We continue to get more evidence that the U.S. economy is really slowing down.  As you will see below, the amount of stuff that we are ordering from manufacturers in China is plunging dramatically.  I have never seen a dip of this magnitude before, and I think that it is a really bad sign for 2023.  Based on all of the economic numbers that have been released in recent weeks, I anticipate that economic conditions in 2023 and beyond will be worse than anything that we have experienced since the Great Recession.  So I would encourage you to enjoy the next few weeks while you still can, because once 2023 arrives we will want to brace ourselves for an extremely harsh economic environment.

Normally, U.S. consumers have an insatiable appetite for cheap plastic goods from China.

But now something has changed.

According to CNBC, manufacturing orders from China have fallen by a whopping 40 percent, and as a result many Chinese factories will be closing much earlier in January than usual…

U.S. manufacturing orders in China are down 40 percent, according to the latest CNBC Supply Chain Heat Map data. As a result of the decrease in orders, Worldwide Logistics tells CNBC it is expecting Chinese factories to shut down two weeks earlier than usual for the Chinese Lunar New Year — Chinese New Year’s Eve falls on Jan. 21 next year. The seven days after the holiday are considered a national holiday.

“Many of the manufacturers will be closed in early January for the holiday, which is much earlier than last year,” Monaghan said.

As with so many other numbers that we have been getting lately, there is no way to possibly spin this to make it look good.

What we are facing is truly “a collapse in demand”, and as a result container freight rates are absolutely plummeting…

Carriers have been executing on an active capacity management strategy by announcing more blank sailings and suspending services to balance supply with demand. “The unrelenting decline in container freight rates from Asia, caused by a collapse in demand, is compelling ocean carriers to blank more sailings than ever before as vessel utilization hits new lows,” said Joe Monaghan, CEO of Worldwide Logistics Group.

The bottom line is that U.S. consumers are simply not buying as much stuff as retailers originally anticipated.

And survey after survey has shown that Americans plan to spend less during the holiday season this year.  Here is just one recent example…

Inflation is weighing heavily on the holidays this year.

Roughly half of shoppers will buy fewer things due to higher prices, and more than one-third said they will rely on coupons to cut down on the cost, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 adults by RetailMeNot.

Of course consumers over in western Europe are suffering right now as well.

In fact, economic conditions are deteriorating even faster over there.

If you can believe it, one recent survey found that approximately two-thirds of all adults in the UK “are worried that they will not be able to afford Christmas dinner”…

Two-thirds of adults are worried that they will not be able to afford Christmas dinner, according to a survey.

The survey, commissioned by the Salvation Army, calculated the cost of Christmas dinner at £7.50 per head but – as the price of food is continuing to rise – the cost has increased since the survey was carried out on 22 October.

All over the western world, we are facing an unprecedented cost of living crisis.

Inflation has been rising much faster than our paychecks have, and that is causing a tremendous amount of financial pain.

Meanwhile, a lot of people have seen the value of their investments go down substantially over the past 12 months.

I really feel badly for those that were heavily invested in crypto.  There are many tokens that have “lost more than 70% of their value”, and the collapse of FTX has raised questions “about whether crypto has a future”…

Already reeling from the so-called crypto winter, investors were dealt a major blow with the high-profile collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX exchange in early November, which sent Bitcoin tumbling. To top it off, BlackRock Chief Executive Larry Fink said this week that he expects most crypto companies will fold after FTX’s demise. A Schwab index tracking crypto-linked stocks is coming off its worst month since June, and is down 63% this year.

“Questions about whether crypto has a future have become prevalent after a year during which many tokens lost more than 70% of their value and the collapse of FTX has exacerbated a crisis of confidence that had started in the spring,” said Mark Palmer, an analyst at BTIG LLC.

At the same time, home values have been falling and falling.

As I have covered in previous articles, U.S. homeowners lost a record high 1.3 trillion dollars in home equity during the third quarter alone.

But at least the latest employment number that the government gave us was good, right?

