Here at SelfSufficiencySupplies.com we believe that hard economic times are coming and in some ways they're already here. So what did people do to survive, and even prosper, during the Great Depression? I remember my Grandma saving rubber bands and string even in the economic boom times. Old habits die hard I suppose, and in the current economic climate, we could use some advice from those who have already lived through a depression.

Here you'll find information on how to be self-sufficient. Self-sufficiency means you can supply your own needs whatever they may be. We'll begin with food, water and shelter. These are the basic human needs. Then there is the question of medications, sanitation and personal items. We'll also explore different ways to earn money or otherwise get what you need by bartering and trading.

Being self-sufficient isn't all about stocking up a lot of food even though stocking up is a big part of being self-reliant. Even if you're not putting up supplies for the long-term, stocking up allows you to buy things when they're on sale and then use them as you need them rather than buying things that you need and paying whatever price they happen to cost at the time. This makes good sense in any economy but it becomes essential in tough times.

It's also important to have the knowledge that will allow you to take care of yourself and your family in various situations. A good survivalist can make it through about anything with just a knife. This is the result of a lot of learning and preparation. Our goal here is to teach people to prepare for hard times whatever form they may take this time around.

As a society we've outsourced almost everything in recent years, not only to other countries but even within our own neighborhoods. We spend such a tremendous amount of time working just to pay for the transportation, clothes, food and childcare needed to enable us to work. People who are unemployed don't have these expenses. So while unemployment is worrisome, there are also potential benefits if someone in your household is unemployed. Here you'll learn how to take advantage of these benefits. Investing now in knowledge and tradable skills is one of the best ways to ensure your own self-sufficiency.

Integrated living situations can be a huge benefit in hard times, but even in good times, the benefits shouldn't be overlooked. One of the biggest is the closeness you'll gain with your family. Couples that aren't so busy anymore can find a new intimacy. Retirees can feel useful looking after kids or doing household chores. Kids can be helpful too, and gain an old-fashioned sense of worth. When holding onto your old lifestyle is no longer the main focus there can be less stress. We begin to learn what is really important in life.

Suburban dwellers already have some yard space and with intensive gardening techniques can often raise a good percentage of their food. You can turn that resource sucking yard into a super-productive garden with which to feed your family. All it takes is some investment in knowledge, seeds and simple tools. Start practicing now because it takes a little time to learn how to garden efficiently.

There are also many ways to be self-sufficient in the city even though you have limited space to grow your own food. There are plants that grow like mad in a small area, and methane gas for heat and cooking can be produced in a 5 gallon bucket. Again, skillsets are important and potentially tradable.

Many city dwellers and suburbanites are turning to small chicken flocks as a part of their self-sufficiency plans. As few as two or three hens can supply eggs for consumption or trade in a small space, and chickens will eat about anything. Rabbits are also a very efficient producers of meat and can be raised in a small area in a yard, shed or even your basement.

Being self-sufficient often means you'll need to supply your own health insurance. We've researched ways to have low-cost health insurance in case of emergencies. If you and your family are generally healthy you can probably save money with a high deductible health insurance plan. It will kick in if anything really major happens and protect you from catastrophic medical bills, but it doesn't cost you so much every month as many traditional plans do.

Whatever your needs or situation, the time to start is now. This site is free and, we hope, helpful in your quest for self-sufficiency. Here's to a safe and prosperous future.