How War Drastically Affects Us All
Have you thought about how war drastically affects us all? The war in Eastern Europe is one example. It’s hard to live in a world where war is constantly breaking out, and people are displaced as refugees or dying. We have to be prepared for war, both mentally and physically.
How War Drastically Affects Us All
War can take a toll on our mental health as we witness the horrible things that happen to those directly involved. We also have to be physically fit if, at an age and circumstance, we are called up to fight in the war. Prepping for war is something that everyone should do, as it could one day save your life. Several ways can affect you even if you aren’t fighting in it.
Although there haven’t been any wars in the Americas for some time now, armed conflicts throughout the world affect us. Sometimes our militaries will be asked for our participation as allies or to just support what is considered a fight for justice and human rights far from home. Also, as those countries are involved in military action, we might be subject to food shortages or limited industrial minerals and other resources needed to support new technologies. So, we as civilians in the private sector truly are affected by war elsewhere.
Economically
War can have a substantial economic toll on large populations, even those not located close to the conflict itself. When a country is at war, it must spend significant money on weapons, manpower, supplies, and other things to properly support its fighters. This can lead to inflation and higher taxes at home. People against the war may also suffer, as their businesses may be boycotted. Here are a few ways the economy has been affected by war:
- Food shortages: One of the main ways war affects us is through food shortages. When a country is at war, it often blocks off supplies to its enemies. This can lead to food shortages and other necessities for those who rely on the government to provide products. We may also see an increase in the prices of goods due to inflation as the demand exceeds the available supplies. As the conflict engulfs the rural areas, farmers aren’t in a position to visit their fields or livestock to perform the necessary farming tasks, and getting products to market is also disrupted. There is also the fact that some farmers are called into military duty or have family members listed as casualties.
- Oil shortages and inflation: Oil is another big one. When a country is at war, it often blocks off supplies of oil to its enemies. This can lead to inflation in the prices of oil needed at home and by adjoining countries that have relied on it for years.
- No travel: Travel is often restricted during wartime. This means that people can’t go on vacations, and businesses can’t ship their goods. This can have a huge impact on the economy.
- Property damage: as witnessed in various conflicts today, civilians are losing their homes and businesses due to the explosive weapons and drones used during the conflict. Civil society is turned on its head as the war rages around them. Also, without homes to live in, the general public in adjoining countries is inundated with refugees seeking a safe haven, putting a strain on housing, food, and other necessities.
Mentally
War can take a mental toll on people. Some may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other cognitive disorders. They may also have trouble sleeping, flashbacks, and nightmares. Getting help if you are suffering from any of these conditions is essential.
We can suffer just by watching what is happening to others on the news, but it directly affects those who are on the front lines and then come home and try to get back to normalcy.
The terrorism seen throughout the world makes us wonder if any location is safe. We are now seeing domestic terrorism as those supporting factions elsewhere are now targeting local cultures and businesses.
Physically
You don’t just have to be mentally prepared for war; you must also be physically prepared, mainly if combat is your vocation. This means being in good shape and being able to handle a weapon. If you are injured in war, you may also have to deal with physical scars.
It is also essential to try to stay as healthy as possible if indirectly affected, such as uprooting your family and traveling elsewhere to live.
Changes Our Beliefs
War can also change our beliefs. For example, if we see someone die in battle, we may start to believe that life is not worth living. We may also become more cynical and distrustful of people. Some former believers question God and how he may influence their future. They may also question the existence of God if he allows just injustices to take place, particularly to babies and young children.
Environmentally
War can also impact the environment. When bombs are dropped, they can cause pollution and destruction, which can lead to changes in an area’s living conditions and ecology. People use the term “war zone” to describe the landscape and destruction resulting from local warfare events.
How is the US Affected by The Ukraine War?
The United States has not been affected by the war in Ukraine as much as other countries have. However, the war has increased tensions between the US and Russia. It has also led to an increase in defense spending by the US and had an economic impact. Here’s how we are affected:
- Gas prices: The war in Ukraine has raised gas prices, as Russia has blocked off supplies to Europe.
- Stock market: The war in Ukraine has also caused the stock market to fluctuate widely. It is fluctuating because of tensions between the US and Russia, as well as the economic impact of the war and uncertainties that accompany it.
- Tensions with Russia: The Ukraine war has increased tensions between the US and Russia. This is because Russia is supporting the rebels in Ukraine, while the US is supporting the Ukrainian government.
