Hi yall I’m 23 year old black in Indy guy and I’ve been keeping up a lot with the new and everything and things look very scary, I was debating if it would be a good idea a gun or start prepping I don’t have much money so if anyone could offer any advice I’d really appreciate it.

Well, you're a new lad. You're in the correct place. By itself, getting a gun is pretty dangerous unless you get some training and do some practice. You're in the right place to ask about those sorts of things. Browse around the forum and read some posts from folks who are choosing self defense guns. My recommendation is a double action revolver in .357 mag. It's my choice, but it's also my choice to have more than one gun, like many here. Keep asking questions.

CDF

First off, from Louisville!

As to prepping on a tight budget (mine isn't exactly huge): Start with having food, water, meds, etc. for three days. Every time you buy things you will eat (not just random foods), buy two instead of one, and put the spare in your designated pantry space (I won't presume whether you have or don't have a big pantry to use). Get some proper water storage jugs and fill them (often the dark blue ones). At least a gallon per day per person, three is better).

Over time, build for three weeks.

I wouldn't worry too much about "bug out bags" just yet, unless you have some place to go and hide.

As for firearms, the expensive part is the ammo to maintain the skill. Dry-fire (snap caps, also called dummy rounds) is helpful. Training is crucial, and isn't cheap.

I don't remember whether Indiana is a Constitutional Carry state--I don't think it is, because the last time I checked, I have to have my CCDW license to carry in Indiana. It's a financial hurdle to self-defense capability, and I'm not happy about that hurdle (I strongly believe that the ability to defend oneself is a human right, but I also am seeing worrisome noises coming from the regime that just took office). Pepper spray is cheaper, and doesn't require a license. The idea is to disable your attacker enough that you can get away.

Thanks for the advice from what I’ve googled it looks like Indiana Dosent require the license, I can try storeing some stuff away but I’m still in college so not much space I was thinking of a bug out bag what would go in it?

The crucial points about bugging out start with "where would you go, and for how long?"

If you bug out, you risk losing anything you leave at your home base. It's hard to carry a lifetime-worth of food and other supplies on your back.

Many commercial bug-out bags have awful "food" (note the parentheses) for three days, some water (almost enough for a day), and some odds and ends (small owie-boo-boo kit, gloves that might or might not fit, and so on). Custom build-it-yourself bag would include specific food for yourself, spare socks and undergarments, perhaps some cold-weather undergarments, some PPE (gloves, masks, etc.), and whatever else you are willing to hump along as you flee (there are probably a million and six YouTube videos on bugout bags, and maybe three of them will be relevant to you). A "Go Bag" seems to make more sense to some folks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM_12ZMAtW0

That said, I have a barely-broken-in pair of boots, a couple pairs of good socks, and most of what I list above in a ready site, along with the ability to grab some water filters (because I am not going to carry near enough water to satisfy my needs) and cash and, well, other stuff (including food for my dogs).

If I have to bug out for three days, and I expect to be able to return home, I will be okay. If I have to abandon my home, I don't expect to last more than a week or two. Anything beyond that is going to be gravy on the potatoes. Bugging out is not a good option for me, unless I am willing to abandon some family who would not be able to also go, or my dogs, or...

And, Indiana changed their laws since I paid attention. I got my CCDW in Kentucky in 2020, and Indiana allowed reciprocity. Indiana has since gone to Constitutional Carry, which removes the hurdle of paying for the course to have the license. There is another entire discussion on whether to have the license anyway, and I'll leave that alone for now.

Your legal to get a gun in most every state. So if you can afford one go buy one and take a gun safety class. Easy peasy. Our club offers classes and has certified trainers.
Go to the main page and look under training for your state. https://theliberalgunclub.com/#

Thank yall so much for the help, I’ll check it out I think a go bag works best for me, I check dosnet look like there are any instructed in Indiana

I second all the good advice above, especially training, training and more training to maintain skills. Most important is that you have a conversation with yourself before buying a gun. A gun is for self defense and you might encounter a situation where you have to take a human life to protect yourself or others, but taking a human life is huge. It will have legal consequences such as possibly being found criminally responsible and you could be civilly sued and lose everything. Know it now before buying a gun. If you do buy a gun, buy insurance that can provide legal help if shit hits the fan.