As we all know prepping can be a very expensive endeavor. By the time you buy a gun and some ammo you could easily burn through a thousand dollars! Groceries are expected to go up due to inflation very soon and gas is still hovering around $4 a gallon. What’s a prepper to do?
Here’s a guest post by Gat31 with some good ideas about how to stock up without breaking the bank.
-Jarhead Survivor
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Hi all! It’s Gat31 again.
l’ve been noticing a common theme lately, which l can relate to all too well,
is people wanting to know how to prep on a budget. Well, l don’t know if there is a definitive answer, but l
can give you tips and tricks l’ve been practicing and maybe others can help as well.
First and foremost, make a list. You can divide it into sub categories, or just keep it as one big list but either way
make one. My categories are Water, Food, Gear, Medicine, Defense.
WATER: Several things come to mind here. There’s filter systems, purifying tablets, jugs, etc. l have a well,
but it’s electric. l tried to get a solar panel set up to pump it up, but it was just WAAAYY to expensive. I
also bought a hand pump but found out my well is too deep for it to work. So l wait for sales and buy 24 packs
at 2.99 instead. l also live near a bee farm so l got a $275 gallon food grade container for 20 dollars. It’s full in
the yard as we speak. They usually sell for $150.00. l also have gone to bent and dent stores and got 10 bottles for a
dollar. Amazon has a nice water purifier for around $50 and it’s very cool. You just put the tube in the water
and pump the water through the filter and it fills your water bottle with clean water. It’s on my Christmas wish list :)
FOOD: This one is fairly easy. Sales, coupons, and just buy an extra can or two every time you shop. I
have to say here l get a little help. My friend delivers papers so l get coupons from him, and my mom
goes to a paper recycling dumpster at her church and gets coupons there as well. Between sales and coupons,
we got 26 Mac and Cheese pouches and 2 Yakisoba (ramen noodles) for 10.75. The Mac and Cheese is normally
$2.99 a pouch so when people tell you coupons don’t pay, it’s a load of crap. At full retail that was $79.52. Even
if it took 3 hours to gather, cut, and drive to store to buy, that’s $22.92 an hour. I don’t know about all of
ya’ll, but that’s a lot more than l make an hour. Even if you just budget say 2 hours a week on coupons, you
might just find it’s worth the time.
GEAR: This one is a little bit harder for me since most gear is very expensive. However l have found that there
are still cheaper ways to get things without settling on the cheap stuff. I’m sure all of ya’ll have or know of a flea
market fairly close to you, but if you’re fortunate to find a smaller one, that would be the one to hit. We have a couple big fancy ones and the prices are not that great compared to department stores. But, at the smaller one l
have found great bargains because these are people usually selling personal items. For example l just got
a Winchester fishing multi tool for 10 dollars. Found it on Amazon for $23.62. l also got the old
fashioned cast iron cooking pots and pans for $2.00 each. At the big flea market they were $12.00. Yard sales are
sometimes good too. Many wives will clean out a garage and sell husbands things without knowing what
they are for very cheap. Plus with Jarhead giving us DIY projects all the time, you never know how
something you thought was useless can turn into something great. l took a walk around my house and
really looked at the things we use now and decided how to make things without electricity do the same job.
Those are the items on my list, and that’s how l look for stuff.
MEDICINE: Well if you are on prescription meds, sometimes you can get your doctor to prescribe 90 days
at a time instead of 30. As for over the counter meds,this is where sales and coupons again come in handy.
Also, think about people you know: do you know a nurse? Doctor? Receptionist? A lot of time they can help
you with medical supplies like bandages, salves,and gloves to name a few. Sometimes you have to think
outside the box a bit, but you would be surprised at what you can get if you just ask. Also Herbs can be used in
many ways. Might be worth the investment to have a few in pots around the house or yard.
DEFENSE: Now this one is the hardest one for me to do with a budget. Since l know pretty much nothing
about guns, have cut myself with my folding pocket knife, and have yet to hit one single squirrel with my
slingshot, l figure l’m pretty much screwed. So unless l find someone with a personal ad (looking for single
male with own arsenal for shtf – help, maybe more) l have decided the pawn shops are the best place. Many of
them will do a lay-a-way program and some here even offer gun classes and conceal certification. Also
signing up with online sporting good stores sites will get you sale fliers and offers too. Just a side note too,
if anyone lives near the Ardmore Tenn/Alabam line, they have a flea market there on Mondays and many people
sell rifles and stuff there. (At least they used to.) If all else fails, nail guns can be lethal and cheap. :)
So those are just a few things that might help everyone out there. Anyone else know of ideas, feel
free to offer them. Happy prepping!
