Picture this: Your local news just reported an incoming storm that would cut the power supply and water for three days. The grocery stores would be emptied within hours. Would you be prepared. This scenario, among other emergency situations, is why prepping is becoming popular these days. In this article, we are going to dive deep into how you can set a realistic monthly prepping budget and ensure you’re well-prepared for such eventualities.
Understanding Prepping
Prepping is the practice of making preparations for potential future disasters or emergencies. It involves accumulating supplies, skills, and knowledge that could help you survive situations such as natural disasters, pandemics, or even financial crises.
According to a survey by Finder. com, an estimated 68 million Americans have participated in some form of prepping activity. Furthermore, the American Prepper Network reports that the average prepper spends between $400 and $600 a year on prepping supplies. The importance of prepping cannot be overstated. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death in certain scenarios.
Breaking Down Your Budget
The first step in creating a realistic monthly prepping budget is understanding your financial situation. Your income, bills, necessities, and savings goals are all factors to consider when allocating money for prepping. Remember, prepping should not put you in debt – it’s about preparing for the future, not jeopardizing it.
Budgeting for prepping is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The amount you allocate will largely depend on your current financial situation and your perceived level of risk. But how much should you allocate. While there’s no set rule, a good starting point is to dedicate 1-5% of your monthly income to prepping. If your monthly income is $3000, for instance, you would allocate $30 to $150 for prepping.
Essential prepping items and Their Costs
The next step is knowing what supplies to invest in. Essential prepping items can range from food, water, medical supplies, to survival gear and tools.
A report from the FEMA suggests that the average American household should have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person. Prices for these items can vary widely, but on average, expect to spend around $5-$10 per person per day for food and water.
Medical supplies such as first aid kits can range from $20 to $100 depending on the comprehensiveness of the kit. Survival gear such as flashlights, generators, and emergency radios can be a one-time investment ranging anywhere from $20 to several hundred dollars.
The costs can add up, but remember, prepping is a gradual process; you don’t have to buy everything at once. The aim is to slowly build up your supplies over time while staying within your budget.
In the next section, we’ll discuss practical tips on how to save money while prepping and how to adjust your budget to accommodate your prepping needs.
Tips for Budget-Friendly Prepping
Now that you have an idea of what prepping really looks like and which essentials to prioritize (as covered in Part 1), it’s time to talk about how to make prepping work for your wallet. Prepping doesn’t have to mean spending thousands of dollars upfront or blowing your monthly budget. In fact, some of the best preppers are also the savviest bargain hunters.
1. Prioritize and Plan:
One of the most effective ways to keep prepping affordable is to make a detailed list of your needs and prioritize them. Start with high-impact, low-cost items: water storage, basic first aid, shelf-stable foods, and a flashlight. Only move on to bigger ticket items once you’ve covered the basics. Remember that prepping is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Look for Sales and Discounts:
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, coupons, and bulk discounts at major retailers and warehouse clubs. For example, non-perishable foods and batteries often go on sale after the holidays or during back-to-school promotions. Signing up for store loyalty programs or using cash-back apps can trim your spending even further.
3.
Buy Used or DIY:
Many prepping essentials—like camping stoves, tools, or even canning supplies—can be found gently used at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Additionally, some items such as emergency candles or water storage containers can be DIY projects, saving you money while building your skills.
4. Rotate and Maintain:
Don’t forget to periodically check your supplies for expiration dates and rotate food and water stocks. This will help you avoid waste and unnecessary repurchasing. Maintaining your gear (like sharpening knives or recharging batteries) can also prevent costly replacements down the road.
Adjusting Your Budget for Prepping
Sticking to a prepping budget can feel tricky, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or managing other financial priorities. But with a little creativity, it’s absolutely possible—and rewarding.
Step 1: Start Small.
If the idea of spending even $50 a month on prepping feels overwhelming, don’t worry. Many successful preppers start by setting aside just $10 or $20 each month. Over a year, that still adds up: $20/month grows to $240 in supplies—enough for a basic emergency kit and a solid stash of food and water.
Step 2: Leverage “Found” Money.
Tax refunds, birthday cash, or savings from canceling an unused subscription. Instead of spending it all, direct a small portion to your prepping fund. Even $5 or $10 here and there can help you reach your prepping goals faster.
Step 3: Substitute, Don’t Add.
Instead of buying extra groceries, try substituting some of your weekly meal budget for shelf-stable alternatives you can store for emergencies. For example, buy a few extra cans of soup or beans each time you shop, instead of splurging on more perishable items.
Step 4: Involve the Family.
Make prepping a family affair. Challenge your household to find the best deals, or dedicate a “prepping night” to DIY projects like making fire starters or assembling first aid kits.
This not only spreads the workload, but it also helps everyone understand the value and necessity of prepping.
Prepping by the Numbers: Key Statistics
If you’re wondering how your prepping journey stacks up to the rest of the country, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at some numbers that highlight the growing trend—and the realities—of prepping in America:
- Prepping Participation: According to a 2022 survey from Finder. com, over 1 in 4 Americans (about 68 million people) have engaged in prepping activities, whether it’s stockpiling food or learning survival skills.
- Monthly Prepping Budget: The American Prepper Network reports that the average U. prepper spends between $35 and $50 a month on supplies. That’s in line with the earlier recommendation of 1-5% of your monthly income.
- Most Common Purchases: The top prepping items include bottled water, canned goods, batteries, flashlights, and first aid kits. In fact, FEMA found that nearly 70% of Americans keep bottled water in their homes for emergencies, but only 44% have a dedicated emergency kit.
- Preparedness Gaps: Despite awareness, only about 39% of U. households have a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water per person—meaning there’s still room for improvement when it comes to preparedness.
