The roots of martial arts date back to roughly fifteenth century China. In thousands of years, the various forms of martial arts have scored a high popularity all over the world among adolescents, elders, and children.  The art is also a great means of unarmed combating or self-defense, which makes martial arts the best choice for child and women. It makes them capable, confident, introspective and develops leadership qualities.

Making the learner physically, mentally and emotionally strong is the natural extension of martial arts. The art enables the next-generation to reach their goals efficiently with high self-esteem and self-confidence. That’s the reason parents are increasingly favoring martial arts and want their children to advance in their life with proper training.

There are many training centers operating worldwide that offer different forms of martial arts training to the young adults, kids, and elders. Premier Shooting & Training Center in Cincinnati, OH is one of them.

Eliminate Timidness And Shyness

The kids who are introvert, quiet and calm find it extremely difficult to communicate with their peers, teachers or friends. That’s why they are often overlooked in school and social environments, which inhibits their growth and puts them off.

Making such shy children come to the martial arts training center is a hard nut to crack. But somehow, if parents manage to make them head to the center, the martial arts instructors can turn the first visit to the center into the exciting and powerful lesson of empowerment.

The encouragement and appreciation improve the self-confidence in kids.

Deter Bullies

Bullies really hurt and give a feeling of helplessness. Kids who suffer from the emotional abuse of bullying sometimes get emotional scars that take a lifetime to heal. It’s agonizing for the parents.

With martial arts training, the bullying can be stopped not by making the kids powerful enough to fight. Instead, martial arts teaches them how to properly address the physical and verbal confrontation within the limits. It aids the kids in getting control over themselves and bullies, which in turn builds up their confidence.

Explore New Opportunities

Children with a shy nature rarely accept new challenges or try new experiences in life. The low self-esteem doesn’t allow them to learn new things or acquire skills. Martial arts training can turn that attitude around into a winning one.

Martial arts teaches children to think clearly, logically and creatively which allows them to tap into the full potential of an opportunity and potentially reaps its advantages.  This momentum, in turns, builds confidence.

Create Leaders, Not Loners

More often than not, children find it easier to follow than lead. Martial training helps them change this mentality by implementing confidence. When they learn martial arts among several kids, they start interacting with them and showing their skills.  The tests conducted after the practice generates a team spirit and leadership qualities in them.

Remove Peer Pressure

Few children are able to express themselves without the dread of what their peer thinks about them. The trap of peer pressure won’t let them do what they want to do and perform to their ultimate ability.

Martial arts training infuses essential strength in children that teaches them how to avoid dangers or temptations without making compromises with their values and spoil their character. The moral values instituted in martial arts training always keep the children in a high moral position and uplift their self-confidence.

The Perks Of Martial Arts Training

Martial arts is more than simple self-defense. It’s a mindset that helps children accomplish their goals by building self-confidence. The positive experiences and the guidance of the instructors allow the children to reach their goals without getting engulfed in peer pressure, reduce the effect bullies have on them and build strong, self-confident individuals.

Martial arts training addresses all the problems and reinforces self-confidence in children.  It also instills a strong fitness regimen. It’s time to make your child push their limits and strive for the success so that they can easily turn the setbacks and problems of the life around.

Do you want your kids to ascend to the next level with these qualities? If so, let your child become a martial artist with improved physical and psychological strength.

Imagine a situation where the world is going into chaos for whatever reason – natural disaster, financial collapse, whatever.  Bugging in is just not an option because your dwelling is in immediate peril.  It’s time to bug out!  But you have to act fast. What do you do?

Bugging out is going to be the beginning of one of the most difficult things you’re going to do in your entire life. I say “the beginning” because when you’re out there, every hour and every day is a race against time. You either get to safety or you don’t.

In what follows, I’m going to let you in on some of the ways to get out of a crowded city, and I’m also going to offer solutions for those of you living in the ‘burbs.