Actually, it wasn’t so good.  It turns out that the Household and Establishment surveys are telling two completely different stories.  Zero Hedge has posted an absolutely outstanding article that breaks this down in great detail…

Recall that back in August, September, and October we showed that a stark divergence had opened between the Household and Establishment surveys that comprise the monthly jobs report, and since March the former has been stagnant while the latter has been rising every single month. In addition to that, full-time jobs were plunging while part-time jobs were surging and the number of multiple-jobholders soared.

Fast forward to today when the inconsistencies not only continue to grow, but have become  downright grotesque.

I would encourage you to read the entire article.  Since March, the gap between the Household and Establishment surveys has ballooned to nearly 2.7 million workers, and some are suggesting that this is being done for political purposes…

What is even more perplexing, is that despite the continued rise in nonfarm payrolls, the Household survey continues to telegraph growing weakness, and as of Nov 30, the gap that opened in March has since grown to a whopping 2.7 million “workers” which may or may not exist anywhere besides the spreadsheet model of some BLS (or is that BLM) political activist.

Of course the truth is that the employment market is not in good shape.

According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the number of layoffs in November 2022 was 417 percent higher than it was in November 2021.

A tsunami of layoffs has begun, and I expect to see a whole lot more in the months ahead.

So it is quite likely that this will be a really gloomy month, but I expect that 2023 will be even gloomier.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is definitely a great help.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Gloomy December: Manufacturing Orders From China Are Down 40 Percent As Companies Brace For A Brutal Holiday Season appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

Will 2022 go down in history as one of the most important economic turning points that we have ever seen?  All over the planet, economic activity is beginning to decelerate and uncertainty about the future is in the air.  Meanwhile, the cost of living continues to escalate and a very painful energy crisis has begun.  Unless there is some sort of an economic miracle, it appears that 2023 will be a very difficult year, and the long-term outlook beyond next year is even more ominous.  Suddenly, many of the talking heads on television are openly speculating about the hard times that are coming, and the word “recession” is being thrown around quite frequently.

But will we only be dealing with a “recession” in the months ahead, or will it be much worse than that?

At the moment, things are clearly heading in the wrong direction.  The following comes from a Bloomberg article entitled “World Economy Heads for One of Its Worst Years in Three Decades”…

The world economy is facing one of its worst years in three decades as the energy shocks unleashed by the war in Ukraine continue to reverberate, according to Bloomberg Economics.

In a new analysis, economist Scott Johnson forecasts growth of just 2.4% in 2023. That’s down from an estimated 3.2% this year and the lowest — excluding the crisis years of 2009 and 2020 — since 1993.

The global economy is more interconnected than ever before, and so pain experienced on one side of the globe is often keenly felt on the other side.

Here in the United States, a huge wave of layoffs has now started.  On Tuesday, yet another major media company announced brutal job cuts…

BuzzFeed is axing 12% of its workforce, or around 180 staffers, in a bid to cut costs as the digital media company faces headwinds including an ad-spending pullback and the completion of its integration of Complex Media.

The company informed affected employees via email Tuesday that they were being terminated. “In order for BuzzFeed to weather an economic downturn that I believe will extend well into 2023, we must adapt, invest in our strategy to serve our audience best, and readjust our cost structure,” CEO Jonah Peretti wrote in a memo to employees about the job cuts.

As the housing market crashes, the financial industry is being hit really hard as well.

In fact, it is being reported that approximately 1,600 Morgan Stanley employees will now be looking for new work…

Morgan Stanley cut about 2% of its staff on Tuesday, according to people with knowledge of the layoffs.

The moves, reported first by CNBC, impacted about 1,600 of the company’s 81,567 employees and touched nearly every corner of the global investment bank, said the people, who declined to be identified speaking about terminations.

Speaking of the housing market, we are being told that somewhere around 270,000 recent homebuyers in the U.S. are already underwater on their mortgages.

We haven’t seen anything like this since 2008 and 2009, but this is just the beginning.

If the Federal Reserve insists on hiking interest rates even higher, it won’t be too long before millions of homeowners will be underwater on their mortgages, and that will definitely be a nightmare scenario.