These stats show that while interest in prepping is high, consistent monthly budgeting is key to closing the gap between intention and actual preparedness.
Now that you know how to prep smartly on a budget and understand how your efforts fit into the bigger picture, it’s time to dig deeper into the world of prepping. In Part 3, we’ll share fun and surprising facts about prepping, introduce you to a leading expert in the field, and answer your top prepping FAQs. Keep reading—you might just discover a new prepping tip or two that will take your readiness to the next level.
As we transition from Part 2 of this series, where we discussed budget-friendly tips for prepping and looked at key statistics related to prepping in America, let’s now explore some interesting facts about this growing practice. We’ll also spotlight a relevant blogger/expert in the field who can give you even more insights and inspiration.
Fun Facts About Prepping
- The Prepper Market Is Growing: The global market for prepper supplies is projected to reach $11. 7 billion by 2026, according to a report by Grand View Research.
- There’s a National Preppers and Survivalists Expo: This two-day event, held in different cities across the U. , showcases prepping and survival skills, products, and seminars.
- Preppers Are Diverse: Preppers come from all walks of life, including urban apartment dwellers, suburban homeowners, and rural farmers.
- There Are Prepping TV Shows: The National Geographic Channel’s “Doomsday Preppers” and Netflix’s “Preppers” are two popular shows that focus on the lifestyle.
- Some Preppers Plan for Decades: While many preppers aim for a three-month supply of goods, some plan for scenarios that could last several years or even decades.
- Prepping Is Not Just About Food and Water: Preppers also focus on self-sufficiency skills, such as gardening, hunting, and home repairs.
- Preppers Have Their Own Language: Terms like “bugging out” (leaving a dangerous area) and “SHTF” (an acronym for when a major disaster hits) are part of the prepper vernacular.
- The Internet Is a Goldmine for Preppers: From forums and blogs to YouTube channels and online stores, there’s a wealth of online resources for preppers.
- Books Are Popular in the Prepper Community: Many preppers have a library of survival guides and manuals for reference.
- Prepping Is Global: While it’s particularly popular in the U. , prepping is practiced all over the world, wherever people are concerned about potential disasters.
Author Spotlight: Lisa Bedford, The Survival Mom
Lisa Bedford, known as The Survival Mom, is a leading figure in the prepper community. She started her blog, The Survival Mom, in 2009 to share her knowledge about prepping with other families.
Bedford holds training sessions, provides online resources, and has written a best-selling book, “Survival Mom: How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters and Worst-Case Scenarios. ” Her approach to prepping focuses on practicality and family safety, rather than fearmongering. Bedford offers a refreshing perspective, making her a go-to source for those looking to start or refine their prepping journey.
There you have it. By now, you should have a good understanding of the basics of prepping, how to budget for it, and some fun facts about this helpful and proactive lifestyle. So, what’s next. Stay tuned for Part 4, where we’ll delve into some frequently asked questions about prepping. From how to store your supplies to what to do when a disaster strikes, we’ll provide the answers to ensure you’re fully prepared for any situation.
FAQ Section: 10 Questions and Answers About Prepping
1. How much food and water should I store for emergencies.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends storing at least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food per person.
2.
What are the basic items I need for emergency preparedness.
The most essential items are water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-operated radio, and basic tools. Additional items might include personal hygiene products, copies of important documents, cash, and supplies for pets if you have them.
3. How often should I rotate my prepping supplies.
Non-perishable food and water should be rotated every six months. Check dates on medical supplies and batteries and rotate as needed.
4. Can I prep on a tight budget.
Absolutely. Prepping on a budget is entirely possible. Start slow, prioritize your needs, take advantage of sales and discounts and consider DIY solutions.
5. What skills should I learn for prepping.
Basic first aid, gardening, simple home repair, and outdoor survival skills like starting a fire and finding water are all valuable skills for preppers.
6. Should I tell others about my prepping.
This is a personal decision. Some preppers choose to keep their activities private to avoid potential security issues. Others share their experiences to encourage preparedness within their community.
7. Where can I learn more about prepping.
You can find a wealth of information online through blogs, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to prepping. Books on survival and emergency preparedness are also great resources.
8. How do I prepare for specific disasters.
Research the most common disasters in your area, then plan accordingly. For example, if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, securing heavy furniture and having a plan for immediate shelter is crucial.
9. How can I involve my family in prepping.
Make it a family affair. Have family meetings to discuss plans, assign responsibilities, and practice emergency drills. You can also involve the family in building and maintaining your emergency supplies.
10. Should I have a bug-out bag.
Yes. A bug-out bag is a portable kit that contains the items one would require to survive for seventy-two hours when evacuating from a disaster.
As the Bible says in Proverbs 27:12 NKJV, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished. ” This verse underlines the wisdom of prepping; seeing the potential for disaster, and preparing accordingly, is a prudent course of action.
Outreach Mention: Lisa Bedford (The Survival Mom)
Looking to learn more about prepping. Visit Lisa Bedford’s blog, The Survival Mom, for expert advice, resources, and practical tips for beginners and seasoned preppers alike. Bedford’s approach to prepping focuses on practicality and family safety, making her a trusted authority in the world of preppers.
Strong Conclusion: Be Prepared, Start Today.
In conclusion, prepping is a practical, proactive way to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your family during unexpected emergencies. From setting a realistic monthly prepping budget to understanding the essentials, learning how to save without compromising on preparedness, and getting a glimpse into the world of prepping, we hope this guide has empowered you on your prepping journey.
Remember, prepping is not a one-time task but a lifestyle choice. Start small, be consistent, and over time, you will find yourself well-prepared for whatever life throws at you. The key lies in starting today. As the old Chinese proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.