Inflation: 11 Emergency Essentials to Stock Immediately
The inflation rate is 8.58% year over year as of this week, the Dow has dropped over 800 points since the first of the year, and gas prices continue to soar. In today’s current environment, it’s even more important than ever to have emergency essentials. Below, I’ll tell you 11 emergency essentials to stock now!
Inflation: 11 Emergency Essentials to Stock Immediately
What Is Causing the Inflation?
Inflation is caused by a variety of factors, but the primary cause is often considered to be excessive money supply growth. When the money supply grows too quickly, it results in an increase in the price of goods and services. This is because there is more money chasing after a limited amount of goods and services, which is bidding up prices.
Factors that can contribute to inflation include:
- An increase in government spending (see comments above)
- A decrease in the supply of goods and services due to a natural disaster, supply chain issues, shortage of raw materials
- An increase in taxes
- An increase in interest rates
What Are the Consequences of Inflation?
Inflation can have a number of consequences, both good and bad. Some of the more common consequences include:
- A decrease in the purchasing power of money – Inflation erodes the purchasing power of money, which means that it takes more money to buy goods and services. This is often referred to as “price inflation.”
- An increase in interest rates – When inflation is expected, lenders will demand higher interest rates to compensate for the fact that the purchasing power of their money will decrease over time. This is often referred to as “interest rate inflation.”
- A decrease in savings – When inflation is high, the real return on savings (the return after inflation is taken into account) is usually negative. This means that savers are actually losing money in real terms.
- A decrease in exports – When a country’s inflation rate is higher than that of its trading partners, its exports become more expensive and less competitive. This can lead to a decrease in exports and an increase in imports.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from Inflation?
There are a number of things that you can do to protect yourself from inflation:
1. Invest in assets that are likely to increase in value – This includes things like real estate, gold, and other precious metals.
2. Keep your money in a high-yielding savings account – This will help to offset the effects of price increases on your savings.
3. Use a fixed-rate mortgage – This will protect you from rising interest rates.
4. Invest in inflation-protected securities – These are securities whose payments increase with inflation.
5. Use a hedging strategy – This is a technique that can be used to offset the effects of inflation on investments.
6. Diversify your investments – This will help to protect you from the effects of inflation on any one particular investment.
7. Stay informed – Keep up with the latest news and developments so that you can make informed decisions about your investments.
8. Have a plan – Having a solid plan in place will help you to weather the storms of inflation and come out ahead in the end.
9. Be prepared – Inflation can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for a changing economic environment.
10. Stay flexible – Inflation can cause changes in the markets, so it’s important to be able to adapt to those changes.
11. Have an exit strategy – Inflation can lead to economic collapse, so it’s important to have a plan for how you will move your money to a safer environment if things start going bad. It may mean actually moving your money of the country.
These are just a few of the things that you can do to protect yourself from the effects of inflation. With a little planning and preparation, you can weather any storm that comes your way.
11 Emergency Essentials to Stock Right Now!
There are many items that will be increasing in price, and/or are in short supply, or both. So, what exactly should you stock up on? Here are 11 emergency essentials to stock right now!
- Diapers– You will want to stock up on both cloth and disposable diapers, if you haven’t already.
- Tampons and menstrual pads– These are essential for any female in the family. Make sure you have enough stocked up for several months for every female in the family.
- Baby formula– If you have an infant, you will want to make sure you have plenty of baby formula on hand. Baby formula is already in short supply, so if you can’t find any, you can find two formula recipes in my Emergency Preparedness for Infants post.
- Baby wipes– We are also seeing a shortage of baby wipes. Baby wipes are good for more than just babies. In fact, there are 31 Reasons Why I Stock Them!
- Paper plates & Cups– If the power is out, you won’t be able to wash dishes. Be sure to have enough paper plates and cups for your family for several months.
- Liquid dish soap– You will need this to wash your dishes by hand. You can get a bulk supply on Amazon.
- Hand soap– Cleanliness is important, which is why you never want to run out of hand soap. Snatch up a bulk supply on Amazon, today.
- Laundry soap– Again, you will want to have a bulk supply of laundry soap on hand. You never know when you might need it. If you want a less expensive way to have laundry soap, check out my DIY Laundry Detergent.
- Shampoo– You need to be able to keep yourself clean, even if the power is out. Be sure you have enough shampoo for your family for several months.
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste & Dental floss– Three things many preppers forget about stocking are toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss. Make sure you have enough. Oral hygiene is a critical component of our overall health.
- Q-Tips– Q-tips have many uses besides just for your ears. They can also be used as cotton swabs, makeup removers, and first aid.
Other Items You Should Have Stocked
In addition to the items above, you should already have these basic emergency essentials stocked:
- Water-You should have at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your family.
