Daily Preparedness

As life trundles on, change is inevitable. For the past four or five months, we have had to shift all of the gears in our kitchen due to newly found sensitivities. In the process, we have learned an expensive lesson on the value of thoroughness.

We all know that it is important to notate the contents of our various buckets, boxes, jars and mylar bags as to their contents. Whether the item was frozen, canned, dehydrated and dumped into a plastic bucket, I have always marked the contents, any instructions necessary and the date packaged. BUT, I now know that this manner of minimal labeling is not adequate. (Yes, you are welcome to learn from my mistakes and even snicker if you wish!)

When it became necessary to shift food preparation gears AGAIN, we were forced to go into a form of hyper-drive when it comes to which products can be used safely. Not only are we limited by category, but also limited when it comes to specific brands and packaging sizes. Sound confusing? Oh, it is, trust me. For example, I can cook with sugar but it must be pure cane sugar from one of three or four manufacturer’s. White flour can be used, but, again, it must be from only a few manufacturers. The same goes for everything from shampoo to toilet paper to tomato sauce to meat products to spices. Sound confusing AND time-consuming? It is!

And thus, we get to the importance of my newly discovered respect for those who thoroughly label all items stored. For instance, I may have hundreds of pounds of sugar stored, but I have no idea what brand it is or even whether it is cane or beet sugar. Therefore, at least for the time being, I have to purchase all new sugar and wash out every canister that it goes into. Multiply this by every item in your family store and you can begin to see the cost of skipping a few extra seconds of time in labeling each item.

What is a thorough label? For every product, you should include at least manufacturer, specific type of item, where you purchased it and the date purchased. Also include any expiration date and instructions. For instance, if I were thoroughly labeling canned beef, the correct way to label it would be:

Costco Rump Roast with water, kosher salt, home-ground pepper. 1/12/12

Flour might be labeled with: King Arthur unbleached white flour. Safeway. 1/12/12

Though it might take you a few extra seconds, this type of more thorough labeling may later help you in case your dietary needs change, there is a recall or you find you particularly like one brand over another. Whatever scenario you may face, add a bit more information to each item you label and you may prevent a lot of frustration, loss and expense later on.

Dealing with a chronic or rare disease (or merely being mortal) often leads one into the forest of “All Natural Supplements, Ointments, Cure-Alls and Wonder Drugs.” Navigating between the hype, the ridiculous and the dangerous can be an exhausting business. Products that are harmless but expensive are not safe to our wallets. Products that are potentially harmful to us are often disguised as ‘all natural supplements’ that could interact with prescribed medications or contain serious (though natural) products. How do we protect ourselves and our wallets while remaining open to the possibility of improving our condition?

First, a few relevant bits of wisdom to keep in mind:

• Most manufactured medications are based on ‘natural’ ingredients. For instance, aspirin is merely a chemically reproduced form of white willow bark. White willow bark contains most of the properties of aspirin and must be treated as such. For instance, it is a great anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, but it also thins the blood and interacts with a number of medications & conditions.
• Natural remedies MUST be treated with extreme respect and researched thoroughly via independent resources. Many ‘natural’ substances are wonderful to use in the place of prescription medications, BUT one must be certain of the research, the potential risks and the cost implications.
• The supplement and vitamin market is essentially unregulated, untested and unsupervised. Valid scientific research has shown a wide variation in ingredient strength, quantity of active ingredient and verification of ‘research.’
• The supplement and natural remedy business generates billions and billions of dollars per year. It is a business, unfortunately, full of charlatans, snake oil salesmen and abuse. Buyer beware should be the basis of all decisions you make when entering this world.
• Learn and understand what true peer reviewed scientific literature is. Some of the most infamous charlatans publish their own ‘vanity’ pieces, mostly in online publications. Their review process is highly flawed and their ‘research’ is aimed at selling their product.
• There is little valid peer reviewed research into the interactions between ‘natural’ remedies and prescribed medication. ALWAYS ask your pharmacist if they are aware of any interactions between what you are currently taking and what you think you might want to take. A responsible pharmacist can run a quick search and tell you if there is solid research. They may also be able to tell you which manufactured medication correlates with the ’supplement’.
• ALL ‘remedies’ that we swallow, apply, inject or soak in should be carefully considered. Our bodies are sacred and it is our job to protect them as much as possible.
• A physician recommending a product does not necessarily mean that it is safe, effective OR cost appropriate. Be wary of a physician that is constantly jumping on the latest medical fad bandwagon!

Now that we have the ground work laid, how do we quickly and effectively research the latest ‘wonder cure all’? Having done this a few dozen times over the last decade (and not being a medical professional), I will use my latest product research to outline the steps you might want to consider.

Fellow individuals with a rare genetic disorder, Dercum’s Disease, recommended a topical pain relief ointment known as DRL 100. At $19.95 (plus S& H), it is rather dangerous to the wallet, but maybe worth it if it relieved the constant pain of Dercum’s. The steps I followed to research this possible ‘wonder drug’ apply to any supplement, vitamin, ointment, salve, injection or treatment.

