In another installment of ask-a-prepper we interview Rich a blogger from Self Reliant Life as he sheds some light on his lifestyle.

How long have you been prepping for?
I have been prepping for approximately 5 years.

Any reason why you began prepping? A specific event?
Not really any specific event, but an awakening to the reality that my lifestyle wasn’t as rock solid as I thought. After reading several books and collecting information from various sources, it was an easy decision.

Do you live in an Urban setting or a rural one?
We’re Semi-rural. Close enough to make a quick trip to large shopping areas, but remote enough we can hear the crickets before the neighbors.

If the time comes are you bugging out or in?
I’m a bug in fan. There are of course times for either but I believe With my preps I can stay comfortable for a duration of time at my current location.

Has prepping changed your lifestyle?
Not in my mind. I’ve become more conscious and aware about events. I’ve put some money toward preps where before I may have spent more frivolously.

Do your preps include an underground shelter or bunker?
No, not at this time.

If times ever got tough would you work solo or with a support group?
I like being solo, but that being said there is strength in numbers and I have a close group of other like minded people nearby with whom I share my ideas and resources.

If you could give a new prepper some advice based on your past mistakes, what would they be?
Don’t get overwhelmbed. You don’t have to do everything at once. It can be scary, but if you do a little planning you will be there in no time.

Did your significant other have a problem with your prepping? Did he/she back you?
None at all. She has been on board with the entire process.

Kids. If you have any are they incorporated? If so how? Were they hesitant on doing so?
My kids are Too young to be incorporated at this point. I have a plan for them though.

Can you share any tips for the elderly or low income families who wish to prep but are unsure of how to start based on said age or income level?
If you have an income you’re doing better than I am most of the time. Prepping can be simple and broken down into small purchases. Even doing small things can reap great rewards. Find a local food buying club and put it to work for you as it can save you a lot of money.

Doomsday Preppers. Has the show hurt or helped the prepping community?
It has brought a lot of attention to the prepping community. Some positive, some negative. Taking the whole series into account I believe it has done more positive than negative. There are more people prepping now and although there may not be a direct correlation it would seem there would be one.

Does your extended family or friends give you slack about prepping?
Some do but most understand our goals. Most of our family and friends say their plan is to come to our house. Others just deny the possibility of anything negative happening. Then there are the ones who have actually thought about the issues and decided to prep also. Those are the golden ones.

If nothing happens in your lifetime or children’s lifetime for that matter, would you feel that you wasted your time and money?
No, because the reason I do prep is not in case an event happens. I prep for my family to survive. If they survive because of me or just because nothing happens I will be greatful. I hope nothing ever does happen where my supplies have to be relied on, but in case something does happen I will have a plan.

Want to give some advice to a new prepper?
Just start. Things will find you and you will find more than you need if you just start.

Here is a fun question. If you had to pick one item to aid you on an deserted island… what would it be? One item?
Short of a fully equipped bug out bag or bunker I would have to say a fire starter. If that be a lighter, a flint and steel or even a magnifying glass.

Last words or thoughts you wish to share?
Have fun and don’t take life too seriously. None of us get out alive.

Feel free to check out my page for some tips, tricks and advice. Follow our journey as we struggle to become more independent. Http://www.facebook.com/SelfReliantLife

We thank Rich for his time and if you the reader feel inclined, please visit his Facebook page.