Too many people I know think they just can't afford to do anything right now. I see they're point, their adjustable rate mortgages are rising and so are the prices in the grocery stores. But that just makes it even more urgent they start now - none of those problems are going to go away. Even if it just means buying an extra can of beef stew or a bag of rice next week, at least it's a start, and that's one more meal you'll have when it all goes to crap. Better yet, cancel your cable TV subscription and buy a couple books instead. After a week or so, you won't even miss it, and it'll be that much easier to fill up your pantry.