How I Built a 72-Hour “Go Bag” for My Family for Under $100
I built a “go bag” for my family of three for under one hundred dollars. I used old backpacks we already owned. For food, I packed high-calorie energy bars and pouches of tuna, which are cheap and shelf-stable. I included a few gallons of water. For supplies, I bought a basic first-aid kit, a hand-crank radio, flashlights, and extra batteries from a discount store. I also packed copies of our important documents, a change of clothes, and a small amount of cash. The key is to focus on the basics: water, food, first aid, and warmth.
The Best Affordable “Prepper” Food to Stockpile
The best affordable food to stockpile for an emergency is simple, calorie-dense, and requires no cooking. I focus on large bags of rice, dried beans, and oats. These are incredibly cheap and have a very long shelf life. For ready-to-eat options, I stock up on canned goods like tuna, chicken, and chili when they are on sale. Peanut butter is another fantastic, high-calorie staple. These basic, boring foods can provide the sustenance you need in an emergency for a very low upfront cost.
I Lost My Job. Here’s My Step-by-Step Financial Survival Plan.
When I lost my job, I immediately went into financial survival mode. Step one was to create a “bare-bones” budget, cutting all non-essential spending. Step two was to immediately file for unemployment benefits. Step three was to call all my service providers—student loans, credit cards—to see if they offered any temporary hardship deferments. Step four was to tap into my emergency fund to cover my essential bills. This systematic approach reduced my anxiety and gave me a clear path to navigate the financial uncertainty.
How to Build a Car Emergency Kit for $50
I built a comprehensive car emergency kit for about fifty dollars. I started with a durable duffel bag. Inside, I put a set of jumper cables, a basic first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a rain poncho, and some non-perishable snacks like granola bars. I also included a warm blanket, a pair of work gloves, and a simple toolkit. This affordable, DIY kit gives me peace of mind knowing I am prepared for the most common roadside emergencies, from a dead battery to a flat tire.
The Best Affordable Home Security Systems (And DIY Alternatives)
You can secure your home on a budget. Instead of an expensive, monitored security system, I use a few affordable Wyze cameras. They cost about thirty dollars each and allow me to monitor my home from my phone. For a DIY solution, simply installing motion-activated solar lights near your doors and windows is a powerful deterrent. Reinforcing your door strike plates with longer screws and adding a security bar to a sliding glass door are also incredibly cheap but effective ways to improve your home’s security.
How to Handle a Major Home Repair Without an Emergency Fund
Facing a major home repair without an emergency fund is terrifying. My friend’s furnace broke, and he didn’t have the two thousand dollars to replace it. His first step was to call several different HVAC companies to get multiple quotes, which varied by hundreds of dollars. He then asked the company he chose if they offered any financing plans. Many contractors have low-interest financing options available. This allowed him to get the essential repair done and pay for it over time in manageable monthly installments.
The Best Affordable Water Storage and Filtration for Emergencies
For emergency water, the cheapest storage method is to use clean, sanitized two-liter soda bottles filled with tap water. For filtration, a simple Sawyer Mini water filter is an incredible, affordable tool. It costs about twenty-five dollars and can filter up to 100,000 gallons of water, removing harmful bacteria. For a household, a larger gravity-fed filter system, like a Lifestraw Family, is a great option to provide clean drinking water for a family in an emergency.
I Created a “Financial First-Aid Kit.” Here’s What’s Inside.
My “financial first-aid kit” is a binder with everything my family would need if something happened to me. It contains a list of all our bank accounts, passwords, and insurance policies. It has a copy of our wills and our net worth statement. It also includes contact information for our accountant and lawyer. I have a sealed envelope with a small amount of cash in it. This binder consolidates all our critical financial information into one place, ensuring my partner could easily manage our affairs in an emergency.
The Best Affordable Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage
To prepare for a power outage, I focus on light, communication, and food. I have several cheap LED flashlights and a headlamp stored in an accessible place. For communication, I have a hand-crank weather radio that also has a USB port to charge a phone. I always keep a few non-perishable food items that require no cooking, like canned goods and protein bars. I also have a non-electric can opener. These simple, affordable preparations can make a power outage much more comfortable and safe.