1. Learn to read the label! The most important item is ‘active ingredients.’ These are the ingredients that are in substantial enough quantities to do something for you. In the case of DRL 100, the only active ingredient is menthol. The label states it contains ‘hyaluronan,’ a supposed miraculous pain reliever. The inactive ingredients list hyaluronic acid, but being listed where it is indicates that legally it contains so little that it is useless–essentially enough to be able to list it, but not enough to do anything.
2. Learn what the active ingredient actually does. Menthol (Methyl Salicylate), the active ingredient in DRL 100, is an age-old local pain reliever. Menthol does not actually numb the area, but rather floods the brain with so much incoming data that the brain essentially ‘forgets’ the pain in the area. Muscles relax, the skin feels cool and the pain is ‘gone.’ It works and is essentially harmless UNLESS you have certain underlying conditions or medications. For instance, menthol creams interact with blood thinners, increasing the risk of adverse side effects (as in internal bleeding, hemorrhaging from a simple cut, having a stroke). It should not be applied to broken skin or those with allergies to certain foods or ointments. Pregnancy is also listed as a possible prohibitive condition. Menthol is cheap, readily available in a variety of preparations and well known. It is essentially ’safe,’ but the price of DRL 100 is exorbitant. Similar products are available for less than $5 for 2 ounces.
3. Run it past the pharmacist. Give them a list of the active ingredients and ask if it interacts with anything you are taking. When I did this, the pharmacist recommended multiple over-the-counter preparations that would do exactly the same thing at a fraction of the cost. It is even possible to order menthol and add peppermint if you prefer the smell of peppermint. (Peppermint is a relaxing smell to the human brain). For the price of 2 ounces of DRL 100, you could make a quart or more of stronger menthol cream.
4. Research the company. Though this step wasn’t necessary for the DRL 100, I did it out of curiosity because the product is being hyped to a group of folks who already have enough problems! I simply googled the manufacturer, Dermal Research Laboratories. I skipped all of the sales pitch sites and found them listed on ‘corporationwiki,’ which provided a link to Dun & Bradstreet, a highly respected collective of corporate information.
5. From the above, I found the names of the two principles of the company as well as their business address, which was limited to a Post Office Box (always a bit questionable). I also located their company phone number. A sidebar listed a street address, which confirmed what I found below.
6. I used the company phone number to perform a reverse phone number search, which revealed that it was co-listed as the ‘business’ phone for Dermal Research Laboratories and a home number for one of the principles. The address tied to that phone number was the home address of one of the company principles.
7. In order to double check that the address was a home, I utilized google maps and mapquest. Their satellite imaging confirmed that the ‘business’ location for Dermal Research Laboratories is a very nice home in a very nice residential area. No serious laboratory here. No research facility. No large scale shipping facility. Just a nice suburban neighborhood (as in VERY nice). I am not against home based businesses; I think they are wonderful. BUT, they are not serious scientific research laboratories producing serious life-altering products. Supposed medical miracles produced in someone’s home are most likely paying for that very nice home in a very nice neighborhood.

Navigating the forest of alternative medicine can be frustrating, confusing and potentially dangerous. Before investing in the newest wonder drug, supplement, treatment or diet, do a bit of research on your own. Thirty minutes of your time may not only save you money, suffering and frustration—it may even save your life…..and that is provident living at its best!

In the midst of an ongoing year-long fight with Lyme Disease, the importance of streamlining, organizing and ‘making do’ have never been more important. Many days, I have two or three ‘usable’ hours, which is why I refer to Lyme Disease as my ‘full time job’. Whether you are facing chronic illness, a crowded schedule, working outside the home with a family to take care of or would prefer to spend your free time doing anything BUT housework, developing systems to deal with the realities of running a home can allow you to keep the Health Department at bay and reduce your stress.

How do you go about organizing and running a home so that the home isn’t running you? And how does that relate to provident living and preparedness? “Organize every needful thing,” is not only often quoted scripture, it is the backbone of living a productive, happy and provident life. What good is a 72-hour kit if you can’t find your car keys when it is time to evacuate? How can you deal with an emergency (or an ongoing problem), if all of your energy is consumed with finding the bare necessities? How can you thoughtfully prepare and plan if you live in the midst of chaos? How many accidents occur because family members are stressed out or tripping over items out of place?

Over the next few weeks, we will delve into ideas that may help you analyze and develop systems that will allow you the freedom to pursue your interests, reduce the clutter of life and prepare yourselves for whatever tomorrow brings. PLEASE, if you have ideas, share them!

“A place for everything and everything in it’s place.” No, you don’t need to go all OCD over this one, but at least have a reasonable, accessible place for the items in your home. Make it a place that suits the item.

For instance, the car keys. We have had as many as five drivers in the house with cars that were often on a variable schedule rotation. It quickly became obvious that car keys could not belong to one person and needed to be available at all times. A simple solution? Car keys no longer belonged to one person. Each car’s key was separate from the others and hung inside a kitchen cabinet. Duplicate keys were separated so that there was always a spare available. When someone comes home, they hang the keys in the cabinet—NOT stash them in their pocket, purse, backpack or thrown on the counter. If needed, label the keys to identify which car they belong to and add a house key. Problem solved!

The diaper bag or your purse? No, don’t just stuff it behind the recliner. Maybe you should put a hook in the front closet and hang it there. Find a logical place and stick to it!

This same method works for tools, office supplies, salt & pepper shakers–anything that you need to have on hand. Identify the most logical place (closest to where it will be used and preferably not sitting out) to store it and return it to that place as soon as you are done with it. Pegboard, drawer organizers, plastic containers, shelving, cubbies, decorative boxes, hooks in closets & cabinets, under beds….wherever you need to store something, simply be logical and consistent. If you need the same item in multiple places (like scissors, tape, pens, toilet paper, even cleaners), purchase multiple and store them where they are most commonly used. This approach minimizes having to make multiple trips to locate what you need.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, containerize it.” Life is full of small items we need and yet seem to never have a place to ‘be’. Whether it is your sewing supplies or the countless remotes, controllers, etc. that have invaded our homes, corralling the small items yields big benefits. A simple basket in the family room that corrals the remotes, drawers in the bathroom that hold make-up (a silverware organizer will keep the drawer orderly), a basket for mail, a wall organizer for hair bows, toy bins, glass jars for screws, shoe boxes for greeting cards, a pencil case for stamps and address labels, a net for stuffed animals, a file box for family papers–whatever you need to find, sort it by like items and contain them! The containers should fit the item, be easy to identify and fit in a logical location.

“Keep flat surfaces clear.” Any flat surface in a home seems to be a magnet for ’stuff’ to congregate. Instead of setting the mail on the counter, put it in that basket. Keep your kitchen counters cleared (they are easier to clean & more about this in a subsequent column), minimize items on your bathroom counter, If need be, have a container for each family member in the bathroom and near the door you most often use.

“Life is trashy.” Humans produce trash. To control the trash, place waste baskets in every room of your house. They can be small, large, plain or decorative, but keep them lined and have them handy. It is much easier to dispose of that tissue appropriately if you don’t have to interrupt your favorite show to carry it to the kitchen trash. Lining the trash cans keep them clean and easier to empty. Even a 3-year-old can empty a small wastebasket lined with an old shopping bag. For ‘cleaner’ trash, keep the spare bags in the bottom of the trash can. Make it a habit to empty the trash frequently BEFORE it smells! The day before trash pick-up is the ideal time to make a sweep of the trash cans.

“Perfect the 30 second clean up.” An amazing amount of cleaning, straightening and organizing can be done simply while you are walking through your house, stuck on hold or waiting for a website to load. As you walk from point A to point B, pick up items that need to be returned along your path. For instance, you are in the living room headed for the kitchen. Along the way, you see a piece of paper a child dropped–pick it up and toss it in the kitchen trash. Or you are taking the dish cloth to the washing machine—wash the off the refrigerator handle and then the trash can on your way. Stuck on hold? Declutter any surface near you, throw something away from the junk drawer, wipe off a table or fold some laundry. Straighten up your desk while that website loads. Wipe out the sink with the washcloth you just used on Junior’s face. Pick up trash in the car while you are at a red light. These little acts add up quickly and reduce the frustration of mess & ‘waiting’.

