Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Finance help - from Jamie

I guess I get to help with finances. O.K. So, for all of you who want to work on this, I would suggest you start the following right away.

Keep track of everything you spend money on for at least the next two months. That includes everything --- keep every receipt, write down everything!

Compile a list of all your bills. Include everything that comes up during the year: car insurance, life insurance, utilities, loan paymens, credit card payments, Christmas expenses, ... everything you can think of that comes up some time during the year whether it is bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.

Start there. More to come. Call if you have any questions. The time is NOW! Don't wait and you'll see your money start growing sooner.

Love to all!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

72 hour kit

Here is some info. we found about 72 hour kits
follow the links if you have more questions

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been counseled to have a food storage and be prepared for an emergency which includes having a 72 hour kit. This kit should be put together in a practical manner so that you can carry it with you if you ever need to evacuate your home. It is also important to prepare one for each member of your family who is able to carry one.This is a list of items to store in a 72 hour kit so a family can be prepared in case of an emergency. Also learn how to make a first aid kit to put into your 72 hour

kit.Directions: Print this list and check off each item that has been put into your 72 hour

kit.Checklist: 72 Hour Kit (pdf)

Food and Water(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)
Protein/Granola Bars
Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener might not be a good idea, read this warning from one site visitor.)
Canned Juice
Candy/Gum (warning: Jolly Ranchers can melt and using mint gum might make everything taste like mint. See the comments from the blog post, 72 Hour Kit Warning, comment #11)
Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

Bedding and Clothing
Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
Undergarments
Rain Coat/Poncho
Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)
Cloth Sheet
Plastic Sheet

Fuel and Light
Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!
Extra Batteries
Flares
Candles
Lighter
Water-Proof Matches

Equipment
Can Opener
Dishes/Utensils
Shovel
Radio (with batteries!)
Pen and Paper
Axe
Pocket Knife
Rope
Duct TapePersonal Supplies and Medication
First Aid Kit and Supplies
Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)
Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc. Warning: Scented soap might "flavor" food items.)
Immunizations Up-to Date
Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)
Prescription Medication (for 3 days)Personal Documents and Money(Place these items in a water-proof container!)
Scriptures
Genealogy Records
Patriarchal Blessing
Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)
Vaccination Papers
Insurance Policies
Cash
Credit Card
Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Miscellaneous
Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
Infant Needs (if applicable)

Notes:
Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.
Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.
Some items and/or flavors might leak, melt, "flavor" other items, or break open. Dividing groups of items into individual Ziploc bags might help prevent this.

-I know this looks really overwhelming but if you start slow and just buy a few things here or there it is no big deal. I know it gives us a piece if mind to know that our family will be okay for at least that 72 hours while we wait for futher assistance. Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.

-Joseph and Amy

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Welcome everyone to our new family blog! We are excited to put information about getting our family prepared. We hope everyone will participate!