How to Budget for Prepping Without Going Broke

Use Your Advantage Wisely

Let's talk about money and prepping, because I don't want anyone going broke trying to prepare.

Here's the thing about being a professional prepper: you have an advantage. You can afford to actually do this quickly and efficiently. So let's use that advantage wisely.

It's Not About Percentage of Income

It's about what disposable income you can afford — monthly or weekly — to put toward this.

Think of it like insurance. What are you willing to pay for peace of mind? For me, those are connected. Prepping is just another type of insurance policy.

Unlike many people, most of us in this audience can afford to throw some money at the project to get started. So do that. Get your core items and get going.

But don't go into debt doing it. This should be your disposable income — what you can afford without creating financial stress.

Our Approach: Buy Good, Then Upgrade to Great

I personally prefer to get good items that I know will last. But I didn't start with the most expensive version of everything.

Here's what I mean: I bought a quality solar generator for about $800 to see if it would work for our needs. It did. Then I upgraded over time to expand capacity. Now? Now I have a solar roof on my home. :)

This isn't "start cheap." This is "start with something good, then build from there."

My advice: Buy slowly as you're able. But if you have the budget, decide what core items you can get quickly and just do those things.

Now That I'm Mostly Maintaining

I buy when I see sales. I keep items on my Amazon wishlist and use CamelCamelCamel to track prices so I know what's actually a good deal.

The key is knowing the difference between "good deal" and "just on sale." A mediocre product at 30% off is still mediocre.

Have I Overspent?

Well... define overspending.

A freeze-dried food company went out of business and my wife bought everything at 75% off. She bought a TON. But we looked at it like buying groceries, because we genuinely love the freeze-dried items we bought. Apples, peaches, blueberries, broccoli — these are our favorite snacks. We eat these instead of chips.

So was that overspending? Or just stocking up on food we actually eat?

Here's a mindset shift: you're not always "buying prepping supplies." You're just buying household necessities or groceries. What's your grocery budget? Mine is not cheap... so food like this works. (It's actually cheaper than the Trader Joe's snacks)

The Dual-Purpose Bonus for Efficient Spending

Many prep items serve double duty:

• Camping gear = bug-out gear
• Chest freezer = food storage AND regular groceries
• Solar generator = emergency power AND camping/tailgating
• Extra pantry food = just stocking up on things you eat

This is a nice bonus, but it's not a requirement. Some preps are just preps. That's okay too. You can spend the money on these. But be smart about it. Remember... insurance!

Most Importantly — Don't Go Into Debt

I'll say it again: don't go into debt for preps.

Yes, even you can spend enough to have a problem.

I know you can afford things. But there's a difference between "can afford" and "smart." If you're putting preps on credit cards and carrying a balance, you've defeated the entire purpose of financial security.

Buy what you can. Build steadily. Your foundation is more important than having everything at once.