On A Budget: Prepping For 5 Bucks

Unless you have deep pockets, and most people don’t, you are going to have to purchase and store your prepping supplies a little at a time.  When your at the store buying clothes for your kids, pick up a pack of batteries.  When you are out picking up dinner at the grocery store, don’t forget to grab a couple of cans of soup.  You get the picture.

How to stretch your prepping dollars

With all this in mind, here is a list of items that you can start buying when your out and about to add to your prepping supplies that will cost you right around 5 bucks.  You would be surprised at how much stuff you can amass when you think to pick up a few extra things a few times a week.

Add in some Aldi coupon codes and your entire grocery bill will shrink, allowing you to save money or get extra supplies.

(Note:  This list comes from other posts and articles of read over time with a couple of items I have added from my own experience.  If you have got any suggestions, please leave a comment and share your knowledge. )

(Note:  I’m aware that the dollar has been devalued such that some items on this list may now far exceed the 5 dollar limit.  Adjust quantities accordingly.)

  • Five packages of instant potatoes
  • A case of ramen noodles (20 pkgs)
  • Five cans of sardines
  • Five gallons of purified water
  • Case of bottled water
  • Four cans of canned fruit
  • 2 jars of mandarin oranges
  • Five pounds of rice
  • Three pounds of spaghetti
  • Two cans of spaghetti sauce
  • Three bags of egg noodles
  • 8 packages of gravy mix
  • Four cans of whole or sliced new potatoes
  • Three cans of g veggies
  • Two cans of Yams
  • Six cans of pork and beans
  • One 40 ounce can of Dinty Moore Beef Stew
  • Two 12 ounce cans of chicken, tuna or roast beef
  • One 1lb canned ham
  • Three cans of refried beans
  • Three 12 oz cans of raviolis or spaghetti O’s.
  • Two 12.5 ounce cans of Salmon
  • Five pounds of Oatmeal
  • Four packages Dinty Moore heat and eat meals
  • 5 packages of corn bread mix
  • Four pounds of Sugar
  • Five pound of Flour
  • 1.5 quarts of cooking oil
  • Three one pound bags of dry beans
  • 2 cans of apple juice
  • 1 jar of peanut butter
  • Two boxes of yeast
  • Two bags of generic breakfast cereal
  • 10 8 oz cans of tomato paste/tomato sauce
  • Four cans of soup
  • 4 cans of Chunky soup
  • 8-10 pounds of Iodized salt
  • Two bottles of garlic powder or other spices
  • Two boxes of kool aid
  • A can of coffee
  • 2 bottles of powdered coffee creamer
  • One manual can opener
  • Two bottles of camp fuel stove
  • 100 rounds of .22lr ammo
  • 25 rounds of 12 ga birdshot or small game loads
  • 20 rounds of Monarch 7.62×39 ammo
  • Spool of 12lb test monofilament fishing line
  • 2 packages of hooks and some sinkers or corks.
  • Artificial lure
  • Two packages of soft plastic worms
  • Three Bic Lighters or two big boxes of matches
  • A package of tea lights
  • 50 ft of para cord
  • Roll of duct tape
  • Box of nails or other fasteners
  • Two D-batteries, four AA or AAA batteries or two 9v batteries
  • Travel toothbrush and tooth paste
  • Bag of disposable razors
  • Eight bars of ivory soap (it floats)
  • Box or tampons or bag of pads for the ladies
  • Gallons of bleach
  • Needles and thread
  • Ball of yarn
  • 2 bottles 1000 count 500 mg generic Tylenol (acetometaphin)
  • 2 bottles 500 count 200 mg generic advil (ibuprofen)
  • 2 boxes 24 cound 25 mg generic Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCI)
  • 4 bottles 500 count 325 mg aspirin
  • 2 boxes of generic sudafed
  • 4 bottles of alcohol
  • a box of bandages (4×4)
Whether it’s $5 or $500 you have to spend per month, just start prepping a little bit at a time and it will add up. When I started I used my camping gear as my base and built from there. No matter how much you have to spend you CAN survive if you put your mind to it.
Knowledge is free. Be sure to bookmark our site and follow us on Facebook for future articles, and if you have some time check out some of our past survival blog articles.
 