- Global economy: The war in Ukraine has also impacted the global economy. This is because of gas prices, the stock market, food shortages from what has been called the “breadbasket of Europe,” and tensions between the US and Russia.
- Defense spending: The war has led to an increase in US defense spending. The US is funding the Ukrainian government and sending military aid to Ukraine. This puts pressure on US citizens since taxes may go up, but the additional money in the currency supply available can cause additional inflation.
- Inflation in the US: The war has also caused inflation in the US. This is because of gas price increases, higher food costs, and other economic forces at work.
Food Shortages
Currently, we are seeing several food shortages in the United States, with some caused by climate change. Wars on a global basis are prompting several food shortages on top of those caused by drought, floods, and severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes. Here’s a list of foods you should stock up on when you can:
- Baby formula- Recalls on formula are making it challenging to find sources of formula again.
- Meat- The chicken shortage and supply chain issues are causing a meat shortage.
- Dairy- There is also an egg shortage due to a chicken shortage and the Bird flu.
- Fruits and Vegetables- Imports from Mexico have been suspended and may be subject to new tariffs, directly affecting the supply of avocados and other food products.
- Canned goods- There is also a shortage of some canned goods due to an aluminum shortage.
- Imported goods- We have stopped importing some things from other countries. Tariffs on Canadian goods may adversely affect food supplies.
Besides the war causing inflation, there are labor shortages and supply-chain issues from food manufacturers to grocery stores. In essence, there aren’t enough people to make, move, and sell the goods.
How Can We Prepare for the Effects of The Ukraine War?
There are a few things we can do to prepare for the effects of that war:
Get a Gas Card
This will help you save money on gas. A gas card is a type of credit card that gives you discounts on gas as a loyal customer of a particular brand. When the price of gas goes up, any discount is appreciated. However, make sure you pay the card off each month, so you’re not paying interest on the gas purchase. Save your receipts at grocery stores that offer gasoline discounts.
Keep a Stock of Food
If there is a food shortage, it’s essential to have a stockpile of food. This way, you’ll have something to eat if food prices go up or there isn’t any food on the shelves. Check out my posts below if you need help getting started:
- Effective Ways to Prepare for Food Shortages
- 7 Basic Food Items to Stock Now
- 30 Survival Foods to Stockpile
Be Prepared Mentally and Physically
Mentally, war can be very tough. It’s essential to be prepared for it by getting help from a mental health professional if you are feeling depressed or have anxiety, especially if you have a family member called into duty. You should also be physically prepared by being in good shape and knowing how to use a weapon if the conflict comes close to home.
Build an Emergency Fund
This will help you if you lose your job, have an accident, get sick, or have other financial problems.
Have a plan
Talk to your family about what they would do if war broke out close to home. This will help you be prepared as you follow that plan. Have a plan for what you will do if war breaks out or you live next to a border that becomes subjust to the effects of the conflict. This includes having a place to go, food, water, and supplies.
Be informed
Stay updated on the latest news about possible war closer to home. This will help you be prepared for what is happening. It seems that misinformation is rampant on so many levels. Be sure to validate information before you move forward with any significant decisions affecting your family that may be influenced by wars and rumors of wars.
Invest in gold/silver or whatever you feel Comfortable With
Gold is a good investment because it has been shown to hold its value even if the economy collapses. And, as inflation increases, so does the value of gold. Your paper money loses value when inflation is high.
Have a bug-out bag
A bug-out bag is a bag that has everything you need to survive for 72 hours. It should have food, water, and other supplies. This will help you if you have to evacuate quickly. Make sure to use my Comprehensive Bug-Out Bag Checklist.
Have cash on hand
Having cash on hand is essential if the war causes the stock market to crash. This way, you will be able to buy food and supplies. In addition to the stock market crashing, card readers may have issues, so using a card to pay for things may not be available.
Final Word
We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it. If you are already seeing the effects of the Ukraine war or are worried about it, use the tips above to help you prepare. If war does break out, you will be glad you did. Remember, war drastically affects us all, no matter where we live. How has the war in Ukraine and other ares affected you? Let me know in the comments below. May God Bless this world, Linda
Linda,
While I agree with virtually everything you said in this article, I’d offer a word of caution about investing in gold. Back in the 1930’s FDR essentially confiscated private gold by requiring citizens to convert it to paper money. The same could happen again. The one exception to that mandate was “collectible” gold coins, preferably MS69 or MS70 rated. If there is a push to convert dollars to crypto currency here in the US–and I think that’s likely–the same thing could happen. So, if you’re going to invest in gold, get top quality collectible coins.
