Do you take the digital ID and CBDCs/bank tokens? This could be hitting us soon so we’d be wise to consider.
Yes, have crypto and precious metals and barter. Just don’t think I could pay property taxes with gold or offers to give haircuts if the whole world flips to CBDCs. I don’t think they’re entirely avoidable.
There’s speculation that you’re not getting online without a digital ID. I’d bet driver’s licenses are part of the digital ID system, so if you don’t take them you might be not driving. Internet access is gone, so no shopping at Amazon; Can only buy what you can access locally, which is not only more expensive and less convenient, but also a far lower selection as well. Some services can only be accessed online. I’d bet that property taxes, insurance, gasoline—all could only be paid for using CBDCs.
It’s one thing to live this way while the grid is down and nobody is driving cars. I’ve got no problem doing that; Got the tools and the knowledge. But if most everyone is driving and working and life is pretty much normal for them, and here I am the only one around who cannot use the internet and must e-bike everywhere, it’d be difficult. I’m not saying I won’t do it, but goodness gracious that’s a hard decision.
Not to mention, there may be no way to pay for property taxes and other government fees, fuel, rent, mortgage, or insurance. Quite a sticky situation.
It’s possible to live this way in the States—the Amish do it—so I’m trying to decide if the time has finally come to live like the Amish, or if there is another way to navigate this.
I think I cannot avoid them but I can minimize their impact. Trade as much as possible in the parallel economy but pay for gasoline and parking tickets with digital bank tokens, identified by my smartphone. Seems like it’s just the way it’s going to be, no way around it.
Edited to add:
Remember that property tax is not the only expense. Buying gasoline or diesel could prove problematic. People on the street don't value precious metals like they should (watch the video below), so don't expect to walk into your corner Shell station and fill up with some pre-1964 coins, unless you have a pre-existing agreement with the guy behind the counter. Forget long road trips, that's almost certainly out of the question unless you haul a bunch of gas cans with you.
Maybe you've got an EV and off-grid power, so you don't need to worry about the gas station. Or you make your own alcohol or you have a wood fueled-car.
Electricity, water, and sewer bills currently demand US dollars and would likely demand payment a new US digital dollar; If you're not on off-grid now, get there ASAP.
No home internet without using new digital dollars and a digital ID; That's okay, you tell yourself that internet is a tool of the devil and brings more harm than good. You still have rabbit ears and DVDs for entertainment.
If you're self-employed, expect to pay license fees and annual taxes with new US digital dollars. Maybe switch careers now while it's easy.
Never going to fly or ride a train with gold; Maybe you've decided you're staying on the farm now for life.
As mentioned before, insurance. You can be sure that all insurance companies will only take the new US digital dollar. Some people go their entire lives without insurance, though I don't recommend it.
Auto repairs could be dicey. If you have a great relationship with your mechanic, or if you turn your own wrench, that's wonderful! Just hope you're not broken down away from home, as we were on a 2015 road trip. Had to not only pay the mechanic but also the tow truck, the motel, and the grocery store.
Buying a new car? Hope it's from a relative or someone you know well; Since most people don't value precious metals, they're probably not going to value--or perhaps even trust--someone showing up with gold in hand. Maybe they think to themselves your gold is counterfeit and no talking will convince them otherwise.
Got into a car accident, went unconscious, was immediately taken to the hospital without being able to talk first to family members? You will probably have to default on the hospital bill. That's okay, you tell yourself; You don't care about a credit rating anymore.
Can't find a cell phone company that will let me pay in Bitcoin. That's okay, we have ham radios and CB. I didn't need the distractions of a cell phone anyway.
Time to renew your driver's license; The bribe cost you a 1/4 ounce golden eagle coin (currently worth $660) but it was worth it. Start saving now; Your license renews again in eight years.
No one at Walmart will accept either silver or Bitcoin, so you've taken up sewing to tailor clothes from the thrift store whose owner you know personally.
House not paid off? Is your mortgage with a large bank? Good luck finding someone who will take platinum rounds, or crypto.
Renting from a large corporation? Maybe it's time to downgrade to an RV on some land you paid cash for. Hope you can find someone who will take coins for the title search and court document stamps.
I'm not saying to accept a new US digital dollar. I am saying, weigh the costs. Life as you know it might be very different in just a few short years. This move feels like a checkmate to me. It's either game on with the full prepper plan, or take some digital dollars but don't depend on them over-much. How you proceed is up to you.
