Just the essentials or all the bells and whistles?

[Angrboda]

It depends upon what it is. In general, I have three guidelines. Don't skimp. Buying quality pays for itself. And good enough is good enough.

I spent many years doing the change something, test / change-something, test cycle over and over again with computers, so now I buy as much quality as I can afford and don't skimp.

With food, I'm not picky eater and have a poor sense of smell / taste, so generics and less expensive brands are fine with me.

With alcohol, I find it's better to buy one expensive bottle that I'll be happy with than three cheap bottles which will only partially satisfy.

I just bought a bed, and while I've looked longingly at beds in the $1,000-1,500 range, compared to the crap I've been sleeping on for 20 years, I think a $500 bed will be sufficient. I may regret that.

In general, I'm not a bells and whistles person. Quality and function are my keywords.