UPTHINKING FINANCE

• [4:38] Chris dispels the myths surrounding “preppers” 
• [6:51] Why the average person avoids thinking about these issues 
• [10:22] If you’ve never thought about prepping, where do you start?
• [16:25] Why you always need to plan for the unexpected
• [19:40] Can swimming pools be a good investment?
• [22:18] Where does community fit into preparation?
• [24:17] The inspiration behind Chris’s book series
• [30:42] Chris’s outlook on the future in the United States
• [35:07] Stay aware of what’s happening in the world

Covid has clearly demonstrated that just-in-time inventory systems don’t function. Society is fragile. Preppers are people that don’t implicitly trust the system and take responsibility for their own welfare. They don’t believe in “normalcy bias,” i.e. “Nothing bad happened yesterday so nothing bad will happen tomorrow.” 

Chris is prepping to live. He prepares food, medical, energy, security, communications, etc. He’s not preparing for the “end of the world,” the common misconception attributed to preppers. Instead, he’s preparing for the end of his world, which could mean an illness, job loss, a hurricane that knocks out power, etc. You have car insurance, homeowners insurance, and medical insurance—why not ensure the continuity of your life? That’s what prepping is. 

Whether it’s a car accident, fire, a natural disaster, or a crime being committed against you, Chris emphasizes that “You are your own first responder.” Chris got into prepping because he didn’t want to be “that guy” standing in line waiting for help. If he can take care of himself, resources can go to someone who does need them. 

Hurricanes are common in Florida, and life after a hurricane can be rough. The power can be out for weeks at a time and things are hard to find. So Chris plans ahead with fuel storage, food, generators, and solar power that’s 100% off-grid. 

When you get groceries, just buy a few extra cans of things your family already eats and likes (think rice, beans, pasta, and anything canned). Once you have a 30-day-supply, continue buying those things by rotating out and using the older things. Secondly, avoid things that don’t have a long shelf life. 

If you live somewhere that deals with water shortages, what do you do? You still have to maintain hygiene, have enough to drink, and have enough to cook. If you don’t have water, you’ll have to leave where you are and go to water or you’ll die. If you drink soda and buy two-liter bottles, rinse them out, clean them, and refill them with water. The hot water heater in your house can be drained and used for bathing and whatever else you might need in an emergency. 

Stock up on at least one month’s worth of food, medicine, water, and basic hygiene supplies. Once you’ve achieved the month and you feel comfortable, great. If not, shoot for stocking up for 90 days.

Where does community fit into preparation? Listen to hear Chris’s thoughts.

Chris has been in the survival field for over 30 years. He started learning primitive skills and worked his way to modern prepping. He wrote his book, “Going Home” on a forum to entertain himself. 

As he began writing his story, it took on a life of its own. It had over 2 million views online before he even completed writing it. People told him to publish it. Then he wrote the second book on his forum. People sent money to force him to publish it—so he did. He didn’t take it seriously until he made ¼ of his annual salary within the first month of the book being sold on Amazon.

Penguin Books called and made him an offer—which he turned down. Two weeks later, they called again with an offer he couldn’t refuse. Now the series has 11 books and he’s working on #12. 

Listen to the whole episode to learn more about Chris’s books, resources to help you get started prepping, and why it all matters. 

Chris Weatherman and Angery American are not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial or Capital Investment Advisers.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

The financial professionals associated with LPL Financial may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state. 

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