You should know ALL the ways to get out of your city and should have at least a car at your disposal to do so if you’ve done a proper job of prepping. If you live in the suburbs, you probably have one, maybe two ways to get out assuming you’re not going to evacuate through the other side of the city. But that’s not a bad thing; the advantage is that those one or two roads are less likely to be blocked, giving you the opportunity to make a quick exit.

Bug Out Early

This scenario is the best option. If for whatever reason you find out that things are going south before anyone else, you have enough time to bug out before the rest of the town figures they need to do the same.

How can you find out in advance?

• Listen to local radio or TV; police band radio is also a great resource
• Maintain a network of friends and preppers who keep in touch with the latest local happenings
• Anticipate big events by keeping an eye on national news events that could potentially affect you locally

If any or all of the above happen:

• Immediately contact your family and friends and meet them at a pre-determined rally point
• Follow social media as well as local radio and TV networks to confirm that this is really happening
• Decide whether you need to bug in or out or not
• Act as soon as humanly possible

Bug Out At Night

Wait until 3 or 4 in the morning to bug out would be wise if you haven’t waited until the masses are on the move. There should be fewer people roaming the streets at those early hours.

Do not push the pedal to the metal and take off despite the open road. Police may still be patrolling and being pulled over for speeding will delay your exit and potentially foil it completely.

Yes, you need to be quick, but you also have to be on alert. Just because a road looks ok, that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Darkness is not just your friend it’s also a friend of your enemies.

Bug Out Undercover

Whether you’ll bug out on foot, using a motorcycle or your car, one thing you need to do is to do it undercover. That means you don’t want to stand out in any way – and they’re a lot of ways you can stand out.

For example, it may be ok to use one of those electric scooters by Segway to evacuate if you have no choice, but do it at 3 AM in the morning might attract attention. Sure, it could work if that’s all you got but keep in mind these can only take you about 15 to 20 miles until you have to recharge them.

One way of staying undercover is to use a more common means of transportation.  It is less obvious what is going on if you’re in a normal vehicle than something that stands out more.  Wouldn’t a quad on the highway stand out to you?

The next thing you should be careful about what you’re wearing. Jewelry, suits and provocative clothes are a no-no. They say wearing a hat can make you look taller in a riot, but if you’re evacuating at night, that won’t matter. It’ll have the added benefit of hiding your face from certain angles. Hats and baseball caps are great in keeping a low profile.

Last but not least, tell as few people that you’re leaving as possible. The fewer neighbors know you left, the better. Otherwise, rumors will spread and someone might eventually burglarize your home.

If you’re evacuating during the day, the same rules apply. Know where you’re heading. Don’t tell anyone and keep going while traveling as calmly as possible.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no secret information when it comes to bugging out. You have to be quick. You have to be alert. And, above all else, you must anticipate how and when things will go wrong. There is no bulletproof plant for you to stay safe during a bug out, but bugging out gives you mobility, and it might be the only option for you regardless of whether or not you prepped to bug in.

Prepping is the act of staying well prepared in the event of war or an emergency.  That being said, preppers are a fickle bunch.  We run the gambit from veggie growing gardeners who want to provide for their family to full-out “I’m ready to fight during the end of days” warriors. Tactical gear is important for all but the most hippy, peace-loving among us preppers.  Whether it’s just a firearm to protect your home and loved ones or a full-up kit to survival a worst case scenario, I’ll help you determine what you need to feel comfortable and secure

Tactical Gear For Preppers?

Tactical gear is designed to accompany you in some situations, give you a quick and easy access to your tools/ammo and also give you a perfect chance of coming out of a dangerous situation alive.

Why do preppers need tactical gear?  First and foremost, it’s good to understand that this gear is used by military as well as law enforcement personnel. The reason why tactical gear is ideal for a prepper is because they help stay alert and defend your position in case of a disaster.

