Toneytgr,
What ever money you spend...try to spend it on the way you want it when finished...if it means saving for an extra month to keep the MRS happy..that's what I would do. If you are not sure what you want to do with certain parts, I would work on something else you have decided on/can afford.
Also..most folks round here will say that brakes are the place to spend money...brakes will save your hard work and money when some dork pulls out in front you.
If you spend the money on the master/booster, do the lines, and everything else too. It will save you lots of headaches later.
I would agree on keeping it driveable as long as possible. That keeps you interested and your MRS will think the project is OK as long as it moves....When my truck started going down the road, she stopped hating it.
Good humor on the mistress part..I was talking to a golfer about cars...I asked him if he had a ride..he pointed to his clubs..."you can only have ONE mistress"....
