Life in a war zone: How people in Ukraine adapt to Survive

[JohnyMac]

I ran across this the AM and thought it worthwhile to post and read.

The Modern Survivalist

Lets recap on some of the lessons learned:
1)Cash is still king, as it usually is. Never underestimate how useful a roll of USD can be, anywhere in the world, from New York to Ukraine.
2)Financial mobility is a great asset. Whenever possible, take the time to open an off shore bank account. This can be one of your best assets.
3)During desperate times, food becomes a priority. Stock up on food, grow your own in your garden to supplement you supplies.
4)Cash, medicine and diapers are on high demand.
5)You need your “papers” to move around. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Spanish civil war, Argentina’s dirty war during the 70s or current eastern Ukraine, you’ll still be expected to present your “papers”. Make sure you have your passport and other important documents.
6) Usd1.000 still makes for a great bribe. Again, cash is king.
7)Living far from town and isolated is still a bad idea, even in occupied easter Ukraine. “Aid is distributed in the center and people living on the outskirts just don’t get to it in time because city transport isn’t working,” said Filimonov, 32. “We brought 130 packages of food to Debaltseve and a long line appeared near our bus in minutes. Those people were really hungry.”
8)Curriers are on high demand. They will travel to other cities where banks and ATMs still work so as to get cash for their clients. ”Mariupol, under government control, is a hotspot where couriers show up clutching stacks of bank cards to withdraw cash. Donetsk coal mines often select one employee to make the journey and collect wages for his colleagues.”… “You see lines of 50 to 100 people at ATMs and there are can be scuffles.”

[Nemo]

I probably should get a pile of smaller bills.  Mr. Franklin is good for fitting in a box, but when thats all there is on my side, thats what everything costs.

Any info or thoughts on silver coin over there?  I can find expert ideas everywhere, but real info?

Nemo

[Erick]

FYI when Europeans say 1.000 it mean 1,000  in US parlance...  the use of comma and point for numerical values are reversed

[JohnyMac]

Nemo, you can by a bag of junk silver (Old US silver coins) for a few bucks south of spot prices.

Here is an example:

Coins are not reported to the government as they are coins not bullion.

IMO, $20's, $10's and $5's equal to one months expenses, e.g. mortgage, food, heat, tax's...You get the idea. The junk silver or other PM's are for when paper no-workie.   

[Erick]

not sure the seller in some of those links, is giving a great deal...For the "per coin" price of $22 of some of those 0.77 oz containing coins one can get a Silver Eagle that contains (and is marked) at 1 tr Oz of silver for like $18.5

Rounds are even less....just got some for 17.5 (or so) and the taker of that currency can see the troy oz stamped right on it.

For this reason I stick with easily recognizable and marked rounds and coins

[JohnyMac]

I agree Erick that silver rounds are the way to go. With that written, in a SHTF scenario old silver US coins will have a bit for believability to the average person then silver round. Like anything in life don't put all of your eggs in one basket and do everything in moderation. 

[Nemo]

Wife's dad wanted some silver before he died.  He obtained 200 Silver Eagles.  He suggested I bury them with him when he passed away.  He did that about 18 months post purchase.  I kept the eagles and put a check for the full purchase amount in his pocket before they closed the casket.  Even though the market prices had declined about 25%.  So I consider them mine now.

Nemo

[brat]

I kept the eagles and put a check for the full purchase amount in his pocket before they closed the casket. 

So, what's the plan when that check clears the bank...........    

[Nemo]

I kept the eagles and put a check for the full purchase amount in his pocket before they closed the casket. 

So, what's the plan when that check clears the bank...........    

I'm screwed.

Nemo

[WhiskeyJack]

Budgets are my hinderance. I invested in .22 balistic wampum. I cant eat silver or gold coins. But .22 puts food on the table.

[JohnyMac]

True enough WhiskeyJack however in a WROL situation EVERBODY will be shooting and eating tree rats. Then you will be eating your .22LR's. 

The benefit of PM's as I see it are:

Silver: Daily purchases of basic things until basic things run out. Basic things like...Diapers, screws, glue, nails....You
           get the idea.
Gold: Post a WROL event there will be commerce again. Gold will buy you a horse, plow, lath, etc. It will set you
          and your family up in a business of some sort.

Now if you are REALLY smart (I am not  ) if you had put aside a Shit-ton of basic stuff and only took silver you would be very rich post the event. 

[Nemo]

Budgets are my hinderance. I invested in .22 balistic wampum. I cant eat silver or gold coins. But .22 puts food on the table.

FiL was interested in prepping from about 1940.  He was born in 38 and remembered living during WW2.  He asked me about one day I surprised him with my interest also.

We went to a Gander Mountain opening festivities about 40 miles away from us.  It was a month before Sandy Hook shooting.  As part of their opening they had 525 round boxes of Federal 22 on sale for about $15 a box.  He asked me if we should get some-- you know, just in case.  Just in case was his code phrase.

I thought it was a good idea.  He asked how many you think.  Not wanting to spend his money (with his health issues and not having any money of my own) I said- dunno  5, 10.  He said get a basket and get 20.

We went back a week or so later taking wife along.  He got another 5.

I had a small stock to begin with and have traded some out, used some and still have not gotten into that part of the stash.  My small stock is still fair amount larger than your average S. Ga house. 

Not long before that he bought a Henry Golden Boy 22 Mag.  Got a decent large stock of that too.

I think I have enough rimfire for the time being anyway.

So is there any info on what silver and such is doing on a day to day survival basis over there in the Ukraine?  I can find nothing much really.

Nemo