself and feel very accomplished.

I’m in Alabama. I haven’t drove my car for 5 days because of the ice on the roads. I ate most of my fruit. I canned peaches in the summer. It’s a satisfying feeling to see the canned peaches and know if I can’t get out for another few days, I have fruit. I’m learning slowly but at least I’m learnin’😊

Cheering you on with every point you were making tonight Patara. It is like in the Bible the parable of Ten Talents. You make the best of what you have. Also the widow’s mite. And the loaves/fishes… God can bless even the smallest effort!! Staying busy. 😊

It’s a part the Red Sea moment. They have us cornered, and God will turn there evil into their demise. Love you Patara. Thanks for the encouragement. Soo hard , but we’re victorious not victim’s! Come Lord Jesus!👆🏽🎺💫🕊🙏🏽

Rice and beans, potatoes are still at the grocery store. put 20 lb rice away in canning jars 20 lbs of beans in canning jars and can 20 lbs of potatoes. you won't starve for a while. Then next month buy cheap soap and shampoo, jug of lysol and cheap store brand laundry and dish soap, one lg box of garbage bags. These are besides what you normally buy. ask people to save water bottles and jugs go to a friends or relatives in town and fill them up for storage of water. CDC says city treated water does not need to be treated for long term storage. Get to dollar store and buy all the non hybrid seeds 4 for a dollar. Start planning now for that garden you will have this summer to fill in with rice and beans. Fall you will save seeds for next year. order seed potatoes and onion sets now or if you can't buy when they come into your local stores immediately. Save some potatoes in the fall, for planting next year. Put down plastic and grow squash and pumpkins , no weeding needed . plant pickles and melons as well on the plastic. put in tomatoes and peppers on same plastic . won't need weeding. now buy more rice beans and potatoes start over.

An extra can of soup at Walmart $.68 on sale. There are food pantries out there that can be utilized then buy what you need that you didn’t get. That is one of Many ways to have a few dollars to pick up a few things. From what I have been told food pantries can vary, but in many places people are able to go to more than 1 food pantry. I say this for those that can’t find other ways to prepare… A neighbor may have too many veggies and put them out for free… Pack lunch for work, fill a thermos for coffee. Buying coffee alone can add up very quickly…