In a very uncertain economic climate, it's my opinion that no preparation, no matter how far fetched it may seem, is in vain. Perhaps we will wake up tomorrow and the woes will be over, or, as economists are predicting, it may be much worse. If nothing else, you may learn to be happier with less debt hanging over your head, and will have learned new life skills in the process.

The three basic human needs are food, clothing and shelter. My answer to the tough economic climate- practice self sufficiency through growing and hunting for your own food, recycling/repairing your existing clothing, shopping at thrift stores and discount grocers, eliminating non-essential services and have a common sense approach to affordable housing. Here are some of the things We've personally been doing, or considering doing, to combat tough economic times:

FOOD-

This year, in response to rising food prices and a tightening economy, we've decided to expand our current vegetable and herb gardens to include landscaping with edible plants and medicinal herbs instead of the usual annual flowers. There are many lettuce and cabbage varieties and flowering herbs out there that make beautiful ornamental plants. As you can see by the photos, which depict a small portion of our usual harvest, you can easily grow hundreds of dollars worth of vegetables and herbs on a suburban sized lot. Food growing, coupled with canning, drying and freezing preservation methods, can feed your family well into winter.

Many members of our family have also taken to hunting and fishing for meats and seafood. Annual fishing and hunting licenses cost just a fraction of what you might expect to pay for meat and fish at the grocer, and wild caught game is proven to be leaner and healthier than factory farm raised meats and fish.

Besides expanding our gardens and utilizing wild game meats, we have been doing our grocery shopping at the discount grocer Aldi's. Anything we cannot grow or acquire ourselves is purchased here. Prices are sometimes as low as 60% less what you'd expect to pay at other chain stores.

CLOTHING-

This winter, we went through our closets and donated clothing we no longer wear (or no longer fit into!!!) to charitable causes to help those in need. What we kept, I am able to repair, if needed, or recycle into other clothing by sewing and crocheting. While I understand the want to be fashionable among many people, you can create a unique and functional wardrobe with minimal sewing techniques! When purchasing clothing, try to choose classic, functional styles that can be re-worn again next year (sweaters, classic cut jeans, etc).

If you have children, perhaps get together with friends and relatives to swap clothing that no longer fits your child with someone who can use them for theirs. Kids quickly outgrow their clothes, and those that remain unstained and intact should always be welcomed!

SHELTER-

I have little advice to offer here- you cannot pay a mortgage with non-existant income. If you can downsize, do so, but that is much easier said than done with the current credit crunch and employment security problems. If you are facing homelessness, look into purchasing or borrowing a small late model mobile/motorhome. While not the ideal home, they can keep you sheltered from the elements and provide a place to sleep and prepare meals until you can get back on your feet again. As someone living in the cold north, I would be concerned for anyone that doesn't have shelter in the artic temperatures we've experienced this winter. Those living in a warmer climate could get by with a three season tent, a cooler and a portable grill. Monthly campground rates run a fraction of what you'd pay on a mortgage and property taxes, many offer electric and water hook-ups for mobile homes.

I expect that some will consider some of my suggestions/actions "alarmist", however, after listening to my grandparents speak of the depression and the tough times they had in the Kentucky coal mining camp they grew up in, cutting back on luxuries, "want" purchases, and being conservative with your money is NOTHING compared to some of the obstacles our grandparents faced. As we know by looking back on that era, these times can be overcome with sacrifice, hard work, common sense and by working together.