Inflation, Food Shortage, and Gas Crisis: Will it Get Worse?
May 12, 2021 by Linda Loosli 81  Comments , , , , ,

Inflation, Food Shortage, and Gas Crisis: Will it Get Worse?

  25  
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Brace yourself because it doesn’t look like life is going to go back to normal anytime soon. Inflation is showing signs of increasing, we are seeing some food shortages, and now we are running out of gas in certain areas. When it comes to being a prepper, it is important to know what is going on around you so you can better prepare yourself for what’s coming. Today, we are going to talk about inflation and shortages that we see coming our way, and how you can start preparing today!

What is Inflation?

Inflation, Food Shortage, and Gas Crisis: Will it Get Worse?

Inflation is when prices rise and decrease the buying power of a dollar. It’s not just higher prices for one specific item. Instead, it’s a general increase in prices across the board. This includes food prices, gas prices, prices for buying supplies like wood, steel, etc. The cost of some lumber products to build a home, garage, or whatever has gone up 300% over the past few months.

You may wonder why lumber has gone up in price so much. Of course, the pandemic caused some shortages of labor, transporting costs, etc., but a HUGE reason may be the lower interest rates on mortgages. Some people are trying to get into a home or upsize while rates are at historically low levels. I have seen people downsizing to smaller homes for fear of future expenses. Why on earth would anyone want a huge mortgage payment if gas prices are rising, utilities are through the roof, and food prices are escalating out of control.

In Southern Utah, building a new home may become out of reach for most families. It’s the supply and demand game, less lumber, less building supplies, the higher the cost. And it’s not just Utah, it’s everywhere.

Inflation, in many cases, can be a signal of a healthy economy. A moderate inflation rate encourages you to spend or invest your money today instead of saving it, thus improving the economy as the spending creates jobs and personal income levels. 

However, inflation can also become a destructive force to any economy if it rises dramatically and gets out of hand. Think about Venezuela when its inflation rate hit over 1,000,000% over a few years, causing the economy to topple. 

Currently, our inflation rate is at 2.6% which is 1.7% higher than it was last year! The question now becomes, will it rise out of control or is it normal due to the pandemic? 

Why is there a Food Shortage and Gas Crisis?

Inflation, Food Shortage, and Gas Crisis: Will it Get Worse?

You see, our economy works by having a steady balance. When one thing flips the scales, everything kind of goes into chaos. The basic reason we are seeing shortages and inflation is because of supply and demand changes! Most of the time, we have a steady supply of items and it meets the demand of the people. However, when a crisis happens like shutting the economy down for covid, some things aren’t being produced and you can’t meet the demand. Other things are still produced but aren’t being consumed, so the prices go down.

Read More of My Articles  In A Split Second Your Life Can Change

For example, as we shut down, more people were looking for activities to do at home and ways to social distance. The demand for things like trampolines, nintendo switches, and pools went up. Because these companies were used to a certain amount of these products being bought, they only had an average supply based on prior years. When they got low on supply due to the demand for more, the prices skyrocketed. 

So, why are we seeing a food shortage and gas crisis? We are buying more! We are buying more than can be delivered because of a lack of delivery truck drivers, lack of supply based on prior year’s production, and because other countries are having the same issues so we can’t import what we normally do. 

Production was down due to the pandemic. Now, we are getting back to more “normal” levels and the demand is going up. We are having a ton of supply chain issues. 

What Are You Paying for Gas Today?

I would love to hear what you are paying for gasoline in your city or state. I’m in Southern Utah, and today the cost is $3.35 a gallon. If you have time please let me know what city or state you live in and tell us what you are paying. I’m sure the prices will go up, but if you can leave it in the comments we can see where the gas has gone up or (shock) down in price.

Plus, have you seen signs saying “out of gas today”? Have the lines wrapped around the block as I have seen on the news? There’s no need to stockpile gas, just keep your cars or trucks full.

What Shortages Do We Have? (What to Stock)

We have so many shortages popping up across the country as the pandemic messes with shipping, demand, supply, and all other levers of the global economy. Keep in mind, that we don’t make everything here in the U.S. As a global economy, we rely on each other for imports and exports. Because of the shipping, demand and supply, we are seeing the following shortages:

Chicken and Beef Shortage

There is a nationwide shortage of chicken. In fact, some restaurants have had to cut chicken tenders and wings off the menu. Beef is also becoming a short supply product. 

