Are you someone who is always looking for ways to save money? Are you concerned about the future and want to make sure you’re prepared for anything? If so, you might want to consider becoming a budget prepper.
A budget prepper is someone who is planning ahead for difficult times and making sure they are prepared for whatever life throws their way. Budget prepping is all about being prepared for any eventuality, from a natural disaster to a financial emergency. It’s about taking steps now to ensure that you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way in the future.
Prepping on a Budget: 8 Budget-Friendly Tips
Being prepared for an emergency comes with any number of expenses, but that’s okay!
You should never feel like you need to spend lots of money to be ready for something important. In fact, there are many ways to prepare on a budget! By being aware of your spending habits, you can start to cut back on areas so you have more money left over to invest in your survival stash.
Here are eleven easy tips for becoming a budget prepper. Try some out and see what works for you!
1. Do Research and Make a Plan
Budgeting is an ever-evolving process that requires constant review and adjustment. Just because something works today does not mean it will work tomorrow!
As we know, preparedness includes having enough food to last you for at least two weeks, so starting with your grocery list and food stocks is a great way to begin.
Next, you’ll want to determine how much money you have per spending category (rent, bills, groceries, etc.). This can be done by doing some research or using online tools to track them.
Once you have this information, you can start planning to reorder supplies or create new ones if needed. For example, if you run out of rice, you could look into buying flour as a cost-effective solution until you find more rice.
Lastly, remember that savings are always better than making a big drop in income, which would go toward additional expenses. Therefore, try to keep excess spending to a minimum!
2. Make a Budget
Before starting to stock up, make sure your budget is ready! If you have no idea what money goes into monthly bills or daily expenses, start by looking at those areas to determine if they are reasonable.
If so, great! You already have a base for preparing a little bit of food and supplies. But don’t stop there- keep going!
Other important things to consider are how much you spend on entertainment and hobbies outside of work and family responsibilities, as well as what kind of clothing you need to function in an emergency situation.
By having a budget, you can avoid spending more than you should while also giving yourself adequate resources to survive a crisis.
3. Start With Food and Water
A lot of people start prepping by buying supplies, but what most fail to consider is how to survive without those supplies. Having enough food and water for at least two weeks is your first step toward becoming a full-fledged survivalist.
Having just one or the other is not good enough! You need to know how to prepare both foods and liquids for this length of time. It’s important to be organized with your food supply storage so that you don’t run out too quickly.
Making sure your home can withstand a water outage is also an essential part of being a prepper. Each family member should have their own source of water they are aware of, in case someone else’s water source breaks down.
In addition to eating, we spend a large amount of time drinking things such as water, juice, and alcohol. Becoming familiar with the different ways to drink efficiently is an easy way to begin preparing yourself for a disaster or SHTF.
There are many websites and books available to help you learn these tips, so why not give them a try? Learning about surviving a major catastrophe may inspire you to begin planning now!
4. Determine your priorities
In addition to determining how much money you have, another important factor in becoming a budget prepper is figuring out what things are essential to you and why.
You don’t need to devote large amounts of money to food or survival supplies unless you consider these items essential to your life. If not, then they can be left behind when society breaks down and people start eating dumpster dishes for one reason or another.
It will also help if you know where your priorities lie. Are you more concerned about education or health care? A lot of people begin investing in guns and other weapons gear because it makes them feel safer.
However, this may be unnecessary since there will be enough food available and safety from police will be limited at best. There will be little anyone can do except sit and wait until everything runs out.
Prioritize spending your resources wisely!
5. Do it Right the First Time
Saving up for supplies is great, but only if you know how to prepare your supplies properly. Make sure that you have enough of each item before buying it, and organize them by size or category (like food items).
Doesn’t matter how prepared you are if you don’t know what to eat! Having a few bottles of water or dried foods in the home can really help you feel more secure in a crisis. But they won’t actually do anything unless you add some flavor to them!
