Originally posted by: Zebo
Originally posted by: chess9
The housing foreclosures are bad, and the commercial losses much worse, but the derivative losses are humongous. One wonk estimated there were $600 TRILLION in derivatives world wide. Does anyone know how many of them are bad? The short answer is NO. Paulson said 2-3 trillion dollars worth were bad. Geithner recently said 4-5 trillion dollars. Neither of them really know. The stress testing might give them a better idea, but even so, they will probably never know. If 10% are bad, the world's major economies will be in shambles.
Hold onto your knickers lads, the ride will be very rough.
-Robert

On that note...
I think this deserves repeating:
IMO it's 50/50... we are headed for another Great Depression with hyper inflation this time and massive civil unrest due to lack of morals today, therefore, may I present- Zebo's survival keys on a budget which may save your life.
Attitude Free - like anything in life it all starts there - positive attitude is important to success, and all survival manuals stress it makes the difference between living or dying! Never quit. Never give up. Always look at things half full!
Health Free- If we truly get into a SHTF scenario medicines will not be around so you taking insulin or heart medicine you're in big trouble unless you've stocked up. Excersise, have a resting HR less than 60 preferably. The exercise part is good for you no matter what, SHTF or Not. Live longer feel better, sleep better, have more energy etc - and will be crucial in survival situation where foraging for food, planting food or running from predators two legged and four will pay big dividends.
A good water proof Sleeping bag $100 - When grid shuts down, you have no idea how cold world gets - In a true survival situation, most people die because of hypothermia, not because of lack of water or food. You don't want to build fires for warmth, alerts zombies to your presence, and is a waste of energy that could be used for food acquisition, building, working instead of chopping.
A Rugar 10/22 and 2000 rounds ammo $300 - Can kill small game for protein and Keep Zombies at bay one per family is fine. Don't be going hog wild on firearms - they will be everywhere anyway if things get to bad. Too much weight and all survival books say 22lr is all you need.
A good knife, good first aid kit and learn manual, lights and radio $100 -
I prefer those wind up & inertia radios and LED flashlights - batteries are too heavy and go bad quick especially if you don't keep them dry or leave them on ground or get them hot.
One month supply of food $150-$250 per person - It's better not to have to worry about food right away when SHTF
*Beans and rice are cheap and keep almost forever if stored right. Can eat for $40 a month on beans and rice!
*Canned foods will be good if static, last about three years depending what it is. Only issue is weight/calories ratio should you have to move.
* Peanut butter is the best all round survival food. Keeps 2 years. Don't have to prepare it and it's loaded with protein, carbs and fats. Very high weight/calories ratio
Peers FREE - Groups of people provide security and emotional support in many ways - You are going to have to be with honest and trustworthy people who help each other out in order to survive. No Robinson Crusoe - you won't make it.