It is interesting to learn how other people handle and are willing to pay for their hobby.
I have in my now 45 years of life as a ham (I’m now 58 years old) never spent money on new equipment. Always only used goods at classifieds, flea markets, garage sales, gifts. Recently also more often estate sales and ham shack dissolutions for age reasons etc. The only exception was a mediocre shortwave receiver, which I bought with my confirmation money when I was young - it was not enough for a new FRG-7 at that time (today I have three FRG-7 in two shacks). In the course of these years I may have spent roughly 20000 - 25000 USD for amateur radio inclusive two towers with antennas at two locations. At the first glance this looks like a lot of money, but spread over the many years it is very little. And if I would have bought everything new, the sum would be 10- to 20-fold.
I don't always have to have the latest of the new. I have also bought my cars, guns, rc planes, model train etc. used. And my wife has always allowed me to do so.

You don't get rich by spending money unnecessarily. And most new things - once they cross the step of the vendors store door - are then only worth half as much.
