I think Susan's point is well thought out. I work from home, so unless someone brings this disease into the house, I would be ok.

Having the shelter of a house is more important to me than having a car. Fortunately, both cars are paid off.

I have my paychecks directly deposited. Unless banks completely shut down, I think I'd be ok. I also pay my bills online, so slow mail wouldnt necessarily cause me to pay late.

There are some 'critical paths' that would make all this impossible if they failed, of course.

If things were that bad, I dont think it would make business sense for banks to reposses houses. Who would buy them if unemployment were as high as Susan thinks it may be? Better for them to work with us, no?

DBAGuy, that's exactly what I was wondering. Other than my house and credit card, everything is paid off. Utilities are a non-issue as far as payment goes.

I am thinking if there is a pandemic as bad as the fearmongers say (& I really have a problem believing that), it would shove the whole world into a financial depression that would make the Great Depression look like a stubbed toe. But finance and economics are not my strong point.

Sue

Susan

I am looking forward to Survivorman's 2 part series on how he and his live off the grid.

It still would require a mortgage, but would seem to resolve the other problems (utilities).

Under SHTF conditions I think the goverment would halt repossesions, unless they want a fully fledged revolt on their hands.

http://www.bmonesbittburns.com/economics/reports/20051011/dont_fear_fear.pdf

"I think the goverment would halt repossesions, unless they want a fully fledged revolt on their hands."

That's the part I'm not so sure about. American companies don't have much foresight, and governments don't have any. They are both perfectly capable of screwing everything up, and guess who pays?

Besides, most Americans have been so brainwashed that they aren't capable of thinking for themselves in any rational matter. Why do you think the public school system was created? There were far more literate people in the late 1800's (per capita) than there are today.

Greed runs the world these days --- common sense has almost disappeared.

I guess it's just a matter of wait and see.

Sue

Thank you, but I've read that. It's by a Canadian economist who says the U.S. HAS no plan. All I've really heard is about NAIS, where they want to microchip every animal in the country, which isn't all that helpful, but there is probably some money in it for someone.

Sue

I think if it gets as bad as they think, there may end up being drastic measures. Not to necessarily protect the people, but to protect the economy.

However, I personally don't believe it will be as bad as everyone thinks. Maybe someone will use this time to push an agenda to make sure we are prepared for things. There has been all this "talk" about "Emergency/Disaster Prepardness", but there doesn't seem to be anything visibly happening.

As for mortgage payments and such, if it gets bad enough, maybe that'll mean no one will be at the computers to see you're late! What will probably happen though is voluntary postponement of payments. It happened on a few of my student loans. They just put me into "forbearance". Never asked, and never told me!

Edited: Removed possible political comment - ki4buc

hmmm i to follow suit w/my family.when the 1st outbreak occurs does that mean all fast food spots stop business?is the chicken we already purchased suspect?do we know if h5n1 can be killed by freezing or cooking?do we stash the cash?perhaps to many ?'s for something that hasn't touched the shores yet(usa,canada)

H5N1 is supposed to be killed by cooking your chicken wings (or any other parts !) at70?C at least.
So KFC should be OK <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Panic though...