- Food– Have at least a 3-month supply of non-perishable food for each person in your family.
- First Aid Kit– This is something you hope you never have to use, but are glad to have when you need it.
- Hygiene Supplies– This would include toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, etc.
- Non-Food Survival Items– This would include things like a manual can opener, batteries, flashlights, etc.
- Prescription medications- If you need these on a daily basis, you better have a longer-term supply available.
- Over-the-counter meds- We all need pain relievers, stomach ache help, sunburn ointments, and so much more.
For a complete list of emergency essentials, check out my post: The Ultimate Prepping List.
Final Word
There are many things you can do to prepare for inflation. The most important thing is to have a plan and be prepared. Be sure to stock up on the items listed above. These 11 emergency essentials will help you get through tough times.
What other items would you add to this list? Please share in the comments below! May God Bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Cash in Hands Depositphotos_2392001_S by Patryk_Kosmider
Ammo. The government has moved to cut off Lake City from civilians so approximately 30% of 5.56 will be lost.
The number of growing gun owners is skyrocketing. THE PEOPLE (all regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, race or religion) are partaking in the 2nd at a pace not seen.
Political interference in the industry is at an all time high.
Prices might fluctuate but it’s one of those items you’ve either got or you don’t. Long term prices will rise and it’s an investment.
Properly stored in ammo cans it’ll last decades. I’m still shooting 30-06 from the 1940s. I use military ammo cans that have sealed gasket lids and put a moisture absorber in it. We’ve recovered them from flooded areas with no damage. We’ve found them after a tornado with little to no damage. When those are in short supply it’s ok to use the plastic ammo cans as long as they have sealed lids.
Many calibers are simply not found on shelves for any length of time and won’t be for years to come such as .410, 10mm, 6.5 Grendel etc.
Matt,
Good comment. And, while certain calibers may become impossible to get or ridiculously expensive, stock up on whatever calibers you have firearms for. Even 22LR is better than no ammo. And, it may well be needed for small game hunting for food. Keep your powder dry.
Yes sir the 22 is way underrated. I grew up in SE Oklahoma and I’ve taken a lot of critters of ALL sizes with it. Seen many a person dropped too in my careers.
What some folks don’t know is that competition has a category for long range 22 where they shoot consistently out to 600. Yeah it requires a little special equipment like raised scope rails but it’s doable.
Robins and possum are more likely to be on the menu than deer and elk when it goes bad. We wiped them out completely in the 30s in this state during the depression.
HI Harry, I totally agree, thanks my friend, Linda
Hi Matt, great comment, you nailed it on what needs to be stocked. Thank you my friend, Linda
Got to love grown children who get Dad more ammo for Father’s Day!!!
Hi Chris and Matt, I love this! Linda
Good Morning Linda,
I would add to get much more first aid things than you think you will need..There are many things that can cause infection , bug bites, scratches from external things, cuts, puncture wounds- step on something.. wear sandals?..a stick jabbed in between toes makes a really bad infection/wound.. An infected wound can be treated at home, in an emergency.(did it)..requires at minimum, drawing salve,some kind of anti-infective dressing after drawing salve is finished with pulling exudate,… epsom salt (used to draw infection in heavy saturated solution.and you will need a lot of sterile dressings and something to hold those in place.Soaking will be required with hot water and 3x a day dressings take dedication,the soaking container will need to be fully disinfected between uses. vet wrap can be re-used.. feminine napkins-individual wrapped, are sterile.they work for draining wounds extremely well ,get different absorbencies.need an applicator?. get some case knives or spoons. boil them for 10 minutes. Wound care for healing? honey- unprocessed raw, add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil to 2 oz to give it a boost
anbesol. liquid… is sterile unopened and can be used to assist men to clear kidney stones( have a family member that did it.)
Whatever pain meds your family may use- get them in now.
Don’t forget pet meds, flea and tick meds, things to treat a poisoning or injury, snake bite.( benadryl) have directions from Vet to use. Know what pain meds your pet can use/dose specific to weight..
HI Denise, thank you, my friend. I totally agree, stock up everyone. Linda
Wow!!! All good comments today!! I grew up shooting a 22 and am a good shot and have the ammo, too. I use my Dad’s and still work well after 50 yrs.. We must remember to store what will help us and our families now and later. A garden is also needed if possible. Do what ever you need to do !! It will only get worse as inflation rises. Gas is now over $5.00 a gallon here.
Hi Cheryl, way to go, my friend! Great comment, we must stock up on whatever we need, food, water, and supplies. Linda
Hi Linda, and everyone! I have and an gathering up all that we might need for a year or more. First Aid wise and living wise. I’ve been feeling like another Great Depression is headed our way. And it may be worse than the first one. I want to be prepared for my family to survive. I’ve already told my youngest daughter, also a prepper, that she gets all of my preps when I’m gone. She is a frugal prepper. LOL When the toilet paper shortage was at its highest here, she gave a senior lady enough to get her through. Not money changed hands. She has a tender heart for seniors.
