I believe the world is already at the SHTF stage. The economy is faltering all over the world. The Chinese are quietly buying up large Utilities Companies in North America. The Oil countries are revolting against each other. The USA is growing at a rate of 3 new borns a minute as they sit at 8 million people being fed by 125,000 farms that are dyeing off or being swallowed up by the General Mills of the world (the most powerful food company in the world). I believe that our food supply is in total disarray, by the lab rat-ing or GMO if you will of our foods for pure profiting...just look at Monsanto Seeds...the way we eat, take a look at Asia for example. When I was a kid I don't think I ever saw a fat Chinaman outside of the Sumo world and now that McD and the like have been in Asia and Europe for a couple of decades the fat is everywhere.
What does this have to do with prepping you ask? I put prepping in the same box as surviving, being self sustainable, self sufficient, not having to rely on your neighbours or the government for anything. I also don't want to share with anyone, especially those who sit on their duffs and do nothing until woops there is a problem here hey that's ok OurplaceBFN will take care of us/help us... NOT! Here is where I love the USA, Shoot first then drag their a$$es back into the house and claim it was a home invasion. Otherwise I hate everyone equally. 
So this year we bought 5 acres and have begun to "prep" for self sustainability. We have bought Pro-Cert Organic Heirloom Seeds and we are starting our own self feeding garden as step one. We are looking at switching our Oil furnace to Propane and attaching a Generac to the House all this year. Future goals are to add solar/wind, sump pump although the basement has never seen water in 10 years, hunting licence, bows, guns, and amo, freezer stocked, well you know the rest.
What is all this mean to you fellow preppers? I have been fustrated with this new (this year) revolation about prepping and the need to do so. I feel as though I have arrived late in the game and need to catch up quick or die. I guess I am only seeking advice and/or approaval from YOU that it is the right thing to do. I am not screaming out that the sky is falling but I do get the sense that the sky maybe falling. I feel overwhelmed with those of you that are way ahead, talking about Seacons and bunkers and such and yet financially I am nowhere near that ability although I love the ideas hence love coming here to learn and soak it all up good and bad of it all. I am not a conspiracy nut but I do finally see the light. Thank you 😎
Just my rant...thanks for listening/reading
Proud prepping Canadian...Beh Wii Eh?
Good post. In your sense of being behind keep in mind that what you HAVE is only a part of the equation. What you KNOW will be as or more valuable. As well the need for some things such as bunkers is dependant on your location. You sound as if you have made a very good beginning. You have 5 acres. If I were in your place the next thing I would invest in would be sustainable water... a drilled well... or 2... and a cistern/ reservoir plus a pump that will run on low voltage. Also some solar power that will keep your pump and any other NECESSARY electrics running. Try to look at alternate energy and heat sources. A generac is dependant on some fuel as is your coming propane furnace. Explore wood for heat. You will not be able to maintain your house or lifestyle as it is. You will run out of fuel eventually... or be priced out of the market. Just a few thoughts.
JAB
JustABear - I like your posts by the way.
Sorry I should have detailed my place better. I have today; clean untainted lake water, a 0/0 well, 20l propane hooked up to a stove/oven, wood stove, 5 crank flash lights, bottled water, paper supplies, and a means to start a food garden.
The Wif thinks we are more ahead then I do by the way.
Just my rant...thanks for listening/reading
Proud prepping Canadian...Beh Wii Eh?
OurPlaceBFN - Well ...if you need someone to tell you you're on the right path - YOU ARE 🙂
I think you're right about the world situation getting worse and I can understand about feeling 5 steps behind. When I started prepping I felt the same - and it was 15 years ago...the feeling is universal and timeless. As soon as your eyes are opened you have your own personal OH NOOOOOO moment thinking: I've wasted so much time and money - What was I thinking???? How come I didn't see this before.
The best advice anyone can get in that situation is "you can only do what you can do" and "slow and steady wins the race".
Just have a plan and keep working on it. Do NOT go into debt to buy preps. Think creatively and outside the box.
I'm glad you're here!
(`'•.¸(`'•.¸ ¸.•'´) ¸.•'´)
*´¨`•.¸¸Anita <>< *.•´¸¸¨`*
(¸.•'´(¸.•'´ `'•.¸)`' •.¸)
¸.•´
( `•.¸
`•.¸ )
¸.•)´
(.•´
Quack, Cluck, Moo, Hee-Haw, Meow and Baaaaaaa from Shalom Engedi Farm
http://adventures-in-country-living.blogspot.com/
I agree with the important part that is "Do NOT go into debt to buy preps. If you have Land that is PAID FOR, A roof againsh hypothermia, a garden, a rusty bolt action 22 rifle, water and a stack of dry, seasoned firewood...you are a KING....and a GOD amongest survivalists that have a pile of guns, a bugout bag, a 2013 financed mondo truck, a big screened TV, an attitude of superiority and 20- 200 thousand in dept.
I hear Yoda speaking " FEAR leads to anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to Credit Cards. This is the path to the Darkside... creditor calls, pawnshops, divorce lawyers, wage garnishment and homeless shelters. These things avoid you must."
I have a Tactical Harness and I have a Tool Belt. The Tool Belt is more Useful.
Good advice Cernunnos5 but never the less unrealistic in today's society. We all have to live in reality too.
To the original poster, I think you are doing pretty well. You have a pretty good setup compared to a city slicker like me. I think the majority of people here are always thinking they can do more and we are all going pretty much in the right direction. Think you have to remember that you are already in a better situation than the vast majority of the public who never give this topic much thought.
I agree with Redlite "the majority of people here are always thinking they can do more" we can always do more and that realization is what prepping is about. As we go through our daily lives we do what we can. Over time this takes us down a path where we are ever better prepared eventually putting us light years ahead of "the vast majority of the public who never give this topic much thought"