I’ve been a little fascinated by the Prepper movement for years and I’m not a survivalist, but just someone who prefers to be prepared for the unexpected. I want to share some ways to prepare for the next Great Depression. Who would have thought people all over the country would be forced to work from home or the massive job losses we saw in 2020. A second great depression could happen so everyone should be as prepared as possible.
It pays to be prepared, or as we kittens call refer to it as "purrpared". No MRE’s or guns for me, just common sense and taking advice from an older generation who grew up during the great depression.
Jump to:
- Put Together an Emergency Fund
- Have cash on hand
- Lower your expenses now
- Food security
- Stock Up on Medicine
- Stock up on Pet Medicine and Food
- Keep the gas tank full
- Home Security
- Water safety and security
- Learn how to grow a kitchen garden
- Consider buying a plot of land
- Buy a Solar Generator
- Try to get out of debt
Some people may tell you to buy precious metals , and for the most part that's good advice, but outside my scope of expertise so I don;t touch on it in this post. Personally, I do buy a silver coin now and then. Just be careful of people touting gold and silver, and check them out to make sure you are buying from a reputable source.
If you want to be as prepared as possible for the worst-case scenario here are a few things to think about.
Put Together an Emergency Fund
Everyone needs an emergency fund, it’s not a matter of if, but, when the unexpected you never thought could happen to you, happens. Really, how many people thought a Pandemic would bring down the system like it did in 2020 and still feel the effect of it in 2021.
Have cash on hand
Now this might be a little fatalistic but… what if…banks are shut, even for a short time you will want to have cash on hand for necessities.
Lower your expenses now
Live below your means. Start lowering your expenses now and living like you don’t have any money. If an economic disaster hits you need to be ready and not shocked and unaware of what you need to do to get by financially.
Read more about living below your means : How to Live on Less on a $2700 a month budget
Food security
Stock up on real food now so you’re scrambling to find a way to put food on the table. Don’t buy MRE’s of survival food buckets, just stock up on things you normally eat. Use it and then replenish, just have a stockpile in the event you lose your job or the supply chain is disrupted, again. Think about healthy pantry meals that can be made with inexpensive or minimal perishable items.
Read more about finding storage space on the post on Tips for the Apartment Prepper in A Small Space
Stock Up on Medicine
Medicine can be expensive so make sure you keep your prescriptions stocked. Most prescriptions can be filled for a 90 day supply. Band aids, aspirin, cold medicine etc. are good to have on hand. When your broke you don’t want to suffer because you need to make a choice between buying cold medicine or food.
Stock up on Pet Medicine and Food
Don’t forget about Fido or Fluffy, stock up on pet food, and supplies and maybe a toy or two.
Read more about preparedness for your Pet at Disaster Planning And Your Pet Emergency Kit
Keep the gas tank full
Again, t might be an extreme, but why not just make sure you keep the gas tank full. If you lose your job and have a full tank of gas, you might not need to fill it up for weeks.
Do you like to sew, then stock up on threads, notions, and fabrics. Whatever your hobby is, then think about the supplies you need to continue. Everyone needs a little diversion and crafting is so relaxing and good for your peace of mind.
Home Security
I’m not a gun’s gal but I do have good locks and alarms on windows, sliding doors, etc. Invest in a home security camera, they are really inexpensive now. If you live in a house, then think about installing motion activated lights.
Water safety and security
You need access to clean drinking water and shouldn’t take for granted that clean and safe water will always come out of the tap. I use a Zero water pitcher and always have 6 months’ worth of filters on
Learn how to grow a kitchen garden
If you have space grow your favorite and most eaten fruits, vegetables and herbs. Buy seeds now before a crisis is in front of you. After the Pandemic hit, I decided to start a garden on my balcony and it was so hard to find basic seeds because everyone else had the same idea! Decide on a simple edible kitchen and purchase the supplies you need before you need them. Garage sales are good places to find inexpensive tools and planters. If your new to gardening check out some great beginner gardening books, podcast or you tube channels.
The gold standard for container gardening is The Vegetable Gardener's Container Bible
Consider buying a plot of land
Image the unimaginable, do you want to be in the city, or in the country? If you like the rural lifestyle then keep a look out for a small piece of land that could be developed or a place to park a camper or RV. I’m not expert but ask your self if you want land that has access to utilities or are you going to pioneer it out with a portable solar generator.
Buy a Solar Generator
If the power grid goes down you will need a way to keep the lights on and small solar generator is safer and cleaner, not to mention quieter. The power from these, depending on the size can power a small fridge and a couple of lights. Also keep a portable car battery charger in the car.
If you own your home consider wiring your house for solar panels now.
Try to get out of debt
Debt is just another name for servitude. Creditors are not your friend and they don’t do anything unless it benefits them. Just remember that one fact. In a worst case scenario you might file for bankruptcy but if you have assets to protect that might not work for you.