How to Find Your Local Mutual Aid Network
A mutual aid network is a community-run group where neighbors help neighbors. I found my local network by searching on Facebook for “[My Town] Mutual Aid.” These groups are fantastic resources in a crisis. During a recent storm, people in my group were offering to help clear fallen trees, sharing extra food, and checking in on elderly neighbors. It’s a grassroots, community-led support system that is often faster and more effective than official channels in a local emergency.
The Best Affordable Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Detectors
For fire safety, you don’t need the most expensive products. A simple, ABC-rated fire extinguisher, which can handle most common types of fires, can be bought for about twenty dollars at any hardware store. I have one in my kitchen and one in my garage. For smoke detectors, a basic, battery-operated model is very affordable. The most important thing is to test them monthly and change the batteries once a year. Consistent maintenance is more important than having the most expensive, high-tech model.
I Created a “Legacy Binder” for My Family. Here’s How.
A “legacy binder” is a gift to your family if you pass away. I created one to ease their burden. It’s a simple three-ring binder. Inside, I have a copy of my will, contact information for my lawyer, and a list of all my financial accounts with login information. I also included practical details, like where to find the spare house key and the password for my computer. The most important section is a personal letter to each of my family members. It’s an organized guide to both my practical affairs and my final wishes.
The Best Affordable First-Aid Kits (And How to Build Your Own)
The best affordable first-aid kit is one you build yourself. I bought a simple tackle box for about ten dollars to use as a container. I then filled it with items from the dollar store and a pharmacy: various sizes of bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, medical tape, pain relievers, and antibiotic ointment. The total cost was about thirty dollars, and my custom kit is far more comprehensive and better organized than any fifty-dollar pre-made kit I could have bought.
How to Handle a Sudden Medical Emergency (Financially)
When my son had a medical emergency, we focused on his health first and the finances second. After he was stable, I called the hospital’s financial assistance department. I explained our situation and asked about our options. They helped me apply for financial aid, which significantly reduced the bill. They also set me up on a long-term, interest-free payment plan for the remaining balance. The key is to communicate with the hospital proactively and ask for help; many have programs to assist you.
The Best Affordable Ways to Back Up Your Important Documents
Backing up your documents is crucial. I use a simple, three-tiered approach. First, I have all the physical copies in a fireproof document bag. Second, I scanned all my important documents—birth certificates, passports, social security cards—and saved them on an encrypted USB flash drive, which I keep in a safe place. Third, I uploaded these scanned documents to a secure, password-protected folder in my cloud storage account. This multi-layered system, which cost me very little, ensures I can access my vital records from anywhere.
I Prepped for a Natural Disaster on a Shoestring Budget
I prepared for a potential natural disaster on a very tight budget. My focus was on the essentials. For water, I filled up old, clean soda bottles with tap water. For food, I slowly built up a small pantry of canned goods and rice by buying one or two extra items each time I went grocery shopping. I got a cheap first-aid kit and flashlight from the dollar store. My “go bag” was an old backpack. It’s not a fancy prepper setup, but it covers the basics and provides peace of mind.
The Best Affordable Self-Defense Tools and Classes
Effective self-defense doesn’t require expensive tools. One of the most affordable and effective tools is a simple, high-lumen tactical flashlight. It can be used to disorient an attacker and as a striking tool. Another great option is a personal safety alarm, which emits a deafening sound to attract attention. For training, many local community centers or martial arts schools offer low-cost introductory self-defense workshops that teach basic awareness and escape techniques.
How to Create a Family Communication Plan for Emergencies
A family communication plan is essential and free to create. Our family has a designated out-of-state contact person. In an emergency where local phone lines might be down, we all know to call or text that one relative to check in and report that we are safe. We also have a designated physical meeting spot in our neighborhood and another one outside our neighborhood in case of an evacuation. We have all this information written down on a small card that we each keep in our wallets.
The Best Affordable Ways to Heat Your Home in a Winter Storm
In a winter power outage, the best way to stay warm is to isolate a single, small room. We chose a small bedroom with no large windows. We hung blankets over the doorway to trap heat. We all huddled in that room together. We also dressed in warm layers and used all our blankets and sleeping bags. A few candles can also provide a surprising amount of heat in a small, contained space. These free strategies are crucial for staying safe and warm.
