How much money should I have in an Emergency Fund?

Emergency funds are an interesting topic. Here are a few of my opinions about emergency funds.

How much should I have in my emergency fund? It Depends...

1. If you are dependent on investments to pay for your living...
2. If you are dependent on a job to pay for your living...

This does not seem to "to me" be a one size fits all problem or solution. let me explain, Lots of people will tell you that a 1,000 bucks in the bank is critical for an emergency fund. I would agree, a thousand dollars will help with the broken dishwasher or with a simple unexpected car problem.

I believe that people must understand the difference between an emergency fund and an emergency fund. Lets say for instance that you lose your job. How far will that thousand dollars really get you? Not that far, and How far will living on credit cards get you? Behind, Not that far. That's why it depends. When I think of emergency, I think of real emergencies like.. Job Loss, Death in the Family, Major Medical... I don't really think of... our stove went out as an emergency. Yes, it is important to have money to pay for repairs but this should be all inclusive in your true emergency fund.

Here are my opinions on both above scenarios:

How much should I have in my emergency fund? It Depends...

1. If you are dependent on investments to pay for your living...
       Answer: I would say 1 to 2 years of living expense.
       Why: Markets crash. Interest driven investments can dry up for years at a time. Job possibilities also get worse when you hit those retirement years. You can't afford to think of yourself as a long term investor. You must think of your self as a short term investor. You need high levels of cash and to lower your risk.

2. If you are dependent on a job to pay for your living...
       Answer: I would say 3 to 6 months of living expense.
       Why: It typically takes 3 to 6 months to find another Job to pay those bills. Living on credit will only get you further from retirement and from rebuilding your 3 to 6 months emergency fund. You are the long term investor "if your under age 50". You can still afford to take the risk of market swings. You must have an exit strategy if the market does become bearish.

Week 7 of Starting Tomato / Cucumber Seeds

Updated video of Plant growing in Coco Fiber using only water and Dr. Earth Fertilizer. I think my plants need more sun.

How to Can Black Beans

Canning Black Beans is easy and saves tons of cash. Lets do the math before showing you how to can for your self.

Analysis and Savings Breakdown

Price of Canned Black Beans at Walmart: 50 cents price matched
Number of Cans your family uses in 10 year: 300
Ten Year Cost for Black Beans: $150 to $300 (if you don't shop deals)

Price of Dried Beans at Walmart: $18 for a 20 pound bag
Jars of Black Beans you can make from bag: 80
Cost Per Jar of Black Beans: 22.5 cents

You Save 27.5 to 77.5 cents per Jar canned "depending on the best available price of store bought canned black beans".
You Save $82.5 to $232.5 over 10 years.


How to Can Black Beans:

We lost 1 can during processing. This is OK! and normal. Don't freak out:)

List of Grape Varieties for Utah and Homesteading

Lately I've been studying grapes and the many different types we can grow in our backyards. I have compiled the below list to help us as a reference.

Quick Food for thought:
I have learned that grapes can thrive in many different types of soil (Sand, Gravel, Shale, Slate, Clay). Vine growth improved by adding lots of organic matter or compost / Nitrogen. Very rich soil that contains high amounts of organic content can product a really heavy and late-maturing crop. This crop will also have a lower sugar content. Soil with less organic matter will produce smaller yields with high sugar content. These yields will generally come sooner in the year.

 

GrapeChart
T=Table  W=Wine  J=Juice,Jelly  R=Raisens
Type of Grape	Seeds	Color	Season	Use	Zone	Mature Size	Notes
Concord	Yes	Blue	Late	T,J,W	5 to 9	4-6' Tall	Well drained soil with ph around 5.5 and 6.5
Concord Seedless	No	Blue/Purple	Mid	T,J	5 to 9	4-6' Tall	Great flavor for juice and jelly
Fredonia	Yes	Blue/Black	Early	T,J	4 to 9		Not as good as Concord in taste
Himrod	No	White	Early	T	5 to 8	4-6' Tall	Small, high quality berries
Mars Seedless	No	Blue	Mid	T,J,R	5 to 8		Long vine life
Niagra	Yes	White	Mid	T,J,W	5 to 9		Sometimes called "White Concord". Mix with Concord Type for Juice
Reliance	No	Red	Mid	T,J	5 to 8	4-6' Tall	Good flavor, thin skin, best red grape for utah
Somerset	No	Red	Early	T	4 to 8	4-6' Tall	Very firm and crispy texture
Suffolk Red	No	Red	Mid	T	6 to 8		Largest berries of the Euro-American hybrids
ThomCord	No	Blue/Black	Mid	T	5 to 9	4-6' Tall	Sweet taste, Firm texture
Venus	No	Black	Early	T	5 to 9		Large, good quality grapes
Black Monukka	Yes	Purple/ Black		T,R	6 to 10		Self-fruited. Hardy European grapes
Buffalo	No	Blue / Black	Late	J	5 to 8	4-6' Tall	Juice aged for best flavor
Campbell Early	No	Blue / Black		J	5 to 9		Needs organic rich soil
Glenora	No	Black		T	6 to 9		Good fall leaf color
Jupiter	No	Reddish Blue		T,J	5 to 9		Scored well on taste tests. Stays on vine after maturity
Canadice	No	Red		T,J	5 to 8	4-6' Tall	Good winter hardiness, Low production, Spicy Flavor
Golden Muscat	Yes	Green / Gold		T	5 to 8	4-6' Tall	Likes hot, dry climate
Interlaken	No	White/Green		T,R	5 to 8	4-6' Tall	Good frozen
Lakemont	No	White/Green		T	5 to 8	4-6' Tall	Good producer