Chlorine Shortages

Our chlorine supplies are running low due to a fire at the chemical plant in Louisiana in August. It was then further damaged by Hurricane Laura. As a result of low supplies, prices have increased. 

Read More of My Articles  13 Things You’ll Regret Not Having When SHTF

Gas Shortage

Fill up those cars! We are NOT out of gas! There is not technically a shortage of crude oil or gasoline. The problem is there are not enough tanker truck drivers to deliver the gas to stations that are in short supply. There IS a driver shortage! When we can’t get gas to the stations, gas prices rise because the demand is higher than what is being shipped. It always rises in the summer due to more people driving and going on vacations. That is normal, but there is even more of a shortage now so gas prices are climbing even higher. The recent “hack” of the Colonial Pipeline operating systems has forced the pipeline to shut down for a period of time. Hopefully, it will come back online soon. Even airlines are feeling the effects of the pipeline shutdown.

Ketchup Packets Shortage

There isn’t really a shortage of ketchup, but there is a shortage of packets. This is because as more people did take out instead of dine-in options, packets were heading out the door faster than in times past, making the demand higher. 

Metals Shortage

As many countries, including the U.S., switch to green energy, the demand for copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt are going up. We didn’t use as much of these rare earth elements before so we were not prepared with enough supply. 

Rubber Shortages

There are also shortages of rubber which can impact tire production. So, if you need new tires, you may want to get them now. 

Inflation, Food Shortage, Gas Crisis…Will it Get Worse?

All that can be said is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Yes, it could get worse, but it could also get better. The truth is this all depends on what we as a country do. We need truckers to deliver the supplies, we need people not to panic buy because it only makes it worse, and we need companies to push out more products which requires workers! The bottom line is we have to open up the economy and get things moving in the United States as well as in other parts of the world. We don’t solely rely on our economy being up and running, but other countries’ economies being up and running as well. 

As preppers, we just need to keep doing what we do! Keep prepping and keep being diligent. If you need more insight on what to prep or how to prep, check out some of my other posts below!

Final Word

With all of this being said, my best advice is to just keep prepping as you always have. Do not panic buy, but be prepared. We made it through the lockdowns, and we will make it through this as well! May God Bless this world. 

Copyright Images: Costco Gas AdobeStock_301413718_Editorial_Use_Only by Andriy Blokhin, Gas Out of Service AdobeStock_101117577 by Paulvelgos

Similar Posts

81 Comments

  2. The fuel thing is why we prepare because things happen. It’s not about the apocalypse it’s about life.
    $2.47-2.80 gl for gas here but we aren’t part of it.
    IMO things will get worse. I’d look for the Carter administration days on inflation and fuel shortages.
    I’ll not jump into all the reasons because it’s long and drawn out but anyone paying attention knows at least some of them.
    I also believe it’ll get better eventually. If not look for Venezuela with much more gun violence here.
    I don’t want it nor wish it contrary to popular belief of those in preparedness. I enjoy the finer things of life like my recliner and AC.

    Reply

    1. Hi Matt, the AC, and the recliner! Life is good! I have my garden to give me joy and relaxation. I remember the Carter administration, oh my gosh. Mark and I took the kids to Disneyland in California and cars were lined up to get gas. THEN the gas was gone for miles. So ridiculous. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

      1. Hi Matt, oh my gosh, you nailed it with this link! I can still remember driving to Disneyland with kids, praying we would get gas for the Volkswagon we were driving. I was young and naive back then. NOT NOW! I was too young to question the shortage, then we had a sugar shortage. I was deep into canning food for family and needed the sugar. God help us, we must be prepared. Linda

        Reply

  3. Gas prices in Woodland Park, CO, the last I checked was $2.89 a gallon where I normally shop. Haven’t been by there in several days due to the snow we just got. Hoping to get out today.

    About what is going on right now. I heard yesterday that it’s possible that different parts of the world are testing Biden on how he addresses things. Also said that it’s very possible that the grid might be the next target. Not saying this could happen any time soon, but it looks like others are thinking it’s possible. I’m not near as prepared as I’d like to be, so this bothered me a lot.