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28)
Yes, have crypto and precious metals and barter. Just don’t think I could pay property taxes with gold or offers to give haircuts if the whole world flips to CBDCs. I don’t think they’re entirely avoidable.
There’s speculation that you’re not getting online without a digital ID. I’d bet driver’s licenses are part of the digital ID system, so if you don’t take them you might be not driving. Internet access is gone, so no shopping at Amazon; Can only buy what you can access locally, which is not only more expensive and less convenient, but also a far lower selection as well. Some services can only be accessed online. I’d bet that property taxes, insurance, gasoline—all could only be paid for using CBDCs.
It’s one thing to live this way while the grid is down and nobody is driving cars. I’ve got no problem doing that; Got the tools and the knowledge. But if most everyone is driving and working and life is pretty much normal for them, and here I am the only one around who cannot use the internet and must e-bike everywhere, it’d be difficult. I’m not saying I won’t do it, but goodness gracious that’s a hard decision.
Not to mention, there may be no way to pay for property taxes and other government fees, fuel, rent, mortgage, or insurance. Quite a sticky situation.
It’s possible to live this way in the States—the Amish do it—so I’m trying to decide if the time has finally come to live like the Amish, or if there is another way to navigate this.
I think I cannot avoid them but I can minimize their impact. Trade as much as possible in the parallel economy but pay for gasoline and parking tickets with digital bank tokens, identified by my smartphone. Seems like it’s just the way it’s going to be, no way around it.
Edited to add:
Remember that property tax is not the only expense. Buying gasoline or diesel could prove problematic. People on the street don't value precious metals like they should (watch the video below), so don't expect to walk into your corner Shell station and fill up with some pre-1964 coins, unless you have a pre-existing agreement with the guy behind the counter. Forget long road trips, that's almost certainly out of the question unless you haul a bunch of gas cans with you.
Maybe you've got an EV and off-grid power, so you don't need to worry about the gas station. Or you make your own alcohol or you have a wood fueled-car.
Electricity, water, and sewer bills currently demand US dollars and would likely demand payment a new US digital dollar; If you're not on off-grid now, get there ASAP.
No home internet without using new digital dollars and a digital ID; That's okay, you tell yourself that internet is a tool of the devil and brings more harm than good. You still have rabbit ears and DVDs for entertainment.
If you're self-employed, expect to pay license fees and annual taxes with new US digital dollars. Maybe switch careers now while it's easy.
Never going to fly or ride a train with gold; Maybe you've decided you're staying on the farm now for life.
As mentioned before, insurance. You can be sure that all insurance companies will only take the new US digital dollar. Some people go their entire lives without insurance, though I don't recommend it.
Auto repairs could be dicey. If you have a great relationship with your mechanic, or if you turn your own wrench, that's wonderful! Just hope you're not broken down away from home, as we were on a 2015 road trip. Had to not only pay the mechanic but also the tow truck, the motel, and the grocery store.
Buying a new car? Hope it's from a relative or someone you know well; Since most people don't value precious metals, they're probably not going to value--or perhaps even trust--someone showing up with gold in hand. Maybe they think to themselves your gold is counterfeit and no talking will convince them otherwise.
Got into a car accident, went unconscious, was immediately taken to the hospital without being able to talk first to family members? You will probably have to default on the hospital bill. That's okay, you tell yourself; You don't care about a credit rating anymore.
Can't find a cell phone company that will let me pay in Bitcoin. That's okay, we have ham radios and CB. I didn't need the distractions of a cell phone anyway.
Time to renew your driver's license; The bribe cost you a 1/4 ounce golden eagle coin (currently worth $660) but it was worth it. Start saving now; Your license renews again in eight years.
No one at Walmart will accept either silver or Bitcoin, so you've taken up sewing to tailor clothes from the thrift store whose owner you know personally.
House not paid off? Is your mortgage with a large bank? Good luck finding someone who will take platinum rounds, or crypto.
Renting from a large corporation? Maybe it's time to downgrade to an RV on some land you paid cash for. Hope you can find someone who will take coins for the title search and court document stamps.
I'm not saying to accept a new US digital dollar. I am saying, weigh the costs. Life as you know it might be very different in just a few short years. This move feels like a checkmate to me. It's either game on with the full prepper plan, or take some digital dollars but don't depend on them over-much. How you proceed is up to you.
"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28)
