Prepping 101: Edition 5 - Navigating 2025

Folks, Bob Yeager here, and welcome to another essential edition of Prepping 101. If my 25 years of teaching preparedness have taught me anything, it’s that the world is constantly shifting beneath our feet. We’ve seen it time and again – unexpected events, economic tremors, and global realignments that can catch the unprepared off guard. And as we look ahead to 2026, it’s clear that the landscape isn’t getting any less complex.

We’re living in a time where headlines scream about inflation, supply chain woes, and geopolitical tensions. You see it at the grocery store, feel it at the gas pump, and hear it in the news. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, to feel a sense of unease about what the future holds. But here at Prepping 101, we don’t dwell on fear; we focus on proactive resilience. We turn uncertainty into opportunity, and concern into concrete action.

This isn’t about building a bunker and hiding from the world. This is about smart, practical planning that empowers you and your family to navigate whatever comes your way, whether it’s a local power outage, a regional economic downturn, or a global event that ripples through our daily lives. It’s about understanding the forces at play and building layers of preparedness that shield your household from the worst impacts.

In this edition, we’re going to cut through the noise and equip you with actionable strategies to address the economic shifts and global realities we’re facing in 2025. We’ll talk about safeguarding your finances, ensuring your family’s food security amidst rising prices, and building resilience against potential disruptions. This is your playbook for staying ahead, for turning potential vulnerabilities into strengths, and for ensuring your family’s well-being, no matter what the year brings. Let’s get to it!

Economic Resilience: Shielding Your Household in Turbulent Times

The economic currents of 2025 are complex, marked by persistent inflation, fluctuating energy costs, and an ever-present undercurrent of global instability. While the International Monetary Fund projects global growth to continue at a modest pace, reports from sources like McKinsey and EY highlight ongoing challenges, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities [1, 2, 3]. For the prepared family, this isn’t a cause for panic, but a clear signal to fortify your financial and resource foundations.

The 2025 Economic Landscape: What You Need to Know

We’re seeing continued pressure on household budgets. Grocery prices, for instance, have seen significant jumps, outpacing overall inflation in some areas, with expectations for above-average increases in categories like eggs, sugar, and fresh fruit [4, 5]. This isn’t just a temporary blip; it’s a trend that demands a strategic approach to how we manage our resources. The key takeaway here is that financial and food security are more intertwined with preparedness than ever before.

Financial Preparedness: Beyond the Savings Account

While a robust savings account is always foundational, true financial preparedness in today’s climate requires a multi-faceted approach.

• Emergency Fund Review: If you haven’t already, now is the time to critically assess your emergency fund. The old adage of 3-6 months of living expenses might need an upgrade. Given the potential for job market volatility and rising costs, aiming for 6-12 months of essential expenses provides a more secure buffer. This fund should be easily accessible but separate from your daily spending, ideally in a high-yield savings account.

• Debt Reduction: Your Freedom Strategy: High-interest debt is a vulnerability. In an uncertain economic climate, every dollar spent on interest is a dollar not invested in your family’s resilience. Prioritize paying down credit card debt, personal loans, and other high-interest obligations. Reducing debt frees up cash flow, giving you greater flexibility to absorb unexpected costs or invest in other preparedness measures.

• Diversifying Income Streams: Your Personal Economic Shield: Relying on a single income source can be risky. Consider developing a side hustle, learning a new skill that can be monetized, or exploring remote work opportunities. This isn’t just about earning extra cash; it’s about creating redundancy in your financial life. If one income stream is disrupted, you have others to fall back on. Think about skills you already possess or could easily acquire that are in demand, such as tutoring, freelance writing, digital marketing, or even local services like handyman work or gardening.

Food Security in an Era of Rising Prices

The rising cost of food is a direct hit to every household. Building food security isn’t just about having enough; it’s about having control over your supply and mitigating the impact of price hikes.