The reason why preppers prefer tactical gear over more commercial gear is because of its high-performance features. Preppers understand the many functions and tasks this gear is capable of performing without getting damaged.  The fact that military and law enforcement personnel rely on it proves its rugged and durable nature.

What Is The Best Tactical Gear?

Although there is a wide range of tactical gear available, not all are necessary in the life of a prepper. There is special gear you’ll need to consider for combat and there are those pieces of gear you can live without. I don’t actually mean the real thing (military personnel going on a mission) when I talk about combat. I’m referring to potential riots, clashes or even misunderstanding in a government where a state of emergency is issued. With those situations in mind, I can quickly highlight some of the tactical gear that may benefit preppers. These include:

• Tactical Plate Carriers
• Assault Packs
• Tactical Helmets
• A Side Arm
• Tactical Boots
• A Knife
• Hand / Eye Protection
• IFAK
• Camouflage Suits

Tactical gear is much better than commercial gear due to its tougher fabrics, versatility and diversified features.  All of these items help to keep you protected and armed in case of a bad scenario.

Tactical Plate Carriers

A tactical plate carrier is an essential piece tactical gear that protects you against lethal gunshots. Plate carriers have a variety of uses such as paintball and law enforcement uses. Tactical plate carriers are categorized into four major sets which include premium plate carriers, camouflage vests, modular chest rigs and law enforcement vests.

Assault Packs

Assault packs are perfect for prepping activities. These units come in a variety of different sizes and are widely used in tactical missions, technical jobs, and other law enforcement activities. Always check on the quality, durability, weight, and comfort when purchasing an assault pack. Other factors you need to consider is whether your assault pack has multiple compartments and its ability to offer comprehensive storage in a wide range of settings.

Tactical Helmets

Helmets help to protect your head from any possible injuries while relocating/searching. Always make sure that it’s tested and designed to offer maximum protection to your head without exposing you to any serious head injuries when choosing a helmet. There are several types of tactical helmets designed to suit a particular mission. Some of these helmets including Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH), Modular Integrated Communications Helmets (MICH) and Airsoft Helmets are available in most military outlet stores at affordable prices.

 Tactical Boots

Tactical boots are used by law enforcement personnel, the military and firefighters to protect their feet against dangerous elements. They are available in a range of different types and designs to perfectly suit your intentions. Common types of boots available in the market include standard issue tactical boots, jump boots, tanker boots, desert boots and jungle boots.

Standard issue boots are made of waterproof leather material and are designed to offer maximum protection to your ankle and toes. These boots are suitable for all-terrain use and are best for combat and high altitude training.

Jump boots are designed for airborne forces and paratroopers. Introduced during WWII, these tactical boots have extended lacing and rigid toe caps to protect your ankle and toes against any injuries in case of a rough landing.

Tanker boots are made of fireproof hard leather that makes them resistant to high temperatures and unable to allow dangerous chemicals and spills reach your feet. Designed with straps instead of laces, these boots are perfect for heavy use due to their tough characteristics.

Hand / Eye Protection

Your hands and eyes are the essential weapons you own. It’s therefore important to keep them safe and in good working condition when using your tactical tools. Tactical gloves are made of high-quality materials such as nylon and leather.  They are traditionally used by firefighters, medical and military personnel. The various types of tactical gloves include all-weather shooting gloves, Condor Tactician gloves, KTS100 HWI Gear mechanical gloves and Blackhawk gloves.

Choosing the best ballistic glasses is another important aspect you need to consider as a prepper. Depending upon the environment, tactical goggles can offer a wide range of protection from sand and dust particles to small bomb fragments which can cause total or partial blindness to one’s eyes. Some of the best tactical goggles to consider include Pyramex I-Force Safety Goggles, ESS Profile TurboFan Goggles, ESS Fight Deck Military Goggles and Bolle X1000 Tactical Safety Goggles.  

