$10k budget
Posted by ComedianLife6570@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 17 comments
We have the basics covered: food, medical supplies, water/filtration, gardening supplies, shelter, tools and backpacking gear.
We have about $10k that we are considering investing in more serious preparations. I’m looking to get some feedback on what others would suggest incorporating. We are in central Texas and worry mainly about the grid failing and gas prices affecting our ability to keep the family safe from the heat.
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Where are you going? Just buy a super lifted jeep where the furthest off road it will go is your front yard.
ComedianLife6570@reddit (OP)
Haha we plan to bug-in so this might be the perfect solution
Zestyclose-Essay-127@reddit
Texan here. Solar. Water catchment system for gardening. But solar. Ercot sucks
fenuxjde@reddit
Energy independence.
Solar most likely, but you'll need significant battery storage to run AC. Maybe emergency generator as a backup.
Unique-Sock3366@reddit
We have a high capacity generator for which my husband installed a transfer switch into our electrical panel. He ran all of the tests so that we can comfortably and confidently power our house during electrical outages.
I want solar next.
nakedonmygoat@reddit
You could consider a Generac. It will cost you more than $10k, but that's enough for a sizeable down payment. My neighbor paid $15k for hers about 10 years ago and she has a 1660 sq/ft home, so that will give you some idea of what you might pay for a Generac. Local prices may vary, of course.
Depending on the size of your family, a designated cool/warm room may suffice, in which case you just need a regular generator, a window unit a/c, and a space heater. I like my oil-filled radiator-style space heater. Be sure you have fans for summer outages and electric blankets for winter ones.
If you get a generator, I recommend consulting an electrician for the capacity you will need for what you want to run on it, and also to evaluate your fuse box to see if it's up to the task. Mine had to be replaced.
V2BM@reddit
It’s much less than that in my area and if I didn’t have an emergency vet bill to pay off I’d get one. Doe some reason our power goes out 6+ times a year and I live in a nice, well-run suburb.
V2BM@reddit
I’d personally get a whole house generator and some fuel storage and keep the rest in cash if I was set in every other way. My neighbors don’t miss a beat when the power goes out and I’m always jealous.
V1ld0r_@reddit
Well, Solar Panels and a kickass large battery array is the answer isn't it? Also get 1 EV car down the line if possible and one (or more) e-bikes (pedal assist ideally as it allwos extending the range a lot while keeping you in shape).
Nearby_Impact_8911@reddit
What about power
Spectres_N7@reddit
Central Texas: When you say water, etc., I hope you also have plans to deal with drought, fire and fire during drought.
CRIMSEN15@reddit
Because lawlessness happens so quick when crisis hits not sure exactly what you're prepping for thinking and if you live close to other people and maybe in a neighborhood. I would not consider a generator personally, something I've always thought about. Generators are usually super noisy. Anyone in the vicinity will be able to hear that you have power/ resources.
ElegantConfidant@reddit
Definitely go solar. That’s probably about what it would cost to invest in a high quality solar generator.
CRIMSEN15@reddit
Agreed and is what I want next.
Many-Health-1673@reddit
Cheap route - A Honda 2200i generator and a 110v window unit. Maybe $1,700 total.
Expensive route - standby generator and run your entire house. 10k
Go the cheap route and take the extra funds and pay off debt.
AK-Kidx39@reddit
My gut reaction is to suggest putting that in a 401k. To address your concerns, probably a diesel and a set up to make alternative fuels to feed it. I’d fight the urge to do the Texas thing; stay away from big trucks. Volkswagen rabbit. Ford idi. Something that a couple grand, whatever you buy you’re going to put more into than you want to. Cummins are about ridiculous. Protect your family from the heat? I’m about an hour in from the GA coast line. Is there any lesson you can draw from history? Sod shelters, root cellars, dog trot homes… My first thought on that was tarps. Shade with no walls, but unfortunately not a lot of practical advice there. Maybe a second hand diesel generator to go with your new truck and biofuel set up. The army’s got to have used one you could find on marketplace.
Pando5280@reddit
Some sort of back up power source for the house. Generac type electric battery or wiring in a gas generator to power a select couple of circuits in your home.