(The Economic Collapse Blog)—The more dependent you are, the less free you are. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article about how our system is designed to beat us down and make us weak and dependent, because when we are weak and dependent we are easier to control. Most of us don’t even realize why the majority of the population is so sick, exhausted, depressed and confused much of the time. Our bodies, our minds and our spirits are constantly being poisoned by the system, and those that are in control of the system know exactly what they are doing. If you do not choose to break free, you could end up under the oppression of their system for your entire life.
Of course for many people inertia seems like the easiest option. It is just so easy to keep doing what you have always done, and that is especially true once you get older.
But what are you going to do once the system that you have become so dependent upon starts to crumble all around you?
Over the past several years, our world has been getting increasingly unstable. Major wars have erupted, the cost of living has become very painful, pestilences have been raging all over the globe, and historic natural disasters have been hitting us one after another.
The chaos that we are experiencing now is just going to intensify in the months ahead. So what will most people do when the system that they depend on for their survival is shaken to the core?
The following are 12 simple things that you can start doing right now to become more independent of the system…
#1 Become Less Dependent On Your Job
For most people, having a job essentially means living in a state of “just over broke”. The truth is that it is incredibly difficult to become financially independent working for someone else. Of course most Americans would not be able to survive without a job, but you don’t want to settle for just surviving. I know that it can be exceedingly difficult to find the energy for a “side hustle” while you are working a full-time job, but a “side hustle” can eventually evolve into a full-time income. If you want to live free, it is so important to explore alternate sources of income and different ways to build wealth. And the truth is that any jobs we have now could easily disappear when economic conditions take a turn for the worse. But if you have put in the effort to build up a “side hustle”, at least you will still have that.
#2 Get Out Of Debt
The borrower is the servant of the lender. If you want to live free, get out of debt. No matter how far you try to run, your debts are going to continue to hang over you wherever you go. Getting out of debt can be completely and totally liberating. It will give you much more freedom and will make you far less dependent on your job. In fact, many Americans are already moving in this direction. Why not join them? When things start really falling apart and it is difficult for anyone to find a good job, the last thing you will want is a huge amount of debt hanging over your head.
#3 Reduce Expenses
For decades, most Americans have been living far beyond their means. In the future, times are going to be really tough and we are all going to have to learn to tighten our belts. Do you and your family waste money right now? If you can eliminate that, you can live on a smaller income and you will have more money to invest in the things that are really going to matter.
#4 Purchase Land
Real estate is a lot more expensive than it once was, but the truth is that you don’t want to wait forever to get your hands on a piece of land. When the system completely crumbles, you don’t want to be stuck in a heavily populated area with no place to go. You always want to have somewhere that you can “bug out” to if things hit the fan. In addition, owning real estate is a great way to build wealth. In some of the most desirable areas of the country that are not heavily populated, real estate prices have doubled or even tripled in recent years.
#5 Learn To Grow Your Own Food
Another reason why you want to purchase some land is so that you will have somewhere to grow your own food if that becomes necessary. 100 years ago, almost everyone knew how to grow their own food, and most people also knew how to raise farm animals. Today, relatively few Americans have those skills. A great way to begin is by starting your own “survival garden”. If you are not already doing this, why not start this upcoming spring?
#6 Find A Reliable Source Of Clean Water
Do you know what they are putting into your water? In many parts of the country, tap water is absolutely teeming with all sorts of nasty stuff. Drinking pure water is an easy change that anyone can make, and it can have a dramatic impact on your health. In addition, water is going to become a very, very valuable resource in the years to come. It will be absolutely key for you and your family to have a dependable source of clean drinking water. If you do not have water, you will not be able to survive for long.
#7 Explore Alternative Energy Sources
Have you noticed that your power bill just keeps going up? In some states, people are being hit with power bills that exceed $1,000 a month. Of course you may not be able to depend upon the power company at all once things get bad enough. The truth is that there are very good reasons why so many Americans have been trying to go “off the grid”. Without power, life gets really difficult very quickly. But if you are generating your own power then you won’t have to worry about that.
#8 Store Supplies
Every time there is a major disaster or emergency, store shelves get empty really fast. If an extended national emergency results in supply chains being disrupted on a long-term basis, you may have to get by on what you already have in your home. So do you and your family have enough food and supplies to survive for an extended period of time? If you don’t know where to start, there are guides that can help get you started. In America today, there are millions of “preppers”, and the “prepping” industry has been thriving. But of course most of the population just assumes that they will always be able to depend upon the system for what they need, and someday those people will be in for a very rude awakening.
#9 Protect Your Assets With Gold And Silver
Our leaders have been flooding the system with money for many years, and so it was only a matter of time before we experienced rampant inflation. The cost of living has been absolutely soaring, and that isn’t going to change any time soon. One way to protect yourself is by getting some gold and silver. In the future, your paper money may not buy much for you at all, but if you have some gold and silver coins you can always exchange them for the things that you are going to need.
#10 Learn Self-Defense
Do you remember the riots that happened all over the country just a few years ago? Well, the truth is that what we will see in the future will be far worse than that. When people get desperate enough, they will literally do just about anything to survive. Just think about it. What do you think is going to happen once people living in densely-populated areas have been without food for two or three days? Now is the time to think about how you will defend your home and your property from crazed looters. It is not a fun thing to think about, but unfortunately we are heading into times that will not always be pretty.
#11 Keep Yourself In Good Physical Condition
As Americans, we live such “cushy” lives. But when times get hard, things will not be so cushy. In fact, the years ahead are likely to demand quite a bit of physical activity. So keep yourself in good physical condition now. In the future, you will be quite glad that you did.
#12 Make Deep Connections
It is really, really hard to “survive” all by yourself. Those that will thrive the most in the future will be those that have a community that they can depend upon. The truth is that we are always at our best when we work together. It is time to build deep connections with family and friends, it is time to make new connections, and it is time to focus on what is truly important. In the times ahead the world will be a very cold place, and a little love and teamwork will go a long way.
Michael’s new book entitled “Why” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.