Final Thoughts

There is a lot of other tactical gear which preppers can use to their advantage. Before making your purchase, however, it’s important that you figure out which loadouts are perfect for your intended purpose. Since these pieces of gear are relatively expensive, always look for loadouts which will suit your body type and needs. If you are interested in this kind of topic, then head over to solidgear.net for more information. 

Statistics show that about 33% of all Americans age 25 and older have college degrees and those numbers are rising over time.  Unfortunately, many Americans use loans to finance this higher education.  Nothing welcomes your adulthood like getting the first student loan bill in the mail.  These bills can control your life if you’re careful.  And, while we don’t recommend taking loans in the first place, following these six steps will help you steer clear of trouble and manage your debt in a responsible manner:

1. Don’t Ignore Your Student Loan

Most of us would agree that student loans are no fun to pay back.  Completely ignoring them, however, will lead to serious consequences in both your credit rating and financial future. Make sure you start paying them off right after finishing college.  

Editor’s Note: College loans typically give you a six month grace period from graduation before you have to start paying them off.

2. Set Up A Budget

Your lifestyle completely changes after college.  You’ll need to start paying attention more to your financial surroundings and managing the flow of money through your accounts.  Part of managing your income and expenses will involve tackling your student loans.

Monitor all your incomes (paychecks mostly) and expenses (rent, food, utilities, student loan payments, etc.) and create a budget off this information.  It will help you determine your repayment strategy and show you where you can and cannot spend money.

There are apps and programs that can help. Third Party phone applications like You Need A Budget (YNAB), Mvelopes, and Mint, as well as software programs like Zilchworks and Quicken, can help you get on track.

3. Set An Affordable Monthly Payment

There is no one solution for everyone. Once you’ve set up your budget you’ll be able to get a clearer picture of what you’re capable of committing to pay each month – no less than the minimum of course so you don’t default.  If you can’t handle the minimum for whatever reason, it is best to talk to the loan manager as they are usually willing to work with you.  It is much better to set up smaller monthly payments over a longer time than default on your loan.

You will get rid of your loan sooner (and pay less interest) if you pay a higher amount than the monthly minimum.  This approach should be a goal, however.  Minimum payments should be considered mandatory for the reasons we’ve listed above.  Side note – if you have a lot of debt, consider looking into the debt snowball payment method as a way of getting out of debt faster.  It won’t be easier, but it works..

The recently created Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE) also aims to make paying off student loans more manageable.  

Editor’s Note: I have no experience with this plan so please check with consultants to see if your loan and circumstances qualify you for the program.

4. Research Forgiveness Options

There are some lawful ways to have your student loans dismissed.  There are also certain criteria you must meet to qualify for a student loan forgiveness program. Research available student loan forgiveness programs at the state and federal levels to see if there is a student loan forgiveness program that suits your situation.  In the meantime, make sure you’re keeping up with your minimum payments.

5. Set Up Automatic Payment Options

One of the best solutions for student loan repayment is to opt for an automatic payment option.  These programs will automatically deduct a preset amount each month from your account to pay off the loan.  You will not have to worry about writing a check each month as it will be deducted automatically on a certain date.

Typically, you have the option of picking which day of the month you pay the loan.  This option allows you to do helpful things like schedule your payment for the day after your paycheck is credited to your account.

This approach takes the responsibility of remembering to write a check and mail it (or even just log-in and process payment) each month out of your hands and keeps your credit and status in good standing.

6. Make Extra Payments Whenever Possible

We touched on this item in Step 2, but the best tip for managing your student loans (after not taking them) is to pay them off as early as possible.  You can do this by making extra payments whenever you have a few dollars in your pocket.

When making extra payments, make sure it is explicitly clear that the extra money in your payment is to be put against the principle of the loan and not against the next future payment.  Also, if you have multiple student loans, always apply any extra payments to the loan with the highest interest level first.  This approach will reduce the amount of interest you pay and reduce the total cost of your loan over time.

