Daily thread: budget options that changed my mind [v2]

I want to write something more comprehensive about this later but starting with a quick post to gather thoughts. Quick context: I am relatively new to this and trying to find my footing.

For context, I am working with a pretty modest budget so high-end suggestions probably will not land.

Been thinking about this for a while and curious what the community thinks. Been thinking about this for a while and curious what the community thinks.