Let's worm our way out

One of the aspects of government involvement with the old is their feeling that the young no longer want to take care of them. That, of course, is not the truth. Profligate spending by us means that we have lost control of our lives to others. The truth is the government is and has made it more and more difficult for the "tweeners" to support their parents.

So, where do we go from here?

Make room for your parents. We used to live in very small houses and still manage to put larger families in them. We often comment about how "mexicans" live with 15 or 20 people in one place. We don't need to go to that extreme, but it can be done.

Combine incomes with that of your parents.

Only spend the absolute minimum requirements. Pay off the credit cards, automobiles and homes. Make everything you have last longer and be multi-purpose. Save everything else! If you don't trust banks or stocks or your 401k or IRA then buy items that will increase in value. Gold and silver are a couple of options. If you happen to live with a few acres invest in livestock and simple farming implements. The simpler that you can live your life the better.

Learn how to plant. Can what you grow. Prepare cool dry spaces for the things that don't can well or that you'll likely use in the near future. Become familiar with killing and preparing your own meats. Rabbits and chickens are small and can live on smaller spaces. Goats and cows provide milk as well as meat. Horses can be used for transportation and pulling and meat, if necessary. Learn to tan hides and make clothes. If you live in an area of the country that grows cotton or sheep or even hemp cloth can be woven.

Learn to trade with your neighbors! Bartering has been around for thousands of years. Flea markets often times will barter rather than exchange cash.