Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at the nascent rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). (See the Forex & Cryptos section.) Precious Metals: Gold Eyes Fourth Straight Weekly Gain. o  o  o Now Even Jim Cramer’s Talking About Buying Gold. Economy, Finance & Politics: The Point of No Return. (Written by one of my heroes, …



Preparedness Notes for Thursday — August 18, 2022

August 18th is the birthday of Meriwether Lewis, an American explorer, soldier, politician and public administrator that is best known for his role as the leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. — I just noticed that we’ve now archived 36,344 blog articles, columns, and quotes. Please let your friends know that the entire SurvivalBlog archives are available free of charge. (Subscriptions are entirely voluntary.) The archives can be accessed by category, by date, or via our search box at the top of the right-hand bar. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 102 of the …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “JWR”. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. Today, a special listing of blogs, vlogs, and podcasts that are recommended by JWR. Note: When I updated these lists (on August 11, 2022), I found a lot of blogs that have gone “404”, …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — August 17, 2022

While salmon fishing near the Klondike River in Canada’s Yukon Territory on August 17th, 1896, George Carmack reportedly spotted nuggets of gold in a creek bed. His lucky discovery sparked the last great gold rush in the American West — commonly called the Klondike Rush.  His two companions later agreed that Skookum, Jim – Carmack’s brother-in-law, actually made the discovery. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 102 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly column is a collection of short snippets: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — Fox News: Top health official: New York treating polio case as ‘tip of the iceberg’. o  o  o In the Stars & Stripes: One year after Afghanistan, spy agencies pivot toward China. o  o  o Taiwan dominates the world’s supply of computer chips – no wonder the US is worried. o  o  o SaraSue …


The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Every act of a delegated authority, contrary to the tenor of the commission under which it is exercised, is void. No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution, can be valid. To deny this, would be to affirm, that the deputy is greater than his principal; that the servant is above his master; that the representatives of the people are superior to the people themselves; that men acting by virtue of powers, may do not only what their powers do not authorize, but what they forbid.” – Alexander Hamilton


Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — August 16, 2022

On August 16th, 1841, President John Tyler vetoed a second attempt by Congress to re-establish the Bank of the United States. In response, angry supporters of the bank gathered outside the White House and burned an effigy of Tyler. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 102 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies of interest to preppers and survivalists that are located in the American Redoubt region. Today, a special round-up of independently-owned retail businesses in the American Redoubt. These stores are great alternatives to the larger chain and “Big Box” stores. Idaho Hutton’s General Store, Harrison. A local landmark. o  o  o Falls General Store, Saint Anthony. A combination drug store and …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — August 15, 2022

James Fisher sent us an obituary of inventor Ken Young (pictured): “Our dear old friend, mentor, and inventor of the SIEGE Belts and universal SIEGE Stove Cross-Members, Ken Young, passed away last week. He had been fighting cancer for over a year and had received the all-clear earlier this year, only to have it recently return. The second round of chemo proved to be too much for him and he went downhill quickly — alas a few hours before we made it to Sonora to see him one last time. Active and alert to the very end, just two days …


Recipe of the Week: Mrs. Alaska’s Puddings

The following recipes for puddings are from Mrs. Alaska.  Her long-running blog is: Alaska Bush Life, Off-Road, Off-Grid. Why buy boxed pudding mix with fake flavors when you can make this comfort food from scratch in just three minutes (really!) from common pantry ingredients that are superior. Enjoy it warm or cold, alone or with fresh fruit. Once you make these simple puddings, I imagine that one can figure out how to make savory puddings, too, for example, with chicken broth, for people who are sick, or have toothaches, or have swallowing issues. Chocolate pudding Ingredients for one serving. Multiply, …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we take a final look at the opportunity to stock up on 80%-complete receivers, in the United States. (See the Tangibles Investing section.) Precious Metals: First up, a piece by Frank Holmes: Geopolitical Tensions Between the U.S. and China are Boosting Haven Demand for Gold. o  o  o Gold Price Forecast: Valid …