Get out of debt

• This is the most important thing you can do.
• The less you owe and the fewer places you owe money, the less you can be manipulated.

Have cash on hand

• Keep two to three months worth of expenses on hand in cash.
• Do not live month to month.
• Keep enough money on hand to be flexible.
• Find a safe place to keep things.

Copy important documents

• Keep copies of documents.
• Keep copies of contracts and agreements.
• Make a copy of your passport.
• Renew your passport BEFORE they start using biometric ID.
• Make copies of your credit cards and ID.
• Know how to cancel credit cards quickly.

Invest expecting the worst

• Save if you can.
• Buy physical gold; it is a hedge against inflation.
• Buy physical silver. Gold & silver are real money.
• Keep gold in your IRA.
• Buy gold and silver stocks.
• Consider cashing in most stocks & bonds.
• If you invest, invest in commodities, companies that make real things and pay dividends.
• Be conservative when investing; expect the dollar to loose its value over time.
• FDIC insurance is not a guarantee.
• Your pension may not be there.
• Investment accounts could vanish.
• When stocks, bonds, and the dollar go down - gold & silver will go up.
• Invest in education – classes and skills training.

Cut entertainment

• Stay home and save on gas, food, and tickets.
• Cut out sports and lessons for children.
• Become involved in neighborhood activities.
• Create entertainment within walking distance of home.
• Start activities that don’t cost money and are near you.
• Be more involved with school and churches near by.

Stop buying alcohol

• Save money.
• Brew your own.
• Drinking is a luxury.
• Have more useful time in the evenings.

Quit athletic clubs

• Save the money you would pay for dues.
• Save on the gas to drive there and back.
• Get your exercise in the garden, or your bike, and walking.

Don’t give expensive gifts

• Make something by hand.
• Just send a card.
• Make a handmade card.
• Make a meal instead.
• Give your labor.