Having adequate supplies of nutritional food is an important part of being a prepping-ist. If you don’t, you could end up suffering from hunger and stress symptoms while trying to find something you can buy at a reduced price somewhere.
Also, remember that not all dried goods will keep well so make sure to check the expiration dates before using them.
6. Find Groups to Join
Being a budget prepper doesn’t mean buying every product that someone else is selling, it means having supplies in stock that will help you survive a financial crisis or natural disaster.
By this stage of your journey as a budget prepper, you should have a good idea of what products work for you and how much money you are willing to spend.
Now, it’s time to find like-minded people who share your passion for saving money while preparing for an emergency. You can be a part of several different communities at once by joining groups on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
These include food self-sufficiency groups, survival group forums, community-organized barter events, and more!
You don’t need to go all out, spending large sums of money on expensive equipment and materials, to join these groups! Some members may not even know each other, but they’re still able to benefit from each other’s goods due to their membership in the group.
7. Put Small Things Together Often
After all, being a budget prepper doesn’t mean buying expensive stockpiles of food that will only be consumed once. Becoming more familiar with the field means learning how to use the products within it effectively and efficiently.
Just because something cost a lot does not make it effective for survival or durable stock-up fodder. We have all heard stories about people who spent lots of money on their favorite foods before disaster struck and they were out of luck.
Fortunately, we are in a golden age of home cooking. Even if you don’t have a culinary degree, there are many ways to cook like a pro! If surviving a major catastrophe was a matter of life or death, then knowing how to prepare your own meals is a very important skill.
There are plenty of ways to achieve this without having to spend a large sum of money. By investing in some basic equipment and resources, you can start preparing yourself quickly and economically.
8. Practice Basic Survival Skills
A lot of people start looking into how to be a budget prepper by buying expensive survival supplies or searching online for tips on what to prepare for an emergency.
Sadly, this is not the best way to begin investing in preparedness. Starting with basic safety skills will help you get your preparation game-tight before moving on to more advanced things like food storage and shelter building.
Basic safety and survival skills include learning how to survive at home, streetwise smarts, self-defense moves, and knowing how to navigate safely using either natural resources or technology (like maps and GPS).
These are all important life survival skills that most of us take for granted, but could save your life if needed. So why not strengthen them now? We can’t emphasize enough how vital it is to learn how to handle yourself outside of work and family obligations. These skills are some of the first lines of defense in protecting yourself and those around you.
What should a prepper buy first?
If you’re just getting started on your prepper journey, you may be wondering what you should buy first. After all, the idea of preparing for potential disasters and emergencies can be overwhelming. But the key to becoming a successful prepper is to make sure you’re properly equipped to handle any situation that comes your way.
The best way to start your prepping journey is to purchase the essential items first. These items should be considered to be the foundation for your prepper stockpile. Here’s a look at the items you should purchase first:
1. Water: Water is the most important item for any prepper. Without water, you won’t survive for long in a disaster or emergency situation. You should store at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Make sure to rotate your water supply every six months or so.
2. Food: Food is the second most important item for any prepper. You should store at least three months’ worth of non-perishable food. It’s important to make sure you have a variety of food items, including canned goods, grains, and beans.
3. First-Aid Supplies: First-aid supplies are essential for any prepper. You should invest in a comprehensive first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic, and other medical items. You should also make sure to purchase a few extra bottles of painkillers, antibiotics, and any other medications you may need.
4. Tools and Supplies: Tools and supplies are essential for any prepper. You should invest in a multi-tool, a flashlight, a knife, and a radio. You should also have items such as duct tape, rope, and tarps.
5. Other Supplies: You should also purchase items such as flashlights, batteries, and matches. You should also invest in items such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene.
By having these essential items on hand, you’ll be prepared for any disaster or emergency situation. You’ll be able to survive and help your family stay safe. So make sure to purchase these items first and start building your prepper stockpile.
The Cheapest and Most Useful Prepping Items
Prepping isn’t something you should take lightly. While it’s important to be prepared for any disaster, it’s also essential to know the essential items that you need to make sure you’re ready in case of an emergency. When it comes to prepping, the items you use need to be both effective and affordable. To that end, we’ve put together a list of some of the cheapest and most useful prepping items to add to your kit.