    Reply

    1. Hi Pam, I totally agree with you, the power grid will come down, when? None of us know. Our country is so vulnerable and our infrastructure is antiquated. $2.89, thanks for sharing. When you said snow, I nearly choked. WOW, it’s over 90 degrees here in Southern Utah. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

      1. I was at the gas station today. Gas is up to $2.93 today. What is really odd, gas is less than in the Springs. I’m in the mountains and it’s always higher up here. Go figure. And, yes. I got 4 inches of heavy wet snow between Sunday evening and Tues morning. No. I’m not happy with it. Totally over snow this year.

        Reply

  4. Linda,
    You hit the nail on the head with this one. I have been keeping up with many information sources and it IS going to get worse. One trucking company here in Texas was offering a driver salary of $15,000 per WEEK with no takers. You quoted some inflation percentages that are what the government is stating. The real percentages are much, much higher.
    Some lumber prices have more than tripled in the last few months and plywood has quadrupled in the last year. And, the quality is awful. Mostly what is available is low grade wood. Can’t find anything that is furniture quality. I had several planned wood-working projects that I have just canceled because I would have to use extremely inferior quality wood.
    Here in Central Texas, we have not had any significant food shortages yet, if one is willing to pay the prices.
    And, as far as fuel, we have had no shortages yet, and I paid $2.59 per gallon for regular gasoline yesterday. Premium at most stations is in the $3.09 to $3.29 range. Luckily, I only use premium in my motorcycle. And, it will run on regular but gets slightly better performance and fuel mileage on premium.
    But, we have only seen the very tip of the iceberg so far. From all that I see and hear in my sources we had better get ready because, to use my Texas twang, we ain’t seen nothing yet!!!!
    Any of you folks who read this, Linda was her usual composed self in the post above, but to use a Texas term, we are fixin’ to be in for a wild ride and I fear that there is no return to our previous NORMAL.
    So, tighten the cinch and hold on tight!!!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Harry, you nailed it. The percentages are much much higher. That’s crazy $15,000 a week and no takers, wow, wow, wow! I agree we have only seen the tip of the iceberg. I LOVE your Texas twang, by the way. Mark and I went to Salt Lake City to see some of our kids and grandkids for Mother’s Day. Before the pandemic, we had thought about building a home on our daughter’s property, but the price of supplies are out of sight. We will never see normal again, amen. Hold on for the ride it’s going to be very very rocky, indeed. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

    2. That trucking company thing was a lie.
      It goes along with if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is

      Reply

      1. Yes, the news(?) media played that up. What’s new, huh?
        The number was close, but it turns out that it was for owner/operators rather than just drivers. But, even so, it is fact that there is a shortage of drivers as well as owner/operators. And, that is no lie. And, it will lead to shortages at retail since virtually everything is trucked at some point along the line between manufacture and consumer. There are so many folks out there living in oblivion thinking everything is just fine. So, perhaps it is time for some stretch of the truth to wake them up. I just don’t know what it will take to do that besides some grand sensationalism.

        Reply

        1. Yes sir
          They forget as soon as it’s done though. The only thing I think that’ll make an impact on most is if they run outta dope.
          When I saw that ad I told the wife I was going back into it for 6 months lol. I used to have a A with endorsements

          Reply

  5. I live on the Space Coast of Florida, about 10 minutes South of the “Rocket Ranch – KSC”. Gas prices yesterday were around $2.79/gal. This morning it’s $2.90+/gal……..IF you can find it. Thanks to the Cyberattack on the oil pipeline, everyone is in freakout mode. Multiple gas station are out of gas.
    I’m glad I filled my vehicles up yesterday plus several 5 gallon tanks. I’m a prepper, I can see the crapstorm building…..buckle up gang……it’s gonna get ugly.

    Reply

  7. Going to the doctors yesterday I noticed gas prices ranged from gas station to station for regular, $3.89 to $4.29. I’m in Orange County, California, near Disneyland. We do have higher state taxes on our gas than any other state. Another problem is the same cargo tankers have been lined up in the Long Beach harbor for over a year now. There are so many it’s crazy, and they aren’t unloading.

    Reply

  9. Linda, premium gasoline is $3.07 here in Kingman at our local Smith’s (Kroger) grocery. I only use premium because the higher octane gives me better mileage. I also get gasoline credits for shopping there which usually knocks the price down by .10 to .30 per gallon. I also have 50 gallons stored in 5-gallon containers treated with Pri-G for long term storage. I bought that fuel when premium was $2.09 last year.

