UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Jan 3, 2023 20:32:18 GMT
Doomsday bunkers for billionaires
While some of us are limited to stocking up on items such as soap and tins of soup, people for whom money is no object are building luxury underground bunkers in New Zealand and other places in the expectation that the days of doom are coming soon. The DM has an article about the companies that have arisen to meet the demand. There is even a range of options that corresponds to the supermarkets' range from 'value' to 'de luxe': you can buy a budget bunker! An example of a mansion with concealed bunker: www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11554367/Doomsday-bunkers-new-fad-four-ten-Americans-feel-living-end-times.html
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Feb 9, 2023 20:15:16 GMT
Report on the new carpet sweeper
The manual carpet sweeper that I mentioned buying has exceeded expectations. It is very good at picking up dust, crumbs and bits etc. While it will be very useful in the case of temporary power cuts and essential for longer ones, there are several reasons for using it anyway. Vacuum cleaners may not use much electricity, but they are heavy and make a lot of noise. The sweeper is very light and makes no sound. I much prefer it to the vacuum cleaner and think of it as my new toy!
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Feb 10, 2023 19:23:05 GMT
Another disappointing tin
I said earlier that a tin of raspberries from my hoard was mostly juice; a tin of 'summer fruits' that I opened recently was the same. Although the label showed a variety of fruits, the tin had just a few blackberries in it! Perhaps getting 'value' brands is false economy and the more expensive ones will have more fruit and less juice inside. It is a good idea to try a few different brands then stock up on the best ones. I did this with tins of baked beans. It really is advisable to try the fruit one tin at a time before being tempted by the pictures on the labels and building up a big stock like this:
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Feb 17, 2023 20:07:07 GMT
Britcoin: the proposed 'digital pound'
Britcoin is something else to worry about when it comes to the ever-growing threats to the use of cash. The Bank of England has launched a consultation to look at the case for issuing a digital pound: “The digital pound would be a new type of money issued by the Bank of England for everyone to use for day-to-day spending. You would be able to use it in-store or online to make payments. This type of money is known as a central bank digital currency (CBDC). You may also hear it being called ‘digital sterling’ or even ‘Britcoin’. We call the UK version of CBDC the digital pound. The digital pound would be denominated in sterling and its value would be stable, just like banknotes. £10 in digital pounds would always have the same value as a £10 banknote.” www.bankofengland.co.uk/the-digital-poundThe consultation closes on June 7th. It will take a while to digest all the information and try to predict what might happen in a disaster scenario. The Financial Times has some good articles about the proposed digital currency: www.ft.com/content/8a97c300-ff33-401a-8f45-569515466977
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Feb 26, 2023 9:13:32 GMT
More branch closures are coming
The big name banks and building societies have hundreds more branch closures planned for 2023. This will make things even worse for individuals and businesses who still want to use cash. They may have to travel quite a way to find a branch that takes and supplies cash. Having some cash stored at home for disasters and emergencies is all very well, but what if no one will take it because paying it in is too much trouble? There is already a campaign or two to keep the cash option:
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Mar 10, 2023 20:26:50 GMT
A very basic message
It is better to build a stock of supplies and top them up than to wait until the last minute and panic buy – as people did just before the first lockdown. This is exactly what I do:
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Post by UnseenI on Mar 13, 2023 10:06:15 GMT
Update on the 'Armageddon Alarm'
Public safety alarms and text warnings on mobile phones have been mentioned earlier. The UK has been planning a disaster warning system for mobile phones since 2013, but there have been many delays. There will be some trials in the coming weeks. Thousands of people's phones will flash and they will hear alarm sounds. The first phase will focus on flooding and extreme weather conditions. www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11849317/UK-test-frightening-Armageddon-alarm-weeks.html
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Post by UnseenI on Apr 11, 2023 18:49:13 GMT
Yet more bank branches will be closed this year
This is more bad news for businesses that need to pay cash in and people who want to take it out. Some people are using post offices instead. The war goes on:
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Post by UnseenI on Apr 13, 2023 19:34:45 GMT
Banking vans and pods
Some facilities to replace closed bank branches are being introduced, by Barclays Bank in particular. Small, portable pods where their customers can deposit cash are being trialled, as are electric vans for banking. It will be interesting to see what effect these temporary options have. I think that these are great ideas. I don't think that they can be seen in London yet, but that may come later.