So many families are living on the edge of financial disaster in late 2022.  If you can believe it, approximately 20 million U.S. households are currently behind on their utility bills…

According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), roughly 20 million households in the U.S. — one out of six homes — are behind on their utility bills.

As of August, these families owe about $16.1 billion in total, with an average amount owed of $788 — and the consequences of this could be dire, especially as home heat costs are expected to reach their highest level in over 10 years.

We are already in a state of economic crisis right now.

But don’t expect the White House to admit that any time soon.

Meanwhile, the cost of living just continues to go higher and higher.  Earlier today, I was stunned to learn that Walmart CEO Doug McMillon is actually admitting that double-digit price increases on packaged foods “are going to be with us for a while”…

Walmart (WMT) is the largest retailer in the United States and has a gauge into consumer habits and a wide array of products.

McMillon said that inflation was “most stubborn” on packaged food. Double-digit price increases on these essentials “are going to be with us for a while,” he said.

So we are going to have rapidly rising prices and an imploding economy at the same time.

Yes, 2023 is going to be a whole lot of fun.

At this point, even the mood on Wall Street is shifting.

Stocks were down once again today, and now the S&P 500 has fallen for seven of the last eight trading sessions…

The S&P 500 shed 1.44% to close at 3,941.26, while the Nasdaq Composite sank 2% to finish at 11,014.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 350.76 points, or 1.03%, to settle at 33,596.34.

Stocks added to Monday’s declines, with the S&P falling for a fourth straight day and its seventh negative session in eight. Tuesday’s moves bring the Dow’s two-day losses to more than 830 points.

Just a few weeks from now, 2022 will mercifully be over.

But if this year has been “one of its worst years in three decades”, what will the global economy look like a year from now?

As I have detailed above, the U.S. economy is really starting to deteriorate quite rapidly.

So how bad will things eventually get?

Let us hope for a “recession”, but let us also prepare for an economic nightmare.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is definitely a great help.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post We Are Being Warned That The Global Economy Is Having “One Of Its Worst Years In Three Decades” appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

@media (max-width:576px) { .read-more-content { height: 180em; } }

The post VIDEO: Steiner Predator 8 Series Riflescope Delivers 8X Zoom appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.

If you thought that the collapse of FTX was something, just wait until the entire global financial system comes crashing down all around us.  Most people just assume that the system is being managed by rational people that behave in rational ways, but of course countless investors assumed the same things about FTX.  Sadly, the global financial system has slowly but surely been transformed into the largest casino in the history of the world.  It is a colossal Ponzi scheme, and once in a while authorities give us a little peek into what is really going on behind the curtain.

For example, this week the Bank for International Settlements released a report that warned that 65 trillion dollars in “hidden” currency derivatives could potentially be a major threat to the stability of the entire system…

There’s a hidden risk to the global financial system embedded in the $65 trillion of dollar debt being held by non-US institutions via currency derivatives, according to the Bank for International Settlements.

In a paper with the title “huge, missing and growing,” the BIS said a lack of information is making it harder for policy makers to anticipate the next financial crisis. In particular, they raised concern with the fact that the debt is going unrecorded on balance sheets because of accounting conventions on how to track derivative positions.

Last year, the total value of all goods and services produced in the entire world was just 96 trillion dollars.

So we are talking about an amount of money that is almost unimaginable.

Everything will be okay as long as financial conditions remain relatively stable.

But BIS analysts warn that “the next time dollar funding liquidity is squeezed” we could have an enormous crisis on our hands…

“Off-balance-sheet dollar debt may remain out of sight and out of mind—but only until the next time dollar funding liquidity is squeezed,” the analysts write. “Then, the hidden leverage in pension funds and insurance companies’ portfolios . . . could pose a policy challenge.”

So let’s hope that such a scenario does not materialize any time soon.

