We are long overdue for the next economic crash. The last thing you want to do is be caught with low testosterone during this period. Here’s why, and what you can do to prepare.
Introduction
If you have a recreational interest in global politics, then you are most probably aware that we are long overdue for the next economic downturn.
The next crash, according to “experts” (pundits), is going to be a massive one – especially for the United States.
Estimations are that this upcoming event will be worse that the 2008 financial crisis, and will most likely be close to a severe recession, if not depression.
US National Debt 2018
The US is expected to be hit hardest. With a national debt of over $21 trillion, they are treading very close to a collapse of the entire financial system, including a collapse of the US Dollar.
Whether this happens or not, and to what degree, is all speculation. Either way, we are all likely to experience some economic troubles during our lifetime.
If you suffer from low testosterone and are on testosterone replacement therapy, then the last thing you want to experience during such a period is low testosterone and the ability to afford your prescriptions and medication.
You may suffer, and worse, your family and loved ones too.
Preparing For And Surviving A Crash
Those of us that have experienced low testosterone are all too familiar with the symptoms, including:
- anxiety
- lack of confidence
- diminished sense of well-being
- low energy and weak
- unmotivated and tired
- moody, grumpy, snappy and generally miserable
This condition will do you no help during a period of economic hardship, when you need to be your sharpest and best.
Whether this is an economic crash, or a personal period of financial hardship, you need to be able to focus, work hard (and smart) and support yourself and your family.
TRT can be expensive. A period of financial difficulty may put you in a position where you can no longer afford your testosterone replacement therapy.
Even if you get your medication via state-subsidised health care, that may not last forever. Especially if your government decides to do some economic restructuring.
You have to be prepared.
What Can You Do?
Today I’m going to outline a couple of strategies you can employ to ensure that you stay on TRT during hard economic times.
Many of these strategies are general financial strategies.
However, as someone that suffers with low testosterone, you are at a bit more of a disadvantage than the regular man on the street. These strategies take that into consideration.
1) Slowly Stockpile Testosterone
A simple method to ensure you never run out of testosterone is to slowly stockpile it over time.
Every time you place an order, simply order a little extra.
For example, when possible, I try to order 4-6 ampoules of testosterone every month. I only need 2-3. So with each order, I put away a little extra.
My testosterone (Sustanon) has a two to three year shelf-life, which means you can stockpile quite a bit. (Please check your own labels for expiry dates and shelf-life.)
By ordering a little extra each month, you are able to save a little medication each month, without breaking the bank.
This strategy works great when you have lots of time to prepare. However, as we edge closer to an economic downturn, you may not have sufficient time to stockpile.
Which brings us to the next strategy.
2) Bulk Stockpile Testosterone
As we get closer to the next financial collapse, you may find yourself with too little time to slowly stockpile your medication.
In this situation, you should considering bulk stockpiling, if you can afford it.
Like I mentioned earlier, your testosterone should have a fairly long shelf-life and expiration date. This makes stockpiling a good option, but please make sure you check the expiry date first.
I’m going to highlight two approaches to bulk stockpiling – both legally and illegally.
2.1) Legal Bulk Stockpiling
Speak to your doctor, medical facilitator, pharmacy, or whoever you work with for your TRT about bulk ordering testosterone / medication.
Explain that you would like to order more because you’re concerned about times when you may not be able to afford the medication.
Some medical practitioners may be weary of large orders. However, others may be open to the idea, especially if you have a good, long-standing relationship with them. A long history of TRT with your provider will also likely strengthen your case.
Medical practitioners are far more likely to agree to a slow stockpile strategy than a bulk order, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Especially if you’re in desperate times.
2.2) Illegal / Black Market Stockpiling
Usually I’m extremely vocal about not using illegal / black-market testosterone. For obvious reasons.
However, for this one rare scenario, I am willing to make an exception – with conditions.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT recommend this approach and am merely providing the information to better protect those that take matters into their own hands.
I will probably get some heat for this. However, context matters. And in this context, my main concern is your health and well-being.
