Monday, April 13, 2015

ELMER ANSWERS SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS

Almost forgot to put on a post this week.  Anna reminded me.  I thought I had done it all ready, but I hadn't.

The Mennonite and Amish are preparing for a group to go help those that had their homes destroyed by tornadoes.  I think they are going to Fairdale, Illinois, but I am not sure.  Eli's son and daughter in law that are John's best friend are going.  Kevin and Bridget are going.  I don't know who all is going. John and Sarah would be going, but because she is with child, they won't send them that far.

When someone is with child or has children, they are not usually chosen to go out of the state to disaster areas.  If there is a situation in the state of New York, they might be chosen for there, but not out of state.  The single people and those without children are chosen first.  Then those like Anna and I who are able to help and all our children are grown up are chosen second.

Which reminds me, Anna and I haven't gone to an out of state disaster since before we had children.  Before our children, we went a couple of times.  I have been, but the both of us haven't been in a long time.  Sometimes there is more of a need for men than women, but there isn't much a woman won't do.

Someone asked me to tell about living without electricity.  Could you ask me some questions?  I did a post on July 8, 2013.  Of course, I would be glad to answer your questions.

Do the Amish and Mennonites use banks?  We have checking accounts at the bank and savings accounts at the banks.

Do we have to finance loans for purchasing land at the bank?  We try not to.  It use to be that we would provide land for each son, but with the shortage of land especially when we were in Pennsylvania and the price - that is hard to do today.  Especially if you have several sons.

Sometimes a young Amish man will rent and work a farm until he has enough money to buy one.  Our sons have all been hard workers and when it came time for then to buy a farm were able to do so.  But buying the land is not the only problem.  You also have to purchase farm equipment, seed, plow horses and more.

We discourage going to the banks.  I remember when I first started out.  Anna and I had purchased the farm, obtained all the equipment, got the horses and seed, worked on the house and more.  But it was a bad weather year.  Our harvest was not as good as we thought it would be.  When it came time to buy seed the next year - we didn't have it.  I seriously thought of going to the bank.  My Father found out and loaned me the money with the words - don't go to the bank.

I felt I failed.  But as my Father told me, my first year was a bad year.  He and my Mother went through what we were going through.  I done farming correctly, but the weather didn't turn out as I wanted.

The next several years were good or great years of which we have saved money.  So the next time we had a bad year, we were backed up.  We had money in the bank.  I have tried to teach our sons what my Father taught me.  With all the expenses John and Sarah had last year with their farm and house, I told them if they needed a loan this year, I would provide it.  As yet, he has not asked for it.  I hope any of our sons know if they have a problem financially to come to us before going to any bank.

We consider borrowing money from the bank the way of the world.  It would be better to borrow from a parents, other relative or friend than the bank.

I hope I answered your question.

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning, Marilyn.

I recently learned that there is an Amish-backed bank in Bird in Hand. I wonder if it would be ok for them to take a loan out of that bank. Or, I wonder if the Amish people who are backing that bank are breaking some sort of rules.

Stacy

Tom said...

"The Bank of Dad" is very popular. I know. Tom The Backroads Traveller

Angela Tucker said...

Good morning, Marilyn. My dad gave me the same advice as Elmer's...come to him first before the bank. And I have given the same advice to my son! LOL

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Stacy,

I will see that Elmer gets your question. He will answer in another post.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Tom,
I agree with you.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Angela,
I think that is great advice. Good you passed that on to your children.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Yes, it is wise advice. It is also important to know this early on in life and plan accordingly while passing this advice on to ones youngsters.
As far as the Amish owned Bird-In-Hand Bank is concerned, I don't know if it is considered a local bank catering to that area of PA, or if Amish from anywhere would be able to secure loans through that bank. It is a thought, though.
Blessings, Carol

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Carol,
It is wise parents know how to handle finances before they tell children.

I don't know anything about the Amish owned Bird-in-Hand Bank. Left Elmer a message and see what he says.

Blessings to you and yours,
Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,
Went to take my car to get a second opinion, but when I went outside the car battery was deader than a nail. So the fellow I was going to take it to came and got it. I am hoping and praying that is all that's wrong with it and not the other stuff the previous guy said.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Folks,
The car is back, but not inspected. The man put in a new battery and said I have to drive it 75 miles before he can inspect it. He checked the electronic system and alternator and they are all fine. Said there wasn't nothing wrong with the car. Just needs to get inspected. So I will have to drive and see if I can get some more pictures at the same time.

It's in the 70's here today and just beautiful. Thank you Lord.

Marilyn

Ingrid said...

Oh Marilyn sounds like you have some good news about you car.Hope all goes well and you pass inspection.
Enjoyed Elmer's post as always,good advise about Banks.
I know its hard, but always better to save up for rainy days.
Ingrid

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Ingrid,
So far it sounds good on my car. Thank the Lord. I hopes it passes, too. Will see that Elmer get your message. It is better to save up for rainy days.

Marilyn

Willow's Quiet Corner said...

As always, very interesting and informative! Thanks, Elmer!

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Willow's Quiet Corner,
Will see that Elmer gets your message.

Marilyn