Also, you can’t eat gold and using it as a medium of exchange will be difficult (it’s heavy, bulky and who knows how much a chunk of gold will be worth if TSHTF).
I think it’s wiser to invest in commodities like food, or if you live in a desert, water, or alternative means of energy production, like solar, wind and hydro.
Hi Ray, I totally agree with you on the gold. I can’t afford to invest in it. I think people invest now where it can’t be tracked. Literally. I have no idea how this world is going but I want food and water right now. God help all of us. Linda
Isn’t it possible to buy gold without the tracking?
Matt,
I’m unaware of any “tracking” when buying gold, whether bullion or coins. So I guess I can’t tell you how to buy it without tracking. I never had enough money to buy more than a coin or two at a time and that was decades ago when I was at peak earning. To the best of my knowledge those sales weren’t tracked, but I could be wrong. I just know that if private ownership of gold is declared illegal, like it was in the 1930’s, collectible coins will likely be an exception as the ones with high ratings like MS69 or MS70 are also considered works of art.
Matt,
I just remembered that some coin dealers sell gold at gun shows and craft fairs. So, maybe no tracking there.
Oh, one last comment. All of what you mentioned will get worse when China decide it’s time to take back Taiwan.
And it will happen!
Hi Curley Bull, I agree. Linda
Hi Ray, oh Ray I wish we could have lunch together, not possible, but you and I could talk for hours. Stay safe, my friend, Linda
Linda,
My wife and I would love to have lunch with you and your hubby sometime but unless we could meet in Vegas sometime it’s unlikely to happen.
Hi Ray, it’s too bad I’ve moved up north now! If Mark and I head to Vegas, I will email to see if the four of us could have lunch! Linda
Hi Ray, you are so right. Linda
We haven’t seen it on our soil yet. We will soon.
Eggs in one basket becomes important because of indiscriminate shelling. Your lifetime of preparedness will disappear.
Understand that you will not avoid the fight. You have to decide what you’ll do now.
In terms of defense you have to think beyond your yard. You can’t let a tank roll down your street and think you’ll be ok. Distance Is Your Friend
Learn hedgehogs, caltrops and other static measures. Watch how things are done in other places. Drown out the politics and watch the actual things they are doing.
“Learn how to use a weapon” ALL weapons. Ours, yours, stuff laying around and theirs.
PMs are only used in escaping from my experience. If you use them to barter it’ll get you killed.
Distrust is not a bad thing. People are the issue. Distrust is not something to ignore.
Friendly Fire Isn’t
The untrained, unhinged and know it alls will get you killed.
IF you survive PTSD is real. Survivors Guilt is real. How you deal with it and handle it is up to you. Do not believe your broken. That’s a lie. You are a product of your environment. You will be changed and see, smell, hear and react to things differently than other who haven’t. Roll with it and put it to use.
WOLVERINES
Amen, brother Matt, amen!
Curley Bull, amen is right! Linda
Hi Matt, oh you nailed it as usual. People are the issue. Be mindful of what is going on around you. You totally get it, I know that! Linda
OMG! Wolverines! I was just thinking of both Red Dawn movies (the first was the best) as I read your post and then chuckled when I saw WOLVERINES at the bottom. There’s alot of garbage in movies but if you watch carefully, you can glean a little bit of knowledge and adapt. I so love reading your posts and that of Ray White. You guys are the best!
Linda, you never cease to amaze me with your wonderful posts! You always hit the nail on the head and this site gives people ALOT of hope for our lousy future (as it stands now). I earned every gray hair on my head, and then some, worrying about what’s going on. At least I can “do” something about it! Alot of people think I’m crazy, but who will be laughing when TSHTF?!?!
Great comment. Thank you. Also, what’s a PM?
Sorry PM is Precious Metal
Gold silver etc
Learn hedgehogs, caltrops and other static measures … huh? I assume you don’t mean the little prickly critters when referring to hedgehogs and what’s caltrops? Just curious.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caltrop
Cartels make the from rebar. They can be made from fencing steeples too. Good for defense against feet, hooves and tires. Easily deployed. Against the law in many areas while we still have ROL (Rule Of Law)
Hedgehogs
https://youtu.be/slxAIysefYU
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-ukraine-s-surprisingly-simple-anti-tank-trap/ar-AAVCFc3
Another aspect of warfare is that it’s now spilling over into the Internet, aka cyberwar.