• Strategic Stockpiling: Smart, Not Hoarding: This isn’t about panic buying. It’s about intelligent, rotating food storage. Focus on non-perishable staples your family actually eats. Buy in bulk when sales hit, and ensure you’re rotating your stock to maintain freshness. A well-organized pantry with a 3-6 month supply of essentials can absorb the shock of price increases and supply chain disruptions. Consider items like rice, beans, pasta, canned goods, and dried fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget water – at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

• Gardening & Food Preservation: Cultivating Self-Reliance: The ultimate hedge against rising food prices is to grow your own. Even a small backyard garden or a few container plants can significantly supplement your family’s diet. Learn basic food preservation techniques like canning, dehydrating, and freezing. These skills turn seasonal abundance into year-round security, reducing your reliance on grocery stores and giving you control over the quality of your food.

• Community Food Networks: Localizing Your Supply: Connect with local farmers, join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, or explore farmers’ markets. Supporting local food producers not only provides fresher, often more affordable options but also strengthens your local food system, making your community more resilient. Consider bartering skills or goods with neighbors for produce or other necessities.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Localizing Your Needs

Recent years have highlighted the fragility of global supply chains. Delays, shortages, and increased costs are becoming more common. The prepared family seeks to reduce their dependence on these distant, often unpredictable, networks.

• Identifying Critical Dependencies: Take stock of the essential goods your family relies on. Where do they come from? How long would it take to replace them if supply lines were cut? This exercise reveals your vulnerabilities.

• Supporting Local Businesses: A Community Investment: Consciously choose to buy from local businesses and producers whenever possible. This keeps money circulating within your community, fosters local resilience, and often provides more direct access to goods and services when larger supply chains falter.

• DIY & Repair Skills: The Ultimate Independence: In a world of planned obsolescence, the ability to repair rather than replace is a powerful preparedness skill. Learn basic home repairs, appliance fixes, sewing, and vehicle maintenance. These skills save money, extend the life of your possessions, and reduce your reliance on external services that might be unavailable in a crisis. Embrace the mindset of a fixer, not just a consumer.

Navigating 2025’s Global & Local Realities

Beyond the economic shifts, 2025 has presented a complex tapestry of global and local challenges. Geopolitical tensions remain elevated, climate change continues to drive severe weather events, and cyber threats loom large [6, 7]. A truly prepared family understands these broader risks and integrates them into their planning, not with fear, but with informed caution and proactive measures.

Geopolitical Tensions & Civil Unrest: The Human Element

Headlines often highlight conflicts and political instability around the globe. While these may seem distant, their ripple effects can impact supply chains, energy prices, and even local communities. The key here is not to predict specific events, but to prepare for the consequences of instability.

• Information Preparedness: Beyond the Echo Chamber: In times of heightened tension, misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly. Cultivate habits of critical thinking and seek information from diverse, credible sources. Understand the difference between news and opinion, and be wary of sensationalism. Having a clear, unbiased understanding of events allows for better decision-making.

• Community Building: Your Local Lifeline: When larger systems falter, your local community becomes your most immediate and reliable resource. Invest time in getting to know your neighbors, participating in local events, and building mutual aid networks. A strong, cohesive community is a powerful buffer against civil unrest and a vital support system in any crisis. Organize neighborhood watch programs, skill-sharing workshops, or simply regular potlucks to foster connection.

• Personal Security Basics: Awareness & Deterrence: This isn’t about becoming a paramilitary operative. It’s about enhancing your situational awareness, making your home less of a target, and understanding basic self-defense principles. Simple steps like securing your home (strong locks, alarm systems, exterior lighting), being aware of your surroundings when out and about, and having a plan for family communication and rendezvous points can significantly enhance your personal security. Consider non-lethal self-defense options and training for family members, focusing on de-escalation and escape.

Climate & Environmental Challenges: Adapting to a Changing World

The impacts of climate change are no longer abstract; they are manifesting as more frequent and intense severe weather events. From wildfires and floods to extreme heat and cold, these events demand localized preparedness strategies [8].

• Regional Risk Assessment: Know Your Threats: Every region has its unique environmental risks. Do you live in a wildfire zone? A flood plain? An area prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or blizzards? Understand the specific threats your location faces and tailor your preparedness accordingly. Resources like Ready.gov and local emergency management agencies provide invaluable information.

