Prepping On a Budget

Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash

I am a secret prepper. I believe we should all prepare for the unexpected as much as we possibly can. This virus outbreak just confirmed that for me. 

We don't know how long this is going to last or how it's going to affect our economy and food supply. I am not being paranoid. I am simply thinking ahead to what I can do to ensure my family's survival. I am thinking about this with a calm mind and a rational outlook. 

It's better to think practical rather than an overly optimistic outlook simply because we have never experienced anything like this before. 

So how can you prep on a budget?

1. Take an inventory of what you already have on hand.This will keep you from buying something you already have. Anything you don't need, sell and use the cash to buy what you need.
2. Get serious with your budget. Cut out all non-essentials for the time being. You need your          money to work for you: keep a roof over your head, food, and utilities. This is the time to get back to basics. You can add the extras back at a later time!
3. Decide how much you can spare from your budget to use to obtain prepper supplies. Even if it's only $5-10, it's better than doing nothing at all.
4. Buy foods your family will eat & are used to, otherwise you'll be wasting money and resources.
5. Stock up on sale items so you will get the most bang for your money. Use coupons if applicable.
6. For what you lack in money, invest time in becoming more knowledgeable about survivalist techniques. Learn basic survival skills and make it a family learning experience: how to build a fire, how to cook on an open flame, how to keep warm in winter with no power, etc.
7. Try yard sales, thrift shops, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to get items you need inexpensively.
8. Dollar stores have things you can buy to build up your medical supplies for little money: rubbing alcohol, bandages, neosporin, pain relievers/fever reducers, etc. Also good for cleaning supplies and toiletries.

Again, do not panic buy. Stop and think about what you need and what can be improved. Then, make a plan on how you are going to do it. 

Garden, Anyone?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

I've been thinking about starting a container garden and planting a few fruit trees since this virus outbreak has started. With people panic buying, it just makes sense to have access to fresh vegetables and fruits.

Why a container garden? I don't like to weed! We had a garden before and weeding was just the worst. I know me. I will not keep it up. 

It will take a little investment up front: pots, heirloom seeds, potting soil - but it will be a big help in the long run with the grocery bill and if there are food shortages in the future. I'm not trying to be extreme - I just think it is wise to be as prepared as possible. 

It's so rewarding to see the little seeds you planted growing real food that you can eat! We already have Meyer Lemons and Satsuma trees. I'm thinking about adding Apple and Peach trees.

Things you can grow indoors easily: 

•  Carrots
•  Kale
•  Mushrooms
•  Beets
•  Bell Peppers
•  Potatoes
•  Herbs
•  Micro-greens

Don't forget vegetables you can regrow in water:

* The bottom of the vegetable must be intact for this to work.

• Bok choy
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Green onions
• Fennel
• Kohlrabi
• Leeks
• Lemongrass
• Lettuce and heading vegetables such as Napa cabbage

   Also, please visit https://www.burpee.com/ to get more info for newbie gardeners and to order your seeds and fruit trees from. They have been in business since 1876 and have a non-GMO policy. I am NOT an affiliate, it's just a company I recommend.

   One more thing, don't plant things your family won't eat. That would just be a waste of time, money, and food. Start small and build upon it each year to avoid losing money. 

   We are going to try tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, and cabbage. Whatever cannot be used right away I will figure out how to save them with canning or blanching and freezing. The goal is no food waste!

   Will you be starting a garden this year? If so, what are you planting?