It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying for the person you want to be: chef, professional stylist, master, gardener, triathlete. I’m not saying don’t have goals…because setting goals, whether it’s personal, financial, occupational…is VERY important.  But just don’t spend like you’re already there when you’re not! Do you really need all the top of the line equipment NOW for a long-term goal? Start slow and steady…spend more on the items you need to achieve your dreams the closer you get to them.  There’s a reason there’s starter models or introductory purchases, because if you spend too much too soon, you could run out of money by the time you master your goal.