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. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, another look at China’s Financial woes. (See the Economy & Finance section.)

Precious Metals:

Following Donald Trump’s election, the U.S. Dollar and stocks were up. Meanwhile, Bitcoin was up, and precious metals were down, in Dollar terms. Because the Federal budget deficit is continuing to grow, the long-term prospects for the U.S. Dollar are dour. I anticipate that gold, silver, and platinum will continue to be seen as safe havens.  Siver’s recent dip below $31.30 should be seen as a buying opportunity. Spot silver was at $32.12 on Thursday evening (Friday A.M., in Asian trading.) I consider that a “buy”, at that price.  – JWR

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Year-end and 2025 gold forecast: $3,000 and possibly beyond​.

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At Gold-Eagle.com: Goldman Sachs: Central Bank Demand Has Reset Gold’s Price Levels.

Economy & Finance:

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The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“It is a mercy that our lives are not left for us to plan, but that our Father chooses for us; else might we sometimes turn away from our best blessings, and put from us the choicest and loveliest gifts of His providence.” – Susannah Thompson Spurgeon

Preparedness Notes for Thursday — November 7, 2024

On November 7, 1512, the Medici family discharged Niccolo Machiavelli from Florence.

November 7, 1805: The Lewis and Clark Expedition first sighted the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Columbia River.

November 7, 1885: The Canadian Pacific Railway was completed at Craigellachie – connecting British Columbia with Eastern Canada.

November 7th is also the anniversary of the death of actor Steve McQueen (born March 24, 1930, died November 7, 1980). The many well-publicized exploits in his tempestuous life and his enduring persona are well known. However, the end of his life is actually the most noteworthy part of his legacy, even though it seldom gets much publicity outside of Christian circles. He came to Jesus after he had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. He died with his forefinger pointing to his key verse in his Bible – Titus 1:2.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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 $2,000.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value). Their catalog includes their new Survival Gunsmithing course.
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of firearms purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $925,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 115 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

 

Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 2.)

We will also need a narrow flat file, preferably one with a smooth side so as not to dull the chain teeth.  This file is need to set the rakers for the depth of cut.  A raker gauge is expensive, but you will need at first to help make sure than enough material is removed to lower the raker height and allow the teeth to take a big enough bite of the wood to cut efficiently.  If you file the raker too low, then the chain will cut too aggressively and may  slow the saw engine down and lower its RPM to a point that the motor does not have enough horsepower to cut.  A symptom of when the rakers need to be filed is when the teeth are very sharp, yet a fast-running saw cuts slowly.

JWR Adds:  There are dozens of videos on YouTube that show how to sharpen chains. The websites of all of the major chainsaw makers also have some good advice,  For example:

Continue reading“Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit”

The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is 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. In today’s column, we look at new Federal identification requirements.

“REAL ID” Will Be Required in May, 2025

The statist MSN reports: TSA Makes Final Ruling on Real ID Requirements at Airport Checkpoints.  Here is a quote:

“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a final rule in the Federal Register allowing passengers to use driver’s licenses at airport security checkpoints and in entrances to federal buildings for identification until REAL ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025.

Effective November 25, 2024, this final rule allows states to apply to TSA for a temporary waiver of certain REAL ID requirements written in the REAL ID regulations. Once approved, those states Mobile Driver’s Licenses (mDLs) will continue to be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints.”

JWR’s Comment: This is yet another reason to keep your passports updated.  Even if you carry a driver’s license without a “star”, your passport will still be acceptable ID for flights or for entering Federal facilities.

The Americans Prepping for a Second Civil War

Sam B. mentioned this, published by the leftist/statist/Kamalaist New Yorker: The Americans Prepping for a Second Civil War.

Living Off the Land — With or Without the Land

Reader C.B. sent this from the leftist Washington Post: A new generation embraces living off the land — with or without the land.

