When the economy is rough, the best prepping activities are ones that build resilience, reduce dependence, and give you options. Here’s a grounded list of high-impact areas to focus on:

1. Build a Financial Buffer (Even a Small One)

• Prioritize saving a mini emergency fund, even if it’s just $500–$1000.
• Cut non-essentials and redirect small wins (refunds, side gig income) to savings.
• Consider bartering or informal exchanges to stretch your resources.

2. Stockpile Smart Essentials

• Focus on shelf-stable, versatile foods (rice, beans, oats, canned goods, oil, salt).
• Include personal care basics (soap, toothpaste, toilet paper).
• Buy slow and steady—$5–$10 extra per shop adds up over time.

3. Diversify Your Skills

• Learn basic repairs (clothing, plumbing, bike maintenance).
• Explore food preservation: canning, dehydrating, fermenting.
• Practice gardening—even container gardening on a balcony matters.

4. Strengthen Local Connections

• Build or join mutual aid groups, community gardens, or swap networks.
• Know who in your neighborhood has what skills.
• Emotional and resource support is everything in hard times.

5. Get Debt-Strategic

• Pay down high-interest debt if you can, but don’t drain all your liquidity.
• Know your minimum payments and prioritize flexibility over fast payoff.

6. Create a Home Inventory

• Know what you actually use.
• Avoid hoarding and impulse prepping—waste = lost money.

7. Learn DIY Health Care Basics

• Stock basic first aid.
• Learn herbs or natural remedies relevant to your region.
• Understand your health vulnerabilities and prep accordingly.

8. Generate (or Preserve) Multiple Income Streams

• Dust off old skills—can you tutor, fix things, resell, write, coach?
• Digital skills (e.g., design, copywriting, admin) offer flexibility and reach.
• Don’t ignore small gigs—they add resilience.