Hi Deborah, oh this is the sweetest comment ever! Your daughter observed your kindness and gives to those in need. Many seniors cannot even carry a supply of water bottles into their homes. Love this comment! Linda
I have trouble with our 5 gallon water bottles. I have to get our son to put it on the cooler. Larry isn’t supposed to pick up over 10 pounds. And I can’t do it. I usually put the bottle in the wagon we have and pull it to the house. I then wrestle it into the house. Not an easy task for this 70 year old. I still try though.
Hi Deborah, oh those are so heavy!!! Can you get the smaller ones???? Linda
If you have some of the bottles on the floor you can get a manual pump so you can dispense it without lifting it at all which work great without power. If you think you’ll have power there are water coolers that have a pump in them so you put the bottle in the bottom and put the feed line into it. My wife’s office has one of these and it can also heat water for dispensing as well. Hope this helps.
HI DMWalsh, thanks for this tip!! Linda
Thats one reason I bought a Berkey water purifier. If we have a water emergency I can provide a neighbor with 1 gal of clean water in less than 1 hour. Also have extra votive candles if they need some light during power outages. These little things count during an emergency.
Hi Kenneth, having a Berkey is awesome! I have one and I will do the same thing with water. It really is the little things that will help everyone after a disaster. Great comment, Linda
I think its wise to heed your intuition Deborah. IF a depression does happen it won’t be obvious until it’s too late. I read a statement from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) that said they are seeing many countries slide into recession and may get worse.
Hi Kenneth, I’m with you, I used to be a banker, Mortgage Broker, and a Real Estate Agent. We can see the writing on the wall so to speak. It will get much worse, we must be ready. We can do it. Linda
We are starting another era with the depression and inflation in full swing. It will only get worse with food, water, fuel, medical and housing shortages. If you have not started prepping, it may be too late unless you are wealthy. Basic needs will be in a very limited supply. So take stock in all that you use, and purchase in quantities while the supply lasts.
Hi Sittingowl333, you nailed it, my friend. We must get the word out to those who have been teetering to prepare for the unexpected. Linda
I’d add ziplock baggies or their generics. I feel we’re going to need containers. My great aunt had hundreds of plastic margarine containers in her garage. I’m not that bad, but ziplocks take up less space.
Hi Tina, I’m with you we need plastic containers or baggies for sure. I just ordered some silicone reusable bags, I’m not sure what the future brings. Linda
Linda,
Matt and Harry added valuable information. Ammo and reloading supplies are essential for proper preparation. I’d add cash to the list. I know, I know. Cash will lose value during inflationary times, but having cash on hand will be worthwhile, especially if there are any power grid interruptions.
Hi Ray, oh cash is a given. Yes, we need cash in small bills, yes indeed! Great comment, my friend. Linda
I would add to that the possibility that an enemy country decides to hack our financial systems.
Hi Kenneth, a power grid outage is my biggest fear, and a cyber attack is part of that. Linda
Kenneth, that could definitely happen, but we’re doing a pretty good job of ruining our economy ourselves.
We were told many years ago by a man that had live through the Depression in 1929, that we would have another one.. He said that the next one would be worse because in ’29 people actually helped others when they needed it, but when the next one occurs, people will have become selfish and only think of themselves. That would mean that we better be able to protect what we have and store what we have where it is easy to get to. For me. bugging out is not an option in that case.
HI Cheryl, I totally agree with your thoughts about another Depression coming. Bugging out is not an option for me either. Love your comment, Linda
One thing I don’t often see mentioned on preppers sites is that guys should also keep a supply of Family Planning products. Recessions or worse may not be the best time to start a pregnancy, unless of course you planned for it.
Hi Kenneth, I totally agree with you on that one! Hopefully, people will stock up on what they need to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Great reminder, Linda
Kenneth, please know, since we have grown children and grown grandchildren in “that” age group, I mentioned your comments to my husband…… who with a straight face, asked me if ME if I was trying to tell him something!!!!!…….Really….at 70 and 75 that’s a miracle I’d rather not see…..LOL….
Yes, I understand. However the younger readers might do well to take this into account. My take is that the guys usually do not take Family Planning into their preparedness plans. Perhaps its better if the Gals bring up the topic.
Hi Kenneth, I totally agree with you!! Linda
Howdy Folks,
What can I say, other than this is a great article with great comments. Thank you Miss Linda for posting it. You never know what or when something not too pretty good will happen. You have to be ready for it . . .
