Hidden blessings: I sold my Xbox
Now that may sound strange being on a survival site, and you may not see it's relevance to blessings. But I promise you, it's there. I sold my Xbox, some games and accessories to help pay for improvements to this site. Most notably I will be purchasing a digital camcorder for Youtube posts and hopefully a voice recorder to start podcasting.
For most people selling a video game system may not be much, but for me it was like pulling teeth to even consider it. I belonged to a "team" and was quite skillful at a few games. And I'm not going to lie, it was a morale booster (aka ego trip) for me to be recognized as a good player. However, my wife and I have a financial plan and the new equipment for the site wasn't in realm of possibilities without generating some extra income and in the end, this site means more to me than a simple ego trip.
So I got some financial gain/equipment from the sale, which is one blessing. However, I need more bush time to develop material for TCSG and by taking away this drain of time and energy maybe I can walk away from it being doubly blessed!
God is clever. He uses little events, small sacrifices and such to bless us in ways we wouldn't have thought of. You guys can go ahead and laugh now.
Critical Documents kit
Who are you? Oh, yeah? Prove it.
The only way we can insure that we properly present ourselves to be who we are, own what we own (or have financed), are insured for, and have attended such education and training as we have, is to have proper documentation at the ready. But how is this possible when your drivers license, social security card, college degree, etc. have been destroyed, left behind, or stolen?
Think for a moment that you wake up, smell smoke, and realize the house is on fire. You rush the family outside, thinking to yourself" thank God everyone is safe."Now come the day after and you're on the phone with your insurance agent who says, "Do you have a photographic record of the contents", "is there a copy of your I.d. and social security card?" And on this goes. Then you say "Oh, no. They were destroyed in the fire. That's why we called you."This could be avoided fairly easily with a basic document kit.
Warning: Now, please note that this article is not entitled "What to do in case of fire". The scenario was generalized and is used for dramatic imagery. Fires are serious threats and I recommend you build a proper evacuation plan for your family today! (Article being researched)
Enough with the imagery. I choose to layer my document kit by scanning all critical items. Then I create physical copies to kept in the house should the originals be damaged. I keep electronic backups in Google Docs at an account used for nothing else, and I have been carrying an encrypted set of documents on a memory stick attached to a keychain in my vehicle kit. This way I have all bases covered. Should something happen to the house, destroying all physical copies I have Google Docs or my keychain set. Or if my keychain has been lost/stolen they are encrypted. And if I have to Bug Out unexpectedly leaving everything behind including my vehicle I can later access Google Docs - assuming internet access.
Now of course, your physical copies (especially originals) should be kept in a safes. Preferably fire safes, and in atleast two locations. But who has the money for a good fire safe, let alone two? Later on this year I will post a write up of a $150 closet safe. However, if you don't have the money available right now, I recommend you place originals in a "fire box". These small safes can be had for less than $40 at most big box stores. Keep the fire box near your bed where you will think to grab it before exiting the house.
In this kit you should include any and all documents pertinent to your assets/possessions, finances, health, emergency contacts, education, and identity. This means if you think it should belong, scan it and protect it. Another thought is to scan treasured photos. Though they may not be critical to your survival its a great relief to know that there is a level of insurance out there.
A basic look at my kit is (for wife and myself) -
All I.D.'s, licenses, certifications, and permits
Vehicle info w/pictures, truck loan docs, registrations, and insurance policies
County registry for home ownership, records of sale, realtor/escrow agents contacts, etc.
All bank info with member, account and routing numbers
Records of credits/loans including (especially) those paid off or closed
Educational/training certificates, diplomas, and degrees
Resumes and work histories
Past tax info (w-2's, 1099's)
Health insurance policies
Emergency contacts
You may have more or less to document and may choose to employ more safety measures than I do. In any case make a plan to get this prep done ASAP. There are too many day to day threats that could let Murphy rear his ugly head and show you the error of your ways. If nothing else, use the experience to get your documents organized. I mean, who doesn't appreciate a little order in their lives?