Since just before the invasion of Ukraine attacks have gone up significantly. And while no utility or banks have been noticeably impacted (yet!), cyber attackers have been working to gain footholds in systems. I work at a high school and have seen almost a doubling in daily cyber attacks. As a point of reference, in the last 24 hours the school firewall blocked over 71,000 attacks and over 13,000 spyware intrusions. Last year it was maybe 30k attacks per day if even that many….
It just makes sense to be ready for further disruptions to our lives, whether that means the electric grid, banking payment systems, or whatever else we depend on.
Thanks Linda!
Good point
Hi DmWalsh, you nailed it as well. I worry about our power grid, a cyberattack, and food disruptions. I wish people would really understand what is going on right now, yes some do, that’s for sure. Others are oblivious, those are the people I will never understand. It’s so frustrating to me. But I have no control over their stupidity. That sounds rude, but that’s how I feel. Linda
I understand your frustration completely. I think a lot of it is normalcy bias – as in, it’s never happened before why should I worry? Although after over two years of disruptions due to a pandemic you’d think even the most clueless would have some inkling, but alas that’s either not the case or they are just refusing to do anything about it. But as those of us who prep know, just the known problems are bad enough – if/when something else happens it will be very bad for a lot of folks. Sigh.
Don’t worry about sounding rude, some of these people need a wakeup call before reality gives them an even worse slap….but we can’t let their inaction drive us crazy. We just keep on preparing and gently spreading the word in the hope that a few more folks might get ready.
Thanks for keeping at this!
Hi DmWalsh, you made my day, I sometimes get discouraged! You and I (and the people in this forum) get it! We will keep at it! Linda
I am more concerned about cyberwar than I am about the actual war. After hearing people think the world is ending because their favorite cereal is not in stock, how will they react without heat and light?
Hi Janet, I’m with you on the Cyberattacks. I had someone attack me with words about what I said back in 2020 about being worried more about a Power grid outage and a cyberattack than an EMP. She was marked as spam because she wouldn’t let up. You can’t teach headstrong people who will not listen. Thank goodness I have a delete button. I sure hope people have some way to cook, cookbooks, lanterns, flashlights, well you know what I’m saying. I can make pancakes and syrup when cereal is in short supply. Great comment, Linda
New to posting here..but have lurked for a while. But I think I’ve found my People!
I work in IT – Cyber attacks have increased 100% it’s been ridiculous. I started to use a VPN at home a few years back. Also don’t forget to back up your own files and any important documents on hard copy and on a USB jump drive as well. A simple key stroke can take down a any entity with major repercussions.
Hi SandraG, oh, I love hearing that you work in IT! Cyberattacks are rampant! Thanks for the reminder on backing up any and all documents. Welcome to our forum, Linda
I agree with you Linda. I can’t afford Gold. I have some that a friend of my sons gave him but that is all. We got it when my son died but like my husband said You can’t eat Gold. So I will continue to fill my pantry so we will not starve if war comes to the US. They are talking about Russia and England getting into it with each other and if England gets into it we will most likely also. The only thing I can say is Come Lord Jesus.
HI Jackie, I would rather have food as well. Who knows what will happen in the next few months. Nothing would surprise me these days. Nothing….Stay safe, Linda
Food, “security”, water, etc. the best investment! So grateful our Lord moved us out of a metropolitan area in 2019 to be near our 4 grands. 2 acres with no restrictions!
Hi Marilynne, oh, you are so lucky! That is the best investment EVER! Two acres with zero restrictions and 4 grandkids nearby sounds like a blessing to me! Love it! Linda
Linda,
I’d like to go a bit off topic if that’s okay.
It’s now 2025 and some things are improving (illegal immigration is down for one, egg prices finally starting to drop for another), but shrinking our bloated Federal Government down to a reasonable size and making international trade more fair for us via tariffs, will cause us some short term economic pain. The emphasis here is on short term, probably no more than 9 months to a year. Those of us still in the stock market know that the CAPE ratio (Cyclically Adjusted Price to Earnings) is the most reliable indicator of stock market corrections. Anytime the CAPE is above 30 we expect market downturns. Right now the CAPE stands at 35.61 (which is down from more than 38 during the latter stages of the Biden Presidency). That means, in spite of a recent bounce back in stock prices, this pull back in stock prices is likely not over.
But does that mean we should all panic and sell our stocks to buy durable goods or groceries? Up to you, but I won’t, because unless we end up in a war that destroys civilization, the market always bounces back. Historically Bull markets last 3-10 times longer than Bears. So I think it’s best to be patient and wait it out. Admittedly it may be easier for me to do so because my wife and I are pretty well situated, preparedness wise, but I do sincerely believe prosperity is coming and will benefit us all.