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Post by UnseenI on Apr 13, 2023 19:35:56 GMT
Banking hubs
Hubs are places where different banks share a space. They are being rolled out to replace closed branches. They seem like a very good idea.
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Post by UnseenI on May 14, 2023 7:12:40 GMT
Tons of tins!
Experts say that it is best to use tins within 18 months to two years of buying them. This may be a problem for people who don't normally eat much tinned food. Having a few tins on standby is good practice, but having a huge hoard may be unwise. On the other hand, rising prices and a possible disaster make stocking up a good idea. I selected my oldest tins in terms of 'best before' dates recently. The contents of the 2020 ones were a bit mushy at the bottom but perfectly edible. I will start on the 2021 tins soon. The question now is, whether or not to replace what I use. A typical hoard of tins:
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 15, 2023 9:12:49 GMT
Tons of tins!
Experts say that it is best to use tins within 18 months to two years of buying them. This may be a problem for people who don't normally eat much tinned food. Having a few tins on standby is good practice, but having a huge hoard may be unwise. On the other hand, rising prices and a possible disaster make stocking up a good idea. I selected my oldest tins in terms of 'best before' dates recently. The contents of the 2020 ones were a bit mushy at the bottom but perfectly edible. I will start on the 2021 tins soon. The question now is, whether or not to replace what I use. A typical hoard of tins: Buying in bulk now, replacing what you use means that you lock in the price for the period it takes to go through the food in question. This is how you can help to fight inflation on a personal level.
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Post by UnseenI on May 16, 2023 18:53:46 GMT
Stocking up
I will get some replacement tins soon. I will bear in mind what I liked and what I didn't. One tin of soup with one tin of peas or green beans and a tin of lentils or butter beans can make three meals!
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 17, 2023 6:45:50 GMT
Stocking up
I will get some replacement tins soon. I will bear in mind what I liked and what I didn't. One tin of soup with one tin of peas or green beans and a tin of lentils or butter beans can make three meals! Also think about what items might have availability problems. Right now, Aldi is having problems in getting corned beef, based on my local supermarket. So if you want something, and worry it might be hard to get, that is something to think about. Also, don't forget about herbs and spices. They can make a boring meal much more flavoursome, and have some nutrients in them as well.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 17, 2023 6:47:37 GMT
Britcoin: the proposed 'digital pound'
Britcoin is something else to worry about when it comes to the ever-growing threats to the use of cash. The Bank of England has launched a consultation to look at the case for issuing a digital pound: “The digital pound would be a new type of money issued by the Bank of England for everyone to use for day-to-day spending. You would be able to use it in-store or online to make payments. This type of money is known as a central bank digital currency (CBDC). You may also hear it being called ‘digital sterling’ or even ‘Britcoin’. We call the UK version of CBDC the digital pound. The digital pound would be denominated in sterling and its value would be stable, just like banknotes. £10 in digital pounds would always have the same value as a £10 banknote.” www.bankofengland.co.uk/the-digital-poundThe consultation closes on June 7th. It will take a while to digest all the information and try to predict what might happen in a disaster scenario. The Financial Times has some good articles about the proposed digital currency: www.ft.com/content/8a97c300-ff33-401a-8f45-569515466977 This is now rather relevant, as the Bank of England has just issued a report about how to implement it. I have yet to look into it, a question of time, I am afraid.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on May 17, 2023 18:54:25 GMT
Comprehensive list of consumables
During the lockdown, I created a big spreadsheet for consumables that I use and need.
It is in three sections: food & drink, personal items such as toiletries and medicinal stuff, and household items such as candles, matches and products for cleaning.
Much of my hoard came from ALDI and LIDL. Their vinegar is still very cheap, and it is useful for cleaning. I have around 15 bottles each of brown and white!
The food & drink section includes herbs & spices. Ginger and cinnamon are good with tinned fruit and hot drinks. I did get a good stock in; I also have plenty of sea salt.
