Not sure what you mean by “substandard”. You get the best quality”stuff” you can afford that serves its intended pupose and provide you and your family with satisfaction. If your not a big “car person” than there is no need to buy a $75,000 luxury SUV if a $35,000 provides the fucntionality, safety, space and comfort you need. Buying to impress others rarely provides the satisfaction you are seeking but deliberately living a spartan lifestyle with substandard material posessions may cost more in the long-term and in some cases could also put you and your family at risk.