“Let cleaners work for you.” No, not the kind you hire (but that is nice if you can do it), the kind you buy in the store. Be sure you read the instructions before using–as in the bathroom cleaner that needs to sit for 3 minutes before scrubbing. If you are going to use the product, use it so that it works for you. Look for and consider products that make cleaning easier. Automatic shower cleaners can do a passable job if used regularly. Battery operated sweepers are lighter than vacuums, pick up small particles well & can be used by children. Vacuum any floor surface you have–it is usually faster than sweeping. Wool dusters are fast and effective on a wide variety of surfaces. Good old-fashioned powdered cleansers like Comet work incredibly well and are cheap. Keep duplicate cleaning supplies where you need them. No one wants to drag the toilet bowl brush from bathroom to bathroom.

“Child labor is a good thing.” Children of all ages learn valuable life skills, develop a work ethic and become more responsible when they are expected to help at home. Even the youngest children can learn to pick up their own toys, put their coat away, hang up their back pack, take small items to the trash and gradually learn all aspects of household maintenance. Begin early, set a good example and be consistent. Be certain that you teach the child how to do a job and provide them with child-appropriate tools & cleaners. Chore charts with clearly defined responsibilities are invaluable!

“Lists and calendars make the world go ’round.” Be certain that everyone uses them! Have a standard grocery list easily accessible and teach family members to mark down items that need to be purchased. Write down important tasks that need to be done. Leave notes for each other as reminders or just ‘I love yous’. Mark all events on the calendar and check it daily. Don’t forget to jot down birthdays, routine maintenance items, school programs, pharmacy refills, etc. Use post-it notes or whatever works for you to remember what you need to do, who you need to call, etc. Don’t run errands without a list. If your children are ‘forgetful’ when doing their chores, make a list of what is required to clean a room and place it in that room. Want to put something on the ‘frig? Purchase inexpensive strips of adhesive magnetic strips and any light weight item can be posted on a metal surface.

“Let someone else do the work.” Okay, most of us can’t get someone else to do all of our work, but whenever possible take advantage of programs and systems that take some of the work off of you. Some examples might be automatic prescription refill programs, automated reminder systems, pre-approved bill paying by credit card or through your checking account (be sure it is a reputable company), put yourself on lists for no junk mail & sales calls, subscription services for items you need on a regular basis (like water filters, items you mail order regularly, etc), and email reminder systems. Every item you can get ‘off your plate’ is one less item you need to deal with.

“Armies run on their stomachs — and so do families.” Keeping your family or yourself fed is a major user of time, energy and planning. One of the first priorities in organizing your home is to keep your kitchen clean and operational. Before cooking, have the dishwasher cleaned out so that you can put prep utensils in there as you cook. We’ll discuss the fine tuning of the kitchen in a later column, but keep in mind that if your kitchen and bathrooms are clean, you will find that the rest of your life runs smoother (and with less illness)!

“Get it off your plate–delegate.” Everyone should have responsibilities and you might need to let go of your own desire for perfection. No one member of the family should carry the whole burden. Break big jobs into small jobs and divide them up. Pitch in and don’t let yourselves get buried before you begin to dig out! If you really can’t keep up with the demands of your life/home/job, take a good hard look at all you are trying to accomplish. Maybe you need to streamline, pass on portions of the responsibility to others or re-order your priorities.

“Identify the problem, find the solution.” Look at where the ‘bottle necks’ and ‘break downs’ are in the functioning of your home. Think like an efficiency expert in a factory. Analyze each problem and see if you can come up with a system that automates what can be automated, organizes everything that can be organized and divides jobs up into ‘do-able’ portions. You may never have the time to deep clean the kitchen like a cleaning pro. But, you can empty the leftovers before trash day. Wipe down the door one day and the shelves another.

In the next few weeks, we will be examining each area of a typical home and discovering ways to make it run smoother. Excuses aside (we’re just too creative, too busy, too sick, too important, too whatever), it is possible for every family to have a home that is clean enough to be healthy, organized enough to be efficient and happy enough to be inviting. Sometimes, it just takes rethinking!

September is National Preparedness Month (also National Sewing Month) and in honor of this month long celebration of all things prepared, let’s all commit to make and keep at least ONE goal related to our overall preparedness status. Before welcoming in the upcoming holiday season, use September to analyze your current state of affairs and find at least one area in which you could improve. Make a plan and follow through with it! Over achievers, or simply truly concerned folks, might go for a goal a week.

National Preparedness Month can be a family affair. Simply assign different family members different goals to accomplish. Or have each family member learn one new skill and then share it with others.

To get you going, here a few of possibilities:

• Winter preparation: Check roofing, downspouts, chimney, driveways, drainage areas, basement, supply of de-icing chemicals & equipment, car tires, preparations for being snowed or iced ‘in’, supplies in case your power is out (such as candles, flashlights, warm clothing, alternative heat source, phones, batteries, etc), well sealed windows & doors, sidewalks and weakened tree limbs.
• Food storage: Do you have at least a 3-month supply of food in your house? A year’s supply of necessities? Two weeks worth of food you could eat with little or no power? Are your supplies well organized? Have you checked expiration dates lately?
• ‘Bug Out’ or 72-hour kits: Double check food, clothing and other supplies. Consider a small one for your office and car. Rotate what needs to be rotated. If you don’t have one, assemble one this month.
• Financial preparedness: Review your current benefits to be certain that you have the appropriate beneficiaries on life insurance, 401K, retirement plans, IRA accounts, etc. Are your records up to date? Securely filed? Taxes on target? What about debt load? If in debt, are you working to get out of it as quickly as possible? Could you trim expenses to save more? Is your resume up to date? Are you constantly looking for jobs in case you loose the one you have? Have you reviewed your budget lately to see where your money is going? Do you have adequate cash available for emergencies?
• What emergencies might you face? What natural or man-made disasters might your area experience? What can you do to prepare? How would you be warned or forewarned? If you had to evacuate where would you go? Thinking through the possibilities and planning ahead can save panic, indecision and unnecessary delays.
• Paper prepared? Are your important ‘paper’s in order? Can you grab them quickly? Does someone else know where you store vital information? Do you have a will or trust? (PLEASE get one now!) Guardians for your children? If you don’t have one, prepare a ‘What If? Notebook’. If you have one, update it.
• Workplace preparedness? Do you have a mini-’bug out’ kit at work? Do you know your company’s telecommuting policy in the event of snow or similar events that might make it impossible for you to get to work? Is there an evacuation plan? Fire safety plan? What if you had to evacuate—where would you go? How would you get home if you could not return to your vehicle? What if public transportation were disrupted? If you can’t get home, how will you contact your family? Take care of children or other dependents?
• Special needs preparedness. Do you have family members who may need special help during an emergency?  Are medications handy? Do you keep at least a four day supply, two weeks is better? Are there family members with mobility or cognitive disorders? How will their needs be met in a variety of emergencies? Is there equipment that requires electricity? Is there a care plan if the caregiver is disabled or cannot get home?
• Home Safety Audit. Check your home carefully for loose wiring, inappropriate extension cords, broken tiles, lack of childproofing where there should be, wobbly furniture, loose hand rails, electrical issues, cracked windows, doors that jam, leaks, temperature of hot water…be your own worst critic and see what you can find that should be fixed.
• Skills. What could you learn this month that would help you live more providently? Sewing? (It is National Sewing Month after all) Cooking? Baking? Canning? Gardening? Food preservation? Home repair? Budgeting? Job skills? First Aid? CPR? Alternative fuels? Alternative cooking methods? Bargain shopping? Re-purposing?
• Education. Are you continuing to learn? Are you helping your children develop a love of learning? What about a realistic view of college & the earning potential of different degrees? Vocational skills as a back up? Or a primary career path? Are you in touch with your children’s teachers? How safe is their school environment? What if the school is evacuated?
• Clean up! Clean out closets, donating what you do not use or ‘re-purpose (up-cycling is the cool phrase) it into something useful. Give your home a thorough clean out, dusting away summer’s dust. Check for signs of bugs or other unwelcome guests. Toss out out-dated medications. Get your home organized!
• Make a plan for holiday gift giving and associated expenses. Determine your budget NOW and then make a plan to accomplish all you need to before that ‘holly jolly budget-draining’ time of year is upon you. While cleaning your house, you might keep an eye out for items that may have been tucked away for a gift-giving occasion! If you plan on making gifts, now is the time to get started.

The possibilities are absolutely endless and there is abundant information available for free!  Any progress you make is wonderful, so pat yourself on the back and remember that provident living is not a one-time event, but a lifestyle!

For thousands and thousands of young adults, the end of summer heralds the beginning of their life as a college student. Whether you are a student or the parent of a student, take a few minutes to think through and prepare for this important and challenging time of life. In addition to tuition, housing, books and challenge of potentially living independently for the first time in their lives, college bound students should also consider a few ‘provident pointers’ of their own:

• Cell phone: Everyone seems to have one and they can be a true life line. Before purchasing a new phone or plan, be certain that the phone is usable/has coverage on the college campus. It is often wise to include the student’s phone in the family plan so that the student can call family members frequently.
• Banking: Open accounts that are convenient for the student and possibly the parents. Every student should be familiar with ATM safety and the safe guarding of personal information. A small personal shredder is a wise investment.
• Medical care: Find out now if your family health insurance covers the student away from home. Before signing up for student health insurance, be certain to read the fine print. Students might want to signing a medical power of attorney naming granting both parents the right to speak to medical providers concerning their care. Without such paperwork, providers are not legally allowed to discuss the student’s condition with anyone. Students should have a written copy of their medical history and current medications. For any ongoing medical issue, locate a physician near the college campus that will provide continuity of care.
• Personal safety. Many young adults are still in the ‘invincible’ phase of life. Others are trusting or believe that if they are headed to a religiously oriented school ‘all is well’. Review the importance of personal safety, including your photo & personal identity! Be self-confident, but aware. “The Gift Of Fear” is great pre-college reading for everyone.  Shred documents with personal information, safeguard belongings and avoid leaving expensive items unprotected. Be cautious about what you post online–never give your real name, make of car, schedule, school name, dorm name, etc. Predators will watch social networking sites and gather such information. Be smart!!
• Cars. If taking a car to school, be certain that their is adequate and well lit parking available. Obtain necessary parking permits, insurance coverage, a spare key, documents and emergency supplies for the car. Never overload a car or loan it to friends.
• Be space conscious. When planning what to take to that first dorm room, be certain that you know the capacity of the room! If possible, coordinate what will be brought with future room mates. Most dorm rooms are sadly lacking in space!
• Emergency preparedness. Pack a mini-72 hour kit for your dorm room. Be certain to have some well hidden cash, power bars, water, first aid supplies and basic medications.
• Debt. Remember that loans must be paid back. Review the true cost of credit and to limit their use student loans to absolutely necessary EDUCATIONAL expenses. Many college students are flooded with credit card offers and find themselves graduating with staggering debt loads.
• Life Skills. Every student should know the basics of laundry, healthy eating, financial record keeping, smart shopping, cooking, first aid and cleaning before heading off to college.
• Textbooks. Before shelling out a small fortune for textbooks, check carefully for used books. Check online sources for cheaper books–the savings can be substantial. Keep receipts for all books you purchase in case you drop a class! Keep your books in good condition and sell them back at the first opportunity (or sell them privately).
• Hand Washing & Health. Get in the habit of washing your hands often and well. This is your best defense about a wide variety of ailments. Take good care of your body–get enough sleep, eat well and sleep an adequate amount.
• Conflict. Learn how to peacefully resolve conflict–whether it is with your room mate, study group, classmates or friends.
• Stay connected. Stay connected with your family, life long friends and church. Though college is a time to begin ‘adult life,’ the anchors that have kept you steady are a source of strength, guidance and wisdom that you will need more than ever.

The college years are exciting and challenging. Good decisions, wise planning and some self-discipline will pave the way for success now and in the future!