    Re inflation: Chicken and beef shortages and higher prices will continue for a year or two at least. Many of these meat supply problems stem from the Derecho last year that caused ranchers to slaughter their animals because they couldn’t afford to feed them.

    The traditional way to fight inflation is to keep interest rates on loans low. This usually works, but when the country is printing trillions of value free dollars in a dim-witted attempt to prop up the economy (Venezuela and Argentina most recently, Zimbabwe and the Weimar Republic in the past) inflationary pressures are inescapable. That is the road we are on, and our leaders, both Democrat and Republican are at fault. It will get worse before it gets better. At least no one is suggesting a repeat of the Carter Administration’s disastrous price freezes.

    The upshot? There has NEVER been a better time to be prepared.

    Reply

    1. Hi Ray, you are so right, “There has NEVER been a better time to be prepared”. Thanks for the update on gas in your area. I love those discounts at the grocery stores we can use when we buy gas! The Carter administration, yikes, bad memories! LOL! Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  12. Morning Linda! Here in Reno, NV gas prices at Costco are $3.59 a gallon. I haven’t gone out and about lately (too engrossed in my latest quilt project) but I haven’t heard of any gas shortages or closed pumps. I have noticed odd things, here and there, that aren’t at the grocery store. I can’t recall specifically but it’s enough that I noticed I wasn’t finding several items I wanted.

    Back in March, my husband and I ordered a new couch and an Amish-made dining room set from a fine furniture store. I was told it would be 10-12 weeks for the couch; 14-16 for the dining room set. I called to check on the couch and lo! and behold, it’s now August at least due to the fact they can’t get the materials to make the couch. The Amish are having a hard time getting their wood, too. I can’t stand the crap, imitation-wood furniture places like RC Willey and Ashley, etc. have so I wanted quality. I’m willing to wait for the Amish-made furniture. Prices for housing in Northern Nevada are through the roof. It’s been this way for several years and it’s certainly not going to get better anytime soon, especially with our idiot governor who follows Newsome like a puppet.

    We’ve been infected with all the California people moving here and bringing their politics, ideas, rule and regulations, etc. We’ve seriously considered moving but our home is paid for and we can’t afford the new prices … they’re skyrocketing all over the place! We’ve customized our home for our old age (which is fast approaching!) and I can’t bear the thought of having to pack up all our stuff we’ve accumulated over a life-time. I’d miss the gkids and ggkids too much, too. I remember gas prices at 19c a gallon, then shooting up to 51c a gallon practically overnight. I remember houses costing $30,000, and I definitely remember the Carter Administration. I’m afraid history is definitely going to be repeating itself here shortly. We’re as prepared as we can be but unless you’re rich, it’s going to be tough.

    Reply

    1. Hi Robbie, please send me a picture of the quilt when you finish it! Our first home cost $18,500 back in 1970. The interest rate was 7.75%. Boy, have things changed for sure! I would rather buy right the first time over having a cheap fall apart dining set. We need new couches but it’s not in the budget this year. It sounds like gas is getting higher in Nevada. Please send me pictures of the couch an the dining set, I love seeing stuff like that! Stay safe! Linda

      Reply

    2. Robbie, a comment on Californians bringing their politics, ideas, rules and regulations to Reno. I live on Oahu, Hawaii. People move here for the Aloha spirit and the beauty of our islands and because they are not happy with their state’s rules etc. Those of us born and raised in Hawaii often wonder why they moved here when they start trying to change things to the way they had it in their previous location. Ahhh, one of the many things that make you go hmmm. Phew, got that off my chest.

      Re gas prices, yesterday Costco charged $3.35 per gallon for regular gas. Other location were charging anywhere from $3.79 to $3.99 per gallon. I have to say I was shocked to see that our prices were actually lower than some locations on the mainland.

      Linda, thank you for the forum. I enjoy reading the comments and learning from your followers.

      Aloha,
      Carol
      p.s. I bought your book yesterday. Can’t wait till I receive it.