I Learned Basic Survival Skills for Free on YouTube
I learned essential survival skills for free by watching YouTube. I subscribed to channels run by experienced outdoorsmen and survival experts. I learned how to build a fire in different conditions, how to purify water, how to build a simple emergency shelter, and basic navigation skills. I would then practice these skills in my own backyard or at a local park. This free, self-directed education has given me a sense of confidence and capability in case of an emergency.
The Best Affordable Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding
Protecting your home from flooding can be done affordably. The most important step is to keep your gutters and downspouts clean so that water is directed away from your foundation. I also made sure that the soil around my house slopes away from the foundation. For a more direct solution, you can buy affordable, sandbag-like water barriers that absorb and divert water. These simple, preventative maintenance tasks are the cheapest and most effective way to prevent costly water damage.
How to Deal With a Pest Infestation on a Budget
Before calling an expensive exterminator, you can often handle a pest infestation yourself. When I had an ant problem, I used a simple, homemade solution of Borax, sugar, and water. The ants took the bait back to their nest, and the problem was gone in a few days. For mice, simple, old-fashioned snap traps are both effective and cheap. The key is to also focus on prevention: sealing any small holes or cracks in your foundation and keeping your kitchen clean.
The Best Affordable Ways to Prepare for a Heatwave
To prepare for a heatwave, especially a potential power outage, I take a few simple steps. I fill up several empty bottles with water and freeze them. These can be used to keep my refrigerator cool or for personal cooling. I have a few cheap, battery-operated personal fans. I’ve also identified the “cooling centers” in my community, like the public library or a community center, where I can go to escape the heat if my home becomes unsafe.
I Learned Basic Home Repair to Save on Emergency Calls
I’ve saved thousands of dollars by learning basic home repair skills from YouTube. I learned how to fix a running toilet, how to unclog a drain with a simple snake tool, and how to patch a small hole in drywall. These are the most common issues that would otherwise require an expensive emergency call to a plumber or a handyman. A small investment in a basic toolkit and a willingness to learn has been one of the best financial decisions I’ve ever made.
The Best Affordable Weather Radios and Emergency Communication
For emergency communication, a hand-crank NOAA weather radio is an essential, affordable tool. I bought one for about thirty dollars. It doesn’t require batteries and can be charged by hand cranking. It receives emergency alerts from the National Weather Service, has an AM/FM radio, a flashlight, and a USB port to give a small emergency charge to a cell phone. It’s a reliable, all-in-one communication device for any emergency.
How to Handle a Sudden, Unexpected Move
A sudden move is stressful, but it can be done on a budget. When my friend had to move unexpectedly for a job, he focused on downsizing. He sold all his large furniture on Facebook Marketplace, which gave him cash and reduced the amount of stuff he had to move. He then packed his remaining belongings in boxes he got for free from a local grocery store. He rented the smallest possible moving truck to save on costs. By being ruthless about decluttering, he made the move much more manageable and affordable.
The Best Affordable Ways to Prepare Your Pets for an Emergency
Preparing your pets for an emergency is crucial. I have a separate “go bag” just for my dog. It includes a few days’ worth of his food and water, a copy of his vaccination records, a leash, and a favorite comfort toy. I also have a “pet inside” sticker on my front door to alert first responders. Most importantly, my dog is microchipped, and the contact information is kept up-to-date. These simple, affordable steps ensure my pet’s safety in a crisis.
I Created a “Bug Out” Plan for My Apartment
Living in an apartment, my “bug out” or evacuation plan is simple. My go-bag is always packed and stored near the door. My plan has three designated evacuation routes out of my city. I also have a pre-arranged agreement with a friend who lives a few hours away to be our “bug out” location. We have a clear communication plan to let each other know we are safe. Having this clear, simple plan in place greatly reduces the panic and uncertainty of an evacuation order.
The Best Affordable Ways to Secure Your Digital Life
Securing your digital life is a key part of modern preparedness. The most important, free step is to use a password manager to create and store long, unique, and complex passwords for all your online accounts. I also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it is available. For my most important files, I use a free encryption software called VeraCrypt to create a secure, password-protected digital vault on my computer. These free habits provide a huge amount of protection against cyber threats.
How to Get Through a Government Shutdown (Financially)
My brother, a federal employee, gets through government shutdowns by having a dedicated “shutdown” fund. It’s a separate savings account where he keeps at least one to two months of living expenses. As soon as a shutdown looks likely, he immediately cuts all non-essential spending. He also knows how to apply for unemployment benefits, which he is eligible for during a furlough. Having a specific financial plan and a dedicated savings fund is the key to weathering the uncertainty of a government shutdown.