• Home Hardening & Mitigation: Proactive Protection: Once you know your risks, take steps to mitigate them. This could involve clearing defensible space around your home for wildfire protection, installing sump pumps and backflow valves for flood prevention, reinforcing windows against high winds, or improving insulation for extreme temperatures. These investments not only protect your property but can also lower insurance costs and provide peace of mind.

• Water & Energy Independence: Reducing Vulnerability: Access to clean water and reliable power are critical. Explore basic steps towards water independence, such as rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable use, or a water filter for potable water. For energy, consider portable solar chargers for small electronics, a generator for essential appliances, or simply having alternative cooking and heating methods that don’t rely on grid power. Even small steps towards energy and water independence can significantly reduce your vulnerability during extended outages.

Cybersecurity & Digital Preparedness: The Invisible Threat

In an increasingly digital world, cyberattacks pose a significant, often overlooked, threat to personal and national security. From ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure to data breaches impacting personal finances, digital resilience is a new frontier in preparedness [6].

• Protecting Digital Assets: Your Virtual Fortress: Implement strong, unique passwords for all online accounts, use two-factor authentication wherever possible, and regularly back up important digital files (photos, documents, financial records) to external hard drives or secure cloud storage. Be wary of phishing attempts and suspicious links.

• Communication Redundancy: When the Internet Goes Dark: What happens if the internet, cell towers, or even landlines go down? Develop communication plans that don’t rely on these systems. This includes having FRS/GMRS radios for short-range communication, a designated out-of-state contact person, and physical meet-up locations for family members. Keep a printed list of important phone numbers and addresses, as you won’t be able to access them digitally.

• Offline Information Storage: Your Analog Backup: Store critical information offline. This includes copies of important documents (IDs, insurance policies, medical records), emergency contacts, and maps of your local area. A waterproof, fireproof document safe is a wise investment. Think about what information you would need if you had no access to the internet or electricity.

Actionable Steps for the Modern Prepper: Your 2025-2026 Playbook

Navigating the complexities of 2025 requires a proactive, layered approach to preparedness. It’s about building a robust foundation that can withstand economic shocks, environmental challenges, and geopolitical shifts. Here are your actionable steps to enhance your family’s resilience:

1. The 3-Tiered Approach: Review and Update Your Supplies

– 72-Hour Kit (Bug-Out Bag): Ensure each family member has a personalized bag with essentials for 3 days. Focus on lightweight, multi-purpose items. Given economic concerns, consider durable, repairable gear over disposable. (Refer to Prepping 101, Edition 2 for a detailed guide).

– 3-Day Home Supply: This is your immediate go-to for short-term disruptions. Think water, non-perishable food, first-aid, and basic sanitation. Rotate items regularly to ensure freshness and account for rising food prices by buying staples in bulk when affordable.

– 3-Month Extended Supply: This is your long-term buffer against sustained economic downturns or supply chain issues. Focus on bulk dry goods (rice, beans, pasta), canned goods, and preserved foods. This tier is where your gardening and food preservation skills truly shine, reducing reliance on external systems.

2. Skill Development: Your Most Valuable Asset

– Reduce Reliance on External Systems: Prioritize learning practical skills that empower you to be self-sufficient. This includes gardening, basic home and appliance repairs, vehicle maintenance, and comprehensive first aid. The more you can do for yourself, the less vulnerable you are to external disruptions.

– Financial Literacy: Deepen your understanding of personal finance, investing, and alternative economic models. Knowledge is power, especially when navigating turbulent economic waters.

3. Community Engagement: Strength in Numbers

– Connect with Neighbors: Organize a neighborhood watch, a skill-sharing group, or simply host regular gatherings. Knowing your neighbors and their unique skills (medical, mechanical, gardening, security) creates a powerful mutual aid network.

– Join Local Preparedness Groups: Many communities have active preparedness groups or CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) programs. These offer training, resources, and a ready-made network of like-minded individuals.

