Survival Scout Tips
Crisis in the Big City? 2 Principles to Prepare By
How to Prepare in an Urban Environment - 2 Principles for Preppers This week, I received a call from a neighbor. For the sake of her privacy, let's call her Susan. I could tell right away that Susan was tense and anxious by the tone of her voice. First, she...
Preparedness Lessons learned from Race for the White House on CNN
Preparedness Lessons learned from Race for the White House on CNN I've been wanting to share a story with you about these presidential primaries. CNN is airing a series called, "Race for the White House" with Kevin Spacey as the narrator. One episode in particular that captured my attention was...
Dustin's Story: At Peace on the Appalachian Trail
This Letter Brought Me to Tears - Here's Why A few nights ago I received an email. The contents of that letter touched me greatly, and is the reason I'm writing you today: The email started out as a simple thank-you note from a man named Dustin. In the...
Special Preparedness Bulletin - Family Edition
Special Preparedness Bulletin - Family Edition People often ask me: "What motivates you, Matt?" My answer always comes down to two things. The first I've written to you about many times before: history and the lessons it teaches us. The other answer is easy: family. This is true for everyone...
Must-Haves for a Barter-Based Economy
Must-Haves for a Barter-Based Economy In any extended long-term emergency, our currency-based economy may no longer function and may even become non-existent. If that happens, you'll not only want to have everything you need to be self-sufficient, but you'll want to consider keeping items for trade in a barter-based economy...
Declare Your Food Independence in 3 Easy Steps
Declare Your Food Independence in 3 Easy Steps Spring is finally here. In the Idaho panhandle, the snows have turned to rain, preparing the soil for this year's planting. Yesterday, as I checked in on my tomato seedlings I have in a sunny, south-facing window, I got that feeling again....
Financial Myth-Busting from a Survivalist
Financial Myth-Busting from a Survivalist Last night, I received a call from an old friend. For the sake of his privacy, let's call him Dan. Back in school, Dan was always the life of the party. His energy always made me feel like the future was bright - it was...
Disturbing Things People Do with Their Tax Refunds
Disturbing Things People Do with Their Tax Refunds Did you receive your tax refund yet? It's somewhat amusing to see what people say they'll do with their tax refunds. After working hard all year, many are impatient, awaiting delivery of the check from the government. Finally, the big day...
Survival Lessons From a Hollywood Movie?
Survival Lessons From a Hollywood Movie? As many of you know, I live off the grid in the snowy mountains of the Idaho panhandle. Since we live 45 minutes from the nearest town, my family doesn't "go out" much. We're not shutting ourselves off from the world, it's just a...
The Lesson That Transformed My Approach to Preparedness
Let me tell you a story. Like other stories I've shared recently, this one contains a powerful lesson about preparedness, which is why I bring you this one today. Sometimes the simplest, strangest things teach you a lot about preparedness. For example, recently I've told you about the lessons I...
Preparedness Planning Advice - 3 Tips
Preparedness Planning Advice - 3 Tips Dear Friends, Recently, I received a letter from a new customer, Tammy from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She told me she got my address from a longtime loyal customer after she had caught "the preparedness bug," as she put it. Tammy went on to say...
3 Reasons to Grow a Preparedness Garden
3 Reasons to Grow a Preparedness Garden A few days ago, as we turned over a new month, my mind turned to gardening. I know it's only February and many of us - including myself - can barely see the ground through the snow. But when I look out...