<human>: Could you distill the essence of the text into 1-3 sentences?

In the wake of a divorce, I'm starting over with not much more than a Ikea bed.  He kept almost all the household stuff, but I have a new job and can afford to spend a little bit on myself in order to be comfortable and not feel like a broke college student.  But what do I spend my money on, and where should I be frugal?  Where's the biggest experience value for my buck?  

Right now, my contemplations are focusing on a TV and plates and silverware, but I'm sure I'll start filling my new apartment up as I nest a bit. (If it matters, I'm a 40-something single female, starting over in a new town.)
<bot>: Where are you really glad that you didn't buy bargain basement?  What did you skimp on where it didn't make a difference -- or where it *did* make a difference?