tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post2477701545886018791..comments2024-02-11T01:14:21.904-08:00Comments on SURVIVING IN ARGENTINA: Gabe Suarez’s article on ArgentinaFerFALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07578136334334588454noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-16738252527270372422008-11-29T23:38:00.000-08:002008-11-29T23:38:00.000-08:00Hi FerFAL,Most excellent blog! Thanks for all you...Hi FerFAL,<BR/><BR/>Most excellent blog! Thanks for all your efforts.<BR/><BR/>With respect to a comment above, my experience compels me to propose that your notion of "almost poor" and "median" US lifestyles may be a bit optimistic/romantic.<BR/><BR/>Paying the mortgage on a median California house (which is rapidly becoming almost worthless), two dependents at home, I find that a salary over 2x the national median (and 50% over local household median) does not allow for frivolity. Cars are basic and kept 10+ years; no vacations; no "haute couture" nonsense.<BR/><BR/>There is some breathing room for preparedness activity, but there's no room for luxury or status symbols. Though at 150% local median household income, I look and feel "almost poor".<BR/><BR/>Perhaps what you see as "median" US standard of living is a lie made possible by reckless deficit spending by consumers... a lie that is about to bring this consumer-centric economy to its knees as the self-reinforcing dynamic of shrinking demand, layoffs, and personal bankruptcies takes full effect (and we've seen only a little bit of that so far.. the worst is still ahead).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-3318691379754374622008-09-22T21:02:00.000-07:002008-09-22T21:02:00.000-07:00"My question -- Do you expect the general conditio..."My question -- Do you expect the general conditions/circumstances in your country getting better, continuing to gradually worsen, or become so bad that you might have to leave the country post haste (Spain??)?"<BR/><BR/>GSJ<BR/><BR/><BR/>I think the current situation will go on for some time. Impossible to say how long. Every once in awhile there’s problems that are serious enough, like the last farmer’s strike.<BR/><BR/>The good thing is that since we already burned, not much can get worse even if the American economy hits the fan.<BR/><BR/>We’ve already been there and started to rebuild, so we are kind of immune to these things after all this years.<BR/><BR/>Still, crime and financial uncertainty is bad enough to make us ant to leave as soon as possible.<BR/><BR/><BR/>FerFALFerFALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07578136334334588454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-79631316558403402672008-09-22T18:19:00.000-07:002008-09-22T18:19:00.000-07:00Looks like I am going to find out exactly what the...Looks like I am going to find out exactly what the crash was like in your country. TIme to get low. Concerned in the USAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-71919063000568184202008-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:002008-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:00FerFal -- Many thanks!! I've learned a lot from yo...FerFal -- Many thanks!! I've learned a lot from you that I never knew and never knew that I needed to know!! My question -- Do you expect the general conditions/circumstances in your country getting better, continuing to gradually worsen, or become so bad that you might have to leave the country post haste (Spain??)?<BR/><BR/>GSJAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-38932969716246160032008-09-19T15:56:00.000-07:002008-09-19T15:56:00.000-07:00I assume all of these figures are in old pesos, pe...I assume all of these figures are in old pesos, per year?<BR/><BR/>Grs,<BR/>Lee<BR/><BR/>"Back in 2001 a poor family living in a shanty town that included parents and three kids might stay fed with 700 pesos...<BR/><BR/>For a similar family with an average home, nothing fancy, also 3 kids a well worn car, sending kids to school, staying well dressed and fed, you needed about 3000 to 4000 pesos as a bare minimum( 1 peso=1USD back then)<BR/><BR/>A class somewhat similar to a medium USA class that can buy a car every few years, has an ok home and can afford a few nice things every now and then, you had to think about 5000 –7000 USD/Pesos<BR/><BR/>These days, a family of 4 needs 6000 Pesos just to be above poverty line. Any out of budget inconvenience ( ca needs to get fixed, plumbing broke) and you need credit to get by."