Bottled Water: Water is one of the most important items to have on hand during an emergency. It’s also one of the cheapest and easiest to find. Bottled water is a great way to make sure you’re well-stocked in case of a disaster or emergency.
Toilet Paper: Toilet paper is another essential item you don’t want to be without. It’s probably not the cheapest item on the list, but it’s worth the investment when it comes to making sure you’re prepared in any emergency situation.
Glue: Glue is a must-have item for any prepper. It can be used to repair items, build shelters, and much more. It’s also cheap, making it a great addition to any emergency kit.
Lighter: Fire is one of the most basic needs for survival, and having a lighter on hand is essential. A lighter can also be used to start fires for cooking, heat, and other uses.
Bleach: Bleach is a great way to make sure your drinking water is safe from bacteria and other contaminants. It’s also a great way to disinfect items and clothing.
Marker: Markers are great for marking items, such as supplies and other items you need to keep track of.
Iodine: Iodine is an important item to have on hand in case of radiation exposure. In addition, it can be used to purify water and make it safe to drink.
Duct Tape: Duct tape is one of the most versatile and useful items for preppers. It can be used for repairs, shelter building, and much more.
Food Bars: Food bars are a great way to make sure you’re well stocked with food in an emergency. They’re lightweight and easy to store, making them great for packing in a bug out bag.
Floss: Floss is a great item to have on hand for everyday use. But it’s also an essential item for preppers since it can be used to make snares, fishing lines, and more.
Books: Books are great for entertainment and education, but they’re also a great addition to any prepping kit. They can provide valuable information on survival and emergency preparedness.
These are just some of the cheapest and most useful prepping items you can add to your kit. Make sure to stock up on these items and you’ll be well prepared for any disaster or emergency.
How To Start Prepping on a Budget?
Preparing for the future is a great way to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe, secure, and well-prepared for any situation. However, if you’re on a tight budget, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to start prepping on a budget. Whether you’re prepping for water, food, safety, medical needs, or personal hygiene, here are some tips for prepping on a budget.
Prepping for Water on a Budget
Water is an essential part of survival and having access to a plentiful supply of clean drinking water is key to surviving any disaster. Unfortunately, water is often one of the first supplies to run out during a disaster, and it can be expensive to store an adequate supply. If you’ve been wanting to get into prepping for water on a budget, here are some tips to get you started.
1. Invest in a Water Filter
One of the best investments you can make when it comes to prepping for water on a budget is a good water filter. A water filter will allow you to filter out contaminants and make contaminated water suitable for drinking. It’s important to make sure you buy a filter that is rated to remove the type of contaminants you are likely to encounter in the area where you live.
2. Collect Rainwater
Another way to prepare for water on a budget is by collecting rainwater. Rainwater can be stored in barrels or tanks for later use. To collect rainwater, you will need to build a rainwater collection system. This system should include a collection surface, such as a tarp, and a way to capture the water, such as a barrel or tank.
3. Stock Up on Water Pouches
If you don’t have the budget to invest in a water filter or build a collection system, another great way to prepare for water on a budget is to stock up on water pouches. These pouches are lightweight, space-saving, and affordable. They are also easy to transport and can provide you with a sufficient supply of clean drinking water.
4. Invest in Purification Tablets
Finally, you can also get into prepping for water on a budget by investing in water purification tablets. These tablets are a great way to make contaminated water safe to drink. They work by killing bacteria and other contaminants that can make drinking water unsafe.
By following these tips, you can get into prepping for water on a budget. Water is an essential part of survival and having access to a plentiful supply of clean drinking water is key to surviving any disaster. By investing in a water filter, collecting rainwater, stocking up on water pouches, and investing in purification tablets, you can be sure that you have a reliable source of clean drinking water during a disaster.
