One day we'll be able to look back on today and remember a strange and dangerous time when we were told to stay at home as much as possible. Once busy streets and highways were empty, schools, universities, shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels were closed, planes stopped flying, jobs were lost, millions of people went on welfare and the lucky ones were supported by their governments to keep food on the table and a roof over as many heads as possible. And then we started hearing about people dying. I had to stop watching news reports of the deaths because it made me feel helpless and weak.
In February, when I began to realise how serious coronavirus was, the first thing I did was top up the stockpile and freezer. I've been stockpiling for over 20 years and usually have enough groceries and food on hand to keep us going for about three months, should we need it. In the past, we've had minor issues like power or water outages and illness but nothing like this. Topping up and reorganising the stockpile cupboard took only a couple of hours but it gave both of us the confidence that we were as prepared as we could be and could deal with what was coming. In the following weeks, we topped up medications, seeds, seedlings, organic sugar cane mulch and chook feed.
How to start a stockpile.
We had enough money in our emergency fund to buy whatever was needed. We didn't have to use a credit card or borrow money, we had enough put aside for exactly this scenario. These two strategies - stockpiling and an emergency fund, have supported us through the crisis so far and apart from staying at home, which we do a lot of anyway, not much changed for us. You might have extra money in your pocket because of the petrol you're not using, the gym sessions you're not going to, the takeaways you're not eating and all that shopping you're not doing. Those extra dollars could be the start of your emergency fund.
Managing your financial life and starting an emergency fund.
I hope many people take the time to examine their values and beliefs then decide to make positive life changes during this unexpected slow period. Now is a good time to think about the life you want to live. I hope sustainability, self-reliance and productivity are part of your plan and you change your mindset to built a life based on those firm foundations. Make a plan and put your plan in place so that when we can all freely mix again, you have a worthwhile place to start a new version of your life. If that does happen, I think you'll be in the best position to not only have made the most of this awful and terrifying crisis, you'll change your life for the better in the process and be much better prepared for the next crisis.
How to start a stockpile.
Above and below, stockpile - all new and unopened products not in use yet.
Pantry - products all open and in use.
We had enough money in our emergency fund to buy whatever was needed. We didn't have to use a credit card or borrow money, we had enough put aside for exactly this scenario. These two strategies - stockpiling and an emergency fund, have supported us through the crisis so far and apart from staying at home, which we do a lot of anyway, not much changed for us. You might have extra money in your pocket because of the petrol you're not using, the gym sessions you're not going to, the takeaways you're not eating and all that shopping you're not doing. Those extra dollars could be the start of your emergency fund.
Managing your financial life and starting an emergency fund.
I hope many people take the time to examine their values and beliefs then decide to make positive life changes during this unexpected slow period. Now is a good time to think about the life you want to live. I hope sustainability, self-reliance and productivity are part of your plan and you change your mindset to built a life based on those firm foundations. Make a plan and put your plan in place so that when we can all freely mix again, you have a worthwhile place to start a new version of your life. If that does happen, I think you'll be in the best position to not only have made the most of this awful and terrifying crisis, you'll change your life for the better in the process and be much better prepared for the next crisis.
Making flatbread.
When all this is over and we rebuild what "normal" means to our towns, states and countries, I hope it is done with a mindful attitude. I want it to be something softer, more inclusive, and with a gentler feel for our planet. I know we have to have international trade but I want us to go back to manufacturing a lot of what we use here in Australia. But we should all start with ourselves first, so change your home and finances to support the life you want to live. When your changes are working well, move on to strengthen ties with your community and make sure you know what your local politicians' plans are for your community and state. Staying silent tells them that you don't care, and we all must care.