Conclusion

Student loans are beastly things that are best avoided.  That being said, if you have them, it’s best to service them as much as possible.  We recommend following these six steps and also consulting with the most experienced, informed and active student debt consultants you can find in order to resolve your debt the most beneficial way possible to your current situation. Student loans can be trying but they are survivable.

Every single saved cent matters these days which is why you should increase your home’s energy efficiency as much as possible. You can increase your home’s energy efficiency in many other ways – from improving your bathroom eco-friendliness to redoing home insulation – even though we are in the age of the renewable energy and economical appliances. While improving the energy efficiency of your home will not aid you in a zombie attack, it will surely make it easier on your wallet.  That means you can save up for rainy days. And by “rainy days,” we mean the zombie apocalypse!

Here is a ten tier agenda for turning your home into a modern, economical place:

1. Water-Reducing Faucets

Gallons of water are sent through old-fashioned faucets on a daily basis. A homeowner aware of this problem we have with drinking water on the global level will install faucet aerators. These devices reduce the amount of water coming from the faucet.  Reducing the water running through the faucet prevents water from being wasted and increases the pressure of its flow.

2. Modern Shower Heads

A quick shower saves more water than taking a bath. Keeping yourself clean can be even more efficient if you replace the old shower head with a new one. The new ones have a similar impact on water consumption that faucet aerators do. They reduce the number of gallons per minute consumed and increase the pressure; both of which improve the shower experience.

3. Bathroom Bulbs

The bathroom is one of the most well-lit places in every home.  This fact is especially true during the winter season. Replace your old incandescent light bulbs and install new bulbs in your bathroom to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Both CFLs and LEDs are more efficient than the old incandescents.

4. Bathroom Window(s)

Bathrooms need to have a special air-refreshing system due to their typical use. It goes without saying that every bathroom should have a vent fan for taking away unpleasant odors.  It is also very important to replace your old bathroom windows with newer, more efficient ones.  They will reduce the amount of energy wasted through the panes.

5. Mind The Fridge

The kitchen, much like the bathroom, is a huge energy consumer. It is vital to install new, Energy Star appliances.  These appliances greatly reduce the energy wasted compared to the appliances made twenty years ago. The only in-kitchen appliance that runs all the time is the fridge.  Following the guidelines to get an Energy Star-friendly fridge will decrease your overall energy costs in the kitchen.

 6. Oven Education

Most families still use the oven on a daily basis. Modern ovens have dozens of programs and options. Educating you and your family on the oven’s operation will increase your home’s energy efficiency and waste as little energy as possible. Getting to know your oven will contribute to the enterprise of cutting your home energy bills.

7. Install Ceiling Fans

Owners of smaller homes should install ceiling fans even though air conditioners are becoming more energy efficient. These type of fans consume far less energy than any kind of air conditioning unit and have the added luxury of pushing hot air down in the winter as well as cooling down rooms in the summer.

8. Improved Insulation Increases Energy Efficiency

You can invest thousands of dollars in individual energy improvements.  One of the best investments, however that you can make in your home is to properly insulate the roof and basement. Likewise, make sure that heating and plumbing pipes are properly insulated as well.

9. Layering Walls

In order to reduce the level of dampness and humidity in a home, as well as to minimize through-wall heat leaks, every homeowner should take care of exterior wall cladding. Your home will be a sealed, warm place after this step.

10. Smart Thermostat

Everything related to homes should be tech-smart and efficient these days.  Why wouldn’t your thermostats follow the same pattern? If you want to make your heating and cooling systems even more efficient, invest in a programmable thermostat. In order to take all the advantages of this device, learn how to adjust it and use it.

Energy Efficiency Conclusions

These are only some tips and strategies for cutting your energy losses. Every home is different which is why you might want to consider hiring a professional energy auditor.  They will inspect your home and provide you with all the data necessary to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.

