How To Replace a Roof

How To Tuesday!How to Replace a Roof. Step 1: Tear it all off. First the shingles and then the bad boards. Step 2: Replace the bad boards. Step 3: Tar Paper. Just lay it evenly in layers, overlapping about 6 inches. Use staples or special nails with washer looking plastic pieces. Step 4: Add shingles. Start with 1/2 shingles for the bottom layer and work your way up. Make sure to space shingles equally. At the top add the crown layer over the ridge....

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United Socialist States of America

A while back my father gave me a t-shirt as a gift that said, "Fight Socialism." I wore that shirt today and at the pet store the cashier commented on my shirt. She asked me where I got it and I told her. Then I added that I wore it because we live in a socialist nation and we need to stand against socialism. She asked, "How is the United States a Socialist Country?" I quickly answered: 1 of every 4 dollars spent in the economy are directly spent by the U.S. Government. Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae Auto Bailouts Bank Bailouts Department of Energy Medicare...

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World Wide Web Wednesday! Animated Knots

AnimatedKnots.com has dozens of useful knots. Quick animations so you can see them tied. Step by step instructions. Lists of uses and very well organized. Learn you knots, it could save your life. Become a Fan! Follow Me on Twit...

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The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson

Non-Fiction Friday! One of my all time favorite books, and my first true dabble in recreational reading of history, The Ascent of Money is an amazing account of the development of currency. The book adequately describes different types of financial systems and financial cycles. Ferguson aslo connects significant historical events with related financial cycles. Money is a huge part of our world, and it matters what happens to...

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Aesop's "The Grasshopper and the Ants"

The other night my wife asked me, "Why do we live our lives worrying about all these "what if's? What if there's a flood, earthquake, government coup? That's no way to live!" My answer was, "If we prepare, we shall not fear." I believe that in my lifetime, I will experience the end of the fiat financial system and the end of our current government in the United States. Societies have life cycles just like businesses. All the...

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5 Steps to Winning: Need VS Want

Money Monday! I think we often forget the difference between a need and a want. Obviously we know the difference, but how many people purchase a Wii on credit? Maybe they get the credit card thinking, "We need a new bed and this is the only way" or, "Our car broke down and this is the only way to pay for the repairs." It doesn't matter if they use the credit for emergency repairs, if they are purchasing a Wii at about the same time they might as well buy the Wii on credit. There are times when you can spend money on wants. If you have consumer...

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Harry Potter: A Real SHTF Scenario

Today, Non-Fiction Friday, is Fiction Friday. I have spent many years not reading the Harry Potter Series. In fact, almost everybody I know was surprised that I wouldn't read them. I have my reasons. However, recently I have given in. After watching all the movies, I finally decided to read the Harry Potter Series. What I have recently discovered is that Harry Potter is a SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) scenario. Plan a Normal Life Like anyone normal,...

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To Skimp or Not To Skimp Part 2

First I would like to apologize for not being very consistant over this holiday season. I have been super busy traveling with and visiting family. Last time I did "To Skimp or Not To Skimp" I mentioned several things that I think you can and cannot skimp on. Today I would like to go over some more items based on my most recent trip. Camping Cup: Not to Skimp I just got back from a MBO (mock bug out) in the snow. As part of our challenge,...

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4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich. This book is perfect to follow up my blog "What is Retirement to You?" Tim Ferriss is an amazing entrepreneur. He is what I aspire to be as an entrepreneur. This is a step by step guide to break free from the 9-5. Tim does not condone being a bum and only working 4 hours a week. In fact, he believes that through outsourcing, prioritizing, atomization and entrepreneurship...

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World Wide Web Wednesday! Mint.com

Mint.com is a FREE budgeting software. Create an account and attach all your online financial accounts and it will automatically update all your balances. Create a budget and it automatically categorizes your transactions. Each time you visit the gas station or the grocery store, it will categorize your transaction to the proper budget category. If it doesn't you can change your tansactions and it is suppose remember your changes. However, I have...

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How To Tie an Improvised Climbing Harness

If ever lost, stuck or trying to self rescue, a harness may be required when confronting rough terrain. Unless you are on a climbing trip, chances are you won't have one handy. However, it is possible to tie a harness with some webbing or spare para cord. It's fairly simple, so try it at home and memorize it. Learn your knots. They are a priceless skill. These photos have been provided by Animated Knots by Gorg. Become...

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What is Retirement to You?

Because of relatively recent financial events, there are an incredible amount of middle aged Americans who are no longer sure when or if they will be able to retire. I fear that by the time I reach "retirement age" retirement as we know it may no longer be a likelihood. Our financial world is changing rapidly and doing so in stealth. Most people don't realize the significance of the current financial events or their long term concequences. Financial rules are being rewritten, and my children will learn a difference set of rules than I. Luckily...

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