Prepping Mistakes: Part 2 of 5

Buying whats hot can undermine your strategy

Prepping is hot right now. And, it's smart.

I don't want to make the wrong impression. I do think that having a plan and a strategy is very important. But don't let anyone set your strategy askew. There are thousands and thousands of people out there (in here) that are blogging, prepping, selling, and sharing ideas for like minded people.

Many of these people want to share their ideas and plans, some want to sell you something because it is a good idea that you should have and they can make a buck. Nothing wrong with making a buck. It is the American dream, right? There are a lot of people that will sell anything to make a buck and really have no idea or care what it is or if you need it.

Predators are real!

I am not just talking about the people that will want to take your stuff.

There is a lot going on in our country/world. Millions are trying to prepare. There is a lot you need, and a lot of crap that you don't. One of the most trendy things that there is right now is emergency preparedness. Many people/companies Only care about their profit no matter the expense.

This is the part where I tell you to do a little research

Read, Study, Learn

You have heard me say this before, and will many times if you are following this at all. Knowledge is power and the more you can learn the more prepared you will be. Don't buy something just because one person made it look good in an advertisement. The better you spend your money, the more prepared you can be.

What not to buy

I am not putting in a list of crap that I believe is no good. What my strategy consists of does not reflect what everyone thinks is great. But there is a lot of crap! If you have the money, and want it all, then it really doesn't matter what you buy and store. Keep in mind your space and budget. Just because it is trendy or there is an ad for it, doesn't mean it is necessary or good.

Here is a list of questions to ask yourself before throwing your money away.

1. Can I afford it? You don't know when you are going to need it. Don't go into debt for it.
2. Why are they selling it? Is it something they use? Or, are they only trying to make a buck?
3. Where was it made (what is the quality)? Is it going to work when it matters?
4. How big is it? Are you prepping your home and a GAG bag (grab and go)? It is great to have your home prepared and armed to the teeth but what if you have to leave your home? Can you take it with you? If it is something that you need, is there a portable version for your bag?
5. Whose name is on it? Many people buy a knife, canteen, etc. because it has the name of an actor or someone off a reality survival show. Don't forget, It is a show.
6. What is the practicality of it? Do you already own it in another form? There might be a new version with one more feature. Is it a feature you can't live without?
7. Does someone else have one? Expensive items that can be shared, can be shared. Do you have a like minded group of people in your network, or are you going to be alone? (the flip side to that is, if you can't get together then you still have one)
8. If you see it advertised everywhere it means people are probably buying it. Look it up and read reviews. What are other people saying about it?
9. Can I get a discount? Talk to your network, church, family. When you buy in bulk you can usually save money. The larger the purchase (more people) the better you can negotiate.

Does it take electricity? How much does it take? How much can you create? You will not always have your power source.

Read study Learn

I can not stress the importance of this

  Our sister site Pacificarmory.com will be up and running soon. Bookmark this site as it will be the best place to get all of your prepping and conceal carry wants and needs. We will also be expanding into firearms and ammo. Some of these items can be found now at oregonconcealedtraining.com Thank you