Will a simple dust mask combat this or do I need to splurge for a more heavy duty mask?

A pretty backsplash can also add a lot to a kitchen, and if bathrooms are small you can splurge on some nice tile as it goes a long way. 

Would you splurge a little bit on the cabinets or stick with mid-grade and keep costs?

We jumped into the brand new Tesla Model S, which we splurged for this year (amazing!)

I might splurge for higher end next time to spend less time painting.

The point is, if you are purchasing groceries and food with thought given first to what you need, and what is healthy, and not splurging on ridiculous items, you are doing just fine.

We live fairly meagerly and splurge more on convenience rather than big ticket items (no fancy car, big house, etc.  

This does not mean it won't work, it just means that for $2 an hour, be prepared to spend a lot of time training, following up, correcting, etc... maybe splurge and go for that $5 an hour guy :)

I'm more than willing to splurge for a venti!! 

Splurge on a good water system.