Prepping doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve been at this game for decades, and I’ve learned a thing or two about stretching every dollar. When I first started, I made plenty of costly mistakes. But over the years, I’ve honed my skills and discovered countless ways to prep smart and save money. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to maximize your existing preps, these budget-friendly tips will help you get more bang for your buck.
Start with Water Storage
Water is life, and it’s cheap to store. Pick up a few food-grade 55-gallon drums or stack cases of bottled water when they’re on sale. Aim for at least one gallon per person per day for a two-week supply. Don’t forget to add a few drops of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon to keep stored water safe for longer periods.
Learn to Can and Preserve Food
Canning your own fruits, vegetables, and meats is a great way to build up a long-lasting food supply. Invest in some basic equipment and learn the ropes. You’ll save money and have control over what goes into your food. Start with high-acid foods like tomatoes or fruits, which are easier for beginners to can safely.
Buy in Bulk and on Sale
Keep an eye out for sales on non-perishable foods and stock up when prices are low. Rice, beans, pasta, and canned goods are all great options. Don’t forget to properly store your bulk purchases to maximize shelf life. Consider joining a buying club or co-op to access wholesale prices on large quantities.
Grow Your Own Food
Start a garden, even if it’s just a few pots on a balcony. Focus on high-yield, easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. You’ll have fresh food now and can preserve the excess for later. Learn to save seeds from your crops to reduce costs for the next growing season.
Learn Basic Medical Skills
Take a first aid course and build a comprehensive medical kit over time. Start with the basics like bandages and antiseptics, then gradually add more advanced supplies as your skills and budget allow. Include a good medical reference book in your kit to guide you through unfamiliar situations.
Develop a Bartering Mindset
In tough times, your skills and surplus supplies can be valuable for trading. Learn a useful skill like sewing, woodworking, or small engine repair. These can be great for bartering and saving money on repairs. Start practicing your bartering skills at local swap meets or online trading forums.
Thrift Store Scavenging
Second-hand stores are goldmines for preppers. Look for quality clothing, tools, and camping gear at a fraction of the retail price. Don’t overlook books on survival skills and homesteading – they’re often dirt cheap. Check out estate sales and yard sales for even better deals on useful items.
DIY Your Gear
Many prepping items can be made at home for pennies on the dollar. Learn to make fire starters, water filters, and even simple solar ovens. It’s a great way to save money and develop valuable skills. Online tutorials and videos can guide you through making complex items like rocket stoves or rain catchment systems.
Focus on Multi-Use Items
When buying gear, prioritize items that serve multiple purposes. A good fixed-blade knife, for example, can be used for everything from food prep to shelter building. This approach saves money and space. A large cotton bandana can serve as a filter, bandage, signal flag, or carrying pouch.
Practice Regular Maintenance
Take care of what you have. Regular maintenance on your gear, vehicle, and home can prevent costly repairs down the road. Learn basic repair skills to further stretch your budget. Create a maintenance schedule for your key equipment to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Rotate Your Food Stocks
Use and replace your stored food regularly to prevent waste. This “first in, first out” system ensures your supplies stay fresh and reduces the need to replace expired items. Label your stored foods with purchase and expiration dates to make rotation easier.
Invest in Quality Where It Counts
While budget is important, some items are worth spending more on. A reliable water filter, a good pair of boots, and a dependable firearm are areas where quality matters. Buy once, cry once. Research thoroughly before making these key purchases to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Build a Emergency Fund
Set aside a little money each month for your preps. Even $20 a week can add up quickly and allow you to take advantage of good deals when they arise. Consider using a separate savings account or even a cash stash at home for your prepping fund.
Network with Like-Minded Folks
Join local prepping groups or online forums. You can share knowledge, split bulk purchases, and sometimes even barter skills or supplies. There’s strength in numbers. Attend local preparedness expos or workshops to meet people and learn new skills face-to-face.
Learn to Forage
Knowing how to identify and use wild edibles can supplement your food stores for free. Start with easy-to-identify plants in your area and gradually build your knowledge. Always use multiple reliable sources to confirm identification before consuming any wild plants.
Master the Art of Repurposing
Before throwing anything away, consider how it might be reused. Old clothes can become cleaning rags, glass jars can store dry goods, and plastic bottles can be turned into mini greenhouses. Learn basic upcycling techniques to transform “trash” into useful prepping gear.
Prioritize Your Preps
Focus on the most likely scenarios for your area first. If you live in hurricane country, for example, prioritize supplies for that over less likely events. This ensures your limited budget is used effectively. Create a prioritized list of preps and tackle them one at a time as your budget allows.
Build Your Library
Knowledge weighs nothing and takes up little space. Invest in good books on survival skills, first aid, and homesteading. Look for used books to save even more. Don’t forget to include region-specific guides for local plants, animals, and survival techniques.
Learn to Hunt and Fish
These skills can provide a renewable source of protein. Start with the basics and gradually build your skills and gear collection. Many areas offer free or low-cost hunting and fishing classes. Learn about processing and preserving your catch to maximize its usefulness.
Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies
Store-bought cleaners are expensive and often full of harsh chemicals. Learn to make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. It’s cheaper, healthier, and just as effective. Experiment with different formulations to find what works best for your needs.
Practice Your Skills Regularly
The most valuable prep is knowledge, and it’s free to practice. Regular training with your gear and skills ensures you’re ready when you need to be, without spending extra money. Set up a schedule to rotate through different skills and scenarios to keep your abilities sharp.
50 of the Best Guns Ever Made
Some guns earn their place in history by changing how firearms are designed, others by proving themselves reliable no matter the circumstances. A few achieve iconic status because of their sheer innovation or excellence. The Browning Auto-5 revolutionized autoloaders, the Ruger 10/22 redefined versatility, and the Remington Model 700 became the backbone of American bolt-action rifles. These firearms aren’t ranked in any particular order, but each has earned its way onto this list. Whether you’re here to celebrate timeless craftsmanship or find inspiration for your own collection, this list dives into firearms that left an undeniable mark.
Read More: 50 of the Best Guns Ever Made
23 Crisis Scenarios You Haven’t Planned For But Totally Should
As a seasoned prepper, I’ve seen my fair share of unexpected situations. While most of us have the basics covered, there are some scenarios that often slip under the radar. These aren’t your typical doomsday events, but they could still turn your world upside down if you’re not prepared. I’ve compiled a list of 23 SHTF scenarios that might surprise you. Trust me, after years of homesteading and prepping, I’ve learned it’s better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.
Read More: 23 Crisis Scenarios You Haven’t Planned For But Totally Should
39 Essentials to Stockpile Beyond the Big Three
When it comes to prepping, most folks focus on the big three: water, food, and weapons. But in my years of experience, I’ve learned that true preparedness goes way beyond these basics. There’s a whole world of items that can make or break your survival situation. I’ve put together a list of 39 often-overlooked but essential preps to get hold of after you’ve taken care of food and water to take care of your immediate survival needs, and weapons to defend your family and property and to hunt. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your stockpile before it’s too late.
Read More: Be A Preparedness Pro | 39 Essentials to Stockpile Beyond the Big Three