We’ve reached what is for many the half-way point of ’summer vacation’. In households with children, the novelty of lazy days without the demands of school schedules may be wearing off and the ‘crazies’ settling in. For those with strained budgets, this summer may not be filled with glorious vacations or memories of roller coasters, water parks or trips to the beach. “I’m bored,” or “There’s nothing to do,” may be resounding through the halls of your home. What can you do to make summer memorable and NOT strain your budget? Try these on for size (with or without children):

• Free Activities. Google your location and ‘free activities’. You may be surprised at the wealth of opportunities for outdoor concerts, free movies (most national chains offer G and PG-rated movies throughout the summer–you really don’t need a child to attend), library activities, park events or free days at local museums. I did this last week in anticipation of a two-week visit from grandsons and filled a calendar with worthwhile, free or very low cost activities.
• Hobbies. Spend some extra time pursuing hobbies that you enjoy. Or start a new hobby, especially ones that require little cash outlay. One summer, my then 11-year-old daughter was confined to home with health issues. She began entering contests on behalf of herself, her parents and family friends. She learned how to be organized, gained communication skills and reaped more than $11,000 in goods, services and cash. Look for local organizations centered around your hobby or something you want to learn. Those that are passionate about something will often willingly share their knowledge with you.
• Stay-cation. All the rage these days to save money and be more ‘green’. Ask your local and state tourist bureaus for information about attractions in your own backyard. Set aside a week and vacation from home. Keep meals simple (or prepare them ahead), minimize housework and PLAY! Go to local monuments, meet interesting people, visit interesting architecture or make a tour of the local parks.
• Libraries. Use your local library to its fullest extent. Check for local programs (I found several really great ones–science expositions, live reptiles, visiting authors), children’s activities, check out DVD’s, books, magazines, etc. Use the library to get information about your local area, books about different areas of the world, cookbooks you have been wanting to try, hobby information and, often, very inexpensive resale books. At our local library, donated children’s books sell for 25 cents, adult paperback for 50 cents and hardbacks for $1.
• Visit Another Country (no passport required). Set aside a week to ‘explore’ another country. Go to the library and check out books, cookbooks, videos, etc. about a part of the world you want to visit. Encourage children to make up costumes, dances, musical numbers, art work, etc. common to that area of the world. Write to that country’s embassy (ahead of time) and ask for information about their country. If there is an embassy or consulate in your area, ask about visiting. See if there is a local group of citizens or descendents of immigrants from your country of choice. Visit them or invite someone over. Finish up the week with a great ‘fair’ featuring all you have learned and gathered. Try recipes from your country of choice, wear your costumes and have the children put on an art show.
• Set A Theme. Do your children love animals? Legos? Water play? Set aside a week to focus on a theme and practice being silly. Animals? Visit the local animal shelter and pet the animals. Visit a zoo. Or a vet’s office (with prior approval). Or a local farmer/rancher. Have a digital camera? Set up a ‘photo shoot’ of the stuffed animals as though they were wild animals. Legos? Set aside a lego week. See if there is a local Lego building enthusiasts group. Set aside a large area in the house for a massive Lego build that can stay up all week. Lady & Gentleman Camp. Spend a week learning the finer points of manners & social graces. The finale could be a meal at a nice restaurant or an at home ‘fine dining’ experience. Invite friends over for everyone to practice with. Princesses? Pirates? Sea Animals? Horses? Need ideas? Look online for party themes and coordinated ideas. There are many free downloadables, forums and other sources for great ideas.
• Practice The Silly. Let your inner-child out. Play with bubbles. Lay a sheet out on the floor, set an electric popcorn popper in the middle, remove the lid & let the popcorn fly! Have an Easter egg hunt in the middle of the summer. Make batches of homemade play-doh and have fun together. Set up a tent outside or in the basement. Play pirates. Have a treasure hunt. Set the timer and see how fast you can clean the house. Eat from paper plates. Have a backwards day–dinner for breakfast and pancakes for dinner while you wear clothes backwards or inside out. Let the children be parents for a few hours or a day. Develop a family language or secret code. Catch fireflies. Dress up in costumes and act out a play.
• Learn New Skills. Utilize summer days to learn a new recipe, teach your children or yourself to cook, sew, clean, mend, first aid, cake decorating, outdoor skills, canning, car maintenance, baking, home repairs, orienteering, bird watching, couponing, how to tell a joke…the list goes on and on. Utilize Boy Scout merit badge books to learn new skills. Invite an experienced Boy Scout over to teach you new skills–it will be good for all of you. USE THE LIBRARY!
• Prepare For School. Shop at thrift stores, yard sales, dollar stores, sales, etc. to start gathering the supplies and clothes you will need for the beginning of school. Set everything aside and label it as needed. Clean the house thoroughly. Don’t forget to schedule required physicals or eye exams NOW to avoid the school opening rush. Preparing slowly over a course of weeks will make it more enjoyable, less stressful and likely save you money.
• Practice Readiness Skills. A quiet summer evening is a perfect time to have a surprise ‘evacuation drill.’ See how fast it takes you to grab your 72-hour kit, your shoes, etc and get out of the house. Pile everyone in the car and go out for an ice cream cone. Make it a game to check the smoke detectors, locate the water shut off valve, find the gas shut off & required wrench.
• Surprise Santa. Start getting ready for Christmas & holiday gift giving during the summer months. Have your children begin making gifts for teachers, friends and family members. Utilize summer photos to make albums, notecards, etc. Use inexpensive rubber stamps or make your own with vegetables & produce custom wrapping paper. Label & store everything carefully and you’ll be ahead of the holiday crazies. Make up your holiday budget now and talk to family members about holiday plans.
• Redecorate. Now would be a great time to redecorate a child’s room. Give them a strong voice in the decision making and work together to choose colors, low-cost accessories, ‘upcycle’ thrift store or at home finds and remember to enjoy the experience.
• Visit Others. Visit friends or make new friends by visiting an assisted living or nursing care facility. Call ahead to make arrangements. If your family has specific talents, see if you can share them with the residents.
• Spa Day. Schedule a day to do manicures, pedicures, long soaks, etc. at home. Relax. Read a good book. Watch an uplifting or touching video. Listen to soothing music and consciously unwind.
• Service. Serve those around you. Cook dinner for a homeless shelter. Collect items for a women’s shelter. Visit shut ins. Tie a quilt for newborn babies. Write letters to military members. Cook dinner for a new mother. Look for opportunities to serve one-on-one.
• Old-Fashioned Fun. Our forefathers (& mothers) did not rely on commercial entertainment to enjoy the seasons. Look to yesteryear for fun & memorable summer activities such as picnics, visiting parks, games, musical evenings, at-home plays & puppet shows, nature walks, reading, fishing, etc. Learning new games and activities can not only be fun, but educational.
• Prepare Halloween Costumes. While you are out shopping yard sales and thrift stores, or honing your sewing skills, think ahead to Halloween. Have your children plan out a costume and look for the components while visiting yard sales, etc. Or use freecycle to find just what you are looking for.
• Clear The Clutter. Set aside a few hours a week to clear the clutter from your home. Safety check toys & equipment. Donate excess stuff to a worthwhile charity. Host an exchange day–friends & family bring the ’stuff’ they don’t want and exchange for your stuff that they might be able to use.
• Laugh & Enjoy The Time! Whatever you choose to do, use this time to bond with those you love. Enjoy being together and build memories of laughter, family and friends!