The Best Affordable Solar Chargers and Power Banks
For affordable emergency power, a good quality power bank is the first thing you should buy. A 20,000mAh power bank can charge a smartphone several times and costs about thirty to forty dollars. For recharging the power bank in an extended outage, a small, foldable solar panel is a great, affordable option. You can find a decent one for around fifty dollars. This combination of a power bank for immediate use and a solar panel for recharging is a reliable and affordable emergency power solution.
I Learned How to Change a Tire and Jump-Start a Car.
Learning to change a tire and jump-start a car are two essential, money-saving skills. I was intimidated, but I watched a few clear YouTube tutorials. I practiced changing a tire in my own driveway on a sunny day so I wouldn’t be learning in a stressful, roadside situation. These two skills have not only saved me from having to pay for a tow truck, but they have also given me a sense of self-reliance and confidence when I am on the road.
The Best Affordable Ways to Deal With a Leaky Pipe
For a minor, leaky pipe under a sink, a cheap and effective temporary fix is to use a pipe repair clamp or some self-fusing silicone tape. These items can be bought at a hardware store for about ten dollars and can stop the leak until you can get a plumber. For a more permanent DIY fix, learning how to replace a small section of PVC pipe is a straightforward skill that can be learned from online tutorials and can save you a few hundred dollars on a plumber’s visit.
How to Create a Neighborhood Watch Program
Creating a neighborhood watch is a free and effective way to improve community safety. My neighbors and I started one by simply creating a group text chat. We use it to share information about any suspicious activity, to let each other know when we are going out of town, and to look out for each other’s packages. We also had a small, informal meeting to get to know each other better. This increased communication and vigilance is the core of a neighborhood watch and costs nothing.
The Best Affordable Insurance You’re Probably Missing (Renters, etc.)
The most important affordable insurance that many people miss is renter’s insurance. For about fifteen dollars a month, it protects all of your personal belongings from theft or damage. It also provides liability coverage in case someone is injured in your apartment. My friend’s apartment had a fire, and he lost everything. Because he had renter’s insurance, he was able to replace all his belongings. Without it, he would have been financially devastated. It’s a small price to pay for a huge amount of protection.
I Assembled a “Blackout Box” for Power Outages
I have a dedicated “blackout box,” a simple plastic tub, with everything we need for a power outage. Inside, I have flashlights, a headlamp, extra batteries, a deck of cards, a hand-crank radio, a few candles, and a lighter. Having everything in one, clearly labeled box means we are not scrambling around in the dark looking for supplies when the power goes out. It’s a simple, organized solution that makes a power outage much less stressful.
The Best Affordable Ways to Learn CPR and First Aid
You can learn CPR and first aid affordably. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association often offer low-cost or sometimes even free introductory classes in the community. I also found that my local fire department hosted a free “hands-only” CPR training session. While a full certification may have a fee, these free, introductory classes can teach you the life-saving basics. Many high-quality instructional videos are also available for free online to learn basic first aid techniques.
How to Financially Help a Friend or Family Member in a Crisis
When a friend was in a financial crisis, I wanted to help without just giving them cash, which can sometimes strain a relationship. Instead, I bought them a one hundred-dollar grocery store gift card. This ensured that my help went directly to an essential need. Another time, I anonymously paid one of their utility bills online. These methods provide concrete, immediate help in a way that can feel less like a loan and more like a direct act of care.
The Best Affordable Tools Everyone Should Own for Minor Emergencies
Every home should have a small toolkit for minor emergencies. This should include a multi-bit screwdriver, a pair of pliers, an adjustable wrench, and a hammer. A good quality utility knife and a roll of duct tape are also incredibly versatile and useful. For plumbing issues, a simple drain snake can clear most clogs. This entire basic emergency toolkit can be assembled for under fifty dollars and will allow you to handle the most common household problems yourself.
I Created a Plan for Losing My Wallet or Phone
I have a plan in place in case my wallet or phone is lost or stolen. I have a digital copy of the front and back of all my credit cards and my ID stored in a secure, encrypted file. I also have the customer service numbers for all my banks and credit card companies saved in a separate location. This allows me to immediately call and cancel all my cards. For my phone, I have the “Find My” feature enabled, which allows me to track it or remotely wipe it if necessary.
