Another well written article covering a very important topic of our own survival!
I take the same view point as you and have taken steps towards a more minimalist way of living knowing that it is better to prepare when it is good times so you are ready for the bad times!
It really has been a bit of an eye opener for me when I first started watching my spending habits and having all my adult life had a garden of some sort (plus living in the forest in a logging area) have been more attuned to nature and aware of the extreme weather conditions preparing to be able to maintain ourselves in our harsh climate (which I suspect will get even harsher.)
I've seen first hand the devastation of our forests for profit and it grieves my heart so!
Being more senior in years (my husband is a senior citizen and I'm right on the edge of what is considered a senior citizen), the turning inward and seeing our life purpose more as striving for Nibbanic peace has allowed us to let go of things more easily, knowing that we have to let go of it all at some point and personally, we are closer to that end point than the beginning point. We take refuse in the Dhamma teaching and meditation techniques given to us but we are not blind to the going on of the world and how it will affect every section of society for we are householders and live the householders life.
Those 10 years of your life as a monk has really served you well and will continue to serve you well in the coming hard times! I was sorry to hear you lost your house and all your belongings but am happy to see you saw it as a lesson in letting go!
Thanks for sharing your insights!