You never know what’s going to happen. But, lately, I’ve had so many questions from those I know that have never been interested in preparedness before, asking how they can help themselves out on the cheap because they honestly “feel” like something is coming.

Again, if you feel like something is coming, you are not alone, and don’t classify yourself as crazy! In fact,t it is never crazy to be prepared for an emergency. If you want to start preparing now, there is never a better time, so don’t put it off.  Because of that, these are a few frugal prepping tips I have followed to stock up on when funds are tight.

1. Go to the Dollar Store – It doesn’t matter if you have a Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or a Family Dollar; these stores are excellent resources for preppers on a budget. We wrote an article on 30 frugal prepping items you can get at the Dollar store, but you can also look for mini sewing kits, batteries, packed shelf-stable foods, canned foods, and soaps. I also often scout for laundry detergent, bottled water, and canning jars as well. If they have socks or deodorant, it never hurts to grab some of those either. (I suggest aluminum-free deodorant, but use your own judgment on this one.) The best tip I can give to new preppers who are on a budget is to go to your local dollar store.

2. Wal-Mart Clearance – I don’t have a Wal-Mart anywhere near my house, but, if you do, I suggest going to the clearance section and grabbing things that may be useful.  You never know what you’ll need, but can often find twine of varying quality, Epsom salts, lotions, soaps, and cleaning supplies.  I do this at the grocery store too.  I don’t eat boxed flaked potatoes, but if they are on clearance, I buy all the boxes to store just in case in my prepper pantry. Here is a basic first time shopping list for preppers.

3. Do an Audit – I know this is time-consuming and unfun, but supply inventory is a must in order to know what you have and what you need to stock up on. Think about it, you are trying to stay ahead of the disaster and prepare for any situation possible. Therefore, you should know if there is no fuel in a lighter or your matches have gotten wet and will not work anymore. Audit your supplies, and make sure they are in working order. Count the cans of each food, make sure your spices have not gotten moisture in them, and check any foods you have canned. We do this every few months, just to make sure.

4. Stock Up On Animal Food– While prepping, it’s easy to forget that our furry and feathered friends need to eat too. When I make a regular trip to Tractor Supply for pet food, I grab an extra bag for each to keep on hand. If there’s a sale, get more than that, as your budget will allow. We try to have 3 spare bags of duck food because we eat their eggs only.  (I promised the kids we would not eat their ducks. They love them like pets, and we treat them as such, but there’s nothing wrong with having ducks for meat. To each their own. Prepare for your situation, not mine.) If you intend to use your ducks as meat, you may not want to stock up on as much food, as you can just butcher them when they run out.

5. Learn How To Get Water From Your Well – There are so many resources online detailing ways you can set up an easy system to et water. If you don’t have a well, please consider stocking up on bottled water or purchasing a Lifestraw. You never know, especially in 2020 when life could throw the ultimate curveball and the water supply could be shut off, contaminated, or the power goes out eliminating your ability to have access to water.

Hopefully, these tips will help you be able to begin prepping even if you’re on a budget. We should all do our best, and as I’ve said before, many people have expressed that they “feel” like something bigger is coming.  Whether something is going to take place or not is irrelevant. You can eliminate the fear by making sure you are peppered for anything, even if you are limited financially.