And don’t forget the sunscreen & sunglasses when you go outside.

It addition to hosting Tax Day, April is National Financial Literacy Month. In honor of Financial Literacy Month, FEMA and Operation Hope have teamed up to host a  ‘webinar’ specifically concerned with Financial Literacy and Emergency Preparedness. The webinar was broadcast earlier in the month, but is available online at:

http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm.

The webinar is a good 30-minute over view of the types of materials and insurance you need to have and organize. Additionally, Operation Hope has several free pdf’s available that will help you organize information that all of us need access to. Similar to the ‘What If?’ notebook found at;

http://www.dailypreparedness.com/2008/10/the-what-if-notebook/

the Operation Hope materials will help you organize contact, legal, financial and medical information that you may need to grab in an emergency. It would be advisable to download the free pdfs and modify them to your needs.

This type of organizational process is critical to a successful life. Though most of us will never face a large-scale natural disaster, we will all face personal crisis, disaster or disruption that will require us to quickly locate vital information. Additionally, everyday life is made easier when we can efficiently locate information that we need to manage the ‘practical’ aspects of life.

When your notebook is complete, be certain that you protect as you would any other sensitive personal information. Store it in an inconspicuous place (such as with photo albums or other notebooks) and restrict access to family members. You might want to consider keeping a copy in your safe deposit box, with a trusted relative and digitally.

Take 30 minutes to listen to the webinar and then involve your entire family in preparing your own ‘What If?’ notebook that you can grab ‘n go or refer to in a moment’s notice!

Ah, finally Spring has arrived. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and you can’t wait to get outside without being bundled in layers of clothing. WAIT! Before you leap into the beauty of the season, take a few hours to inspect your home. Winter, especially ones with severe weather, can cause a multitude of problems inside and outside your home. A few minutes (okay hours) now could save you thousands of dollars and untold heartache later. If you are renting your home, you would be wise to follow this checklist. Though you are not usually responsible for repairs, the resulting damage will impact your life and wallet. Report any discrepancies to your landlord/property manager.

To speed up your inspection, here is a handy dandy checklist of items you should check!

1. Kitchen

• Turn on all of the light switches. Wait an hour and see if any are warm. If they are, have an electrician check them for shorts.
• Change the filters in your refrigerator and sink (if you have one).
• Check appliance cords for signs of wear and tear.
• Clean the inside of your dishwasher. Set the washer for a short cycle. Once it is filled with water, carefully open the dishwasher and add one gallon of white vinegar. Continue with the cycle. When completed, wipe down the interior. Check the gaskets for signs of damage.
• Be certain your drains are running easily. A simple way to refresh the drains and garbage disposal is to pour a cup of baking soda down the drain. Add up to a quart of vinegar and stand back. Leave mixture alone for an hour and then flush with hot water.
• Check window trims for signs of leaking or loose caulk.
• Remove and clean the filter on your range hood. Clean the hood thoroughly.
• Check the microwave. Clean it thoroughly. Food particles adhering to the interior may be growing bacteria. When you microwave something new, these particles may fall on your food.
• Run the oven through a self-cleaning phase or clean with an oven cleaner. (Be sure to wear gloves and open a window)
• Check under the sink for signs of leaks. Consider installing inexpensive water leak detectors. (These battery operated devices are available for less than $20 at any home improvement store. They should be placed near any area where you think a leak may occur–under sinks, near hot water heaters, sump pumps, basement doors, etc. They emit a loud, piercing alarm as soon as they detect water.)
• Pull out the stove and clean under it. Grease trapped under a stove can become a fire hazard. Food stuff can attract vermin you don’t want.
• Check the cabinets for signs of insects or other unwanted guests.
• Have a fire extinguisher handy and check the expiration date.

2. Bathrooms

• Check cabinets, tub, shower & toilets for signs of leak & install inexpensive water leak detectors.
• Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank of toilet. Check back in an hour or two. If the water in the bowl is colored, you need to replace the flap valve unit in the tank.
• Test any ground fault circuit breakers that you have.
• Check shower curtain liners for signs of mold or mildew. Replace if needed.
• Check caulk around all surfaces. There should be no breaks, cracks or spots that are showing signs of mold.
• Clean out medicine cabinets and dispose of expired prescription or OTC meds.
• Clean drains as above in kitchen section. Make sure toilet is running well & filling appropriately.

3. Entire House

• Replace batteries in all smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Test and clean units.
• Replace furnace/air filters. Check duct work for signs of dirt or corrosion. Clean vents.
• Replace light bulbs as needed. Be certain all light bulbs are the appropriate wattage for the fixture.
• Clean dryer lint trap under running water. Check outside exhaust for lint build up. Clean lint trap. Clean under and around dryer. (Lint is highly flammable!)
• Have furnace and a/c unit inspected and serviced. You can do a preliminary inspection by looking for signs of corrosion, scale, funny noises or odd smells. If you suspect a gas leak LEAVE and call for professional help. If there is a serious gas leak, LEAVE and call 911.
• Have chimney cleaned if you used it over the winter. Chimney fires can smolder for hours before erupting.
• Clean out the fireplace. Remove all ash and clean all surfaces.
• Clean your clothes washer as you did your dishwasher. Install water detector alarm.
• Check area around your sump pump for signs of wear or corrosion. Consider installing a back-up battery operated unit. Install water detector alarm.
• Check all light switches as described in kitchen section.
• Check all water supply lines (don’t forget the line to the refrigerator) for signs of wear, corrosion, cracks or leaks. Test the shut off valves to make sure they work (and you know where they are!)
• Check all power cords.
• Check ceilings for signs of water leaks. If you see any, have your roof inspected (See below).
• Check all windows and doors for air leaks. Inspect caulking and weather stripping.
• Protect your valuable appliances, computers, TVs, etc with surge protectors. Consider installing a whole house surge protector.
• Inspect and test your security alarm system.
• Consult your owner’s manual and check your hot water heater. Install water detection alarm!
• Test the batteries in your water detection alarms.
• Check the attic for signs of leaks, birds, rodents, insects or missing/damaged installation.
• Vacuum upholstery and mattresses. Wash mattress and pillow covers as recommended.
• Inspect stair railings. Be certain they are snug and do not flex inappropriately.
• Inspect beds and cribs used by children. Be certain they are safe & secure.
• Inspect any child safety gates that you have installed.
• If you use child safety devices such as outlet plugs, cabinet locks, etc. inspect them.
• As you put away your child’s toys, sleds, winter gear, etc. inspect for loose parts, damage, etc.