Continue reading“The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“In the market, the fittest are those most able to serve the consumers; in government, the fittest are those most adept at wielding coercion and/or those most adroit at making demagogic appeals to the voting public.” – Murray Rothbard

Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — November 6, 2024

On November  6, 1917, during the Bolshevik Revolution, bombardment of the Winter Palace in Petrograd began, during the Russian October Revolution. (“Red October.”)

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November 6, 1941 was the birthday of country singer/guitarist Guy Clark, in Monahans, Texas.  (He died in 2016.)

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $925,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 115 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.)

Aftermarket Saw Parts

While original equipment is preferable, because of the dominance of Asian manufacturing, name-brand components are now often made in Asia and no longer in the country from where brands go their start. This is a sad fact.  A more happy fact is the increasing quality of the aftermarket parts. While somewhat inconsistent in quality, the aftermarket parts are also sold in the U.S. under different brand names. Thus, they have raised the bar of the quality needed to compete in the aftermarket.

The quality of Chinese parts in certain sectors has improved.  And I have observed over the past several years that aftermarket chainsaw carburetors are used original manufacturer saws as “original” equipment.  In other words, we can pay more for the assurance of good quality, yet the reality is that many of these parts are made in the same factories in Asia. So we are stuck with a choice that is not really a choice, but only a higher price for seeing the brand name on the box.Continue reading“Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit”

SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: 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.

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Helene the most destructive hurricane in North Carolina history; estimated $53 billion in damage.

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New Chinese Mystery Flattop Emerges.  (A hat tip to H.L. for the link.)

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Reader Richard T. wrote:

“I recently sold a generator that I had for many years and started doing some research on a replacement. The recent article this past week suggested that would be a good topic for the blog. After doing my work I decided to work on alternatives to a generator, the reason being is that in the past 30 years we lived here there has only been one outage that affected us for over 24 hours. Since that time the electrical system in our locality has been significantly upgraded. We did have one outage several hours long, the only time I ever hooked up the generator, and it came back before I had our generator operating. The only reason we would be concerned for an extended power outage is loss of food stored in the freezer. To have an alternative we would be ready to can food and to salt cure meat and to smoke it. We would rely on Starlink in our vehicle and charge our Bluetti from the vehicle. I’ve learned a lot from the local Amish on how to live with minimal lighting, I’ve learned how to get around the house in the dark and have solar lighting, kerosene lamps. The problem for us with a generator is the amount of fuel to keep on hand and to be continuously cycling it, the noise they would make and in general the continual maintenance. So we shall take our chances. I would like to see articles on how others have planned to live through an extended power outage without the use of a generator.”

JWR Replies:

Here at our ranch, one of our upright freezers is propane. It is a Blizzard brand, 17.3 cubic feet. I consider it worth the expense to buy one. They are made in Ohio by a company that is an Amish venture.  Since your other power needs are modest, you might consider getting a small Yamaha. They are very quiet!  The model I recommend is the Yamaha EF3000iS. That is a 3,000 watt inverter generator. And, if you can get by with the power produced by a smaller model, they are even more quiet.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets”

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“The source of the government’s authority is “the consent of the governed.” This means that the government is not the ruler, but the servant or agent of the citizens; it means that the government as such has no rights except the rights delegated to it by the citizens for a specific purpose.” – Ayn Rand

Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — November 5, 2024

On November 5, 1905 Roald Amundsen reached Eagle City, Alaska, and announced by telegraph his was the first expedition, in 400 years of attempts, to complete a Northwest Passage.

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On November 5, 1605, King James of England learned about the Gunpowder Plot. Hence, we now have Guy Fawkes Day.

“Remember, remember the Fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.”

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Natchez Shooters Supplies (one of our affiliate advertisers) is running an an unusual 3-day promo from 11/4 to 11/6 with many discounted items and $5 Flat Rate Shipping when you spend $99.99+.  That includes Ammo and Bullets!  Use Promo Code – FR241104 at checkout. This special ends at 11:59 m EST on November 6th, 2024, so place your order ASAP!