Those who have read my posts or my books know that I’m no Pollyana, so here are a few real world facts leading to my glass half full prediction.
John Deere was planning to move its operations to Mexico, but now is remaining in the USA. The reason for the change in direction? Trump’s tariffs. Taiwan Semiconductor and dozens of other international businesses are onshoring plants and facilities, again because of import tariffs. The same goes for several American companies that for the past 30 years have been offshoring. And while it takes time to re-build such manufacturing infrastructure, it’s great long term news for job seekers and our economy as a whole.
Due to changes in government energy policy, oil companies are in the process of bringing refineries back online, which will result in lower gasoline and diesel prices—and since fuel prices impact every tier of our economy, this is also good news for reducing inflation.
Deficit spending should decrease, meaning our enormous debt will shrink. Most of us have enough good sense to know that getting out of debt is one of the first steps to being well prepared for emergencies.
A more compact Federal Government will pay more attention to combatting fraud. It should operate more efficiently, with much less waste. I think it was Milton Friedman who said, “If you put the Federal Government in charge of the Sahara desert, in five years there would be a shortage of sand.”
Stay the course.
Hi Ray, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment. I agree things are going to get better. We need to have production facilities here in the US in order to have jobs here and not depend on other countries for the items we need. The fraud that has been going on is embarrassing. I get ticked off just thinking that not one person stood up and said why are we send money to…..for…..! I wouldn’t sell stocks now either, the market always bounces back. When I owned my mortgage company I had two computers on my desk one for the stock market and one to process loans. When the interest rates go down the stock market goes up and it stimulates our economy. Lower interest rates mean the economy is growing and this helps personal and corporate borrowing. Thanks for sharing the Milton Friedman statement! LOL! Good one, Linda
Ray,
Great comment and I could not have said it any better. My wife and I are in a similar situation as y’all. Unfortunately, the short term will affect others differently. I keep saying to them to hold their course and grit their teeth because the long term benefit will outweigh the short term pain many times over.
Hi Harry, I totally agree! Linda
Great post, Linda.
I think sometimes that when we “think and plan” our preparations for the what ifs in life, we only think of the here and now!! We think of the grid going down, the supply chain issues. But we need to look at the bigger picture(s)!!
Ray mentions the stock market! I was raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression. My dad always said that the people who didn’t panic when the stock market crashed are the ones who bounced back significantly! The market is always volatile, but it always bounces back. Of course, saying that, there may come a time when it doesn’t.
Gold is a standard and, while I would love to have a stock of gold, it is WAY out of my budget. One of the main issues I see with having gold is: if I am at a grocery store and purchasing $50 in groceries but only have a $100 gold coin, the paper money that I MIGHT get in return is not the same “value” to me as the gold coin. I have a sister and BIL who were stocking up on gold. They ran into a situation where they needed cash and had to cash in some of their gold for their purchase (big purchase). They found out after the fact that they didn’t get a fair exchange, though. So you really really need to keep track of what gold is worth and go to reputable dealers!! I have a few goldbacks that are much more affordable but not as widely accepted! Where I live, there are 10 locations in town that do take them in exchange for goods (one important place is a butchery! selling grass fed/grass finished meat). But there again, one needs to know what the value is based on the present gold prices before using them. I don’t think they are available everywhere though. As far as I know: Nevada, New Hampshire, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota and Florida have them. When I purchased some on a whim a couple of years ago, only Utah, Nevada, Wyoming and South Dakota had them. Even if I don’t use them in exchange for goods/services, they are beautiful!
Hi Leanne, you are so right, we never know how the stock market will go. I always told my clients hang on for the ride, be patient. You are so right about the “what ifs”, I regret selling my house in Southern Utah, but I can’t keep saying that or I will never love living here. Each day gets better, but girl there are so many things I would have done differently over my life. But life is good right now! Linda
Ray, How do you think 1 oz. Gold Canadian Maple Leafs would be effected? And 1 oz. Silver Walking Liberties? What about what I can scrap silver coins?
Hi Chris, great question, Linda
Honestly, I don’t know that I could emotionally handle ‘war’. I am a preparer and spiritual sound, still I simply cannot fathom us being at war.
Hi Karen, I hope none us have to emotionally handle a war. Sometimes I feel like we have a war right here in the US between political parties. Families and friends won’t speak to one another, is it war? No, but some days I wish I could turn the clock back 20 years. Linda