Prepping 101 Newsletter: The Winter Hustle - Blue-Collar Income Strategies for Tough Times

A Message from Bob Yeager

Friends,

It’s no secret that times are tough right now. With the government shutdown dragging on, and the prices of food and energy climbing higher every day, a lot of good, hardworking people are feeling the squeeze. The holidays are just around the corner, and for many, the joy of the season is being overshadowed by the worry of how to make ends meet.

I’ve been teaching prepping for 25 years, and I’ve always said that true preparedness isn’t just about having a stockpile of food and a bug-out bag. It’s about being resilient in the face of whatever life throws at you. And right now, for a lot of us, the biggest threat we’re facing isn’t a natural disaster or a foreign invasion; it’s a financial one.

That’s why this edition of the Prepping 101 newsletter is going to be a little different. We’re not going to talk about gear or gadgets. We’re going to talk about something far more valuable: how to use the skills you already have to make some extra money and get your family through these turbulent economic times. This is about practical, no-nonsense advice for working folks who aren’t afraid of a little hard work. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it.

The Reality Check: Understanding Our Current Situation

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a hard look at the problem. The current government shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without a paycheck, and the ripple effects are being felt throughout the economy. Small businesses that rely on government contracts are struggling, and consumer spending is down across the board.

On top of that, we’re seeing a steady increase in the cost of basic necessities. Food prices are up, and with winter on its way, we can expect to see our energy bills climb as well. For those who work in seasonal industries like construction or landscaping, the winter months are already a lean time. Add in the financial pressures of the holiday season, and it’s a perfect storm of economic hardship.

This is why financial preparedness is such a critical component of overall preparedness. It doesn’t matter how much food you have stored if you can’t afford to pay your mortgage or keep the lights on. A healthy emergency fund is just as important as a well-stocked pantry. But when times are tight, building that emergency fund can seem like an impossible task. That’s where the winter hustle comes in.

Winter Income Opportunities: Indoor Work Focus

For those of us who are used to working with our hands, the winter months can be a challenge. The ground is frozen, the weather is unpredictable, and many outdoor jobs simply aren’t available. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be had. You just have to know where to look. The key is to shift your focus from outdoor work to indoor work.

If you have experience in construction or home improvement, there are plenty of opportunities for indoor work during the winter. Many homeowners put off interior renovation projects until the winter months, when they’re spending more time indoors. This is a great time to offer your services for things like flooring installation, drywall repair, painting, or kitchen and bathroom remodels.

If you’re a skilled carpenter, you can turn your garage or workshop into a source of income. Custom-built sheds, furniture, and storage solutions are always in demand, and many people are willing to pay a premium for quality craftsmanship. You can also offer your services for smaller projects, like building shelves, installing trim, or repairing furniture.

And let’s not forget about the classic handyman services. As winter approaches, many people need help with tasks like weather-stripping windows and doors, insulating pipes, and cleaning gutters. These are all jobs that you can do with a few basic tools and a little bit of know-how. And if you have experience with small engine repair, you can make a good living servicing snow blowers, generators, and other winter equipment.

Service-Based Hustles for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it’s also a time of stress and anxiety for many people. And where there’s stress, there’s opportunity. By offering services that help people navigate the chaos of the holidays, you can not only make some extra money, but also provide a valuable service to your community.

Gift delivery and personal shopping services are a great way to help people who are short on time or who have trouble getting around. You can offer to pick up and deliver gifts, groceries, or even Christmas trees. And if you have a knack for finding the perfect gift, you can offer your services as a personal shopper, helping people find gifts for everyone on their list.

Holiday decoration is another area where you can make some extra cash. Many people love the look of a beautifully decorated home, but they don’t have the time or the energy to do it themselves. You can offer to hang lights, decorate trees, and even create custom wreaths and centerpieces. And when the holidays are over, you can offer to take it all down and pack it away for next year.

Event setup and breakdown is another great holiday hustle. Many people host parties and gatherings during the holidays, and they’re often willing to pay for help with setting up tables and chairs, decorating, and cleaning up afterwards. And don’t forget about moving services. The holidays are a popular time for people to move, and they’re often willing to pay a premium for reliable help.

Leveraging Your Existing Skills

One of the best things about being a prepper is that you’re constantly learning new skills. And many of those skills can be turned into a source of income. Whether you’re a master gardener, a skilled welder, or an expert marksman, there are people out there who are willing to pay for your knowledge and expertise.

