The so-called “prepping movement” gained mainstream status in the US decades ago. While the rest of us have been going about our daily business, Americans have been stockpiling guns, ammo, and tinned goods in preparation for the apocalypse, whatever form that might take.
And now, it seems the movement has made its way across the Atlantic.
According to the Guardian, the ‘UK Preppers and Survivalists’ Facebook group currently boasts 22,700 members. Online “prepping shops”, meanwhile, stock everything from emergency food to crossbows and body armour. And sales are on the up.
From the climate crisis to war in the Middle East and the threat of another pandemic, it’s not hard to see why survivalism is rising. It’s also clear that some preparedness can only ever be a good thing, in all areas of life, including our finances.
Keep reading to discover some important financial lessons you might learn from the prepping movement (that don’t require you to own a crossbow).
Starting early, while remembering that it’s never too late to start
Whether you’re protecting yourself against foreign invasion, rising sea levels, or the loss of your salary once you hit retirement, preparation is key.
That’s why your financial journey with us begins with getting to know each other. We need to understand your hopes, fears, and aspirations before we can give you advice. And you need the time and space to decide if we’re the right fit for you.
Once we know we’re on the same page, we can produce your “Life Roadmap” – a detailed evaluation of your financial circumstances, the things that matter to you, and the dream future you’re aiming for.
The earlier you begin this process, the better, but it’s never too late to start.
The UK prepping movement has adherents of all ages, from teenagers up. For some youngsters, prepping might mean ditching screens in favour of a Ray Mears-style “bushcraft” – learning to light a fire or build a woodland shelter. For others, it’s about having supplies on hand to survive during a power blackout, like the ones experienced in Spain and Portugal back in April.
We’re all individuals, which is why bespoke financial advice, based on your circumstances and goals, can really make a difference.
Know what you’re planning for and focus on your goals
You’ll often have heard us speak about “paying your future self first”.
This is a key part of the prepping movement – expending time and energy now, which will pay dividends further down the line.
The same is true with your finances. Substitute underground bunkers and buried weapons caches for pension contributions and protection against financial shocks, and your planning has begun.
Once your Life Roadmap has helped to identify your goals, and you’re on the path to achieving them, it’s important to remain focused.
While well-informed preppers generally have their ears to the ground, successful long-term financial planning largely means blocking out external noise.
Daily check-ins with your investments are not only stressful, but they could lead to emotional decision-making and knee-jerk reactions. These can ultimately harm your investments. That said, a knowledge of your biases and a grasp of world events can help contextualise your financial decisions. And of course, we’re on hand to help.
Back in 2024, the government quietly launched its own preparedness campaign, outlining what to do during floods, fires, or power cuts. Where your finances are concerned, Jane Smith Financial Planning have you covered.
Understand the importance of contingency planning
The prepping movement is one long-term contingency plan. As environmental and political factors make the world an ever-more tumultuous place, the important role of this type of planning becomes ever clearer.
Your plans are already built on a foundation of protection, from rainy day funds to your life insurance. But retirement planning also means thinking about later life and potential care costs.
We can help you think about your future now, so that you have money available when you need it. We can also help you plan a contingency – what happens to that money if care isn’t needed? Efficient tax and estate planning isn’t something to think about when you get older; it needs to be part of your plan from the outset, so get in touch now and get prepping.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for an independent financial adviser in Milton Keynes or Olney to guide you through Armageddon, look no further. At Jane Smith Financial Planning, we’ve been helping clients for 30 years, so contact us at info@janesmithfinancial.com or call 01234 713131 to see what we can do for you.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up, and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, or will writing.
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