4. Outside Grab some binoculars and head out into the fresh air!

• Stand away from the house and using binoculars, inspect your roof for signs of damage. Look for shingles that are missing, curling or bending at odd angles. Look at the roof ridge vent and check for loose portions or signs of wear. Look at the flashing around chimneys, checking for signs of corrosion, cracks, separation or lifting from the roof. Look at the siding under the roof eaves. If you see damage, this may indicate that an ice dam caused damage to the roof and the siding.
• If you see damage to your roof, get estimates from at least three different roofers. Be certain repair estimates are in writing and that the company offers a solid guarantee. Be extremely cautious in attempting any repairs to your own roof.
• Inspect your gutters. Again, use your binoculars and look for separation from the roof line, cracks, clogs, corrosion or bending of the gutter line. If you see damage, get several estimates.
• Use those binoculars again to scan any power lines above or around your house. Report any concerns to the appropriate utility. Be certain that trees are not encroaching on lines. NEVER attempt to work near a power line.
• Clean or have your gutters cleaned. Be certain that run-off positions are causing the water to run away from the foundation of your home. Install extenders if necessary.
• Clear debris, leaves and foliage from your foundation. Plants should encourage water to flow away from your home. Having plants up against the foundation encourages water retention, rodents & insects.
• With your binoculars, inspect all trees around your home. Look for limbs that show signs of breaking, strain or hanging at odd angles. Look for branches or limbs that have broken off but are stuck on lower branches of the tree. Consider hiring a professional to remove any damaged limbs. Again, get multiple estimates.
• If you are storing large amounts of water, this is a good time to drain the barrels, clean them and refill them. Look for signs of corrosion, damage, etc.
• Check your deck! Look for water stains where the deck attaches to the house. Ongoing water damage can weaken the deck and your home. Consult a professional (remember estimates) if you suspect damage of this sort. Look for signs of rot, loose boards, shaky handrails, nails pulling loose and splinters.
• Clean your deck to rid it of moss and mold. Reseal if needed.
• Check your foundation for cracks. If you see any, mark with tape and check again in a few months. If they remain stable, simply fill with an epoxy or foam product. If the cracks increase, consult a structural engineer.
• Check the foundation area for pellet-shaped droppings or shed wings from termites.
• Be certain that the ground around the foundation slopes away at about 1″ per foot. If needed, add compacted soil to increase slope.
• Fill in any low spots where water pools. Near the house, these can lead to foundation leaks. Away from the house, they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Remove branches and other debris from your yard.
• Move firewood well away from house.
• Fill in gaps in siding or foundation with expanding foam product.
• Inspect your siding for signs of damage. Repaint as needed.
• Inspect all wood surfaces. Gently probe with a screwdriver. If you feel the wood give way, you may need to replace it. Repaint and caulk as needed.
• Inspect brick work for signs of cracking or chipping away of the brick. If a brick surface is damaged, reseal it with an appropriate product.
• Inspect your driveway and walkways for cracks, fissures or chipped areas. Repair to prevent falls.
• Check outside hose faucets for damage. Be certain they shut off completely and that there are no interior leaks when they are used. Check hoses for rot, cracks, wear, etc.
• Have a qualified technician inspect and service your a/c unit now before it gets hot! There are still tax credits available for upgrading units.

5. Garage and Cars

• Check your garage for oil stains and clean.
• Inspect the ceiling/under side of the roof for signs of leaking.
• Sweep up any spills. Be especially careful to sweep up spills of ice melting chemicals.
• Dispose of old chemicals, cleaning agents, paints, etc per local regulations.
• Thoroughly test your garage door:  Place a 2×4 or other 4″ structure on the floor where the garage door closes. Close the garage door. When the door hits the 4″ structure, it should immediately reverse direction. Next, cover an electric eye as the door is closing. The door should stop immediately and reverse. (You may be able to easily adjust the eye. If you cannot, see below) Next, disengage the electric garage door opener and open the door manually. It should rise and lower easily and evenly. If the door fails any of these tests, have a professional inspect and repair it.
• Inspect the exterior of your garage door for signs of flaking paint, leaks, water damage, etc.
• Wash the inside and outside of your cars. Chemicals and sand used to treat snowy/icy streets are hard on your car’s interior and exterior. Vacuum the carpets thoroughly.
• Check tire pressure, oil, washer fluid, antifreeze, etc.
• Look at the car’s engine. Inspect belts and hoses for signs of cracks, wear or weakness.
• Check the a/c coolant level.

A few hours in these early days of Spring may very well save you hours, dollars and heartache later on. These inspections can be done quickly, easily and spread out over time. Enjoy the beautiful weather and stay safe!

The images coming out of Haiti are heart-breaking and as generous souls, we all want to do our part to alleviate the catastrophic suffering we see on a daily basis. As with all modern disasters, the Haiti earthquake has unleashed a secondary storm of disaster–the charity scammers. Within hours of a major disaster, fake charities, websites and phone solicitors arise from the ashes to ply us with pleas for assistance. Sometimes sounding like recognized charities, or ‘collecting’ in their name, these scamming vultures move quickly and effectively. They want your money and in the latest schemes, your identity, computer files and credit card information.

In order to protect yourself from these unscrupulous vultures, follow these suggestions:

