I usually put gear purchases way down on the priority list for spending. Heads, sticks, etc. as needed, but I try to buy in bulk during sales and stockpile. I have a huge pile of spare hardware parts to meet most needs. I buy things that are versatile and meet most of my playing needs, last a long time, and can stand up to repeated setups and teardowns. As an example, I have had a few of my cymbals for over 20 years, my Yamahas are coming up on their 20-year anniversary, and I have used the same stands for over 15 years.
Any big purchases (and by big I mean more than $50) are painstakingly researched, and then I comparison shop and get the absolute best price anywhere. Usually a purchase of that kind is a year or two in the making.
Right now our absolute priority is paying off the house and getting a new car for my wife; following that we have some patio furniture, a new TV, and new computers to budget in the next three years. I have learned to accept that no matter all the new and cool stuff on the market, what I own (two sets, about 15 cymbals, three snares) covers all the playing situations I'm likely to be asked to play in my area -- I don't need anything else at the moment. Would I like some more stuff? Sure! But I'm choosing to be patient enough to wait until after these important life and home needs are taken care of. I had my wild spendy days when I was younger and it landed me in dozens of thousands of debt. After paying that off I feel I'm much better off buying wisely and being a good steward of the gear I own.