Good article, Gat31!
Once the need for prepping is realized, too many people rush out and begin acquiring supplies using their credit cards. This is counter productive and could hurt their efforts in the long run.
It’s much better to make a list of what you need, prioritize the list, and then begin chipping away at it as best you can. Use coupons and store sales and sites like thegrocerygame.com to methodically add to your coffers. Save up for the larger purchases like the water filters, handguns, etc.
Thanks! Joe
Thank you Joe makes me feel good to know l might actually help others trying to get ready for whatever.
Gat31, try going to local gun shows. You can buy used guns and ammo there. It would probably be much cheaper than a pawn shop, plus you can check prices among the many dealers that are set up there. Some dealers sell used military clothing, packs and new mre’s. You can also pick up 50 cal. ammo cans, good for ammo and many other uses
Thanks lone l will try that. Heard you can get descent knives sometimes there too l’m just GONNA have to break down and go to one!
Personally, I think the wimmens that sell off hubby’s stuff WITHOUT their permission is automatic grounds for divorce, hubby keeps all the community property.
Just kidding – sorta. :^)
Those are good tips gat31, much obliged for the write up. I do agree with your opinion of the big flea markets – prices there are getting pretty proud, it can be a challenge to find a bargain (except for clothes – they still sell pretty inexpensively). The tool selection there – most of the old American made isn’t there anymore, replaced by cheap Chinese tools that break pretty quickly with hard use. Yard, moving and estate sales can find you some things priced lower. But you have to do some looking.
Firearms – that IS a hard one, if the pawn shop owner is a friend, you can definitely save some big money.
I would not purchase used cast iron cookware. You don’t know what yahoo used them for melting lead, etc.
Good point, Seth. I’ve got plenty of used Cast Iron cookware but most of it was handed down to me from family.
Lodge is of course the industry leader and the de facto standard in Cast Iron cookware. But I have has some good success with other brands. I once bought a set of 5 pieces of American Camper brand cast iron pots and pans for $15, new in box. After a good seasoning, they’ve been great.
If I have the money, though, the safer bet is Lodge.
Joe
Just na FYI from an ole country boy. If your well is “too deep” for a hand pump, it is likley that the pump just needs to be “primed” IDk if anyone told you that or pointed it out, but what you need to do is to fill the pump and the pipe running down all the way full until it reaches the water down in the well. This will create a hermattic seal and a preasure differential that will will allow the pump to have enough consistant suction to raise the water that high. IF the pump stops, that means you “lost your prime” and got air in the pipe between you and the water. Your hand pump should work even on a deep well if it is primed and installed right. Try this and see if it works:)
l’ve been told the deeper well is not necessarily the beginning of the water, just where there is more water. l was told(after l wrote this) a new pipe could probably be put in and water found at a shallower level. So guess what just got moved to top of my get done list :)
i always enjoy reading what you have to say, Gat. keep saying it.
the only prep item that someone should be in a rush to buy, should probably be a synthetic fill sleeping bag. (rated for the coldest weather, that occurs in the area you call home) if you can find a clean used one, fine. i search out all my other gear, at flea markets, yard sales etc. making this happen on a budget adds to the satisfaction. (but if i know i really, really need it, i’ll buy it new)
the things you will want/need beyond a sleeping bag, and a jug of clean water, will require some permanent place to keep it, or some way to cart it all around.
Synthetic fill bags are good for cold weather and as a plus they generally retain most of the warming value even after getting wet. The down side is that they are much more bulky than their goose down counterparts. The don’t compress well at all.
Down on the other hand can compress down to just a fraction of its original size in a compression sack. But if it gets wet, it looses all warming value and you’ll have a miserable night of shivering.
Joe
I’ve used both over the years and finally settled on the synthetic mummy bags. I camp out in all seasons and having a nice warm bag is critical!
Both are good. I’ve gravitated toward the goose down since they compress and we do a fair amount of backpacking.
We went camping the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day when it got down into the single digits. My zero degree F down mummy bag was toasty warm.
Since there is no real standard for measuring the rating number though, you’ve got to be a bit careful.
