.....and invest in knowledge.I say save your money on your gear
In both growing and fishing, I take pleasure in seeing how I match up with those who have bigger budgets. I generally feel my results compare favorably. There are a lot of positive actions that don't require money.
I have a friend with every expensive toy for fishing and he is also extremely competitive. I like to do well, but if I get outfished it's just another day. This guy gets bugged, but tries to hide it if anyone is doing better than him.
I've never "kept score" but would estimate I probably outfish him 60% of the time. I truly believe it's because while he's looking at catalogues, I'm looking to tweak all the little things that really make a difference.
I hope this doesn't sound cocky, I'm honestly just trying to share ideas.