Living in a region with blisteringly cold winters tends to make you somewhat of an expert on winter driving.

Just as importantly, it means packing a winter emergency kit to keep in your car throughout the season.

Drowning in Expenses?

An older man and young child use a shovel to get snow off the top of a car.

Tina Russell and Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder

Maybe youre scrambling after your car broke down.

Or you got a medical bill you werent expecting.

Or inflation has finally pushed your budget over the edge.

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You dont need to go it alone.

When money is tight,these resourcescan help you manage unexpected expenses without stress.

The rest can be purchased relatively cheaply.

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Just confirm it has fresh batteries.

If you have extra hats, gloves, scarves, socks and blankets at home, just grab those.

Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?

If it’s crucial that you wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.

Having a small shovel, preferably one that folds up, can be handy in such a scenario.

you’re free to find them on Amazon, likethis model which comes with a nylon carry case.

Road Salt or Kitty Litter

Shovels arent your only saving grace if you get stuck in the snow.

Road salt can provide much-needed traction.

you’re free to purchase an affordable 5-pound bag to keep in the back of your car.

Kitty litter or sand will also do the trick.

you could find a highway flare kit andjumper cablesat your neighborhood auto store or online.

you’re able to find compact first aid kits online that contain travel-sized essentials or assemble your own.

A multi-tool, like a Swiss army knife, can be especially useful.

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Timothy Moore is a contributor for The Penny Hoarder.

Deputy editor Tiffany Wendeln Connors updated this post.