10 Survivalist Essentials for Your Bug-Out-Bag

A bug-out-bag is a must-have for any savvy survivalist. When an emergency occurs that requires evacuating, it keeps you prepared while you’re on-the-go. This portable kit is designed to help you survive an evacuation for three days. Some people refer to it as a 72-hour kit. The three main characteristics of a good bug-out-bag are:

  • Portable, making it easy to carry around.
  • Lightweight, which is why only essentials for three days should be packed.
  • Durable, meaning high quality material, zippers, straps, etc… to last throughout your evacuation.

bug out bag essentials

10 Items Every Survivalist’s Bug-Out-Bag Should Contain

Depending on the type of survivalist you are, you may choose to alter this list a bit. These are just my suggestions, as one survivalist to another:

1. Water – Experts recommend packing at least one gallon of water, per person, per day. However, that’s a lot of weight to tote around. Most savvy survivalists prefer other options for clean water, such as:

  • Water bottle and filter
  • Water filter straw
  • Water pump with filter
  • Water purifier

2. Non-Perishable Foods – If you’re a fan of dehydrated foods, you’ll also need to pack a portable stove to prepare your meals. Canned foods require no cooking for healthy consumption. However, these food item are extremely heavy to carry. On the other hand, freeze dried foods are prepared in minutes by simply adding hot water. They’re also very lightweight to tote around.
3. First Aid Kit – Remember that you want to keep your bug-out-bag as lightweight as possible. So, only pack the basic essentials:

  • Adhesive bandages
  • Suture kit
  • OTC anti-inflammatory meds
  • OTC pain-killers
  • Triple-antibiotic ointment
  • Burn ointment
  • Wound-closure strips
  • Sam Splint
  • Antibiotics (just in case)

4. Clothing – Pack enough to hold you over for three days. Be sure to include a thick coat and strong shoes/boots, as well extra pairs of thick socks.
5. Shelter – This can be a tent, tarp, fly, large poncho, hammock with rain fly, or anything a savvy survivalist can use to create an emergency shelter.
6. Important Documents – Keep a file folder containing documents such as passports, birth certificates, copies of IDs, list of important phone numbers, maps, evacuation routes and stations, etc…
7. Hard Cash – Will need it for survival, as electrical, banking, credit card processing and ATM machines services may be done indefinitely.
8. Gun & Ammunition – Depending on where you choose to evacuate to, you may need to hunt for food. Will also come in handy for protection, especially if you end up sleeping outside.
9. Battery Operated Radio – Who knows where you’ll end up after being evacuated. Your radio will keep you informed on updated evacuation news. It may also be your only source of entertainment with no television access.
10. Survival Kit – Should include essentials such as:

  • Refillable butane lighter or waterproof matches
  • Compass
  • Small folding knife
  • Whistle
  • Battery operated flashlight
  • Extra batteries

Author Bio: This article was written by fellow survivalist, Chett Wright for FoodInsurance.com. Looking for a high quality bug-out-bag or 72-hour kit? Click here to see the emergency supplies Food Insurance has to offer.

be prepared with year zero survival

 

Top 5 Reasons to be a Prepper in America

Believe it or not we use to have a common thread between us that understood disasters are inevitable.

should you start prepping?

Should you be a prepper?

Across the U.S. Americans have let their guards down, committing their absolute faith and confidence in the federal government’s bureaucracies that continue to drop the ball. When time and history continue to prove deniers wrong the question has to be asked, why are you not preparing for at least one of these Top 5 Reasons to be a Prepper? Think it out and understand it doesn’t take anything more than responsibility and education to prepare for SHTF (Shit to Hit The Fan).

5. Viral Pandemic

We have a reasonable amount of faith in our medical professionals and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), but we’re still forced to accept that a mutated strain of Ebola can spread across our globe in as little as a few weeks. From 1976 to 2011 there have been 28 known cases of Ebola (Hemorrhagic Fever) outbreaks, and three of those outbreaks were in the United States of America. There is no known cure for Ebola, and when an artificial or natural mutation occurs in its strain our country will be absolutely defenseless. Pandemics like Ebola are devastating to any population regardless of their scientific advancements. For instance, the most devastating pandemic known as ‘The Black Death’ occurred in the fourteenth century. In as little as two years The Black Death mortality rate quickly rose to approximately two hundred million fatalities. However, these cases lacked modern medicine and ‘over-night’ international travel.

