If you don’t want to go broke preparing for an unexpected emergency or disaster, then you definitely want to establish a prepping budget. The last thing you want to do is be irresponsible with your resources, so developing a budget in the first place will help prevent you from either paying too much for survival gear and supplies, or being swayed emotionally by slick ads to buy shiny things or things you don’t really need.
Have You Set A Budget For Your Prepping Supplies?
The main problem most people have prepping on a budget is they have absolutely no clue how to begin. It is common to begin by buying a few extra cans of food while visiting the grocery store, but to develop a budget requires you to be realistic with your monthly income and expenses so you know exactly what you have to spend each month without compromising your regular monthly financial demands. Set realistic goals and then make a budget that helps you meet those goals. Prepping shouldn’t stress you out. In fact, it should make you feel more secure.
Debt is also nasty a trap that makes sense to steer clear of while building a prepper foundation. Try using cash, not credit for purchases as much as possible, but if using a credit card is the only option, use it wisely and pay it off at the end of each month.
Here are 3 Tips for Prepping on a Budget
1. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
Prepping on a budget is a journey that involves a good deal of preparation. To find good deals, you have to know what you want before the shopping begins. You have to know your numbers so take the time to “budget-in” your survival supplies. This doesn’t have to be a big number, just a number you can comfortably afford. Whether it’s twenty bucks or one hundred spend what is comfortable for you. So many people get caught up in having everything they need really quickly. That’s normal. It’s a reasonable response to knowing you need to be prepared for the unexpected, but it’s good for your wallet and your peace of mind to take your time and plan your purchases.
Once you know what you can spend each month, you have more choices. You can save up over the course of a few months and invest in big ticket items, like power solutions, vehicles and other equipment. A good way to stay on course with a budget is to be consistent. Save each month for your survival supplies. You will amass more than you can imagine in a short while with consistency.
Besides, emergencies can also be in the form of an economic collapse as well. Knowing your numbers is essential. Having a little “just in case” money is a good strategic move and you can even integrate a long-term savings plan by investing in valuable assets.
2. SEARCH FOR HIDDEN SURVIVAL DEALS ONLINE
Just because you look for sales and promotional deals online doesn’t mean you are a cheapskate. It means you are smart. These days, with the click of a mouse we can search thousands of retailers online and compare pricing, read product and user reviews, and even watch videos of someone who already has what you want and see the tool or product in action! It’s pretty amazing.
Being frugal can take some work though. You can develop a habit of searching your favorite online retailers for specials when holidays roll around. Holiday sales promotions help retailers make revenue and also incentivize customers to shop, so it’s a win/win. Some retailers may offer percentages off and some may offer rebates. High-ticket items may not go on sale frequently, but if you are consistently searching for deals on specific survival products chances are, you will find the deal you are looking for just in time.
Before you buy, be sure to join the mailing lists of your favorite online retailers. Many businesses will offer a special savings to a “subscriber” or a fan connected through the company’s social media or website. Also, many businesses are advertising online, so if you begin searching for certain “prepper” products online you will likely be targeted by companies that sell the exact products you’ve been researching. Just remember to determine your budget properly before you start and do appropriate research so when the right deal comes along you will be ready to buy.
3. CHANNEL YOUR INNER (PREPPER) PENNY PICHER
Clipping coupons has made a huge comeback. In a depressed economy, coupons can be your best friend. Finding coupons online often deliver savings with a “coupon code” to use during the check out process of a purchase. Finding coupons in the local paper encourages local buyers an incentive to go directly to the retail location to cash in on the savings.
In many cities the local newspaper may offer coupons on many practical items that would be a good fit for building your storage with supplies including some toiletries, food and paper goods. These are great things to find on sale in many stores locally. Even supermarkets will run sales periodically on practical “prepper” necessities, so keep an eye out for the items your family needs.
Simply develop a regular habit of finding coupons and deals wherever you go…within reason. Some items are worth paying full price for, but know which products those are and take the necessary steps to prepare for a large purchase by sticking to your budget. Try clipping coupons as often as possible and soon searching for savings will become a good, frugal habit.
Ask yourself…Can you “buy in bulk” at a store near you? Does it make sense to fix something instead of buying a replacement? Do you have access to second hand stores? Ideally, your response to all of the questions was “yes”. These choices are ideal for frugal preppers.
If being thrifty sounds daunting, try beginning with these three tactics to get the most out of your preparations. Devote time consistently to these three things and accomplishing your goal will become easier than you think.
