And no, it doesn't help me understand. I can have a bunch of 'stuff', and still be able to grab my go bag and disappear into the night. And I can live that. I have those skillsets. I've done it. Wanna play mountain man through all the seasons? I've lived that.
But all that 'stuff' sure did come in handy after the market crash of 2008. I went almost 2 years with zero income and still had the bills.
Food was what I had put by and what I foraged or grew.
You do what you want, you laugh at who you like.
Me? I think I'll set stuff by like was done for thousands of years.
Besides, buying in bulk and on sale saves me about 15-18% on my consumables cost.
/johnny
I guess that old saw "the difference between a depression vs recession is the loss of your job" applies.
We, too, have some 'put by' as you say, but harbor no illusions that it is enough to weather more than a small hiccup.
I was living and working in the former Soviet (the CIS) when the rubel (rubol) was revalued. I saw firsthand what happened to folks.
We are prepared to move, if needed, and to do different kinds of work to ensure we stay whole and healthy. Many in the US are not willing to do that. It is those that will suffer.
I got laid off in '05 and started doing contract work. Now, I work for myself. The hours suck and the Boss is a real crank, but I don't owe anyone nor does anyone own me. I'll even add that a lot of stuff doesn't own me either.
By the way, happy for you that you have lived in the same town nearly forever and seem to know most folks, not many places left like that. Bon Chance!