Worried yet? Well, there’s a reason Viral Pandemic is only listed as Number 5 on our Reasons to be a Prepper. America leads the way in microbiology and medical advancements, including several other countries throughout the globe who don’t want the entire species to go extinct. In addition to the natural outbreak of a population leveling virus, you also have to prepare for an intentional release by man. Humans have a history of being self-destructive and unbalanced when fueled by some insane ideology, being a prepper could save your and your family’s life.

 

4. Cyber Attack

The digital infrastructure of The United States is the internet, and its not adequately protected as seen in the latest rise of publicized cyber-attacks on American interests. If our digital infrastructure does not undergo immediate advancements in defense technology the attacks will only become more frequent and more damaging. Think about it, no more money from the ATM because the world’s banking systems have been successfully hacked. Without money to exchange hands our economy would collapse, causing the remaining countries’ economies follow in America’s steps due to international banking and trading reliance, and vice versa.

The most prominent case of cyber-attacks against American Institutions occurred between October 2011 and February 2012, with 50,000 successful attacks reported to the Department of Homeland Security and 86 of attacks on critical infrastructure networks. Critical infrastructure networks such as; power grid, basic communication (cell phones, broadcasts, and internet access), water supplies, oil production and delivery, agriculture (no more food from the store). When you think about it, we continue to produce synthetic processing power advancements, making processors faster and smarter, which follow a trending escalation in the severe complexity of cyber-attacks. Common sense should tell you cyber-attack is a potential threat to you, your family and friends.

3. Economic Collapse

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the U.S. Labor Force percentage of employed Americans has continued to decline since 2006. You will hear magical platitudes about these numbers, but the realities are plain as beans at times. The increase of Americans that are no longer in the labor force since Obama was elected in 2008 is no more than three times greater than the increase in the rates of the 1980’s. With governments across the globe invading the private sector it’s no surprise liquid and independent capitalism is crippled.

A devastating -.01 GDP (Gross Domestic Product) announced in January 2013 followed a continuous pattern of economic recession since 2008. According to the USDA the number of Americans who rely upon the government for basic needs has reached a record high of 47,710,324+/- or 15%. All the numbers are pointing towards economic collapse, the middle class will inevitably be taxed at a pervasive level and our Country’s economy will be finished. What’s Obama’s answer after spending six trillion dollars in four years with only negative and downward sloping results? Tax more Americans and spend more, that’s called the brass tacks. This makes economic collapse a valid reason to be a prepper.

bug out bag essentials

2. Natural Disaster

Natural disasters are common in America, tornadoes occur at least a thousand times every year, 12% of the population was threatened by a hurricane in 2011, mega floods occur every 100-200 years and since 1980 there has been over 410 recorded droughts. With high probability stats like these natural disasters takes a well-deserved 2nd place reason to be a prepper. Natural disasters are common enough and relatively simple enough to prepare for. A lack of preparedness contributed to the death rates of Katrina, where approximately 971 deaths were due to drowning, murder, and etc…

A basic approach to prepping would have saved countless lives in Katrina and other natural disasters with a minimal amount of preparedness required. Natural disasters are not a threat to continental and global populations but they can still do a lot of damage based on their severity. Basic preparedness and basic knowledge saves lives. Always have a means of defense and survival for you and your family.

1. WAR

In 238 Years America has been in 17 major wars, and over 47 Attacks were on American Soil and Embassies since 1920… that we know about. Pax Romana was stable and prosperous for two hundred years before its first major crisis that was well survived. Now we have countries like North Korea quickly becoming a threat to the United States and our allies, they are firmly tied to China and their government is actively trying to invade Japanese lands to pillage their natural resources through slow, but continuous strikes.