The prepping population knows their stuff. Knowing your stuff is sort of the name of the game when it comes to preparing for the worst. It’s necessary to be innovative, resourceful and aware in order to be in control when life as we know it changes drastically. There are many different ways that this scenario can play out and, luckily, many prepping practices cover a lot of different possibilities. We know the basics: food storage, water, protection, shelter, etc. But what about the little tips, or prepping hacks, we’ve learned without thinking about them, little things that make prepping just a little bit easier? We all have some, and here is a list of some survival and prepping hacks I’ve come across.

1. Remember The Crisco

Crisco is an amazing and versatile product. This may not seem like a necessity to have in your storage, but there are many ways that Crisco can be used. It’s great for frying food, greasing pans, and making baked goods. It’s great for the skin in harsh conditions, scaly skin irritants, and can prevent rashes. Other uses include keeping cockroaches away, makeshift soap, making candles, getting things out of your hair, fixing squeaky hinges, preventing diaper rash, and many others. By putting a wick in a tub of Crisco you will have a candle that will reportedly burn for 45 days. There are other alternatives for Crisco including lard or coconut oil. Crisco, however, has a longer shelf life if stored properly and combines the perks and prepping hacks of these alternatives in one product.

2. Get The Seeds

Like I said before, as preppers, we know the importance of food storage. This practice will be vitally important if we are forced to live off of what we have and aren’t able to go out and grab some groceries. It’s important to understand food longevity, creative cooking methods, and the ability to hunt. Food storage, however, shouldn’t be the only way you are preparing to eat if the worst happens. The downside to food storage is that you are forced to leave a lot behind if you are forced to relocate. The solution to this problem is one of the easiest prepping hacks: buy and store a pack of seeds. This will enable you to grow your own, fresh food source and something easy to barter with. The seeds I’d recommend because of their ease to grow are:

• Beets
• Radishes
• Beans
• Basil
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes

3. Don’t Forget The Medicine

Storing medicine is one of the first prepping hacks you should consider.  The uses for medicine are an obvious necessity when prepping. It’s extremely important to have a stockpile of medicine that you need for your own specialized medical issues like insulin, inhalers or any other life-saving medication you need. This approach can be tricky for some types of medicine as some prescriptions are quite hard to refill before you’ve finished the amount you were prescribed. Some other types of medicine that are important to keep on hand are pain relievers, antidiarrheal medicines, orajel, amoxicillin, antacids, rubbing alcohol, and antibiotic ointment. A wound dressing is important as well so be sure to remember gauze. Infection can be an overlooked issue with prepping but can easily cause limb loss or death if not treated properly.

4. Bring The Baby Oil

Baby oil is another product that is easily overlooked but can be useful in a survival situation. In cold areas where you are outside in the elements a lot, baby oil can protect your exposed skin from dry or frostbitten skin. The risk for frostbite is highest for people who have reduced blood circulation. It is important for frostbite affected tissue to be removed immediately or gangrene and infection will take hold. Without the proper medication, infection can cause death.  Baby oil will not completely eliminate the risk of frostbite, of course, but it will help delay the effects and is one of the easiest prepping hacks to follow.

5. It’s All About The Silver

There are many different types of disaster that can happen at any moment and an economic collapse is one of those possibilities. If it ends up that the dollar no longer means anything in our society we will have to revert back to a monetary system that was in place before paper money was in place as a sort of IOU for the gold and silver it was supposed to represent. Like gold, silver can be used as a hedge against inflation, deflation or currency debasement.

6. The Multi-Purpose Pad

The pad, primarily used for feminine hygiene, is an extremely versatile tool and prepping hack. Along with compiling stockpiles of food, water, and other important supplies, pick up a package of pads for your survival stash. Pads can be used for absorbing lighter fluid to be used later and is extremely light to carry. The cotton material inside the pad can be used for water filtration or creating a wick. You can use it to stop bleeding if you have a wound or clean a wound. They can be used with string to create a mask, shoe insoles, or an ice pack.

