I keep that thought in mind quite a bit these days, buying a little bit more than I used to for filling the pantry and replacing things (car, appliances, etc.) that I have the money to replace while I still can, plus a few new things like a food dryer and more gardening and canning books and tools.
Hopefully, this job will last another year or four, but who knows? It's one day at a time. So, I'm preparing like for a long, cold winter and a very late spring that is likely to be our economy and hope things get better while I prepare for the worst.
I keep talking myself out of a small generator or maybe a couple of the ultra quiet Honda or Yamaha generators. Set up for dual fuel (gas and propane), one could be very handy, even a lifesaver, or it could be something else I never use and regret spending so much on.
Hubby occasionally needed one on the job, so he had bought one many years ago, and about 8 years ago decided to upgrade to a Honda.
Shortly after, my Dad had a stroke and came to live with us. We have frequent short-term and occasional longer power outages in our state. This truly was a life saver. During an extended power outage at the hottest time of the year, we were able to run his oxygen machine, 2 room air conditioners, his TV and the refrigerators and freezer.
We had the necessities covered as well as comfort. The hospital was over-run by people who needed Oxygen, because they didn’t have enough back-up tanks at home, and no way to power the machine either.
The original purchase decision was a struggle because the need was so infrequent that he could have justed rented one on the rare occasion it was needed for the job. Having one during an emergency more than made up for it though.