How Prepared Are You?

Brush fires are common here in Utah. Our climate is particularly dry and the heat has definitely hit early this year. The number of fires is astounding. Most are kept under control, but what happens when you find your home is threatened by these deadly flames? Many people have been evacuated from their homes tonight as another such fire has come dangerously close to their homes. Whenever I hear of natural disasters such as these I am reminded just how unprepared I really am for them. What do you take with you when you have only moments to clear your … Continue reading

Be Prepared with Important Documents

If you don’t have the following documents stored in a waterproof and portable container, then you might not be prepared for an emergency. If you have to leave suddenly in an emergency, you want to take important paperwork with you. It can help immensely. You may have to prove who you are, prove that you are related to other family members and prove that you own your property. Having medical information is also important. Even if you find that you are away from home when an emergency hits, having the paperwork protected at home can be valuable. It may be … Continue reading

CDC Says “Be Prepared for Zombie Apocalypse”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging citizens to be prepared for a potential Zombie Apocalypse. I’m not kidding. The CDC recommends that each one of us has the following ready just in case, “to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp.” Water (1 gallon per person per day) Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly) Medications (this includes prescription and non-prescription meds) Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc.) Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc.) Clothing and Bedding … Continue reading

Saving Time By Saving Documents

For those of you who are married and have had children, remember registering at the various stores for certain gifts and such? Recall how frustrating it could be trying to figure out what you wanted, the quantity, and the color of that item? Let’s skip ahead a few years – there is a tragedy involving your home, everything is lost. Not a very happy thought, but it can happen to any of us. It may be a home fire, tornado, hurricane, or even a flood. Now imagine the days following these events and everything you will be doing and what … Continue reading

What is a Bug Out Bag?

Do you have a bug out bag? Do you even know what that is? Bug out bags are gaining in popularity these days. Find out if it makes sense for you to have one. A bug out bag is a portable bag that contains all of the items that you would need to survive for 72 hours in the event that you need to evacuate from a disaster, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when so many were stranded without food, water or medical care. “Bugging Out” is the practice of taking your bug out bag and going to … Continue reading

Ideas for a Frugal New Year

Celebrate and ring in the New Year without breaking the annual budget. Here are some great ways that you can have fun and party like the prices were in 1999. There are plenty of inexpensive options for having a frugal New Year’s Even, whether you like to have a wild time out or just stay close to home to celebrate. Balloons are generally very inexpensive, especially if you skip the helium and just blow them up yourself. Check out the dollar store for colorful balloons and then put them everywhere: tied to the furniture or just all over the floor. … Continue reading

What Do the Postal Service Cuts Mean for Your Household?

It was bound to come to this. The US postal service is an independent bit of the government that while subject to government rules and regulation is not supported by government funds or tax dollars. For years it has been hurting financially, and is now requesting to be allowed to make some changes to help reduce that debt. USPS asked the Postal Regulatory Commission for a number of changes that may affect when and how you get your mail. One of the items for change is the standard delivery service. Currently set at two days, it would be changed to … Continue reading

How Vulnerable is Your Community?

Did you know that when the United States president declares a disaster, 90 percent of the time it is weather related? Some areas of the country are more prone to certain kinds of weather emergencies than others. But how do you know which ones pertain to you? or example, do you really need to be prepared for hurricanes? If you do, is there a specific time of year when hurricanes should be a concern? What about those other emergencies, both the ones that are weather related and those that might not be, such as floods, tornados, blizzards, earthquakes., etc.? There … Continue reading

Talking to Your Parents About Their Finances

There are many things that people tend to become concerned about as their parents get older. Things like the physical and mental health and well being of their elderly parents are often top of mind for many adult children. The finances of elderly parents are also often a cause for great concern, especially if the adult children do not live close to them. How can you help to ensure that your parents stay current with their bills and stay away from scam artists who target the elderly without offending them? It is a delicate path to walk, to be sure, … Continue reading

Caution: Severe Weather Impending from Texas to Chicago

If you are not already aware, severe weather is in the forecast beginning today and possibly continuing for at least the next 36 hours. Much of the central part of the country is under threat of severe thunderstorms including lightning, large hail, damaging winds, possible long track tornadoes, and more flooding. From Texas to Illinois, it is paramount that people pay attention to weather forecasts as well as to conditions in their area. If you don’t already have one, it’s a good idea to pick up a weather radio, one that will alert you if dangerous weather is heading your … Continue reading