7. Creative Uses For Condoms

Condoms are another cheap and easy-to-carry item that will be great in a survival situation. Aside for their intended purpose, these great prepping hacks can hold a gallon of water which can be a lot easier than toting around a water jug to do the same. However, once you fill a condom up with water they become highly susceptible to puncture even by small or blunt objects. I’d recommend keeping them around just in case, but not as your main means for keeping water. They are also great for keeping things dry like kindling or matches. The downside to using condoms for water or keeping things dry is the lubricant on the outside, but it’s a small price to pay as an easy substitution for a water jug in a pinch or a way to keep life-saving matches dry.

Survival and Prepping Hacks Wrap Up

Whether your prepping stash includes a giant storage warehouse filled with all of the necessary belongings needed in case disaster strikes or just a small tote filled with a few necessities, hopefully, you discovered a few extra hacks to think about in the case of emergency. What unique prepping or survival hacks have you discovered?

Extending the life of your tactical gear is very essential, their ‘costliness’ being the main reason. Replacing them or buying new ones may not always be possible. So, it becomes important for you to take care them as well as possible.

The question arises here as how to take care of this precious gear? Have a look at these pro-active tips that can help you in maintaining the integrity of your tactical gear.

Different Types Of Tactical Gear

Boots

Allowing your tactical boots to get wet on a consistent basis will likely damage them over time. Follow the following tips to prevent your boots – arguably your most important piece of tactical gear – from losing their ‘health.’

• When your boots get wet, take out the shoe pads immediately and allow them to dry naturally.
• Do not wash your heavy boots ever in a washing machine as it will deteriorate the quality of your boots.  It will also bang up the washing machine from the inside – neither of which is a desirable outcome.
• It is always judicious to hand wash your boots yourself if you do not have access to an industrial machine.

To clean the boots, wipe off any loose dust from the sides and soles of the boots using a damp sponge. Clean the inserts with a small brush. Then blot a little all-purpose leather cleaner and wipe using circular strokes. Allow the boots to air dry and then buff the leather sections with polish.  This process will make them look new almost instantly.

Firearms

Firearms are an important part of the defensive suite. Few things are built to last forever and firearms are no different. However, with a little attention, your firearms can extend the life of this tactical gear and possibly even allow it to protect your family for generations.

Firearm maintenance is all about lubricating or oiling them on a regular basis. Paying attention to the following critical parts is important:

• The bolt should be kept healthy by applying a light coat of oil with a silicone cloth.
• If the firearm possesses a bolt carrier, it should have a very light coat of oil and then wipe it clean. Too much oil here will snag the particles that will gum up the function of the bolt.
• To clean the bore, pass swabs through them until they come out clean.
• The trigger mechanisms of the firearm must be wiped clean, cleared of debris and have very little oil.
• Apply a very light coat of oil if you have metal riding on any moving metal, and let it sit.

Knives

With time, knives lose their shine and become blunt. Cleaning helps them to stay in their original form. Sometimes, a dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp knife if you fail to maintain them properly. Keeping your knife spotless and smooth-running is the best way to prevent oxidation and allow this key piece of tactical gear to stay fully functional. Let’s see how.

• Rinse the knife blade under the running water to remove any loose dirt or hard residue. Dry it thoroughly after rinsing and then apply a small amount of oil to the blade. Gun oil, or machine oil can be used for this task.
• To get your knife sharpened like new, consult a professional staff member at a cutlery store near you or you can try this great knife sharpening kit.

Body Armor

Body armor is defensive clothing that is designed to save your life from ballistic rounds and in some cases puncture wounds.  It can be the last line of defense in your tactical gear arsenal. To extend the life of your body armor you can:

• Ensure that you keep them clean, dry and store them away from the direct sunlight.
• Make sure you do not bend them, store them lying flat.
• Keep the armor separate from other items in your trunk to ensure that nothing slides over them.