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-2285467884066519252008-09-17T06:40:00.000-07:002008-09-17T06:40:00.000-07:00Ferfal ... nope, I'm Observer999 on the TOL. Looki...Ferfal ... nope, I'm Observer999 on the TOL. Looking forward!<BR/><BR/>John G.<BR/>CdA, IDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-28596782356825095252008-09-16T22:08:00.000-07:002008-09-16T22:08:00.000-07:00Hey John G. Are you the same John G. from the Tree...Hey John G. <BR/>Are you the same John G. from the Tree of Liberty fourm?<BR/><BR/><BR/>FerFALFerFALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07578136334334588454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-31342681487811607612008-09-16T21:59:00.000-07:002008-09-16T21:59:00.000-07:00Hi Lee,Tough question there, since it depends a lo...Hi Lee,<BR/><BR/>Tough question there, since it depends a lot on the standards you have and the amount of people involved.<BR/><BR/>Back in 2001 a poor family living in a shanty town that included parents and three kids might stay fed with 700 pesos ( back then 700 USD) but I’m talking about people that steal electricity, pay no taxes, no card, no medical.<BR/><BR/>For a similar family with an average home, nothing fancy, also 3 kids a well worn car, sending kids to school, staying well dressed and fed, you needed about 3000 to 4000 pesos as a bare minimum( 1 peso=1USD back then) Know that I’m still talking about a standard of living that you would consider almost poor in USA. People that can’t afford brand clothes, expensive gadgets, vacations.<BR/><BR/>A class somewhat similar to a medium USA class that can buy a car every few years, has an ok home and can afford a few nice things every now and then, you had to think about 5000 –7000 USD/Pesos<BR/><BR/>These days, a family of 4 needs 6000 Pesos just to be above poverty line. Any out of budget inconvenience ( ca needs to get fixed, plumbing broke) and you need credit to get by.<BR/><BR/>Look at what you spend now in a month and estimate that, plus a 15% for “jus in case”. <BR/>It took about a month or two until things calmed down a bit, even if the bank “corralito” lasted a year or so.<BR/><BR/>You could buy stuff, but only using your debit card ( in those places, such as supermarkets) where debit cards where still accepted. <BR/>If not, you had to manage with the 250 a week you were allowed to withdraw from the ATM. Yes, that was tricky and complicated since a lot of places wanted nothing to do with plastic.<BR/>As a safety net, at least having 2 months worth of cash is necessary in my opinion. Money (or gold) for another 2 or 3 months plus money to buy plane tickets for each family member would be perfect.<BR/>Hope that answered you question. It’s complicated and each family manages money in different ways, some being more efficient than others.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Hi John G.,<BR/><BR/>I try to stay as anonymous as possible just in case, so even though I do post personal information in several discussion boards, I try not to make it that easy:)<BR/><BR/>I avoid mentioning my full name or a location too precise.<BR/><BR/>You are John G. from the Tree of Liberty, correct?<BR/><BR/>I’ll send you a PM to get in touch.<BR/>Take care.;)<BR/><BR/>FerFALFerFALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07578136334334588454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-13725531570177366622008-09-16T13:57:00.000-07:002008-09-16T13:57:00.000-07:00Ferfal,My first visit to your blog ... it's great,...Ferfal,<BR/><BR/>My first visit to your blog ... it's great, but I'm curious about YOU! No personal info., just a little about your background and you general fit into all this rich material you provide. I checked your profile, but nothing?<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't mind giving you my email address if I could get it to you in a nonpublic fashion.<BR/><BR/>I'll keep checking back ... look forward to further readings!<BR/><BR/>Thanks and stay safe,<BR/><BR/>John G.<BR/>Coeur d'Alene, IDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-82981963395424803982008-09-15T09:48:00.000-07:002008-09-15T09:48:00.000-07:00Feral,As always, muchas gracias for all that you d...Feral,<BR/><BR/>As always, muchas gracias for all that you do.<BR/><BR/>When TSHTF in Oct-Dec of 2001, how much money would someone have needed to make it through?<BR/><BR/>If you kept your job, and had no debt, when the ATM's and cashflow and devaluation occurred, how many weeks of cash did you need to have on hand to make it until things settled down and returned to something close to normal?