Ragnar's Guide to the Underground Economy (Paperback)

by Ragnar Benson (Author) "Seating in the relatively stark meeting/conference room was adequate for about 25..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, Social Security, Papa Winslow (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Through detailed case studies Ragnar shows you how carpenters, woodcutters, farmers, housecleaners, computer consultants, mechanics, lawyers, vendors, locksmiths and others are cashing in on today's booming economy - and keeping what they earn by not paying taxes. From these undergrounders you'll learn how to locate work, get paid without supplying identifying numbers, prepare a realistic budget, advertise your services or product and finance your project when you can't go to the bank. You'll also learn the pitfalls of working off the books and what you can do to prepare for them.

About the Author
Ragnar's knowledge of a past age has intrigued Paladin readers for almost two decades now. His record 33 books place him among the most popular and prolific of Paladin's authors. Most of his books are still available throughout the Paladin catalog.

Currently, Benson lives as something of a recluse in the mountain wilds of America';s west. He hunts, fishes, and sometimes guides between gathering data for books.

His life of international travel and intrigue, which included work in 62 countries, is in limbo for a time. "I worked mainly with rural, agriculturally based people in all these countries," Benson says. "They also taught me a great many fieldcraft techniques and hunting and gathering skills I could never have acquired as a tourist."

Obviously, many readers share Benson's love of these old-time techniques and values. "I get some of my best ideas from readers who take time to write, " he says. "That's why I personally answer all correspondence. We won't bring back these good old days, but a few of us can continue to live them for a time," Benson includes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581600119
• ISBN-13: 978-1581600117
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,871 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars check it out at the library first!, March 22, 2006

By	R. Werner (Horton, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm not sure what I was expecting but this book reads like a compilation of old Mother Earth News articles. I don't know where the author lives but the limited suggestions for businesses have been done to death around most parts so that leaves you with his "wisdom" such as; don't throw money around or keep a low profile to the government or to neighbors if you are operating a business out of your home...whoa...just slightly obvious. I was hoping for new thinking on finding niches in order to make a living, not suggestions that are marginal at best, such as collecting pine cones or working on cars in my backyard and oh yeah, the classic advice; don't blow your cover by buying a Mercedes with cash! Sheesh! Save your money.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Underground Economy, January 5, 2009

By	A. D. Cox (northern PA, USA) - See all my reviews

"Taxes are the price we pay for a civilized society."--The IRS

"I have seen taxes more than double during my relatively short time on Earth. A corresponding doubling of civility has not occurred." - Ragnar

I was watching the news today, and just when I think I've seen it all, there's a millionaire in a nice three piece suit begging for a handout. Yep, the CEO of Ford was asking for a couple billion dollars to just get by. Of course, he arrived in Washington D.C. via a company jet that cost $20,000 to operate roundtrip from Detroit. I didn't even make $20,000 last year, and I've never flown first class. I'm just a guy who works hard to make ends meet, wishing my disposable income wasn't so disposable.

So, just what is required to comfortably get by in our society? The experts seem to agree it's around $50,000. This should cover the purchase of a house, a bit of land, a new car every few years, and some recreation and travel. Don't forget to add some funds for food, clothing, and utilities. You should have some money left over for the occasional splurge on a nice dinner out. This makes for a comfortable lifestyle.

Federal and state income taxes account for about 42% of our personal income. Take 42% of fifty grand and you end up with $29,000. No wonder that Ragnar's Guide to the Underground Economy by Ragnar Benson and published by Paladin Press provides a plan for joining the underground economy. We could earn $30,000 and accomplish the same standard of living if the government would stop being so generous with our money. I've done the math and $30,000 is definitely easier to earn than $50,000.

Does this mean becoming a public tax protestor? The thousands of people currently working in the underground economy don't advertise their displeasure or call attention to themselves. Working in the underground economy is not about proving a point. It's about taking care of your family. Benson goes into the details of how to make a living without having a job.

Making a living without a job does not mean making a living without working. Ragnar Benson gives solid samples of people who are already doing this in small, inexpensive, easy steps. Ever have a garden and trade those tax-free tomatoes for some cash? Or do some engine work or some welding in trade for some firewood? Then you are a member of the underground economy.

The underground economy has its perks and its perils, and Ragnar covers both. If your only source of income is from the underground, there won't be any social security checks. Of course, at lot of us don't expect to collect from this government-run scam designed to crumble in the near future. Paying cash for every purchase is also a quick, painful method of calling the attention of a drug enforcement agent.

So, why not wait for a government bail-out? Why labor in the underground? Why seek independence from government programs that seek to keep you quiet and dependent? It's tempting to take that free money, but the startling truth is that people working in their own field for their own contentment are happier, more relaxed, and more productive than people working for no one in particular. People generally like to compete in the free marketplace as long as they are allowed to keep and enjoy the wealth they create...

16 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ragnar's Guide to the Underground Economy, October 1, 2001

By A Customer

Uncle Ragnar has come out with another terrific masterpiece! I virtually read this book cover-to-cover and put it down once for dinner. Nothing Mr. Benson had to say surprised me with the American mindset of today. He teaches you how to play the game, which most people aren't willing to do. It takes a lot of sacrifice to learn and then keep your mouth shut. I'm not admitting to anything here, because "others" will read this review, but I will say that if you're a "protester" you will love this book and how it lays out in detail the means of survival, which is something most Americans should know anyway. This stuff they won't teach you in high school. I've always said it's good to learn another trade skill. This book definitely disproves basic barter books which lend credo to the "money" system. The money system is fiat and we all know that. The reason "money" was used to replace "barter" and "scrip" was because the government [vis a vie the banks] wanted to set up shop to keep control of our lives. Substituting fiat money for something of real value [your labor] is in ingenious way of not only equating your labor with value [as the taxman sees it] but puts us all on an even keel with the economic "store of value". Ragnar does play in the money supply, but that's part of today's game. I can't wait for him to write an epic on bartering, where one human being will be forced to trade [like Karl Hess] in order to avoid complete taxation and NWO tactics. Five stars for this work! It's a great stepping-stone to underground living. I can't help but agree more ... if you're going to do this kind of thing, you're definitely NOT going to tell anyone you're doing it!