Self Reliance

Self reliance and independence are traits that we should all be striving for. Living within our means and doing for ourselves are worthy goals and applies to any subject you choose.

Budgeting/Living Frugal

Living within our means allows us to sleep well at night. Living frugal and budgeting carefully allows debts to be paid off, bills to be paid on time, and save money to continue to add to food storage and emergency supplies.

Grocery Budgeting

Sometimes all we have in the way of control over spending is the grocery budget. Many a mother has squeezed the grocery budget enough to buy small extras for her family. You might find the 'payday plan' useful if you're this kind of mother/person.

Saving Money on Healthcare

I've compiled a few strategies that you might be able to use to save some money on your healthcare. It sure has skyrocketed in the last few years and we can use all the help we can get in this area. Right? If you have any suggestions, be sure to write them in the form provided on this page.

Gardening

Learning how to grow fruits and vegetables can supplement your long-term food storage with fresh foods.

Home Food Preservation

There are so many ways to preserve your own food. Not only is the food more nutritious but learning the skills needed could literally be life saving.

Sprouting

Spouting seeds is a wonderful way to have fresh vegetables all winter long as well as providing more vitamins and minerals than canned or frozen varieties. They are easy to grow and very inexpensive.

Dehydrating

Dehydrating your own food is inexpensive compared to buying it in the store. If you choose to buy a dehydrator, the initial cost is a little pricey. But once you have it, there are no more costs associated with it other than the food to dehydrate. Or there are ways to let "Mother Nature" do it for you with just the wind and sun.

Canning

Canning your own food is a satisfying skill. I love to hear the lids pop when they seal. A truely self reliant person needs to know how to can fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, and meats. Doing so allows you to know exactly what quality of food your family will be eating. I have not covered this subject on this web site, but my friend, Sharon, has covered it completely for us.

Organization

Organizing your food storage and emergency supplies can be vitally important during a crisis. Begin with taking an inventory of your current supplies, decide where you can put all your food storage, then what types of containers you might need.

Cooking with Food Storage

I will be adding to this section in the near future, but for now, begin with ideas to use and cook with whole wheat from your long-term food storage. You might also want to to read about ways to cook without electricity - stoves and fuels.