      Reply

      1. Hi Carol, oh thank you for buying my book!! I would love to move to Hawaii, that’s my daughter’s dream when she retires with her husband. That won’t be for 20 years or so. Interesting comment people are moving to Hawaii and want to change things. Hmmm, not good. LOL! Thanks for the update on the gas prices. I’m glad you like our comments, having a forum-type group like ours is a blessing. We learn from one another. Stay safe! I love hearing Aloha! Linda

        Reply

  13. The cheapest gas station in my town sells gas for $2.73 a gallon. The more expensive ones sell for 2.99. My daughter had a terrible time buying gas this morning! We live in south Florida.

    Reply

  15. In Northern Wisconsin the regular gas price today is $2.89. Last year this time the gas price was about $1.02. The gas for our house has gone from $1.04 to $1.89 a gallon as well.

    Grocery prices have skyrocketed lately. The garden is going in this weekend and I am thankful to have many farm animals to help…but their food prices are going up too.

    Reply

    1. Hi Jerilea, oh my gosh, the food for prices for your animals are going up, dang! Your gas for the regular gas has almost tripled, yikes! I wish I had written down some prices that affect all of us last year. I saw a few post them on Facebook. We knew once Biden stopped the pipeline, our gas would go up. Grocery prices are out of control. I love hearing you are starting you garden this weekend, we will all need gardens, hang on, my friends! Linda

      Reply

  16. Hello from Strasburg, Virginia (Shenandoah Valley)! Gas prices as of 11:30 AM were ranging from $2.85-$2.90 but I am almost 99% sure those will increase by 5 PM. Only 2 out of 5 gas stations near me were open and allowing cars to fuel up. No cap on gas purchases yet..

    Reply

    1. Hi Cerrie, thanks for the update and the cost of gas where you live. Thanks for sharing how many gas stations are closed. We will get through this, but it will take time. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  17. Swainsboro Georgia
    Gas here in town is $2.88 – $2.98. Monday evening Walmart was sold out.

    I was blessed on Mother’s Day and filled up for $2.63. We were in Vidalia Georgia.

    Reply

  18. Hi Linda. Our gas prices here in Hawkins, Texas were $2.89.9 yesterday. I haven’t been out yet today. I was looking at Amazon and Walmart for Women’s long boy cut underwear. The lowest price was $20 for 3 pair. I may just have to make my own. LOL T-shirts aren’t as expensive, and depending on the shirt size and you underwear size, you might could get 2 pair out of one shirt. Now to just me a pattern. LOL

    Food prices are going up, too. So sad for people on fixed income or working for minimum wage. Scratch cooking is less expensive.

    Reply

    1. Hi Deborah, I just drove over to the gas station in my neighborhood, gas is $3.35 for regular. Oh, my gosh, I got the giggles about making our own underwear. Has it come to that?? LOL! BEST COMMENT EVER! I can’t stop laughing. BUT, you know it may come true! I keep sharing recipe to help people cook from scratch, food is so darn expensive! Linda

      Reply

      1. Everything is getting expensive! I can remember bread being something like 19 cents a loaf. A soda was 6 cents plus deposit. But these days, it’s a different story. You can’t get out of the grocery store, for a weeks worth of grocery’s under $100.

        I also remember Pot Pies being 10 cents each. LOL

        Reply

        1. Hi Deborah, oh yeah the pot pies for 10 cents or ten for $1.00! Those we the days! I remember buying a Big Mac for 53 cents when they opened McDonald’s in Salt Lake City back in 1969 or so! Wow, we’re getting older! LOL! Life is good! Linda

          Reply

  19. Hi all, Around me (Mid Michigan) prices are running about $2.87-$2.89/gal, which has been the norm for the past couple of months. It never fails though, just when DH and I are going down South end of the month to see our son and other family, Murphy’s Law strikes. He also made reservations at Disney World for my birthday end of the month as a surprise. Thanks a lot hackers!. AND it was a Non refundable deal he got so we can’t reschedule it.I’m hoping by the time we get on the road things will be a little better, haven’t seen or hugged the grand’s in over a year, we’re getting withdrawal pangs LOL.. Other than that our meat and other prices haven’t risen too much but DH read an article that a 10lb bag of potatoes is now up almost to $12.00 a bag. DH has an old classmate (family farm) that supplies spuds around Michigan. He’s going to talk to her and see how it’s going.