We have stood with Israel since 1948 and they are at the brink of war with Egypt (The Muslim Brotherhood whose first bylaw is Jihad) and Iran (Ran by Muslim Extremists whose first bylaw is Jihad, and we’re letting them build Nukes.), and now Barack Obama has approved sending several M1A1 Abrams Tanks and F16’s to Egypt. Now factor in Russia, who will defend Bashir Assad’s Syrian Regime and Iran if America takes action. Now you have a perfect set of circumstances for global war. This information is not being broadcasted in the main stream media and you will have to learn for yourself without being spoon fed what to believe.

So the Top Reason for you to be a Prepper or Survivalist is War, the most common disaster Americans face. Maybe having some supplies stored and firearms at the ready wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Never forget, America has a wealth of resources and the rest of the world is quickly depleting their own, by then the laws of human nature are inescapable.

[source] The usCrow ‘Top 5 Reasons to be a Prepper’ 

 

HOW TO MAKE: PINE CONE FIRE STARTERS

“You can totally make these”.

Let’s get started, You’ll need:
  • 24 or so Pine Cones
  • 2 lbs Wax (I used soy)
  • Candle twine
  • A Scent (Optional)
  • A cupcake pan
  • Baking cup liners – A MUST
 

(Ignore the Crisco in the photo, tried greasing instead of the liners the first it was a FAIL)

First, I cut 24 – 8 inch strips of my candle twine. Then I wrapped it around the bottom of each pinecone, like so (see image below). Leaving about 2 inches pulled towards the top for “lighting purposes”.
Then in a mason jar (or really any vessel you don’t mind being covered in wax) heat up your wax.  It took me a 3 ‘jar and wax’ melts to have enough wax for all of my pinecones. I’m sure I could have used a larger container but my wine kept me occupied. Ahem.
Once the wax is melted, pour yourself another glass of wine and add a scent if you’d like smelly pinecones (I used the recomended dose on the bottle). I made sure it was mixed then I poured the wax into the cupcake liners about half way full placing one pine cone in each slot immediately after.
Now here’s the hard part, you have to walk way.
I know it’s hard but trust me, it’s better for everyone. Leave them alone for about two hours before poking to prevent the wax from getting all jacked up. After they are completely cooled you can peel them out of their liners, or just bag them up as is.
With the batch of 24 I had enough to wrap up 5 bags full for gifts and have a dozen or so for Mr. A and I to use here at home.
And here’s Mr. A’s proof that they work (ie: light).
Will you try them?


 

[source]

 

Why You Need A Solar Generator?

First off it’s the obvious, FREE endless supply of solar power.

But here are a few more reasons:

  • Clean energy (promotes clean air quality)
  • Zero emissions
  • Saves money
  • Renewable energy
  • No smells or noise
  • Electricity continues to rise in price
  • Good return on your investment (ROI)
  • Solar power can offset climate change
  • Save precious resources

Applications for a Solar Generator:

Support laptops, notebooks, tablets and most computers, cellular phones, small fans, AM/FM radios, DVD players, small TVs, low wattage light bulbs etc. (up to 60 Watts)

solar power 20w Folding Solar Panel Charger

When to use the Solar Generator?

  • Emergency (power failure etc.)
  • Camping & traveling
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Power your devices

Portable Powerpack - Back up emergency power

 

Imagine life without communications or small electronics!

  • No internet
  • No cell phones charged
  • No TV, DVD players, video games or radio
  • No laptop, notebook, or tablet
  • No router or modern
  • No low wattage electronics or small appliances

battery back up USB AA Solar Charger

See more solar generation.

Related Blog Post: Making-your-own-electricity-for-survival

 

 

 

Making Your Own Electricity For Survival

Bug-out or Bug-In, a do-it-yourself water-turbine system, that could be used in a stream or river. It uses a slow turning generator that continually generates electricity for your use.

Obviously, there are many other potential hydro-generation solutions, this is just one suggestion. Full details on how to construct the wheel (pdf 3.5 MB)

[source]

Other options include Solar Power…

 

 

If The End Was Near: Would You Survive?

In order to be a proper prepper, you have to do more than just store cans of soup though. You have to think ahead for the details.

This infographic, which has a rather depressing title, is called The End Is Near: Doomsday Would You Survive? and it’s by National Geographic Channel. If you want to know more about being a prepper, this will enlighten you a bit, but you should educate yourself a little everyday.  Be sure to follow this survival blog, and continue the learning process.