According to the BIS report, banks outside the U.S. are particularly vulnerable…

For researchers at the BIS, it’s the sheer scale of the swaps that’s worrying. They estimate that banks headquartered outside the US carry $39 trillion of this debt — more than double their on-balance sheet obligations and ten times their capital. Accounting conventions only require derivatives to be booked on a net basis, so the full extent of the cash involved isn’t recorded on a balance sheet.

“There is a staggering volume of off-balance sheet dollar debt that is partly hidden, and FX risk settlement remains stubbornly high,” said Borio, head of the monetary and economic department at the BIS.

When this thing finally implodes, there isn’t going to be enough money in the entire world to fix it all.

But don’t worry.

The “experts” are telling us that everything is fine.

Meanwhile, more of our largest corporations are planning layoffs.  According to the Wall Street Journal, this even includes PepsiCo…

PepsiCo is reported laying off headquarter workers, The Wall Street Journal reports.

A person familiar with the matter told the Journal that hundreds of jobs are being cut in the head office of the North American snacks and beverages divisions.

Employees in Purchase, N.Y., Chicago, Ill. and Plano, Tex. are said to be impacted.

I thought that PepsiCo was doing well.

I guess not.

But don’t worry.

The “experts” are telling us that everything is fine.

This week some of the biggest names in the mainstream media have also announced layoffs…

Hundreds of media industry staffers were laid off this week during a brutal period that saw Warner Bros. Discovery, Gannett and others slash headcount as economic uncertainty plagues news organizations.

Gannett, a newspaper juggernaut that owns dozens of local media outlets along with USA Today, began its latest round of layoffs on Thursday. The cost-cutting effort impacted roughly 6% of the company’s news workforce of about 3,440 employees.

I can’t remember ever seeing such a wave of layoffs at our largest media companies.

But don’t worry.

The “experts” are telling us that everything is fine.

Of course the truth is that everything is not fine.

Economic conditions are deteriorating all around us, and the ripple effects are being felt everywhere.

According to Fox Business, even Las Vegas is feeling the pain…

Inflation is taking its toll on Sin City as fewer tourists are visiting the gambling Mecca, and those who do spend less than usual, according to a new report.

The University of Las Vegas business school released a report forecasting the city’s economic outlook between 2022 and 2024 and noted that its economy turned grim in June of this year, according to Fox 5.

“Interest rates have gone up. And we know that we know that prices are going up as well. And that’s what the Fed is trying to get their hands around and solve. So it may be that the Fed’s policies is having an effect not only nationally, but it’s also affecting our economy locally,” one of the study’s authors, Professor Stephen Miller, told the outlet.

2008 and 2009 were incredibly difficult years for Las Vegas.

Now those that run businesses in Sin City are bracing for another extended downturn.

In all my years of writing, I have never been more concerned about the short-term economic outlook them I am right now.

It is very likely that 2023 will be a really hard year for the U.S. economy, and of course this comes at a time when the entire globe is being hit by crisis after crisis.

For ages we have been warned that a day of reckoning would eventually be coming, and now it appears that day of reckoning has already arrived.

There is certainly nothing wrong with hoping for the best.  But there is also wisdom in getting prepared for the worst.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is definitely a great help.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Could 65 Trillion Dollars In “Hidden” Derivatives Cause The Entire Global Financial System To Crash? appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

Window Security Bars Buyer’s Guide

Today we are going over why you need window security bars and find the best on the market for you. We live in uncertain times.

Back in the day, you could leave your front door unlocked and the keys in your car. Why? Because everyone knew everyone in town.

Those days my friends, are gone, and now we have to protect our own.

Your home is a personal, protective, safe place for you and your loved ones. That’s why it’s vital you keep unwanted people out.

Intruders will do their best to get in if you have anything of value. That’s why one of the best deterrents is window security bars and locks.

Best Window Security Bars On The Market

Here at Skilled Survival, we’ve done all the leg work for you. That way, you can cut through the bull and get some modern window security bars for your home asap.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

What Exactly Are Window Security Bars

Window bars are protective metal bars for windows. These devices make entry into your home near impossible.