Testosterone is sadly much cheaper on the black market than via prescription. Blame the corrupt pharmaceutical industry for this.
You can get testosterone on the black market at a fraction of the price of a private prescription.
So in this situation, if you absolutely cannot afford your prescription legally, then what other choice do you have? I don’t recommend the black market, but I can certainly understand the need for it in this scenario.
You are going to have to make a call. All I can do is offer you a few tips when taking matters into your own hands:
- Don’t use the black market if you’re new to TRT. You need to have a fairly solid history and experience with TRT, know your body and understand your bloodwork. Otherwise it’s just a guessing game and you put yourself at risk of further complications and side-effects.
- Make sure you use a larger, well known and reputable brand that is highly recommended by others.
- If you usually work with a GP / medical practitioner, let them know that you’re following this route. While they won’t endorse it, they may be able to still offer support, should you need it.
- Follow the same TRT protocol you normally would.
- If you experience any side-effects that you normally wouldn’t on your prescribed testosterone, then STOP immediately and seek medical advice if necessary.
3) Create A Savings Fund
If you want a bit more flexibility with your money or are unable to bulk stockpile your testosterone, you can always set up a savings account.
Try and deposit enough money for at least one year’s supply of TRT.
Just like any other investment, the sooner you start, the better, and the less you need to put in.
The longer you put it off, the more you’ll need to save each month.
This strategy is a bit more flexible. You are free to spend the money elsewhere, or continue your savings, if you manage to avoid an economic crisis.
4) Learn/Work In STEM / A Practical Trade
During an economic crisis, jobs will be lost.
The good news is that not everyone will find themselves without a job.
For example, the unemployment rate in the US went from 5% to 25% during the peak of The Great Depression.
Which means that 75% of people still had employment during the worst financial crisis of the 20th Century.
My point is that most people should still be able to find some form of employment.
If you are an employee, Your goal should be to hedge yourself against this risk.
You can do this, by focusing on more practical skills and jobs.
Jobs that will likely still be in demand during an economic crisis are practical trades and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) jobs.
Jobs that are likely to be in short supply are those in the arts, philosophy, human studies, financial, retail, service and real estate sectors, amongst others.
5) Become Self Employed / Freelance
Running your own business is definitely very risky during a financial crisis.
However, you are in control of your own destiny and finances, which means you can prepare and hedge against a financial downturn.
Freelancing is another way to hedge against a financial situation.
As a freelancer, you have access to clients all over the world. By having a portfolio of different clients in different countries, you minimize the risk of losing your financial lifeline because you are working with multiple people, not just one employer.
If you are an experienced freelancer, then you can also earn higher rates than a normal employee in your industry. This gives you the ability to save more, and prepare for a crisis.
Both self-employment and freelancing provide you with a better way to hedge yourself during a financial crisis, which means you should be able to stockpile your medication for a rainy day.
6) Network
Networking is an excellent skill to have for any situation. The old cliche “It’s not what you know, but who you know” still holds true, especially when it comes to a financial or testosterone crash.
In a financial crash, having connections can help with many things, including:
- Finding employment
- New work contracts
- New freelance clients
- New business ventures / partners
- Financial support
During a testosterone crash, having connections can help with:
- Getting treatment
- Finding new doctors
- Finding cheaper alternatives
- Community and emotional support
During a testosterone crash, you are not going to feel like networking, due to low confidence, insecurity, anxiety, low energy and lack of motivation.
This is why it is imperative that you network and build connections while you are being treated and at your best.
This puts you in the best possible position should you experience a low testosterone crash, financial collapse, or both.
Use social media to connect with people in your community.
We have a fast-growing and helpful community on YouTube and Instagram, so feel free to connect with us there.
The TRT Hub website will also continue to be updated over time with resources to help you.
Conclusion
Being prepared for a low testosterone crash or a financial crash is critical. Don’t get caught with your pants down, gentlemen!
Do you have a strategy that I might have missed? If so, please let us know in the comments below.
I’ll end with another cliche.
Failing To Prepare Is Preparing To Fail.
Best of luck!
