I treat myself every year to a very nice set. Yes, it costs me money, but I feel right doing it. My grandfather A”H used to buy nice sets also (I went with him a few times when he bought it), and he felt it was important, so I follow the same way.
This year, I was told by someone that they had a few of the really top-notch quality esrogim (the ones that in Brooklyn, you get taken into the back room and charged hundreds of dollars for) for a good price. I can honestly say I got the nicest esrog I have ever bought. Not one bletel on the entire thing, perfectly straight, nice strong pittum… it really looks like one of the ones you find in a picture.