Yall ever consider camping when it’s warm? Yall kill me with camping when/where there is snow on purpose! LOL When l was 15 we moved to Tennessee, it snowed, everyone said “wow this is the mildest winter we ever had!” We moved back home! l swear l don’t know how anyone can live in that stuff! Good luck to ya. (personally the marlboro thermo sleeping bags they gave out back in 96-97 l think was awesome!)
Hey Gat – the temperature here in Maine just finally went over 70 degrees yesterday. The sun is finally shining and we’re all happy to see high temps again! Actually, here at the coast where I work it’s only about 65, but it’s still warm and breezy. I lived in NC for a few years while I was in the Corps and I nearly died.
One time I was sitting in a barracks with two floor fans blowing on me and I was sweating like crazy. This guy from Georgia came up to me and said, “What’s wrong with ya’ll?” I said, “I’m hot.” He could tell by my accent I wasn’t from the south and he asked where I was from. I told him Maine and he turned and yelled to the rest of the squad, “Hey Ya’ll! Look! It’s frosty the snowman and he’s melting!”
There’s a comedian born every minute, I swear.
That’s a good point Joe. I used a bag that were rated for -30 and felt cold when it only went down to about -10. Not a fun way to spend a night! And I’m used to the cold, so it wasn’t about that.
exactly. (i was repeating good advice i read on another site)
i have a feather filled mummy bag. the first time i used it i was wearing too much clothing. i perspired, and ended up being very cold. i will get synthetic for myself next time, and for my family members. a secure bed, and something to keep it dry, (like a house, or a tarp) is a universal survival need. you can die from exposure before thirst.
now that i think about it, i do recall Gat31 saying she lived in a warmer place… i personally love the snow. (YMMV) if we get enough snow, i don’t have to go to school… i’ve never forgotten the joy of a snow day. (even though it’s been many years since i’ve actually had to go to school) in your case Gat, i’d substitute “mosquito netting”, or “tornado and flood resistant concrete safe room” for the sleeping bag.
Hey it got into the 20′s l think about 4 times last winter! Yes l bout froze to death but it didn’t come with snow. No shoveling, no wet clothes and shoes, no crazy accidents, etc.
The worst thing we have in Florida is hurricanes and yankees who retire and try to drive! LMAO Hurricanes l can prep for….
That’s right, irishdutchuncle. It’s the old rule of three.
3 minutes without air
3 hours without shelter (in many places)
3 days without water
3 weeks without food
3 seconds without hope
where Gat31 lives, the hypothermia danger is mostly over. (watch out if it’s damp and below the mid 60′s Farenheit)
bugs, excessive heat and snakes (unless poisonous) will only make you wish you were dead in the short term. it won’t be long however until hyperthermia takes over as a killer, in the major cities. it’s good to equip the BOV with air conditioning.
Good thoughts. I’m pretty fortunate to have a good job and already went on the debt reduction plan years ago. Still, incremental income is finite so here’s what I have done. Cast iron pots and pans with questionable history can be sandblasted clean (at brother-in-law’s junk yard). Then wash them and re-season. I’ve picked up canned goods at Sam’s and Aldi’s. You save per can so can buy more. The Dollar Store has good priced on OTC meds. I have bought the less available stuff like bandage scissors & gauze on-line thru Allegro. They are way cheaper than the drug store.
One thing I regret. A friend and I went together to a local gun dealer and got a “deal” by buying our AR-15′s together (Bushmasters). We bought basic, no frills models. I have since spent hundreds in upgrades. If you go for the tactical rifle, wait until you can afford one with the features you want. It is cheaper in the long run. And until you have a decent .22 rifle, shotgun, concealable pistol and functional bolt action rifle, you really don’t need a tactical rifle. I just wanted one. Then save you pennies until you can get some training in proper shooting techniques. If you are a neophite, the NRA basic courses are great. If you think you know how to shoot, even competative target shooters, take a defensive shooting class. The skills are every bit as important as the gear. Good luck.
I moved back to the South about six years ago, and began preparations in earnest. I’m thankful I that I already had firearms, else I would have been truly starting from scratch.
Gat,
After making an initial investment in ammo, food items, and medical items, I developed a disciplined approach that works over time. Every payday (twice a month) I went to the store and bought a box of ammo and twenty-bucks of the proverbial beans and band-aids.
Seeing how far you can stretch that twenty-dollar bill is half the fun. It’s built up nicely over the years. For those just starting…hopefully we have years left.