It is time to overhaul that list and do some stocktaking and topping up I think.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 18, 2023 6:46:52 GMT
The Starbucks in my town bags up its used coffee beans, for people to take for their gardens. I have been getting some to give to people at work, including one who has an allotment. The idea being that improving food supply and production needs to be a key priority, to try and lessen the overall impact of reduced commercial farming.
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Post by UnseenI on May 18, 2023 19:10:55 GMT
“Buying in bulk now, replacing what you use means that you lock in the price for the period it takes to go through the food in question. This is how you can help to fight inflation on a personal level.“ Avacyn someone told me in all seriousness that buying in bulk was a mistake: it was false economy because prices will have risen a lot by the time you need to get more stock in! This is ridiculous, although the longer you go without buying something the bigger the shock you will get when you see the huge jump in price. Assuming that prices will continue to rise step by step, bulk buying where space and money permit is a sensible option provided that it will all get used or eaten – and at the normal rate. Knowing that you have a huge stock of something may encourage waste and extra consumption, so self control and rationing are important.
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Post by Avacyn on May 19, 2023 6:45:11 GMT
“Buying in bulk now, replacing what you use means that you lock in the price for the period it takes to go through the food in question. This is how you can help to fight inflation on a personal level.“ Avacyn someone told me in all seriousness that buying in bulk was a mistake: it was false economy because prices will have risen a lot by the time you need to get more stock in! This is ridiculous, although the longer you go without buying something the bigger the shock you will get when you see the huge jump in price. Assuming that prices will continue to rise step by step, bulk buying where space and money permit is a sensible option provided that it will all get used or eaten – and at the normal rate. Knowing that you have a huge stock of something may encourage waste and extra consumption, so self control and rationing are important. This video should be watched closely. The creator of this video does a Wall Street focused economics channel, and did a UK focused one, because they do well. And you have hom pointing that in amongst the waffle, the Governor of the Bank of England has admitted that the economic problems in the UK are about a third through, and that we have yet to be buffeted by mortgage cost increases, because a lot of mortgages have yet to have their three year refinancing, so have yet to be hammered by interest rate increases. Also, in these times, you should be looking at developing a rationing mentality, anyway. I also am looking at developing budgets, so I can ensure a big drive towards having savings to the point I could survive six months without a job. Not to mention, you need to be prepared for the banks to suddenly close. Look at 1933, in the USA... FDR declared a banking holiday, and all the banks happily closed for a number of days. That can happen anywhere, anytime in my estimation. Food stability is going to be an issue for at least a couple of years, by my reckoning, so we all need to think carefully about how to approach things.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on May 19, 2023 18:41:25 GMT
“...you should be looking at developing a rationing mentality...”
I agree. As I was saying, having a stockpile may encourage people to eat and use more than they normally would – the abundance mindset and all that.
Thinking carefully means setting priorities and making considered, informed decisions. This is not always easy.
For example, people are turning to frozen vegetables as they are cheaper, often more nutritious and can be stored until they are needed. This must be offset against electricity costs, not to mention possible losses in the case of power cuts.
Having a supply of cash to hand seems advisable, but it is worth bearing in mind that banks are paying higher rates of interest on savings now.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 22, 2023 6:57:19 GMT
Frozen food should be looked at for the time being, and tinned for the emergency stocks. It looks like having two strategies side by side for two scenarios. Besides, getting into the money saving mindset.
As for interest... you want to think less on piles of money just sitting in a bank account, and it earning interest for you in a long term financial strategy. But that money should be cash you can do without for an extended period of time.
As a quick set of initial thoughts. I am not giving financial advice, to be clear.
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Post by UnseenI on May 22, 2023 19:00:28 GMT
Frozen food versus tins
“Frozen food should be looked at for the time being, and tinned for the emergency stocks.”
I think that is a very good approach.
I wouldn't get a big chest freezer even if I had space for one: I would worry about the electricity cost and the chance of power cuts or appliance malfunction ruining the food. I know that many people fill theirs with wonderful yellow ticket bargains, but I wouldn't want to take the risk.