Here are some interesting facts and information about what it can take to be a prepper.

doomsday-preppers-survival-guide-infographic-yearzerosurvival

 

 

be prepared with year zero survival

 

 

Unique Improvised Grills – Ideas For Cooking In A Survival Situation

 

By Dian Thomas

 

A few weeks ago, I got a call to give a presentation on preparedness. My approach was not to focus on preparing for a rainy day, but to get out and have a great time learning outdoor cooking and camping skills. Then when the rainy day comes, your skills are up to speed.One of the key places to practice your skills is in the backyard, a park, or in the woods. Decide to take the time now to enjoy your family and prepare them for their summer camps, outings and rainy days.

My parents were raised in the depression by pioneer parents. Creating and improvising was the norm. I grew up watching my mother and father make do with what we had instead of running to the store to buy Survival Food Supplies the next item that was needed. A great by product of challenging times is that we have to look inward for solutions, instead of looking out. What a great skill to teach your children which will prepare them for whatever challenges come.

If you do not have a grill, here are some fun creative ways to use your ingenuity to make one. When you create using items you have, it shows you children it is possible to make do with what you have. What a great skill to develop.

Tin Can Grill

An improvised, inexpensive grill can be made in just a few minutes. This is a favorite of children at scouting and campfire cookouts. All that is needed is a #10-size can, tin snips, aluminum foil and a pair of safety gloves.

Beginning at the open end of the can, cut 2-inch-wide parallel slits down the side, to about 3 inches from the bottom, repeating around the can. Bend the strips away from the center of the can to form a low basket like container. Fill the bottom of the can with dirt. Cover the dirt and strips with heavy duty aluminum foil. You have now created an improvised tin can grill. Place the charcoal on top of the foil and lay the grilling rack on top of the metal strips. It is important to keep

the distance between the grilling rack and the charcoal at about 3 to 4 inches (Bend the strips to this distance.)

Bonus of this grill is that it can be discarded after one use, and replaced at very little cost. Individual stoves can be made by a group to involve more people in the fun.

A #10-size tin can will make an easy and economical grill.

Use tin snips to cut two-inch strips down the sides of the can

Line the tin can with heavy duty foil before adding charcoal

Add a rack, and you’re ready to grill

Unique Improvised Grills

If you don’t own a barbecue or if you are having a “dry run,” enjoying a day at the beach, visiting a picnic area, or camping in your backyard, you might be happy with a child’s wagon grill, a wheelbarrow grill, a metal garbage can lid, or even a terra-cotta flowerpot.

The wagon or the wheelbarrow might tote your supplies to your site. Adapting it for grilling is as easy as filling the base with 6 inches of gravel, sand or dirt to insulate the bottom from the heat. Cover the dirt with extra-heavy-duty aluminum foil, which prevents coals from sinking into the dirt and insures that air will circulate. On top of the foil in the center make a pyramid of charcoal briquettes.

Pour lighter fluid over the charcoal and light. Drape a pair of oven mitts over the wagon tongue or wheelbarrow handles so they’ll be close by when needed. When briquettes are burning, arrange bricks around the outside edge, adapting them for the gill or rotisserie. If you simply want to do stick cooking, omit the bricks. The most efficient height for grilling is 3 to 4 inches about the coals.

Dirt can be stored between uses by covering the wheelbarrow or wagon with an old plastic tablecloth with Velcro stitched to seal the corners. Moisture will rust out the bottom of the wagon or wheelbarrow if it gets wet.

 

Backpacker’s Grill

A backpacker’s rack can be purchased from a sporting goods store. To use the backpacker’s grill, place coals on the ground; the backpacker’s rack sits on legs about 4 to 8 inches above. If

the dirt is loose or sandy, assure uniform heat by placing a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil over the dirt to keep the briquettes from settling into the sand and causing the briquettes to lose heat.

The heat for the backpacker’s grill is very simple to regulate. To increase heat, simply push the rack toward the ground. To decrease heat, raise the rack farther from the coals.

 More survival cooking ideas…