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 115 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. 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.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  4. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  5. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $250 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  3. A Laptop EMP Shield and a Smartphone Faraday Bag (a combined value of $200), courtesy of MobileSecSolutions.com.
  4. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC.
  6. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Three sets each of made-in-USA regular and wide-mouth reusable canning lids. (This is a total of 300 lids and 600 gaskets.) This prize is courtesy of Harvest Guard (a $270 value)
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

—

More than $925,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic. Round 115 ends on November 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

I believe this could be an important article. Few preppers in my region in the cold Intermountain West possess an adequate supply and ability to keep their chainsaws in operation for more than a year or two.  This area of prepping is overlooked or underappreciated.  I suspect that as many folks will freeze to death during the first winter after a collapse as those who die of malnutrition. In the cold north, the risk of dying from hypothermia is greater than the risk of being killed by a gunshot or a bacterial infection.  This is a huge hole in the plans of most preppers.

While I could explain how to overhaul a motor or sharpen a chain, it is better to outline what is needed to keep a chainsaw operational for many years to come.  Here are four crucial factors:

1.) Selecting the appropriate size saw.

2.) Supplying it with the correct two-cycle oil, and fuel, and bar oil.

3.) Having enough spare chains and the files to sharpen those chains.

4.) For the long term or to ensure that existing and well-used saws can remain in operation, a supply of the key small and wearing parts.

Continue reading“Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit”

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 located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, a look at the issue of “Corner Crossings.” (See the Region-Wide section.)

Region-Wide

Corner crossing debate Tensions between public access, private property rights.

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For some interesting history reading: Our Checkered Past. Here is an excerpt:

“Despite the distractions of the Civil War, in 1860 industry lobbyists and Congressional expansionists introduced the idea of granting federal lands along the southern route to railroad companies as a means of compensating them for the cost of laying track. The idea didn’t progress until 1864, by which time Perham’s original Peoples’ Pacific Railroad had become the Northern Pacific. Congress initially offered a 200-foot right of way on either side of the track to cross federal lands along the northern route. After more lobbying, the railroad wound up receiving up to 20 sections of land per mile of track across federal property and 10 sections on state lands. The math reveals an astounding total of 40 million acres gifted to private interests, almost all of it in the West.”

Idaho

Public lands access clashes with private property rights as Wilkses lock up land.

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North Idaho Snowmobiling Thrown into Disarry After Last-Minute Wrench. (Our thanks to blog reader C.B. for the link.)

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Here is a horse water rescue video, suggested by SurvivalBlog reader Jon C.:  RESCUING BIG JOE.

“This horse is named Big Joe. He is [a] draft cross that was donated to the Horseshoeing School a few years ago. Riley trained him to ride and taught him the basics. Riley’s father, Don, owner of Rocking M Quarter Horses, found him to be a phenomenal ranch horse. Joe found his home at Don’s Horse ranch in central Idaho.

A few days ago, Joe fell into a deep hole in a pasture while checking cows. The hole was made by a leaky water mainline and was just big enough for Joe to wedge his whole body in. Thanks to quick thinking by Don Mickelsen, they saved him and he is making a full recovery.”

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Invasive moth found in Sandpoint, first time in 30 years.
Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

Preparedness Notes for Monday — November 4, 2024

On November 4, 1929, Richard E. Byrd (pictured), Laurence McKinley Gould, and their polar expedition team began a 2½ month, 1,500-mile dog-sled journey into the Queen Maud Mountains. This was the first exploration of the interior of Antarctica.

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November 4th is the birthday of Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone. He was born in 1916 in Buffalo, New York.  The town still has an annual parade, in his honor, and a John Basilone mural was recently painted.

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Because the owner of Seed for Security is retiring and shutting down the business at the end of this month, we are seeking a new writing contest prize donor and a new banner advertiser. If you have a product of interest to SurvivalBlog readers, this is a great way to get some great publicity, with hundreds of click-throughs. This explains one reason why so many of our prize donors have been such loyal supporters, year after year. Oh, and be sure to get your order in at Seed for Security before they close their doors!

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Today’s feature article is a review penned by SurvivalBlog Field Gear Editor Tom Christianson.