Of course I made purchases of big ticket items when I was able. But I stuck rigidly to the “payday” plan for beans, bullets, and band-aids.
I have never been able to hit anything with a slingshot.
I lent mine to by little boy’s grandma. She is using it to chase off deer. I halfway expect her to take one down.
You may not think this to be likely, but she will grab a garden hoe and go after a copperhead in a flash – she is well into her 80s.
l can’t either but man my granma used to sit on her back steps and knock em off like nothing when they would get into her grapes or pecans. As for snakes? faget about it! l can be Shera and pick up anything to kill those buggers with!
Thank you GAT31 for an informative article.
On the Defense/Firearms topic, if there is a gun range (private or public) near you I would suggest joining or signing up for the various gun safety and shooting classes which most ranges offer. Also, your states’ game and fish department probably also offers gun/hunter safety courses. These courses are great ways to introduce yourself to some of the nicest people you will meet.
In my experience, hunters and gun enthusiasts are almost universally willing to help newcomers to their sport and will give you all sorts of tips, training and advice. Also, they would be your best source for quality, used firearms.
Good point, Jeff. When your life depends on it is no time to learn how to use a weapon. At best you’ll miss. At worst, you’ll hurt yourself or someone else.
Joe
l have a friend who has a 22 reuger and he let’s me practice shooting balloons at his farm. It’s the handgun l worry about getting but it’s still on my to get list :) Trust me l will definately get training on it because right now l don’t even want to hold one much less shoot it but l understand need over fear and hope to get past both of those soon.
Hey gat31 – Yeah, my wife used to have much the same feelings about handguns. But over the years she’s changed her mind about them. In fact she posted the story of her change in thinking recently over on our site.
Joe
changing ones mind can be difficult.
your attitude about firearms is entirely understandable. except in places like this, it is how right thinking people are encouraged to believe. (we’re not being judgemental here)
a firearm, and the proper intentions about using it, are more helpful than not, for people who wish to survive when it’s possible to do so. (some situations can not be survived, firearms or no firearms)
we also know, that when seconds count, the police are only minutes away. you know that in those minutes, YOYO. (You’re utterly and completely On Your OWN…)
sometimes visualization can help. http://www.a-human-right.com/ Oleg Volk’s website, has images of women willing to defend themselves, when they’re on their own. (in contrast to “right thinkers” who would have them be victims instead.
I would like to see an article on Alcohol stills , making booze will be a fantastic barter item . Also I would be curious about the practicality of a still for making fuel . Might be a good thing to know when gas is non existent .
I always tell people who are starting out and have a limited amount of funds for gear to improvise until they can upgrade . This means the dollar store , yard sales ( you be surprised what you find at them ) , flea markets ( got a good 2qt canteen for $2 ) etc . be creative . Im not a PC guy so this advise may not be for everybody : If you live in the southwest , go to Mexico to get meds ! …. no prescription needed , no BS , jut tell them what you want and how many , haggle with price ( hard thing to get used to being from our culture ) cash and carry . Easy . If your worried , take a few empty prescription bottles with you and transfer your purchase before you come back across . Just sayin , if your not trying to take a suitcase full back , you wont have any problems , use your head about that .
I usually dont like plugging places but this place is great for firearms , Dont know how he does it but… I got one of my Rugers for $300 less than I could find it locally . http://www.budsgunshop.com/
Another place I have actually found deals is ebay …..yes I know ..but.. once I find out what I want , go to the manufacture’s web site and see how much they want for it , plus shipping cost , and locally , then go on ebay and see if somebody has one for sale . I got a few Leathermans this way . They are ” used ” ( I cant tell ) for a lot cheaper than I could find where I live . most likely , somebody’s wife was making him get rid of some of his crap that he keeps collecting lol . Some people are like that …. ME !
First of all, thanks for the tips Gat!
Another great way to get gear inexpensively is to visit your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other thrift store. i was at Goodwill the day before yesterday and picked up a Kelty external frame backpack in great condition for 8 bucks! And there’s always plenty of kitchen ware available if you’re looking for it. If you live in a small community, make it a point to stop by these stores when you visit the city. especially the stores in the middle class neighborhoods.
And since you mentioned coupons, I watched a show called “extreme couponing” last week. These people were getting hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars of food and supplies for usually less than 50 bucks, sometimes free. While those are “extreme” examples, if you can get say a hundred packs of TP for the sales tax, who is to say you’re extreme?