When it comes to cleaning the armor, consider these few things:

• Never use chemical products like bleaches to clean them. Also, do not wash them in a machine.
• You must clean the removable panels of the carrier (special threat plates, armor panels). You must take them out from the carrier and wipe them down carefully. ALWAYS refer to manufacturer’s instructions.
• After cleaning with the sponge, make sure you wipe off the left-over liquid and spot-wash the carrier, and allow it to dry on a flat surface before you replace the panels.

Note: Do not dry your carrier in a machine dryer or in direct sunlight. Also, never leave it dipped in standing water for long periods of time.

Conclusion

Remember, you must always spend the time to care for your tactical gear if you want them to function continuously at high levels of performance. Proper care will guarantee longevity, sturdiness, and above all, dependability.

Whether you’re a suburban homesteader, ranch owner or a city dweller, being a prepper is about possessing a particular mindset that governs each of your decisions. It means utilizing each resource to the max, never discarding a resource that can provide some value someday, and staying in the moment while also preparing for the future.  A prepper feels no shame in using man made tools or forged goods to accomplish a certain task. They also tend to refrain from luxury or the unnecessary. There is usually is no room for a big screen television, fancy automobile, or anything beyond what is necessary to live. Those that can live happily without luxury items will have the easiest time transitioning to a TEOTWAWKI. Here is how you start putting that idea into practice.

Firesale!

If you don’t need it, get rid of it. Sell everything you have that holds any financial value and isn’t necessary for you to carry out your life. Why should you do this? One, you can use it to pay down any outstanding debts you may have (this will be touched on later), and second so that you can practice living on only the items that you need to live – an absolute must for when SHTF.

Craigslist and EBay are the tools to meet this end. You’ll find certain items that won’t sell on Craigslist will be picked up in only a few hours on EBay, and others have needs for items you don’t. This money should be socked away for later emergencies (medical or for stocking up on supplies). Or, if you have outstanding debt, put this money towards paying those debts off.

Debt – The Iron Shackles of Our Time

Why is debt such a bad thing and how is it relevant to prepping?

Because it is modern slavery.

People love owning your debt.  They want you to owe them.  They hunger for that interest payment accruing on your outstanding accounts. This interest is going straight from your bank account and into their pockets. Whether that interest you pay on a mortgage, car payment, credit card, or student loan, money going towards interest will stack up quick. Think of interest as money being tossed straight out the window. This is part of being in debt, and it is holding you back from any goals you may, financial or otherwise.

Whether you have to sell everything you own to get out of this debt, consolidate smaller debts into one lump sum, or declare bankruptcy and start anew, take any means necessary to get out of debt and break the shackles holding you back.

Now What?

So I’m free of debt, but also free of my big screen television, sound system, video streaming accounts, motorcycle, and anything “fun” I once previously owned. This bites, so where do I go next?

If you are committed to being a prepper, you need to rethink your entire lifestyle; new mindset, new hobbies, new values, new you.

• Mindset – This new mindset will be about living life the way you expect to when SHTF. This means without excess and enjoying the little things in life. Material goods are useless fragments of clutter and hold no value beyond the initial euphoria of owning something new.
• Hobbies – Lessen your dependence on electronics. Spend time with friends and family, play cards or board games, and spend evenings having meaningful conversations with others. Another popular prepper hobby is canning food, it can be a surprisingly enjoyable way to spend time and you’re able so prepare food supplies to be stored for later dates.
• Values – When SHTF, protecting your family and yourself will be the number one objective on a day to day basis. Commitment to the family should be instilled within your spouse and children. Spend time with each other do things together. Also teach them to save, use only what they need, and to think carefully before making any decision.

Prepping is about being ready for any event that could happen in the future, but to do that you must take action now. Reexamining your current lifestyle, removing the shackles of debt, and completely changing your life may all seem like unclimbable mountains now, but chipping away and working towards this lifestyle is what prepping is about.

When SHTF, will you be able to hit the ground running?  Does The lifestyle you’ll need to lead then differ much from the lifestyle you’re living now?

Ask yourself – Are you truly prepared?