Being new, I can't justify spending the money on a G-Loomis rod or Islander reels...service and price!
You don't have to have expensive equipment to catch fish, I used to catch steel on a spinning reel as a kid, but after a while you'll wonder "how can I make this better?"
and unfortunately better equipment costs more.
Be happy with what you have.
It can get expensive after someone lends you a good/better rod/reel.........
(I hate it when someone offers; when I'm not in the market for a new one)
Move up slowly, don't play "keeping up with the Jones's"
Not everyone with a PIN knows what they're doing; even though they look cool.