The Best Affordable Ways to Prepare for Wildfire Season
Living in a wildfire-prone area, my affordable preparation focuses on creating a “defensible space.” This is a free activity that involves clearing all dead leaves, pine needles, and flammable debris from my roof, gutters, and from within a 30-foot radius of my home. I also have a simple “go bag” packed during the fire season. These preventative measures are the most effective things you can do to protect your home and your family.
How to Handle a Job Relocation on a Tight Budget
When my company relocated me on a tight budget, I had to be strategic. I negotiated with my company to get a lump-sum relocation bonus instead of having them manage the move. This gave me more control. I then downsized significantly, selling most of my furniture. I moved only what would fit in my car and a small, tow-behind trailer, which I rented for much less than a moving truck. I used the money I saved to buy secondhand furniture in my new city.
The Best Affordable Document Safes and Storage
For affordable document protection, a simple fireproof and waterproof document bag or small safe is a great investment. I bought a fireproof document bag for about thirty dollars. It’s where I keep our most important original documents, like birth certificates, passports, and social security cards. While it won’t stop a determined thief, it provides crucial protection from the most common disasters, like a fire or a burst pipe, ensuring our most vital records survive.
I Learned How to Shut Off the Water and Gas to My House
Knowing how to shut off the main water and gas lines to my house is a critical and free piece of emergency knowledge. I located the main water shut-off valve and the gas meter. I watched a simple YouTube video that showed me how to turn them off (for the gas, you need a special wrench that I now keep next to the meter). In the event of a burst pipe or a gas leak, being able to shut off the utility immediately can prevent catastrophic damage and keep my family safe.
The Best Affordable Ways to Prepare for an Economic Downturn
To prepare for an economic downturn, I focus on increasing my financial resilience. This means having a robust emergency fund of at least six months of expenses. I also focus on paying down any high-interest debt to lower my monthly financial obligations. I also make sure my skills are up-to-date and I maintain a strong professional network, which are my best forms of job security. These are defensive financial moves that create stability in uncertain times.
How to Handle a Sudden Roommate Bailout
When my roommate suddenly bailed on our lease, I took immediate action. First, I carefully re-read our lease to understand my legal obligations. Second, I had a calm but firm conversation with my roommate about the money he owed for his share of the rent and breaking the lease. Third, I immediately started advertising for a new roommate on all platforms. By acting quickly and professionally, I was able to find a new roommate within a few weeks, which minimized my financial losses.
The Best Affordable Multi-Tools and Their Uses
A good multi-tool is a fantastic, affordable investment for preparedness. I have a Leatherman multi-tool that I keep in my car’s glove box. It cost about sixty dollars. It has pliers, wire cutters, a knife, screwdrivers, a can opener, and more, all in one compact package. It has come in handy for countless small repairs and emergencies, from fixing my glasses to cutting a rope. It’s like having a miniature toolbox with you at all times.
I Built a 2-Week Food Supply from the Dollar Store
I built a two-week emergency food supply for one person almost entirely from the dollar store. I focused on canned goods like beans, tuna, and vegetables. I also bought rice, pasta, and peanut butter. The key was to calculate the calories and make sure I was buying enough to provide adequate sustenance. While not the most nutritious diet, it’s a surprisingly effective and incredibly cheap way to build a foundational emergency food pantry for a very small amount of money.
The Mental Preparedness for an Emergency
Mental preparedness is the most important and free aspect of emergency planning. It’s about cultivating a mindset of resilience and adaptability. I practice this by thinking through potential scenarios and my response. What would I do if the power went out for three days? By having a plan, I reduce the fear of the unknown. I also focus on staying informed through reliable sources and maintaining a strong connection with my neighbors. This mental fortitude is more valuable than any piece of gear.
The One Skill I Learned That Gave Me Ultimate Peace of Mind
The one skill that gave me the most peace of mind was learning basic first aid and CPR. I took an affordable weekend course from the American Red Cross. Knowing that I have the ability to respond effectively in a medical emergency—to help a choking child or to perform CPR until help arrives—is an incredible feeling. It’s a skill that can empower you to be a helper, not a helpless bystander, in a moment of crisis. That confidence is priceless.