• Never link through an unsolicited charity email. Go to the charity’s own website from your own web browser. Be certain that the site is legitimate.
• The newest scams involve virus-laden websites that infect your computer with a virus and then cause a virus alert message to appear. It then tries to sell you virus protection software, which is actually malware. These sites will pop up if you search for Haiti and earthquake.
• Before giving to any charity, know what percentage of your donation will go to aid, what percentage may be diverted to other causes and what percentage is for ‘overhead’.
• Know that in most cases, the best thing you can give after a disaster is cash. Truckloads of clothing, furniture & bedding are often left to rot because there is no mechanism to distribute it after a large disaster.
• If you have goods that can be sold, sell them and donate the cash to a reputable charity.
• Do not respond to unsolicited phone calls pleading for money.
• Do not give cash to individuals coming to your home, place of business or in public asking for donations in the name of a charity. Instead, give directly to the charity.
• Ask if the charity is a 501c3. Ask to see their annual report. Ask for contact information for the headquarters. If they refuse to answer your questions, don’t donate.
• Beware of text message donations. You will most likely be paying the texting charges and fighting a fraudulent charge may be difficult. Also, do not text credit card or other personal information.
• If donating online, do so only through reputable charities’ websites and only those that begin with https
• The safest way to make a donation is with a check made out to the charity. You will then have a ready-made receipt for tax purposes.
• Ask the charity what help they are currently providing in the area. How many people are they currently serving? What other organizations are they working with?
• Do an internet search for the charity in question. Look for independent news reports of aid they are currently providing in the area they claim to be serving.
• Ask the charity what will happen to excess funds collected. How will they use them?
• Never give out your credit card or bank information over the phone, especially when the phone call is unsolicited.
• With any phone solicitation, ask the caller to send written materials. Do not donate unless they do so. Even then, be cautious.
• Know that countless ‘charities’ and ‘foundations’ prey on the elderly. They send statements that look like bills, rely on their instinctive generosity and employ a variety of other unsavory techniques. If you have elderly family members, watch their bank accounts for such donations. Some frauds include using the information on checks sent in to set up automatic electronic withdrawals.
• Avoid giving to newly established charities, especially after a major disaster.
• Every state attorney general’s office will have information on legitimate and fraudulent charities. If you believe that you have encountered a fraudulent charity, contact the AG office immediately.
• Decide what you can reasonably afford to donate and donate it to a legitimate charity of your choice. When you are asked for donations by others, simply say, “We’ve already donated.”

One of the most effective and fast-responding charities is LDS Humanitarian Services. 100% of your donation will go to assist others, not only in times of disaster but with a wide range of truly wonderful programs. A link to a rapid donation form is available at www.lds.org. For further information about other ways you can support worthwhile efforts around the world, go to http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/

Do not become a secondary casuality of disaster. Be wise in your charitable giving and be certain that your generosity goes to those you wish to aid!

New Year’s Resolutions–easily made, quickly forgotten and fodder for guilt! Instead of feeling bad about yourself when April arrives and your resolutions are all but forgotten, set goals that will allow you to slowly but surely attain a more provident lifestyle. The changes need not be drastic or accomplished all at one time. Provident living is not a one-time event, but rather a mindset, a lifestyle, a commitment to viewing today in context of the years that lie ahead. No matter where you are on the Provident Living Spectrum, making consistent changes will brighten your tomorrows.

As you evaluate where you are, consider these dozen ideas:

1. Debt: If you are out of debt, stay out! If you are in debt, resolve to acquire NO further consumer debt and pay down your debt as quickly as possible. Tell yourself ‘No’ frequently until your debt balance is at zero. Buy used and apply the savings to your debt load. Put away the credit cards and pay cash. Do whatever you have to do to get out from under the slavery of debt.

2. Savings: Pay yourself each payday. Save whatever you can, wherever you can. Keep your savings in a secure, insured account. Teach your children to save and to be wise consumers.

3. Employment: Be certain that your resume is prepared and up-to-date. Improve your skills and be on the look-out for employment opportunities. If you are threatened with unemployment, begin your job search before you are laid off. Let everyone know that you are looking for employment!

4. Education: Be certain that your children understand the value of obtaining the best education possible. Teach them from middle school on that what they do in the six years after elementary school will affect their ability to be admitted to college and win scholarships. Help your teens find every scholarship opportunity possible. Teach your teens about the dangers of acquiring unnecessary student and credit card debt. If you need to return to school, seek grants, scholarships or employer-funded opportunities. Continually learn new skills that will help you live providently: gardening, canning, home repairs, computer skills, sewing, baking, cooking, etc. Be certain that every member of your family has the necessary life skills to enter the world prepared to be self-reliant.

5. Be a wise steward: Take care of what you own so that it will last and serve you well. The greatest ‘green’ thing you can do is to make what you have last as long as possible.

6. Prepare for ‘everyday’ emergencies: The largest percentage of ‘emergencies’ that we will face are the ‘everyday’ sorts–unexpected illness, injury, a flooded basement, etc. An orderly life and home makes it easier to deal with these types of events. Train your family to keep the home running smoothly. Have extras at home–extra cash, extra food, extra cleaning supplies. Know where your important papers and phone numbers are. Evaluate the most likely larger emergencies you might face and prepare with evacuation kits (72-hour kits or Bug Out Bags), emergency supplies such as first-aid kits, extra lighting, cooking, etc. ‘Prepare every needful thing…’

7. Store food and essential supplies: Even if you purchase and set aside a few canned goods each shopping trip, build a supply of food that you can rely on. Begin by purchasing ‘everyday’ foods until you have a 3-month supply. Store some water, extra hygience products, laundry soaps, etc. When you have accomplished your 3-month supply, slowly acquire long-term staples such as grains, sugar, salt and powdered milk.

8. Develop emotional resiliency: Learn to take the upheavals of life in stride emotionally (which is easier when you are living providently). Learn to appropriately deal with stress, anxiety, disappointment and develop a support structure that will assist you. Develop a greater faith and testimony of the eternal nature of your life so that the daily ups and downs are seen in the proper perspective. Learn to laugh. If you need professional help, seek it from a trained professional that shares your core values.

9. Build your spiritual muscles: Like physical muscles, spiritual muscle must be built over time. Do not wait until the tempest is raging to learn to seek Divine Guidance and Strength. Serve others and forget yourself as you lift another.

10. Practice Prevention: Prevent accidents whenever possible. Make your home and your car as safe as possible. Teach your children to behave appropriately and how to react to danger. Seek preventative medical care from competent professionals. Think before acting and research before leaping!

11. Plan ahead: Live today fully, but look towards the future. Plan economically, physically and mentally for events that you know will occur. Whether it is a birthday, Christmas or retirement, many of life’s events can be accurately predicted and planned for. Continually living in a state of ‘last-minutitis’ increases stress and nearly always results in frayed nerves, greater expenditures and wasted effort.

12. Practice happiness: Happy people are more likely to successfully navigate the world without relying on impulse buying, addictive substances or other self-destructive behaviors. Find joy in the simple things of life and make your home a haven from the cares of the world. If your home is a simple cave, make it the brightest, happiest, most laughter-filled cave imaginable.

Provident Living is not a drudgery or ‘doomsday’ way of looking at life. Rather, it is the best guarantee that you and those you love will be safe, secure, strong and happy no matter what life throws your way. Make 2010 a year in which you embrace and find joy in being not only self-reliant but able to reach out to others. In that, you will find the greatest of joy!