Thankfully, I am in a recession-proof industry (military AND legal). One good thing about deployment is the ability to save money and invest. I haven't been able to buy much of anything other than C&R guns and ammo.
For my next home, I'm going to put up a sign that summarizes the text of the criminal law for penalties for Breaking and Entering, along with a statement of my right to use deadly force. For example: "Breaking and entering is a felony and you will get caught. In this state, the homeowners have the right to use deadly force if you unlawfully enter. (short text from state statute). I have nothing of value on my propety. DO NOT RISK YOUR LIFE OR PRISON by breaking into my home. You should SERIOUSLY RECONSIDER unlawfully entering my home."
I will put it in LARGE FONT and red print and post it on a few doors/windows.
Assuming that a potential criminal can read, it may make him have second thoughts on his B&E career.
I'll also make sure these other bases are covered:
1. Motion lights
2. Lights on timers
3. I like the 'fake TV' product - I'll just use an old TV on a timer without the volume.
4. Upgraded locks, deadbolts, and security items and reinforced internal doors with rebar and hooks screwed into the door frame
5. Park the vehicle in the garage so it cannot get stolen or parted out at night.
6. Trim hedges and make sure there are no dark hiding spots around the perimeter.
7. Keep all valuables locked in the safe, and get another safe if necessary. I lock up the laptop, when I'm not home.
8. Consider living close enough to work to bike to work - and do grocery shopping weekly instead of daily. (If you save a tank of gas a month, that equals over $1,000 a year!)
9. Cut down on unnecessary and frivolous expenses (excessive cable TV, phone plan options, compulsive purchases, junk food, etc.) (save hundreds of $ per year).
10. Buy stocks at the discounted rate AFTER the turbulence of the election.
11. Save brass at the range, even if it's just to give to reloaders for good will.
12. Shop the pawn and gun shops for great deals on turned in weapons and tools during this recession (I want a generator, for instance)
13. Buy used DVD movies instead of going to the theater (actually I will continue doing this, because I stopped regularly supporting Hollywood with box office ticket sales a decade ago - and now I just buy used movies). (saves about $1,000 a year!)
14. Pack a lunch and eat at home rather than restaurants more frequently (saves about $10 per day, or about $3600 a year!)
15. I want to research, purchase, and implement as much green technology as possible: Solar panels to run electronics, a 'kill switch' which turns off ALL household electronics when you leave with the press of a single button (these are supposedly responsible for an increase of up to 15% on your annual electric bill - or a few hundred dollars per year!), etc.
16. Possibly try to do some simple legal work on the side if I can get authorization - even if it's in trade for goods instead of cash.