With a brother’s love,
CB
1st Timothy 5:8
Hi Curley Bull, your comments always make me smile. We really do have to be ready for whatever comes our way. Thank you, my friend, Linda
My kids know that we have always kept a stocked pantry, mainly against bad weather and periods of unemployment. I am trying to politely suggest, without overstepping my boundaries, since they are grown adults with homes of their own that more is necessary. They are intelligent and well educated, I am offering funds for additional groceries without trying to imply they can’t take care of their own. It is a delicate balance. Any suggestions??
HI Chris, I will add my two cents for what it’s worth. LOL! I give BlueCans of water in cases for Christmas gifts. I used to give freeze-dried foods until the prices were so crazy for Christmas! I had four daughters and they all stock, some more than others. I learned years ago not to ask if they needed to take Vitamin D, I have a daughter with MS. They are adults, I have to step back and let them learn. Heaven forbid if I asked them if they had a mammogram. Nope, nada. Life is good, Linda
I have been giving my kids and their families canned goods from our garden for years……Until I learned my Daughter in law wont eat home canned goods….sigh
so I store extra food here since I’m sure this is where they will land if it gets to hard. In the meantime they get gifts from Grove (dish soap, paper goods…etc)
Hi Hazel, that’s too bad your DIL wouldn’t eat your canned goods! I think things will change sooner than later. What a blessing to give them dish soap, and paper goods. It’s all good! Linda
I would like to add clothing to the list. General use clothing and sneakers don’t change much in style over years. Especially men’s styles, baby clothes, jammies tee shirts, shorts, socks, underware and regular work type cloths. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and stock up.
HI Melissa, these are great, you nailed it on clothes! Thank you, Linda
Melissa, I think you are right. I have been stockpiling 3 extra weeks of underwear for my husband and I. I got a good deal on winter robes from LL Bean and Cuddle Duds pants. Winter up here can be hard, even in good times.
Maybe not “essentials “, but just to be on the safe side, I am finishing up basic Christmas presents……I know, it might seem bizarre, but that’s how I think. For the girls, I have beautiful sherpa socks in a Scandinavian style, that they can wear, or use as Christmas decorations with red clutch wallets inside with money. For the boys, I have ordered Leatherman multitools to add with money. For all, mini stockings that all I will need to add is assorted chocolate for advent calendars. If things are good then, I can add more, if not, it’s something.
Hi Chris, what a great idea!!! I love Christmas gifts like this!! Love this!! Linda
Any suggestions on how to stock up long term on prescription meds? My pharmacy will fill 90 day prescriptions but will only refill once we are down to a week.
Hi Tracy, it depends on the prescription. If you pay cash for the prescription, let’s say Ibuprophen 800 mg. I will ask the doctor to write it for one year. It’s usually cheaper by the year than even 90 days using my insurance. I do the same thing with my high cholesterol medication. Insulin is the same, I have heard, I am not Diabetic. IF you can afford to pay cash, do it, if it’s cheaper or if your budget allows. Most doctors cannot prescribe drugs for pain killers or anti-depressant medications. It doesn’t hurt to ask and then check around for the best prices USING CASH, not insurance. Walmart is not the cheapest place. Ask me how I know. I use GoodRx and still ask for a better price. Linda
Dear Linda,
Good Rx is not always the least expensive way to purchase medication. Just know that asking your pharmacy tech to run more than one insurance option through the system takes time.
I don’t know how you would even be able to purchase more than 90 days of a prescription from a reputable pharmacy. They are highly regulated and restrictions are set in place to avoid abuse. Also, some meds, for instance ibuprofen, can be less as an over-the – counter (OTC) than prescription medications. Ask your pharmacist or pharmacy tech. Depends on strength and other factors. A trend is that some prescribers are writing prescriptions for OTC medications so they can get paid to write the prescription! (I’ve been a pharmacy tech.)
Thank you for another excellent article.
Everybody take care,
Teddy
Hi Teddy, you are so right about the Good Rx, I always check that and then the cash price. Cash is always cheaper even than my co-pay sometimes. I can pay cash for a year’s worth of my high cholesterol medicine. There are certain drugs no doctor can prescribe for more than 30 days and of course 90 days as well. They would be for mental health issues and painkillers, I’m just guessing I am not a doctor or pharmacist. I get a prescription for Ibuprofen which is cheaper than OTC prices. We must be diligent and check around for the best prices. Linda
Hi, Tracy,
The issue isn’t your pharmacy. That is what your insurance company requires. The only way I know to avoid that is to pay cash.
Good luck,
Teddy
Hi Teddy, you are so right, Cash is the name of the game. Linda
Good for you, Linda! Most people are unaware of their options.
Have a great day,
Teddy