    Reply

    1. Hi Kathy, oh my gosh, the grandkids need to see you and YOU need to see them and hug them. I just went north for Mother’s Day to see half of my family. It’s been over a year. I hear you on the withdrawal pangs! My daughter and grandkids got tickets to Disney World, the best deal EVER! You have to go, it will be so awesome!! The best Happy Birthday gift ever! Yikes, I need to check on the price of potatoes. That’s crazy! I have some ready to harvest in 30 days or so, and I will replant all summer. You are going to have a great time in Florida! Happy Early Birthday! Hugs! Linda

      Reply

  20. here in our little town of Waxahachie TX, gas was $2.89 at most stations yesterday with most stations having cars lined up at least 3 deep.It was $2.49 just last Friday. I have not seen any gas deliveries being made, but was told that others have seen them being made. I have seen the price of eggs increase to $1.30 a dozen,and butter increase by .50 cents a pound. 96/4 ground beef rose to $10.92 for 2 pounds. Bread prices have increased as well. This is all within the past week or so. I don’t do a lot of shopping as I have most of what I need. My mom loves Rhubarb pie, and the going rate for fresh Rhubarb is $7.19 a pound. (wish it would grow around here). I feel like things are only going to get much worse as time goes by. And still people refuse to prep. God help us all.

    Reply

    1. Hi Judy, oh I hear you about the prices, yikes! I was just talking to Mark it may come to rice and beans a few times a week. I may even break into my freeze-dried food. No one can buy freeze-dried food now, the prices are ridiculous. My mom used to make a strawberry rhubarb pie, now my mouth is watering. LOL! I agree, we God to help us all. Some people never learn, we must prep. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  21. I’m in the midwest and our gas prices are around $2.79 per gallon.

    My siblings and their families are in Richmond Virginia and gas is a huge problem there. They are able to find stations with gas but they are being limited to 2 gallons at a time. My neice’s husband is a truck driver and does most of his deliveries locally so he goes home to his family at night. He is worried that he might not have work until this gas problem is over.

    I find the Colonial pipeline hack a scary thing, in it’s own way it is far more scary than anything else that has happened. This ransomware is scary. Hopefully they can figure it out quickly and be able to get gas to the stations soon. As a country, we need to learn how to protect our infostructure and keep it secure.

    With the increased chicken and beef prices, I’m wondering if this is the time to go into our emergency fund to buy a second chest freezer and chicken, pork, beef and lamb directly from the farmers and fill up that freezer.

    Reply

    1. Hi Topaz, I just heard that the gas issues have been resolved but it will take a few days for things to get back to normal. Can you imagine only 2 gallons of gas, yikes! I hadn’t heard that one. Thanks for sharing the price where you live! I wonder if anyone can even buy a freezer, remember when there was a shortage and they were back-ordered? What a crazy year! Hopefully, things will calm down a bit. I’m very concerned about the rising costs of everything. I hope people realize they need to cut their expenses to be prepared for the future. I worry about our power grid getting hit. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  22. $2.79 in central Missouri. It has been pretty steady. I do belong to a rewards club at the station where I get gas so I can get cents off when I fuel up.

    Reply

    1. Hi June, you may be lucky, it sounds like things are starting to be back up and running. It may take a few days, they said on the news. Thanks for the update on the gas prices. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  23. We are in Western New York, between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Gas is up to $2.85- $2.99. which is up a little. We moved into our home 5 years ago because it is built to age in. The valve has gone up about 30%. While our preparedness is no where near yours, Matts’ or Rays, we are better than this time last year. We live very frugal and have no debt. Our freezer is a little low on beef, but I will take care of that soon.

    Reply

    1. Hi Chris, you are lucky the value has gone up 30%. Home prices are crazy right now. The interest rates are low which is fueling the higher prices of homes. The cost to build is out of control. In Utah, they canceled some home building condos/homes because they cannot finish them because of the cost. I was in real estate for 20 years and had my own mortgage company for 15 years. I have never seen anything like this. We are way overdue for a market correction. Any preparedness is better than no preparedness. You get it, that’s what is important. Keep prepping. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

      1. Your post about inflation got me running the numbers. We have been retired for 16 years. Even with no debt, our fixed expenses have skyrocketed. Our home and lifestyle is modest, yet it requires over $35,000. before we even buy a can of soup!! Because we own our home, and have savings, we are not eligible for any assistance (NOT that my husband would take it anyway), As we draw from our IRAs we are hit with income tax….after all, this IS New York State, and if King Cuomo doesn’t kill you, he will tax you to death. We are a blue collar family, who college educated 4 kids, yet what the future will bring can be scary.