<BR/><BR/>Not the *ideal* amount.<BR/><BR/>What you *actually needed*, in weeks of pay, in cash, at home.<BR/><BR/>Thanks,<BR/>Lee.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-59290119648589172532008-09-06T14:23:00.000-07:002008-09-06T14:23:00.000-07:00Hi Mike, It’s a “delicate” issue to say the least....Hi Mike, <BR/>It’s a “delicate” issue to say the least.<BR/>When a gov. doesn’t allow you to carry a weapon and the streets aren’t that dangerous, you get rightfully pissed but you don’t feel it’s importance that much.<BR/><BR/>When you are not allowed to carry, and you constantly see people getting, hurt, killed and robbed all around you, well… it’s a desperate spot to be in.<BR/><BR/>You have to either decide to risk getting killed with no means to defend yourself, or become a “criminal” at least according to their laws.<BR/><BR/>What to do? I evaluated the situation and at least for my personal situation thins are bad enough that it’s worth risking it.<BR/>If I get caught carrying, worst case scenario I loose my gun license. <BR/>I get hit on the street and worst case scenario, me and my family get killed or worse. And no judge and no cop is going to make it right if that happens.<BR/><BR/>I don’t know if most, but many people that have enough money and/or contacts to get the license do carry.<BR/><BR/>“How do you hide your guns in your car, but have them available when needed?”<BR/><BR/>If I’m in the capital district I generally keep my backpack next to me or behind the passenger’s seat within easy reach, backpack opened with the gun inside. I make sure I can grab it without looking.<BR/><BR/>When I don’t have to go to banks, I carry concealed (4 o clock) so that’s where the gun is. It’s not hard to draw if you practice it.<BR/><BR/>When I’m entering my house (or leaving at night) I keep the gun in my hand because those are without a doubt the most dangerous moments. (the gun in the hand beats the fastest draw in the world ;) )<BR/>There’s no police nearby after 1 PM , and the only cop around gets paid by the neighbors for after hours, so he’s not going to be a problem.<BR/><BR/><BR/>FerFALFerFALhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07578136334334588454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-6904589863377903312008-09-06T03:18:00.000-07:002008-09-06T03:18:00.000-07:00Hi Ferfal... great article as always.I am always c...Hi Ferfal... great article as always.<BR/><BR/>I am always curious about carrying pistols in your car. Here in California, there is no possibility of getting a concealed carry permit. If things get tough, I intend to keep myself and my family safe. <BR/><BR/>It is my understanding you don't have a concealed carry permit. Are you concerned you might be stopped by a cop and he might find or see your weapons? Are there tough penalties/fines for carrying weapons. The citizens that can afford it, do most carry guns? How do you hide your guns in your car, but have them available when needed? <BR/><BR/>Thanks once again... and stay safe.<BR/><BR/>Mike P.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-57047807605425330202008-09-03T15:30:00.000-07:002008-09-03T15:30:00.000-07:00I feel for you and your country.It's way passed ti...I feel for you and your country.<BR/><BR/>It's way passed time for the people of all nations to fend for themselves. The Colonial American concept of Citizen Militias comes to mind. The gangs are a military force. The police are a military force. It's time for the People of Argentina to become a military force of millions.<BR/><BR/>That and the will to say "NO MORE" to criminals both public and private are your only hope. <BR/><BR/>Some reading material I've collected, don't use your own computer:<BR/>http://www.scribd.com/people/view/268324<BR/><BR/>J. Croft<BR/>http://freedomguide.blogspot.comJ. Crofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17804199859716308843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8939666320943790100.post-31523200454074025822008-08-31T06:25:00.000-07:002008-08-31T06:25:00.000-07:00"Other than that citizens here can’t carry weapons..."Other than that citizens here can’t carry weapons."<BR/><BR/>But still do nevertheless..<BR/><BR/>Like in any place where those in power tell you you got the right to defend yourself, but take away any means to apply it.<BR/><BR/>Thank you a lot FerFal, you're a wealth of precious information! It will save lives (good one's) when the coming depression will kick in..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com