No sense in spending $20 on a custom plug if your not picky about your line and tackle accessories. Unfortunately, they ALL go hand in hand. Find a happy medium, economically and you'll be ok. You'll know what's really important when it fails enough on you. Hopefully, the times it took you to learn ...weren't those TIMES OF A LIFE-TIME.
I haven't seen many rods break on fish, most times it was abuse to the rod prior to or during the trip...neglecting eye corrosion or cracks. Line wear is BIG. People neglect to check their line often enough. A good real is important, ESPECIALLY if you don't take good care of it. The last thing you want is a reel jamming up on ya, and it will only happen when you have a BIG fish on.
...in closing, like John said....in our younger years we're quick to spend because we don't know the truth about life, how expensive it is...and what's REELY important. As time goes by, you learn and become wiser. I don't regret all those mail-orders to Cabela's for stupik-azz #^&#^&#^&#^&....I laugh now, but learned many lessons good and bad. Sorry about my whacked-out post...but it brought back memories of spending foolishly just to try and catch some fish. Stick to the basics, don't buy 10 of anything....and definatley not all at once.
Good Luck Joseph