Marcus, it all comes down to common freaking sense.
Having $12,000 of high tech "kit"
only means that you won't be able to carry all of it. A collection of buck knives and broad swords are worth "dick".
The same goes for those neat-o high caliber sniper rifles. Just find a light weight single shot .22 rifle (open sites) for taking down small game.
Learn when and how to bug out.
Learn when and how to hunker down.
Learn how to move so all of the other survivors aren't constantly trying to blast you.
Some basic leadership experience can go a long way. Figure out how to put together a small group of like-minded people so you can maximize your chances.