I suspect most of us have improved our preparedness somewhat slowly over time rather than going out and spending a large sum of money all at once.

There are several aspects to a slow buildup that make sense. Rapid spending all too often makes for relatively poor decisions compared to slower paced spending. You also have the opportunity to buy on sale and take advantage of bargains.

Many of us also improve our preparedness by simply organizing existing gear more quickly and taking other low costs measures - anchoring the hot water heater, taking the mirror off the ceiling, finding the camp stove, etc.

Circumstances vary and we aren't beginning from the same spot. I have always had a fair amount of camping gear that adapts very easily to some sort of emergency/survival situation - if I have it organized and available, that is. Oddly enough, not everyone is like me in that respect.

Prepping is more than going on a spending spree.....