My philosophy was always to spend cheap until I could spend expensive
You’ll never see me eating at TGIFridays and driving a $40k Camry
I’m either eating at home and driving a beater
or eating at the nicest places in town and driving luxury
In between is boring

You pay more for mediocrity than what you get in return.
And then the cost keeps you from ever getting to the next level up.
It’s such a scam.
A $40k sedan is not that much better than a $4K sedan. If it drives and has a stereo it’s fine.
But a $120k sedan..

When I got my first professional job, I was about to sign and drive a brand new Subaru
At the last minute I couldn’t do it and walked out
I took $2500 and bought a beat up Toyota Matrix instead, commuted 3 hours per day in that car until it died
I never regretted the decision

If you’re going to spend more than a little, spend a ton and make it an experience.
You will remember the special investments, the dinners, the vacations.
Especially since you remember eating rice at home and driving a clunker.
You will always take mediocrity for granted.