Their sole purpose is to prevent access through a window. They typically include bolting heavy-duty metal bars over your windows. Thus, leaving room for airflow.

There are several types of burger bars for windows, including:

Permanent Bars

You install these window safety bars with the intention of them being permanent.

You will have dedicated security long-term with this type.

Hinged Bars

You can get window bars that will give you the benefit of restricted access through your windows. But still can unlock and swing them open for cleaning the windows.

In an emergency situation, you may need to open them to escape through the window.

Removable Bars

Its function is in the name.

You get unobstructed windows during the day and at night and gain the ability to secure your windows.

These are typically found on business storefronts. But also works in your home or homestead.

Metal bars for windows are another layer of security for your home. And they’re a great visual deterrent for those who wish to gain unlawful entry.

Why Do You Need Window Security Bars

Unless you live full-time in an underground bunker, you’ve been paying attention to world events.

Countries are in chaos with food shortages, natural disasters, and protests all around.

Extremist groups are smashing and grabbing everything they can get their hands on without recourse. And it’s not going to get better any time soon.

When people are desperate, they do desperate things, and you don’t want to be a victim of a house break-in.

Security bars have one job; to prevent access through your windows.

While this is their purpose, their function covers many situations.

1. Burglary

If someone is coming to your home to steal, they need to gain entry fast.

Windows are typically a weak point, so it’s essential to upgrade your security set up with window bars.

2. Protect Your Business

If you have a business location that’s not at your property, it is vulnerable to break-ins.

During the day, you and your staff are around. But when everyone leaves, gaining access is pretty easy through windows.

You can remedy this by installing burglar bars on windows and doors. This will keep your business protected overnight.

3. Keep Pets Safe

You may need to keep the windows open in hot weather, which could be an escape path for pets.

You don’t want your cat or dog slipping out when you aren’t around.

Keep them safe and secure with window bars.

4. Children

An open window is a dangerous falling hazard for young kids, and you don’t want to be part of the statistic.

When security bars on open windows, kids can see outside and get fresh air without the risk of falling out.

5. Off-Grid Cabin/Bug Out Location

If you’re a survivalist, you probably have a remote bug-out location. A place where you can head to when a major world crisis occurs.

This is a place where you have stockpiled food supplies, weapons, and survival gear.

Having it secure means staying alive, so you have to install window security bars.

Then when you get to the cabin, everything is ready for you because nobody can access it.

Great Window Security Bar Safety Features

First off, having window bars is a safety feature in itself, but there are extra deterrents you can use.

You should use unique tamper-resistant screws for exterior window bars. Once you drive them in, no one is getting them out without the right tool.

They can either have a slip side when trying to back them off or a head that requires a special tool to fit in and turn them.

Most intruders will not have this tool, so they will give up quickly when they see this.

Some models have quick release functions if you need to get out through the window.

This is important for a family. Why? Because becoming trapped inside your home during an invasion or fire, could be deadly.

You can have bars that include an interior bar that spins in place so they can’t be sawed off.

This is a clever safety feature because it will deter a burglar even if they have cutting tools.

Spear edges are also popular. Because if someone tries to reach in to open a latch, or attempt to squeeze in around the side, they’ll get snagged and cut up.

Where To Install Window Bars

The real question is, where shouldn’t I?

Every window in your home, business, and cabin is susceptible to break-ins.

If money allows, you should get them all done. If you’re concerned about the cost or don’t want your place to look like a prison, start with the most vulnerable ones first.

Basement Windows

They are easy to reach, and an intruder can lay on the ground to access them without much hassle.

Blocked Windows

Any windows or glass doors behind trees and bushes give a burglar time to break in while camouflaged.

Backyard Windows

Once an intruder is in the backyard, they can move around unnoticed.

These back windows are off the street. And usually, there are more windows and sliding glass doors outback.

Child Assessable Windows

If you have lower windows in your home where kids can get to, guard them.

Tragically, too many children have fallen to their deaths through open windows.

Business Glass

Any business entrance that’s made of glass can be smashed without much hassle.

So install bars OR window security film on all glass windows and doors for overnight security.

