The $50 Starter Prep: How to Begin Preparedness on a Budget

In this featured post, Rogue Preparedness teaches about preparedness on a budget. Keep reading to learn how to start prepping with only $50. ~ The Editors

One of the biggest myths about preparedness is that it costs thousands of dollars to get started. That’s simply not true. While it is true that preparedness does take some money, you can get started and keep consistent with as much, or as little, as you have available. The point is to make it work for YOU and YOUR budget.

In fact, with just $50, you can begin building a solid foundation that will give you peace of mind during everyday emergencies like power outages, storms, or job loss.

This guide will show you how to spend $50 wisely to cover the most important basics: water, food, light, first aid, and communication.

Preparedness on a Budget

Step 1: Water ($10–15)

Water is your #1 priority. You can survive weeks without food, but only days without water.

• Buy one or two cases of bottled water (about $5–$10).
• Look into a Berkey gravity fed filter, or something similar, usually around $100. Make a note of this and figure out how you can save up for it.

Goal: At least 6 gallons of water stored (2 gallon per person per day).

Step 2: Food ($15–20)

Next, stock up on foods your family already eats. Focus on shelf-stable, calorie-dense items. The following are just ideas:

• Rice or pasta (large bag: $5–$8).
• Canned protein (tuna, chicken, beans: $6–$10).
• Peanut butter or oats ($4–$6).

Goal: 3 days of easy-to-prepare meals.

Step 3: Light & Power ($5–10)

Darkness is stressful during an emergency. A little light makes a big difference.

• Flashlight/Headlamp ($5–$10) — dollar store, Walmart, Amazon or discount retailers often have them.
• Batteries ($2–$5).
• Optional: Solar garden lights (great backup lighting, $1 each at dollar stores).

Goal: Enough light to navigate your home safely in a power outage.

Step 4: First Aid Basics ($5–10)

A basic kit doesn’t have to be fancy.

• Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes ($5–$8).
• Pick up a dollar store first aid kit and supplement with what you already have at home. Dollar store also has a lot of great medical supplies in general.

Goal: Handle small cuts, scrapes, or minor injuries.

Discover the remaining budget-friendly preparedness steps from Morgan at Rogue Preparedness.

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  About Morgan Rogue

  Morgan lives in Texas with her husband, daughters and 2 dogs. She spends most of her time getting outdoors with her daughters, prepping for emergencies and disasters and teaching others how to be prepared. She also enjoys archery, hunting, fishing, firearms, hiking, camping, HAM, Jeeps and generally getting out and exploring life through epic adventures! View all posts by Morgan Rogue →