Finance

• Building Financial Resilience: Exploring Second Income Opportunities through Internet Marketing

  Introduction:

  In today's uncertain world, being prepared goes beyond just stockpiling supplies and honing survival skills. Financial preparedness plays a crucial role in ensuring stability and resilience. While having a robust emergency fund is vital, exploring additional income streams can provide an extra layer of security. For stay-at-home moms, the flexibility of internet marketing presents a unique opportunity to earn money from the comfort of their homes. In this article, we will delve into the importance of being financially prepared and introduce the course "Internet Marketing for Stay-at-Home Moms" as a valuable resource for acquiring the necessary skills.

  1. The Significance of Financial Preparedness:

  Financial preparedness forms a key pillar of overall preparedness. When unexpected events occur, having a solid financial foundation can alleviate stress and help meet the demands of challenging situations. Preppers understand the importance of being self-reliant, and a second income can provide a valuable lifeline during emergencies.

• Crypto Wallets

  Storing Bitcoin & Crypto

  Exchanges are businesses that buy and sell crypto currencies. Opening an account usually involves providing proof of your identity. Most of the big exchanges are safe places to buy & sell crypto, and can transfer your native fiat currency from and to your bank account. Exchanges have a drawback in that there are plenty of people trying to hack them, as they have a lot of money. As such, keeping money there increases your risk.

  Hot wallets are places to hold your crypto currency. They allow you to receive money, send money, and view your current balances. Usually installed on your computer, mobile phone, or a tablet, they are secure against hacking, but you have to be cautious that your devide is not stolen or hacked.

  Paper wallets are a type of cold wallet. Printed out on paper they have your public address and your private key. These are some of the most secure forms of storage, as long as the paper is not lost or stolen.

  There are also USB based cold wallets that are very secure.

  Mycelium

  There are many hot wallets available. My preference is Mycelium. It is available on Android and iPhone, and can hold Bitcoin and Ether.

  Here is a simple 10 minute video on Bitcoin Basics: How To Set Up Mycelium Wallet & Live Transaction Demo.

  Here is how to move money from a paper wallet (also called "sweeping") into Mycelium, or to send it to someone else - Sweeping a Bitcoin Paper Wallet with Mycelium Phone Wallet app.

• Exchanges

  To buy and sell Crypto you must have an account on an Exchange.

  Excerpt from Wikipedia

  Mt. Gox was a bitcoin exchange based in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. Launched in July 2010, by 2013 and into 2014 it was handling over 70% of all bitcoin (BTC) transactions worldwide, as the largest bitcoin intermediary and the world's leading bitcoin exchange. In February 2014, Mt. Gox suspended trading, closed its website and exchange service, and filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors. In April 2014, the company began liquidation proceedings. Mt. Gox announced that approximately 850,000 bitcoins belonging to customers and the company were missing and likely stolen, an amount valued at more than $450 million at the time. Although 200,000 bitcoins have since been "found", the reasons for the disappearance - theft, fraud, mismanagement, or a combination of these - were initially unclear. New evidence presented in April 2015 by Tokyo security company WizSec led them to conclude that "most or all of the missing bitcoins were stolen straight out of the Mt. Gox hot cryptocurrency wallet over time, beginning in late 2011."

  The exchange will allow you to submit money from your bank or credit card, and use that to purchase crypto. You can then keep the crypto on the exchange so that you can sell it again, but exchanges have been hacked and it can be risky. See the story of Mt Gox to the right. Best practises are to transfer it to a wallet.

• How to Create a Practical Budget Prepping Plan

  A budget prepping plan can bring you peace of mind and financial security by helping you prepare for life’s unexpected events. With a budget prepping plan, you can be prepared for emergencies as well as short and long-term goals. Plus, you can ensure you have all the essential items you need to maintain your everyday life. But if your budget is tight, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, there are several strategies to create a practical budget prepping plan, no matter your financial situation. This article provides easy, step-by-step instructions for creating your own prepping plan on a budget. Read on to learn how to make a plan that’s practical, manageable, and effective.

  Step 1: Create an Emergency Fund

• Inflation

  What it is and why at it's most basic, inflation is theft.

  The government is stealing from you.

  The government provides services, but to do so, it needs money. Most of that money comes in the form of taxes. Some people claim that taxes are theft. I disagree. We agree to pay our taxes (even if it's begrudgingly), and we receive services for that money in the form of healthcare, police and fire protection, and more.

  But if the government took more money from you, without your permission and without telling you, then I would consider that theft.