Final Thoughts

Home security is a must-have these days. Because as a responsible, resilient adult, you must protect what’s yours. And keep those inside safe from harm.

Skilled Survival has your safety and security in mind. Our list of window security bars and locks will help fortify your homestead and bug-out cabin.

Until next time – Prepare, Adapt, and Overcome;

“Just In Case” Jack

P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?

There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.

Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?

Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.

The post Best Window Security Bars To Protect & Defend Your Family appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Window Security Bars Buyer’s Guide

Today we are going over why you need window security bars and find the best on the market for you. We live in uncertain times.

Back in the day, you could leave your front door unlocked and the keys in your car. Why? Because everyone knew everyone in town.

Those days my friends, are gone, and now we have to protect our own.

Your home is a personal, protective, safe place for you and your loved ones. That’s why it’s vital you keep unwanted people out.

Intruders will do their best to get in if you have anything of value. That’s why one of the best deterrents is window security bars and locks.

Best Window Security Bars On The Market

Here at Skilled Survival, we’ve done all the leg work for you. That way, you can cut through the bull and get some modern window security bars for your home asap.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

What Exactly Are Window Security Bars

Window bars are protective metal bars for windows. These devices make entry into your home near impossible.

Their sole purpose is to prevent access through a window. They typically include bolting heavy-duty metal bars over your windows. Thus, leaving room for airflow.

There are several types of burger bars for windows, including:

Permanent Bars

You install these window safety bars with the intention of them being permanent.

You will have dedicated security long-term with this type.

Hinged Bars

You can get window bars that will give you the benefit of restricted access through your windows. But still can unlock and swing them open for cleaning the windows.

In an emergency situation, you may need to open them to escape through the window.

Removable Bars

Its function is in the name.

You get unobstructed windows during the day and at night and gain the ability to secure your windows.

These are typically found on business storefronts. But also works in your home or homestead.

Metal bars for windows are another layer of security for your home. And they’re a great visual deterrent for those who wish to gain unlawful entry.

Why Do You Need Window Security Bars

Unless you live full-time in an underground bunker, you’ve been paying attention to world events.

Countries are in chaos with food shortages, natural disasters, and protests all around.

Extremist groups are smashing and grabbing everything they can get their hands on without recourse. And it’s not going to get better any time soon.

When people are desperate, they do desperate things, and you don’t want to be a victim of a house break-in.

Security bars have one job; to prevent access through your windows.

While this is their purpose, their function covers many situations.

1. Burglary

If someone is coming to your home to steal, they need to gain entry fast.

Windows are typically a weak point, so it’s essential to upgrade your security set up with window bars.

2. Protect Your Business

If you have a business location that’s not at your property, it is vulnerable to break-ins.

During the day, you and your staff are around. But when everyone leaves, gaining access is pretty easy through windows.

You can remedy this by installing burglar bars on windows and doors. This will keep your business protected overnight.

3. Keep Pets Safe

You may need to keep the windows open in hot weather, which could be an escape path for pets.

You don’t want your cat or dog slipping out when you aren’t around.

Keep them safe and secure with window bars.

4. Children

An open window is a dangerous falling hazard for young kids, and you don’t want to be part of the statistic.

When security bars on open windows, kids can see outside and get fresh air without the risk of falling out.

5. Off-Grid Cabin/Bug Out Location

If you’re a survivalist, you probably have a remote bug-out location. A place where you can head to when a major world crisis occurs.

This is a place where you have stockpiled food supplies, weapons, and survival gear.

Having it secure means staying alive, so you have to install window security bars.

Then when you get to the cabin, everything is ready for you because nobody can access it.

Great Window Security Bar Safety Features

First off, having window bars is a safety feature in itself, but there are extra deterrents you can use.

You should use unique tamper-resistant screws for exterior window bars. Once you drive them in, no one is getting them out without the right tool.

They can either have a slip side when trying to back them off or a head that requires a special tool to fit in and turn them.

Most intruders will not have this tool, so they will give up quickly when they see this.