4. Information Literacy: The Shield Against Misinformation

– Diverse Information Consumption: Actively seek out news and analysis from a variety of credible sources, both domestic and international. Avoid relying solely on social media or single news outlets.

– Critical Thinking: Develop the habit of questioning information, cross-referencing facts, and identifying biases. In an age of rapid information flow, the ability to discern truth from fiction is a critical survival skill.

– Offline Information: Maintain physical copies of essential guides, maps, and contact lists. If the grid goes down, your digital information may be inaccessible.

By systematically addressing these areas, you transform from a passive observer of global events into an active participant in your family’s security and well-being. Preparedness isn’t about fear; it’s about freedom – the freedom that comes from knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect what matters most.

Bob Yeager’s Reflection: The Power of Proactive Preparedness

Folks, in my 25 years of teaching Prepping 101, I’ve seen a lot of changes. Economic booms and busts, natural disasters, global crises – you name it. But one thing has remained constant: the power of proactive preparedness. It’s not about predicting the future with perfect accuracy; it’s about building a robust foundation that allows you to adapt, to pivot, and to thrive no matter what challenges arise. The headlines of 2025 might seem daunting, but they are also a powerful call to action. They remind us that self-reliance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

I’ve always believed that true preparedness isn’t just about gear and supplies; it’s about mindset. It’s about cultivating a spirit of resilience, resourcefulness, and community. When you understand the economic forces at play, when you take steps to secure your food and finances, and when you build strong relationships with your neighbors, you’re not just preparing for a crisis – you’re building a stronger, more secure life for your family every single day. Don’t let the noise of the world paralyze you. Instead, let it motivate you to take those tangible steps that empower you and those you love.

Your Next Steps: Build Your 2025-2026 Resilience

1. Review Your Financial Health: Take an honest look at your budget, emergency fund, and debt. Make a plan to strengthen your financial position.

2. Assess Your Food & Water Security: Evaluate your current food storage. Can it sustain your family for 3 months? Start a garden, learn to preserve, and ensure you have adequate water purification methods.

3. Connect Locally: Reach out to a neighbor you don’t know well. Offer to help them with something, or simply share a cup of coffee. Strong communities are our best defense.

What to Expect in the Next Edition

In our next edition of Prepping 101, we’ll delve into advanced water purification techniques – ensuring your family has safe drinking water in any scenario – and long-term food storage strategies that go beyond the basics, helping you build a truly resilient pantry. Stay tuned!

Closing

Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and keep learning.

Bob Yeager Prepping 101

Support Prepping 101:

If you find value in the practical insights and family-focused preparedness advice shared in Prepping 101, please consider supporting our work. Your contributions help us continue to create valuable content and empower more families to become self-reliant.

• Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/tacosforbob

References:

[1] IMF. (2025). World Economic Outlook Update, July 2025: Global Economy. Retrieved from https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2025/07/29/world-economic-outlook-update-july-2025 [2] McKinsey & Company. (2025). Economic conditions outlook, September 2025. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/economic-conditions-outlook [3] EY. (2025). Global economic outlook: slowdown amid uncertainty. Retrieved from https://www.ey.com/en_us/insights/strategy/global-economic-outlook [4] NPR. (2025, September 19). Grocery prices have jumped up, and there’s no relief in sight. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2025/09/19/nx-s1-5539547/grocery-prices-tariffs-food-inflation [5] Investopedia. (n.d.). 22 Ways to Fight Rising Food Prices. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/fight-food-costs.asp [6] Regroup. (n.d.). Top Threats to Prepare for in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.regroup.com/blog/top-threats-to-prepare-for-in-2025/ [7] World Economic Forum. (2025). The Global Risks Report 2025 20th Edition. Retrieved from https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Risks_Report_2025.pdf [8] KFF. (2025, October 9). Impacts of Recent Federal and State Actions on Natural Disaster Preparedness and Response on Health. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/impacts-of-recent-federal-and-state-actions-on-natural-disaster-preparedness-and-response-on-health/