If you have a hobby that you’re passionate about, consider turning it into a side business. If you’re a woodworker, you can sell your creations online or at local craft fairs. If you’re a metalworker, you can create custom signs, gates, or furniture. The possibilities are endless.

You can also make money by teaching your skills to others. There’s a huge demand for classes and workshops on topics like welding, carpentry, automotive repair, and firearms training. You can offer classes in your own workshop, or you can partner with a local community center or gun range.

And don’t forget about the tools and equipment you’ve accumulated over the years. If you have a well-stocked workshop, you can rent out your tools to people who don’t have their own. This is a great way to make some passive income and help out your fellow preppers at the same time.

Smart Money Management During Lean Times

Making extra money is only half the battle. You also have to be smart about how you manage it. When your income is irregular, it’s more important than ever to have a solid budget and a plan for every dollar.

Start by tracking your income and expenses for a few months to get a clear picture of where your money is going. Then, create a budget that prioritizes your essential expenses, like housing, food, and utilities. Look for areas where you can cut back, and be ruthless about eliminating unnecessary spending.

Your goal should be to build an emergency fund that can cover at least three to six months of living expenses. This may seem like a daunting task, but you can start small. Even an extra $500 in the bank can be a lifesaver when an unexpected expense comes up. Set up a separate savings account for your emergency fund, and make regular contributions, no matter how small.

Be wary of debt traps and predatory lending. When you’re short on cash, it can be tempting to turn to payday loans or high-interest credit cards. But these are short-term solutions that can lead to long-term financial disaster. Explore all of your other options first, like negotiating with your creditors, seeking help from a credit counseling service, or borrowing from friends or family.

Getting Started: Practical First Steps

Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can start small, with minimal investment, and grow your business as you go. The key is to take action and get started.

Start by making a list of the skills you have and the services you can offer. Then, think about who your potential customers are and how you can reach them. You can start by advertising your services on local online marketplaces, in community forums, or by simply telling your friends and neighbors what you’re doing.

When it comes to pricing your services, do some research to see what other people in your area are charging. You want to be competitive, but you also want to make sure you’re being paid fairly for your time and expertise. Don’t be afraid to start with a lower price to attract your first few customers, and then raise your prices as you build your reputation.

Finally, make sure you’re operating legally. Depending on where you live and what services you’re offering, you may need to get a business license or liability insurance. And don’t forget about taxes. You’ll need to keep track of your income and expenses and report them to the IRS. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s a lot less of a hassle than dealing with an audit.

My Reflection

I know that times are tough right now, but I also know that we’re a resilient bunch. We’re preppers. We’re problem-solvers. We’re not afraid of a little hard work. And I have no doubt that we’ll get through this, just like we’ve gotten through every other challenge that’s been thrown our way.

Making a little extra money on the side isn’t just about paying the bills. It’s about taking control of your own destiny. It’s about building skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life. It’s about becoming more self-reliant, more confident, and more prepared for whatever the future may hold.

So I encourage you to take this advice to heart. Find a hustle that works for you, and get to work. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. And remember, tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

Until next time, stay safe, stay prepared, and keep on prepping.

Bob Yeager
Prepping 101

P.S. Just to give you an idea of some of the things I personally do. I’ve been in business for myself for nearly 34 years, started when I was 14 writing copy for non-profits, then some telemarketing, and had a little landscaping business as well.

I’ve done fall gutter cleaning for my neighbors, residential window washing, decorating for fall and holidays on folks’ front porches and more.

Just recently, I helped a farmer lay drainage pipe and made a healthy $30K for my efforts. Keep in mind, I own The Woodcraft League of America, my nationally recognized publishing company Self-Reliance Media, my education certifying organization, The ATLAS Commission, write and publish newsletters for my self and clients… and many more business ventures.

So, why would I find myself on a backhoe, in the rain, laying pipe? Because the skills I developed from my father, grandfather, in my teenage years and young adulthood focused on a key understanding. You can always make money doing the things that other people don’t want to do or do not have the skills to do.

Heck, last year, I was teaching my son and his friends to do mobile car detailing, brake replacements, and oil changes. I made $10K just while I was teaching them on real client jobs. Many of them are still doing it now and their clients love the service!

Be creative, have fund, provide value to others and it will be reciprocated. Not to mention, what a great lesson to teach your kids by bringing them along on some jobs!

Skilled labor is not beneath anyone and, as preppers, you should always be willing to get your hands dirty!