Some models have quick release functions if you need to get out through the window.

This is important for a family. Why? Because becoming trapped inside your home during an invasion or fire, could be deadly.

You can have bars that include an interior bar that spins in place so they can’t be sawed off.

This is a clever safety feature because it will deter a burglar even if they have cutting tools.

Spear edges are also popular. Because if someone tries to reach in to open a latch, or attempt to squeeze in around the side, they’ll get snagged and cut up.

Where To Install Window Bars

The real question is, where shouldn’t I?

Every window in your home, business, and cabin is susceptible to break-ins.

If money allows, you should get them all done. If you’re concerned about the cost or don’t want your place to look like a prison, start with the most vulnerable ones first.

Basement Windows

They are easy to reach, and an intruder can lay on the ground to access them without much hassle.

Blocked Windows

Any windows or glass doors behind trees and bushes give a burglar time to break in while camouflaged.

Backyard Windows

Once an intruder is in the backyard, they can move around unnoticed.

These back windows are off the street. And usually, there are more windows and sliding glass doors outback.

Child Assessable Windows

If you have lower windows in your home where kids can get to, guard them.

Tragically, too many children have fallen to their deaths through open windows.

Business Glass

Any business entrance that’s made of glass can be smashed without much hassle.

So install bars OR window security film on all glass windows and doors for overnight security.

Final Thoughts

Home security is a must-have these days. Because as a responsible, resilient adult, you must protect what’s yours. And keep those inside safe from harm.

Skilled Survival has your safety and security in mind. Our list of window security bars and locks will help fortify your homestead and bug-out cabin.

Until next time – Prepare, Adapt, and Overcome;

“Just In Case” Jack

P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?

There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.

Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?

Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.

The post Best Window Security Bars To Protect & Defend Your Family appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Preparedness has become front-page news. Weather-related disasters and man-made factors have made many of us more aware of the need to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. Once we have planned for the “big three” – water, food, and shelter – our attention usually turns to power. For many, the question becomes which fuel is better: propane…

The post Propane or Gas Generator: Which Should You Buy? appeared first on Survival Cache.

The first couple of times that I went through power outages, I used my propane grill for cooking and making coffee. It worked great, until I ran out of fuel.  No big deal, I thought to myself. I’ll just pick up more propane.  Of course, when I got to the store, I realized everyone else…

The post Rocket Stove Plans: 7 DIY Rocket Stoves  appeared first on Survival Cache.

Many experts are now warning that we could see the housing market and the commercial real estate market simultaneously crash in 2023.  If that were to happen, it would put an extreme amount of stress on our financial system.  The only way we will avoid such a fate is if the Federal Reserve starts reducing interest rates.  Unfortunately, that isn’t going to happen.  In fact, officials at the Federal Reserve keep telling us that interest rates are going to keep going up.  This is literally a suicidal course of action, because higher rates are going to absolutely crush the economy.

If you doubt this, just consider what is already happening.

According to a new Alignable survey that was just released, 41 percent of all small business owners in the United States could not pay rent in November…

Due to high inflation, reduced consumer spending, higher rents and other economic pressures, U.S.-based small business owners’ rent problems just escalated to new heights nationally this month, based on Alignable’s November Rent Poll of 6,326 small business owners taken from 11/19/22 to 11/22/22.

Unfortunately, 41% of U.S.-based small business owners report that they could not pay their rent in full and on time in November, a new record for 2022. Making matters worse, this occurred during a quarter when more money should be coming in and rent delinquency rates should be decreasing. But so far this quarter, the opposite has been true.

In September, that same survey found that 30 percent of all small business owners could not pay rent.

Many were deeply alarmed by that figure, and then it jumped up to 37 percent in October.

Now we are at 41 percent, and if there is any time when small business owners should be able to pay rent it is during the holiday season.

When commercial real estate tenants cannot pay rent, it inevitably has a domino effect.

It appears that we will soon have millions of empty commercial spaces all over the nation, and many owners will soon be unable to make loan payments because sufficient rent money is not coming in.

