The Prepper $2,000 Coronavirus Challenge... how would you spend it?

[jgradyc]

The coronavirus (CV) is unlike any SHTF scenario I've read about... it's almost SHTF in slow motion...  so I've decided to set a $2,000 budget and start prepping for CV.

I occurred to me that this is something we all should do, although our budgets might be different so I decided to start this thread. Let's assume that we already have several handguns, long guns, ammo, and a couple of weeks of food, but not much else. 

How would you spend the money? You can go over the budget a couple of thousand, if necessary.  

Oh, and what would you do that you wouldn't do normally?

Edited March 17, 2020 by jgradyc
Added: What would you DO?

[gregintenn]

Booze?

[jgradyc]

Just now, gregintenn said:

Booze?

Done. Bought two handles...

[gregintenn]

Something to keep you entertained.

[Garufa]

If you just now started prepping now you’re too late.

[TomInMN]

I thought this was already settled. $2,000 worth of toilet paper! Duh!

[krunchnik]

14 minutes ago, TomInMN said:

I thought this was already settled. $2,000 worth of toilet paper! Duh!

And not to forget the Prep H Wipes-also doubles as dish rag and nose wiper!

 

In all seriousness I am not really sure what else I could squirrel away that I already do not have-possibly some of those entirely yummy MRE's

Edited March 18, 2020 by krunchnik

[Chucktshoes]

20rds of 556 from CTD. 

[Shorty]

For clarification, are you talking strictly CV (basic services still available) or "you're on your own"?  If it's the second, then in no particular order...several 7gal jugs to hold tap water, bleach, batteries, first aid/meds/scripts, several gallons of gas, lots of salt to preserve food, alternative cooking method...oh and barter items, booze, cigarettes, lots of cheap lighters

[deerslayer]

If your scenario involves the utility guys not coming to work, maybe shop some portable water filters.  

[TomInMN]

I don't really understand the idea behind stashing away stuff to trade. I'm not saying it's wrong, I just don't understand it. I'll sick with stuff I want, and either not worry about trading or trade what I have.

If I think it's worth having, someone else likely will too. If not, then at least it's something I wanted in the first place... 

[Garufa]

I recommend procuring three seashells if is within budget.

[DaveTN]

I have stuff I save to get me out of many different types of emergencies. But I can’t post a picture of it because when I scan it, my photo software gives me a warning from the Federal government to knock it off. It’s very light weight and I don’t have to bury it in the ground or store it in a bunker. It has not failed me yet.

[AuEagle]

Gold & Silver Coins/Bullion.

[Hippy]

Silver.  Silver to gold ratio today is 121/1.  They have been currency for 6,000 years and will continue to be for long after our dollar is devalued to the paper it is printed on.  The ratio between silver and gold will correct in the future to a more reasonable/accurate ratio and silver can be traded for gold when it happens for many smiles.  All the markets are failing currently and silver and gold WILL stand the test.  So, $2k or any other I had as extra cash after needed supplies I would recommend to put into silver.

Edited March 18, 2020 by Hippy
Grammer correction

[RED333]

1 hour ago, gregintenn said:

Something to keep you entertained.

Depends if the wife says OK and what does she look like?

[Johnny Rotten]

1 hour ago, DaveTN said:

I have stuff I save to get me out of many different types of emergencies. But I can’t post a picture of it because when I scan it, my photo software gives me a warning from the Federal government to knock it off. It’s very light weight and I don’t have to bury it in the ground or store it in a bunker. It has not failed me yet.

Tactical Nuke?

[gregintenn]

To date, I’ve had good luck with cash. Just hang on to it until a need arises.

[jgradyc]

2 hours ago, Shorty said:

For clarification, are you talking strictly CV (basic services still available) or "you're on your own"?  If it's the second, then in no particular order...several 7gal jugs to hold tap water, bleach, batteries, first aid/meds/scripts, several gallons of gas, lots of salt to preserve food, alternative cooking method...oh and barter items, booze, cigarettes, lots of cheap lighters

How bad will it get? Since we don't know, we need to prepare for both scenarios. I see some great items on your list, batteries, lighters, first aid stuff. 

One thing I have that I almost never see on prepper lists is several bicycles. Once the gas runs out, a bicycle is the most efficient non-motorized transportation ever built. 

My concern is that I've waited too late to stock up on desirable non-perishable foods. I only have barely enough to last a month. 

 

[Ronald_55]

I already made my list of suggestions that cover multiple scenarios.  

http://leveledsurvival.com/buying-list/

Bicycles could be advantageous in some areas. Though remember sticking to roads means staying close to people. Plus, if you are in rough country, you need to be in good shape to travel off trail and have the right type of bike. 

Cash is good until it isn't...then what do you do? I guess it makes ok TP and fire tinder.

Gold and silver are good as long as the people you want to trade with have their basic needs covered. A sane man isn't gonna trade food for gold if he is hungry. So precious metals are good if you are stocked up on necessities. I have some and wouldn't hate to have more.

[bud]

.

Edited June 9, 2020 by bud

[bud]

.

 

 

Edited June 9, 2020 by bud

[Ronald_55]

4 minutes ago, bud said:

But my for real answer to what would I buy with 2g's right now... one of these-

 

Boy does that look sketch. Might as well say "Free Candy" on the side. 

[Jamie Jackson]

@jgradyc

We have a Big Berkey water filtration system and it's been in daily use for more than 10 years. It's a household staple for us. I have recommended them as a first line purchase for a long time now.

A lot of vendors may be temporally out of stock, but as I have to get to work, I didn't search deeply. 

https://www.directive21.com/products/big-berkey-water-filters/

[jgradyc]

11 hours ago, Shorty said:

For clarification, are you talking strictly CV (basic services still available) or "you're on your own"?  If it's the second, then in no particular order...several 7gal jugs to hold tap water, bleach, batteries, first aid/meds/scripts, several gallons of gas, lots of salt to preserve food, alternative cooking method...oh and barter items, booze, cigarettes, lots of cheap lighters

How bad will it get? Since we don't know, we need to prepare for both scenarios. I see some great items on your list, batteries, lighters, first aid stuff. 

One thing I have that I almost never see on prepper lists is several bicycles. Once the gas runs out, a bicycle is the most efficient non-motorized transportation ever built. I have six. I figure each one would be worth at least one gold coin... should I care about gold.

My concern is that I've waited too late to stock up on desirable non-perishable foods. I only have barely enough to last a month.