Knowledge is portable, cheap to come by (internet and library) and can't be taken away from you. Read and practice, practice, practice.

Ask questions. Yes, there is such a thing as a dumb question, but the vast majority are not dumb.

Practice your skills. Experts practice a lot, how they got to be experts.

Buy good gear, when you can afford it. Style be darned, a 5 y/o jacket may be out of style, but if it keeps you warm and dry, who cares?

Did I say practice your skills?