The Bucket April 2008

Quite often during my day job, I spend a lot of time helping people figure out how much money they are going to need for a specific goal and what course of action is needed to arrive at the goal. Retirement is a common goal amongst those with pulses. I have found over the past 10 years that most people don't really know how much they need to save to retire successfully. It has been quite shocking to see how little people have accumulated but still claim they are on track for retirement! My gut tells me that the same is true for food storage.

I know a lot of people who claim they have a “ton” stored. I find they feel safe and secure knowing they have a bunch of food in the pantry. However, when push comes to shove, most people have no idea how much of the essentials they have and how long it would actually last. Even worse, they have never sat down to calculate how much they need or made a plan to start accumulating. It's no different from retirement planning or even cleaning the house. You identify what needs to be done, make a plan as to how you will accomplish your goal, and then do one thing at a time.

So here are the steps:

1. Figure out how much you need. There are calculators galore, if you can't find one, give me a call today. If you are just starting, work first on gathering a three-month supply.
2. Quantify how much you have. That's right—you start at one (1) and just proceed sequentially until you've counted your food storage.
3. Compare what you need vs. what you have. First ensure you have a three-month supply then figure shortages for a year's supply.
4. Start at the top of the list and gather items systematically until you have everything you need. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is your food storage. Don't stress about it—just make a plan and stick to it.

Please utilize the website---www.onlinebucket.blogspot.com. I am posting tried and true recipes as well as cool food storage links. I am also begging you to give me your recipes that are food storage-ish. I am proud of all you who have stepped up and started a serious effort in following the prophets' counsel to get a year's supply. I know you will be blessed for your efforts in ways you will never guess.


Rolling in dough,


Andrew

P.S. The Bucket is one year old this month—if you've been missing out you can catch up on the website.