Prepping for Food on a Budget
Prepping on a budget can seem like an intimidating task, especially in today’s economy. With rising food costs and uncertainty in the market, it’s more important than ever to have a plan for stocking up on essential items for your survival. If you’re new to prepping, or just looking for ways to save money on your prepping efforts, here are some tips for getting started on a budget.
1. Stock Up on Non-Perishables
The first step to prepping on a budget is to stock up on non-perishables. This includes items like canned goods, rice, beans, flour, and other dry goods that can last for months or even years. Canned goods are the easiest, most affordable option for prepping, and they can be purchased in bulk for even bigger savings. It’s also a good idea to keep a few weeks’ worth of fresh produce in your pantry or freezer since fresh food will spoil quickly.
2. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is another great way to save money on prepping. Many stores, including big box stores, offer bulk discounts on items like grains, beans, and flour, so you can save even more by buying in bulk. You can also check out online retailers for deals and discounts on bulk items.
3. Invest in Your Equipment
Investing in the right equipment for prepping can help you save money in the long run. For example, investing in a quality pressure cooker will help you save time and money when it comes to making meals. Other kitchen essentials like a food processor, blender, and can opener will also help you save time and money.
4. Grow Your Own Food
One of the most cost-effective ways to stock up on food is by growing your own. If you have access to a garden or small plot of land, you can grow your own fruits and vegetables in addition to herbs and spices. Not only is this a great way to save money, but you’ll also be able to enjoy fresh produce all year long.
5. Learn to Preserve
Preserving food is an essential skill for prepping. You can preserve food through canning, pickling, drying, or even freezing. This is a great way to extend the shelf life of your food and save money in the long run.
Following these tips can help you get started prepping on a budget. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can have a well-stocked pantry and plenty of food to keep your family fed during an emergency.
Prepping for Safety on a Budget
Safety is paramount when prepping. Invest in a few basic items to ensure your safety, such as flashlights, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. You can also buy items like a whistle and a knife, as well as a basic tool kit that can be used for repairs. Additionally, be sure to keep some snacks and water on hand in case of an emergency.
Prepping for Medical Needs on a Budget
Medical needs are important to consider when prepping. Start by stocking up on basic items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, over-the-counter medications, and pain relievers. You should also invest in a first aid kit, and make sure it is always stocked and up to date. Additionally, consider adding a few items like thermometers, gauze, and tweezers.
Prepping for Personal Hygiene on a Budget
Personal hygiene is also important when prepping for the future. Think about investing in items such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo. Additionally, stock up on feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, and paper towels. Finally, keep some basic items on hand like a washcloth, towel, and comb.
Prepping on a budget is totally possible. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure you’re prepared for any situation. Start by stocking up on essential items such as water, food, safety items, medical needs, and personal hygiene. With these items on hand, you’ll be able to ensure the safety and security of yourself and your loved ones in any situation.
Is it worth being a prepper?
Are you considering whether or not to become a prepper? It’s an important decision to make and it’s understandable why you might hesitate. After all, being a prepper means devoting time, energy, and money to preparing for a potential disaster. But is it worth being a prepper? Absolutely.
Being a prepper means being prepared for any situation, whether that’s a natural disaster, an economic collapse, or a pandemic. By having a preparedness plan in place, you’ll be able to keep your family safe and secure in the event of a major event. A prepper will have supplies of food, water, and other necessities that can be used in the event of an emergency. They’ll also have access to alternative sources of power, such as a generator or solar panels, so they can remain self-sufficient during a crisis.
In addition to the practical benefits of being a prepper, there are also mental and emotional benefits. By having a plan in place and knowing what to do in the event of an emergency, you’ll have a greater sense of control and peace of mind. This can be incredibly empowering and can help alleviate some of the fear and anxiety that may arise in times of crisis.
So, is it worth being a prepper? Absolutely. Being a prepper can help ensure your and your family’s safety during times of crisis can give you a greater sense of control and can provide peace of mind. It’s an investment of time, energy, and resources that will provide you with invaluable benefits in the long run.