• Learning Crypto on YouTube

  Videos to watch

  1. How to get started with Bitcoin (2021 updated) by 99bitcoins - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTUqcwoj4X8
  2. How To Set Up Mycelium Wallet & Live Transaction Demo by Bitcoin Basics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udMvZvMXyHE
  3. Bitcoin Is The Start Of A New Paradigm Shift. We're Still Early | Michael Saylor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMmJwCpnkA0

   

  Channels to subscribe to

  There are some great YouTube channels dealing with Crytpo-currencies. Below is a list of the ones I have found most useful. If you find others that you think are great, let me know.

  Altcoin Daily

  This channel focuses on news and events in the crypto world. They explain things quite well, though you may need some knowledge of crypto and financing to understand everything. Worth checking out.

  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbLhGKVY-bJPcawebgtNfbw

  99bitcoins

  This channel discusses crypto in simple, easy to understand terms. They have a large selection of short, 2 minute videos, each focused on one single topic.

  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQ_fGcMDxlKre3SEqEWrLA

   

• Money!

  What is money?

  Money is a means to exchange goods and services.

  The Problem

  Worker: I will give you my time and energy for the day, and you give me food for my family.
  Carpenter: I need your time and energy, but I don't have any food. You should go see a farmer.
  Worker: I will give you my time and energy for the day, and you give me food for my family.
  Farmer: I have food, but I don't need your time and energy, what I really need is some carpentry.

  The Solution

  Worker: I will give you my time and energy for the day, and you give me money.
  Carpenter: I took your time and energy, here is some money.
  Worker: I will give you money, and you give me food for my family.
  Farmer: I took your money and gave you food. I will give this money to the carpenter to get some carpentry.

  Now in this very simple scenario, the three people could form an exchange circle and satisfy everyone's needs. But in a more complicated scenario, money is a way to exchange something with the promise that you will get something for it at another place or time.

  Anything that holds the promise of exchange is valid money.

  Leaves can be used for money. But because they are plentiful, they don't hold much value. How many leaves would you demand to give away your hamburger? So while anything can be used as money, it is scarcity that gives the money value. One of the scarcest forms of money on Earth is gold. But gold is not very convenient. It's heavy and akward to carry. While trade used to be done with metals like gold and silver, it was inconvenient. That is why governments began issuing paper certificates that could be exchanged for a certain amount of the metals. We trusted the government that they would exchange those certificates for the metals. The British Pound, also known as the "Pound Sterling" was literally a "pound of sterling silver".

  Today, the governments no longer promise to exchange the certificates for metals though, and yet people still trust that the certificates have value.

• Prepping on a Budget: Cost-Effective Strategies for Emergency Preparedness

  I. Introduction

  Emergency preparedness is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities in times of crisis. Whether it's a natural disaster, a public health emergency, or any unforeseen event, being prepared can make a significant difference in how people cope and recover.

  However, there is a common misconception that prepping is an expensive endeavor. Many people believe that emergency preparedness requires a substantial financial investment, which can deter them from taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.

  In this article, we will debunk this misconception and shed light on cost-effective strategies for prepping on a budget. It's essential to recognize that emergency preparedness is not limited to those with ample financial resources. With careful planning, resourcefulness, and prioritization, anyone can take steps to prepare for emergencies without breaking the bank.

• Security

  Crypto-Currency versus Fiat Currency (Dollars, Euros, Pounds) versus Gold

  Previously we discussed that money is anything people are willing to exchange, and that value comes from scarcity.

  Fiat Currencies

  Fiat currency is the least scarce. Any government can print as much money as they like. When this happens too much you get runaway inflation, or hyperinflation. This is currently happening in Venezuela. In the past this happened in Germany in the 1920s, Zimbabwe in the 2000's, and the United States during the Civil War. There's a good article about it here https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-hyperinflation-definition-causes-and-examples-3306097

• Useful Websites

  There are thousands of websites dealing with Crypto currencies. Here are some of the more useful ones.

  Binance's Glossary of Crypto Terms - https://academy.binance.com/en/glossary

  An excellent, up-to-date glossary of all the terms for Crypto.

  CoinGecko - https://www.coingecko.com/en

  Up to the minute crypto prices for the top 100 crypto, with trends (1 hour, 24 hour, 7 day), 24 hour volume of transfers, market cap, and last 7 days graph.

  BlockChain - https://www.blockchain.com

  Wallet, Exchange services, and blockchain explorer.

  • Wallet for holding your crypto online.
  • Exchange to buy & sell crypto (although I use Binance).
  • The Explorer allows you to enter any address and see the balance and history of that address.

