Budget Minded in Preps: How the best deals are in your home town.

Living here in the Florida Keys, preparing for a storm or long term power outage is a common thing.  Since we basically live out in the middle of the ocean, connected only by a 2 lane highway, people can relate to the idea that we might need to make it a few days without the comforts of the real world. Since more and more people are realizing this, (thank God), a lot of money is being spent just by clicking the mouse with not much thought. When I think of prepping, I think of recycling, making do, rebuilding, and inventing. There are a lot of items that people get rid of at thrift stores and yard sales that are useful preps.  Below I will show you several items that didn't cost that much money, but when they are needed are worth their weight in gold.

First up is a Coleman Cooler and a Thermos picnic kit. Just because your roughing it doesn't mean that you can't look good doing it! These Items cost a total of 3.00 dollars....yep....3 bucks. These old steel belted coolers are some of the best as keeping ice, and thermos does a great job with hot and cold liquids. Other perks: Made in the USA, Vintage Cool, and CHEAP!

Water filtration is very important for day to day use, as well as when your water system has been compromised in some way.  Although there are other options and methods that are cheaper than these I only spent a total of 12.00 dollars for the two filters!!

Next is light, a luxury when the power is out.  All these light sources were picked up at thrift stores or yard sales. I probably spent a total of 18.00 dollars for the lanterns below. Try going to your local Wally World and pick up a (Made in China) Coleman Lantern for under 18 bucks, its not going to happen. All these lanterns were made with pride right here in the USA, and will last forever if maintained correctly.

 

 

Propane Coleman $5

Propane Bernz-o-Matic $4

Coleman gas lantern $4

Coleman gas lantern with case $5

Just last weekend I picked up all these Coleman prep items for 14 bucks, they all work as they should, just needed the dust and years of neglect wiped off of them (maybe a tune-up). So before you spend all that hard earned money on brand new preps,  try running around to some of your local thrift stores and yard sales, You might just save enough to get that Red Ryder BB Gun for Ralphie! Merry Christmas everyone!