On the other hand, tinned food may have additives, artificial sweeteners or just not taste good. The best ones may be the most expensive brands.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 23, 2023 6:46:09 GMT
Frozen food versus tins
“Frozen food should be looked at for the time being, and tinned for the emergency stocks.” I think that is a very good approach. I wouldn't get a big chest freezer even if I had space for one: I would worry about the electricity cost and the chance of power cuts or appliance malfunction ruining the food. I know that many people fill theirs with wonderful yellow ticket bargains, but I wouldn't want to take the risk. On the other hand, tinned food may have additives, artificial sweeteners or just not taste good. The best ones may be the most expensive brands. Always look at the label. If you cannot work out what the ingredients are, time to avoid it. So when you see long chemical names, that is a sign you might want to skip on it. In terms of fruit, it might be worth considering dried fruit. You can always rehydrate it with a little water before you need to eat it. As for freezers, they are useful, and large freezers are more likely handy for families. One thing I should look into is army surplus food rations. They might be a possible way forward, though I have no idea how much they might cost.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on May 23, 2023 18:51:01 GMT
Military rations
“One thing I should look into is army surplus food rations. They might be a possible way forward, though I have no idea how much they might cost.” This is a brilliant suggestion! I need to do a big investigation of this option. In the meantime, I have found a site where British Army meal pouches are reduced to £3.99 from £7.49: preppersshop.co.uk/survival-26-c.asp
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Post by Avacyn on May 25, 2023 6:42:55 GMT
Military rations
“One thing I should look into is army surplus food rations. They might be a possible way forward, though I have no idea how much they might cost.” This is a brilliant suggestion! I need to do a big investigation of this option. In the meantime, I have found a site where British Army meal pouches are reduced to £3.99 from £7.49: preppersshop.co.uk/survival-26-c.asp The other thing to consider, is that these meals are designed to keep soldiers going for ages. So if you were in a desperate situation, you could use them to go one meal a day for a little bit. Also, they are going to be rather easy to store. And because of the size and shape, you can store more food in the same volume than, say, tins of food. Just saying. Dried food keeps after date for a bit as well. I need to ask a few people I know who are ex military about them, they likely have direct experience with these rations.
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Post by UnseenI on May 25, 2023 7:36:12 GMT
I really like the idea of getting in a stock of army rations. Some of the packs come with useful accessories such as heaters. Taste and nutritional value are important factors when it comes to main meals. I would like to try a few samples before buying in bulk. I wonder whether there are any shops in London where I could get just a few pouches. Some rations are available on eBay and Amazon, but I would rather buy in person than pay for postage. Maybe we should get the right clothes too:
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Post by UnseenI on May 25, 2023 7:37:03 GMT
MRE and Typhoo Tea
Some Meals Ready to Eat come in pouches. Some may be freeze dried. I don't like curry and highly spiced food, but there are many other options. A 24-hour ration pack for British troops:
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 26, 2023 6:52:12 GMT
I really like the idea of getting in a stock of army rations. Some of the packs come with useful accessories such as heaters. Taste and nutritional value are important factors when it comes to main meals. I would like to try a few samples before buying in bulk. I wonder whether there are any shops in London where I could get just a few pouches. Some rations are available on eBay and Amazon, but I would rather buy in person than pay for postage. Maybe we should get the right clothes too: I think there is a place called Silvermans that is in London, if that helps. Also, look to places like Mountain Warehouse. You can get food for camping in such places, which is a little like army rations. One big thing about eating lots of rations for a period of time, apparently, is constipation. So make sure you drink lots of fluids in the process. The ones with the heating elements are MREs: Meals Ready to Eat. They are an American innovation, and you can eat them hot or cold.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on May 26, 2023 6:54:07 GMT
As for clothes... it isn't a terrible idea. Those garments are made to keep people warm, and are hard wearing.There are certainly far worse options out there.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on May 26, 2023 8:17:11 GMT
Army surplus stores
There are one or two stores in London that I can get to quite easily. They look to have better gadgets and equipment than camping stores – survival versus pleasure I suppose. I am not sure that they sell food though, and this is what I am mainly interested in.
There is one in Canterbury called Golding.
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