  EtherScan - https://etherscan.io/

  "The Ethereum Blockchain Explorer". Very similar to Blockchain allowing you to explore the Ethereum blockchain.

  Real Vision - https://www.realvision.com/crypto

  Free online video channel for everything Crypto

• Warning Americans: A Dire Future Looms Large

  In recent months, the world has been distracted by other pressing concerns—but right under our noses, two North American neighbors have quietly shifted their economic and political landscapes in ways that could fundamentally alter the future for Americans. This isn’t just a trade war; it’s an all-out challenge to U.S. dominance in global markets, supply chains, and energy security.

  What happens next could change everything. The article below warns of potential dire consequences and encourages preparedness for preppers and survivalists.

  Critical Developments

  • Economic Realignment: Canada and Mexico are quietly drawing up blueprints for true economic realignment, diversifying supply chains by strengthening trade ties with Europe and Asia.
  • Economic Reckoning: Tariffs imposed by President Trump are driving up grocery prices, disrupting energy supplies, and creating a full-blown supply chain crisis in the U.S. Canadian consumers are enacting a near-total boycott of U.S. products and companies.
  • Supply Chain Disruption: American exports to Canada are plummeting as U.S. stores like Walmart are vacant, while Canadian-owned retailers thrive.
  • Grocery Store Impact: In grocery stores across Canada, Canadian-made foods are selling out as American products sit on shelves like pariahs. American goods are left unsold while Canadian-owned retailers are thriving.

  Canadian Consumer Boycott

  Canadian consumers are enacting a near-total boycott of U.S. products and companies. This boycott encompasses all sectors, with the biggest visible impact seen in grocery stores. Canadian-made foods are selling out rapidly as American products sit unsold on shelves.

  • Grocery Stores: In Canada, grocery stores are witnessing a dramatic shift. Canadian consumers are purchasing Canadian-made goods exclusively. The U.S. products are filling the warehouses as nobody pruchases them.
  • Walmart: Even stores like Walmart, which are predominantly American-owned, are facing empty stores as Canadian consumers avoid U.S. brands.

  Current Level of US Exports to Canada

  The level of U.S. exports to Canada is substantial and has a significant economic impact. According to recent data:

  • Food and Beverages: The U.S. exported $13 billion worth of food and beverages to Canada in 2020.
  • Petroleum Products: The U.S. exported $96 billion worth of petroleum products to Canada in 2020.
  • Vehicles and Parts: The U.S. exported $75 billion worth of vehicles and parts to Canada in 2020.
  • Total Exports to Canada: In 2020, the U.S. exported approximately $416 billion worth of goods to Canada. More than a billion dollars a day is being lost.

  Forseeable Outcome: Supply Chain Crisis and Economic Impact

  The current level of U.S. exports to Canada is plummeting due to the boycott by Canadian consumers. This has led to a full-blown supply chain crisis:

  • Supply Chains: Factories in both countries are stalling as critical parts from Canada and Mexico aren't moving, leading to shutdowns across the U.S.
  • Automotive Industry: The auto industry is particularly affected, with car manufacturers facing massive delays due to missing single parts. This highlights how supply chain disruptions can be caused by even small components.
  • Tech Companies: Shortages of key materials are driving up costs and slowing down innovation. The longer this crisis drags on, the deeper the financial wounds become.

  Economic Impact of the Boycott

  The economic impact is widespread and deepening. Key sectors are being hit hard:

  • Food and Agriculture: The agricultural sector is feeling the squeeze as rising prices for staples like milk, bread, and eggs affect ordinary people’s wallets.
  • Energy Sector: Energy supplies from Canada are being redirected to other markets, leading to higher fuel costs and grid strain in parts of the U.S.
  • Fuel Prices: Oil prices have spiked due to key exports re-rooting by Canada, creating supply gaps that drive up fuel costs. Grid strain is also a major issue as Mexico redirects energy supplies away from the U.S.

  Long-Term Consequences and Global Shifts

  The longer this crisis drags on, the harder it becomes to restart supply chains. The world isn’t waiting for the U.S.:

  • New Trade Alliances: Countries in Europe, Asia, and South America are forming new trade alliances, bypassing the U.S. altogether. Global supply chains are shifting, reducing U.S. influence.
  • International Investors: International investors are pulling out of U.S. markets faster than they arrived, looking for more predictable returns elsewhere.

  The Next Chapter

  What’s next? Does Canada and Mexico keep pushing? Will the U.S. double down? Or has the world already moved on without waiting for an answer?

  Drop your thoughts in the comments: How do you think this ends?