        Reply

        1. Hi Chris, I agree with you on expenses. Mark and I live a very modest lifestyle too and would not qualify for food stamps nor would we even apply for them. It’s hard where we live because so many families are on food stamps and live in low-income housing. I have to really remove my ticked-off thoughts when I see people (using an EBT card) loading their grocery baskets with salmon, luxury ice cream, and foods that are really not necessary. If it’s cold they can buy it. We live in Utah where the families sometimes are large and thus they qualify for more $$$ on their EBT cards. I realize there are people who need it, but there are people who cheat the government and we the taxpayers. A few years ago, I went to a local church meeting and there were some young mothers bragging about how much they get for food (EBT cards) from the government. One lady mentioned if she had one more kid (her words) I could get another $500.00 a month. Needless to say, I was shocked. For some people it’s a way of life, you and I can’t understand it. You and I have worked all our life! I better get off my soapbox. Stay safe, Linda

          Reply

  24. I’m in Northern Virginia. Most gas stations in my area are out of gas. The few that do have gas, have lines that go out of the station, and out onto the main road. Literally mile long lines. Gas Sunday was $2.75. 6pm yesterday it was up to $2.85. Tonight it’s $2.91, though I did see a couple of stations where it was $2.99. My parents are supposed to go to a family reunion in NC this weekend (8 hour drive), but 65% of stations in NC are out of gas, so they’ll probably end up staying home.

    Reply

    1. Hi Melinda, wow, 65% of the gas stations are out of gas. It sounds like the issue has been “repaired” so hopefully everyone on the east coast can fill their trucks and cars. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  25. Hi Linda. Here in Western Australia we’re paying the equivalent of US$5.20 a gallon so you’re right when you say things can get worse.

    Reply

    1. Hi Pat, wow, your price tops all the others! WOW! I do believe even though Colonial Pipeline is back up and running or will be back to normal in a few days, it’s just the beginning of the hacks. Our infrastructure is so antiquated here in the US. God help us be ready, there are no words for how unprepared our country is. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  26. Gas was $2.79 this week in northern MN. No shortages. No shortages seen in grocery or other retail stores…with the exception that Good Quality lumber is harder to find and the chintzy stuff is horribly high priced. I did notice that WalMart has a smaller selection of certain household products: towels, blankets, curtains, dresser scarves, area rugs etc. I noticed this as I decorated my guest bedroom. Lol, but their sewing and crafts supplies, board games, etc , were well-stocked! One thing I noticed as I read all the comments was how nobody mentioned using thrift stores or even local online marketplace sales? As I de-clutter, I give a lot to my local thrift stores. I do ‘drop and shop’ : as in, I don’t get to buy used books unless I’m dropping the same number off first. Same for clothing! I’m looking for a loveseat for my home office room…at the thrift stores first, then will look at fb marketplace. Thought about getting a futon at Walmart but I’m into recycling, lol, and used furniture is fine with me. My sis ordered two recliners in the middle of pandemic…took 6 mos to get them. Our nephew happily took her quite nice couch and recliner for his family room. Gave his couch and chair to a charity that provides whole house furnishings for families. He even steam cleaned them first! He and his wife just wanted a ‘new look’ for their family room. I just offered a computer, monitor, keyboard for free on marketplace. I simply didn’t ever use it. Gone in a day! To a small contractor neighbor. He texted 2 days later thanking me profusely. My point? Yes, we are seeing inflation but there are other ways of living nicely without going into debt or feeling shortchanged if new prices are higher. I’m looking forward to farmers markets opening at the end of the month as I can no longer garden (but need fewer groceries too). Yes, farmers market prices for fresh is Always higher than supermarket but the produce is fresher and supports our local economy. I’ve always had a prepper mentality followed by purchasing/planning so feel quite comfortable going forward in an uncertain world. I do urge people to think about their lifestyle, plan, prepare as much as possible. If more did this, we wouldn’t Have panic buying! Just sayin’…