If the Federal Reserve insists on raising rates even higher, I anticipate that we will eventually be facing a commercial real estate crash of unprecedented size and scope.

Meanwhile, the implosion of the housing market continues to pick up speed.

Existing home sales have now declined for nine months in a row, and the median price of a home in the U.S. has now fallen by about 7 percent.

Sadly, many experts are now warning that things will only get worse in the months ahead.  Here is one example…

“In one line: Collapse in prices is coming,” wrote Kieran Clancy, senior U.S. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

I told my readers that this would happen if the Federal Reserve aggressively hiked interest rates.

Of course home prices could soon fall a lot more.  In fact, Pantheon is projecting that they could ultimately fall by a total of 20 percent from the peak…

Pantheon estimates that existing home prices will keep falling, ultimately dropping by about 20% from their June peak of around $414,000.

If you are planning to sell a home, I would try to do it as quickly as possible before prices go way down.

Meanwhile, another troubled cryptocurrency firm has just filed for bankruptcy…

Distressed crypto firm BlockFi has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey following the implosion of putative acquirer FTX.

So why is BlockFi in so much trouble?

Well, the truth is that there are a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is the fact that they loaned 275 million dollars to FTX that will never be repaid…

In the filing, the company listed an outstanding $275 million loan to FTX US, the American arm of Sam Bankman-Fried’s now-bankrupt empire.

I warned my readers that FTX would not be the last domino to fall.

And now another one has tumbled over.

Needless to say, there will be many more, because FTX “has more than 1 million creditors”…

In a matter of days, FTX went from a $32 billion valuation to bankruptcy as liquidity dried up, customers demanded withdrawals and rival exchange Binance ripped up its nonbinding agreement to buy the company. Gross negligence has since been exposed. Ray added that a “substantial portion” of assets held with FTX may be “missing or stolen.”

FTX has more than 1 million creditors, according to updated bankruptcy filings, hinting at the huge impact of its collapse on crypto traders and other counterparties with ties to Bankman-Fried’s empire.

FTX was just one giant Ponzi scheme, but of course the entire system is just one giant Ponzi scheme.

The entire thing is eventually coming down, and a lot of prominent voices are trying to sound the alarm about this.

For instance, author Robert Kiyosaki tweeted the following just a few days ago…

Many of you know I do not invest in equities, bonds, ETS or MFs. Please DO NOT listen to what I’m going to say next: “I would get out of paper assets.” The world economy is not a “Market.” I believe economy is the biggest bubble in world history.

Of course he is quite correct.

We have been living in the largest bubble in all of human history.

And once it finally shatters into billions of pieces nobody is going to be able to put it back together again.

So get ready for a massive adjustment in your standard of living.

With very hard times looming, the Washington Post is encouraging their readers to reduce food costs by eating bugs…

The Washington Post advised Americans Sunday that instead of a traditional season dinner, which now is unaffordable for a quarter of families, they should instead look to eating bugs.

Yes really.

In an article headlined Salted ants. Ground crickets. Why you should try edible insects, the Post stated “Consumers can already find foods like salted ants on Amazon and cricket powder protein bars in Swiss grocery stores.”

I don’t know about you, but I don’t plan on ever eating bugs.

No matter how bad things get, I just couldn’t eat ants or crickets or beetles.

Unfortunately, most people are completely and utterly unprepared for the times that we will soon be facing.

A tremendous amount of economic chaos is on the way.

The Federal Reserve could help matters a great deal if they would just stop raising interest rates.

But that isn’t going to happen, and so it appears that 2023 will be a year of severe economic pain all over the nation.

***It is finally here! Michael’s new book entitled “End Times” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  When you purchase any of these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is definitely a great help.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post It Is Beginning: 41 Percent Of All Small Business Owners Could Not Pay Rent In November appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

I’ll just jump right into this article and say that this is not going to be like the normal type of tertiary prepping skills I like to write about.  This one is going to be focused solely on conveying the importance of pressure testing yourself.  What I mean by this is, although as a prepper, […]