“Hitting Pan”: A Real-World Guide To Prepping Without Panic
Years ago, I had this saying “Plan It, Don’t Panic” during that time - we were seeing all types of things happening: the pandemic, stock market crashes, inflation, stagflation, job loss, etc. But the unprecedented times have seemed to be out of Jumanji is giving real-life tussles.
We’ve all seen it. Prices up. Shelves bare. Essentials are harder to get. But what if I told you that preparing for these shifts doesn’t mean panic buying or blowing your whole budget on stuff you don’t even use?
I’m adding this into the chat due to the fact that the headlines are giving “let me get ready to stay ready” in case another level of pandemic-antics becomes even louder than they already are.
Let’s talk about the concept of “hitting pan”—originally from the beauty world, when creators showed the actual products they used up, not just the cute PR packages. But lately, it’s been resurfacing on social as a way to get real about your everyday life: how long things last, what you really use, and how to make a plan to stretch it—especially when life throws curveballs.
This post is your SOP (standard operating procedure) to build a practical stash that works with your real life and real budget. Whether you're shopping at Dollar Tree, Five Below, or just slowly stacking at the grocery store, this isn't about fear. This is about being smart, being ready, and not scrambling when things shift.
I would suggest that you use a Google Docs or Sheets to keep track of not only what you need but also how much of the needle you’re moving to stay ready.
Step 1: Make A List Of Your Key Life Groups
What does it take your life to run, and how much do you need to fund (it)?! Break your everyday needs into core categories. This keeps it from feeling overwhelming and helps you zero in on what actually keeps your household running.
Here are some groups to get you started:
Food + Water
Medicine + First Aid
Cleaning Supplies
Personal Care (toothpaste, pads, deodorant, makeup, etc.)
Comfort + Sanity Items (books, candles, hair products, etc.)
Emergency Tools (flashlight, matches, charger, etc.)
Then ask yourself: What do I actually use? What’s essential? I know that you see the scrolls and videos around prepping, but one of the clear signs of what to get is in how your life moves now.
[I talked about this in a short-form video via Instagram]
Step 2: Track What You Use — + How Long It Lasts
Before you stock up, track what you already use. The reason why I want you to do this is that I don’t want you to wreck your budget now for the uncertainty of timing. Like Warren Buffett - time in vs timing; I want you to to this into account of preparing vs panicking as the world gets louder. The smoke is already there, fireproof your life as much as possible before the wildfire pops off.
How long does one roll of paper towels last you?
How many days does one jar of peanut butter stretch in your house?
That one lip balm you love? How often do you actually hit the pan on it?
Knowing your patterns = prepping smart. This isn’t about hoarding. It’s about understanding your rhythm so you can build a stash that makes sense for you.
Step 3: Segment Your Needs: Staples, Splurges, + Savers
This method keeps things practical and aligned with your budget.
Staples
These are your non-negotiables. The items you need to function daily.
Water
Basic food (rice, beans, canned goods, frozen veggies)
Hygiene products
Cleaning/disinfecting items
Pain relievers and any necessary prescriptions
*even leveraging how you can make certain things if needed. The reason is that - it keeps you efficient, but engaged in how much you “pace” of pan looks like. If you can’t get Almond Milk - what are your alternatives? Your alternatives are key when things happen - it still gives you balance when things shake your routine.
Splurges
These aren't essential to survival, but they help maintain normalcy—which matters more than you think when things get tough.
Favorite snacks
Good coffee or tea
Your skincare or makeup must-haves
Hair products that make you feel like you
Hoobies and things that will keep your mind and energy balanced
You don’t have to eliminate these—just be honest about what they are and plan for them.
Savers (Sanity + Time + Money)
These are items that save your future self—by being multi-use, helping you save time, or just giving you peace of mind.
Battery packs
Multivitamins
Dish soap that works as hand soap
$1 flashlights
Reusable cleaning cloths
Dollar store first-aid kits
Freezer meals, etc
*Even $25 at Dollar General or Family Dollar can go far here.
Step 4: Align It With Your Budget
Once you’ve made your list and tracked how long things last, look at your budget.
Got $10 this week? Focus on staples.
$25 free this paycheck? Mix in some savers.
Got a little bonus? Add in a splurge or two that makes your stash feel like you.
The goal is to layer in slowly, not load up in one go. Go back to that list of things that make your life run - make a list of things you need in phase, and let the pace of your budget fund and fill your preparation. If you know me - I’m going to tell you to stash some cash in home, but also stash cash in your HYSA to buy things as you go with the money that grows in that account via APY.
Fund Tip: Create a “Prepping” or “Back Stock” line item in your budget. Even $5/week adds up. Automate it if you can into a HYSA/Sinking Fund.
Step 5: Keep A Simple Inventory
Don’t complicate it. A bin in your closet or garage. A basket under the bed. Use a sticky note to track what’s in there and update it every month.
Color-code if that helps:
Red = running low
Yellow = half-used
Green = full stock
This helps you avoid double-buying or forgetting what you already have.
Here’s an Amazon list I’m making for things I’m getting to be prepared, because yeeahhh.
Final Thoughts: This Is About Preparation, Not Panic
You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper to plan ahead. But if prices go up, shelves thin out, or life gets chaotic, you’ll be glad you hit pan and made a plan. I just want you to plan it so when things go left you’ll be right because you don’t have to panic (as much).
Also, this blog post that I talked about, preparing for a catastrophic event would be a good place to visit after you finish reading this.
This is just another form of financial wellness—knowing what you need, what you can stretch, and how to make smart money moves in every part of your life.
So, whether you’re ballin’ on a budget or just want peace of mind, know this:
You can prepare without fear. You can stock without panic. And you can build your stash, your way.
Let’s Debrief -
What are the top 3 things you always run out of?
What’s one small item you can add to your back stock this week?
Drop it in the comments or tag me in your “hitting pan” list. I want to see how you’re making it make sense—without breaking your bank.