    Reply

    1. Hi Wendy, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment. My family shops the classified ads, FB Marketplace, and thrift stores. I’m always amazed at what they find. Mark and I don’t need anything, we are still decluttering! LOL! It’s our age, we don’t need anything, we need less. LOL! It feels so good to sell, give away or share with others those things we no longer need. I love it! Linda

      Reply

      1. Thanks, Linda. I’ve always found value in preparing for hard times when things are Good. Whether good or bad, Times can be dictated by our own actions as individuals. And thinking ahead is a big part of this. Decades ago, my prepping ideas were Not about food/water/energy…my goal was to be payment free: for my car and home. Frankly, most people don’t want to keep driving an old (older) vehicle and living in a home that needs repair; Most don’t want even want to try fixing stuff in their homes. Oh, and that’s okay, because this drives the local and national economy. For people who are just starting to accept the mindset of those Preparing for a tomorrow quite different than today, our group Welcomes You!

        Reply

        1. Hi Wendy, and it’s a great feeling to be debt-free. Mark and I are driving our 2009 Honda CRV because it still works great! Who cares if we have socks on the armrests? We don’t care! Life is good! Linda

          Reply

  27. Hi Linda,
    I live in Dublin, PA & gas prices are now up to $3.03 per gallon. We live in suburbs of Philadelphia (about an hour away).
    My daughter moved to NC in December, 70% of that states gas stations are out of gas. Bc the price of wood has skyrocketed, the price of house they’re having built was increased by $30,000. My other daughter who lives 5 minutes from me had to demo inside of their early 1700’s farmhouse & recently found out they now have to pay another $10,000 bc of wood prices. I realize after reading all the comments on here, our gas prices are pretty good compared to much of the country!
    Your newsletters are so helpful keeping me on track w spending, thank you!

    Reply

    1. Hi Karen, oh my gosh, this is so sad about the prices going up for your two daughters! I wanted to sell our home and build, then the lumber started going up. Of course, ALL the house prices now are through the roof! I have a few friends who are building that lost their contracts for new homes. The builder cannot build them for the original price. The homes are now unfinished, sitting there as is. $30,000 is a lot but very common here in Utah as well for new builds. As a realtor and former mortgage company owner, I cannot imagine how the families feel and the builders have got to be stressed out over the rising prices. It’s really sad. I love hearing your gas prices are $3.03 for now anyway. Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

      1. Hi Linda, thx for your reply! My daughter in NC can not get gas anywhere right now & since they are having a home built, she’s been driving my grandkids to two different schools every day so they won’t have to change schools again when they move out of their rental home. She’s flying home tonight for her sisters baby shower & had to keep the kids home from school today so she’d have enough gas to get to the airport later. It’s just crazy & I can’t wait to see her! We haven’t seen them since they moved after Christmas

        Reply

        1. Hi Karen, SQUEAL, you get to see your daughter!! Yay! This is crazy about the gas. They just announced on the TV news that lumber has now gone up 403%!! Yesterday or the day before it was 300%. I will never be able to move! I hope the costs do not go up anymore for your daughters!! This truly crazy! Today, they mentioned the mills were shut down because of COVID. Hopefully, they will get on top of it soon. Linda

          Reply

  29. Southeastern PA & today our gas prices are $3.10 for regular.

    I try to keep my “tin foil hat” in check, but I do believe this & MANY other things are intentionally manufactured crises.
    Example – the meat shortages? Everyone needs to do their own research, but there is plenty of info out there regarding how “they” are trying to eliminate animal agriculture.

    I read some of the other comments regarding truckers. As the wife of a freight rail engineer, I keep my eyes & ears on freight rail. There’s some crazy stuff going on!

    Reply

    1. Hi Amy, well your gas price is close to mine. I’ve thought the same thing about the “meat shortage”, something is shady for sure. We just started eating less meat so it doesn’t affect my family. The tin foil hat, I love it! Stay safe, Linda

      Reply

  30. This article is even more pertinent now! Standard grade gas is $4.00 here in Alabama today at Kroger. And there was no ground beef to buy last night at Publix. Prepare; don’t panic.

    Reply

    1. Hi Carrie, thanks my friend, I believe it really is pertinent today. I’m heading to Costco today, I will take pictures. Thanks for the heads up on the ground beef. Gas is crazy high! We are prepared we will not panic. Linda

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *