This. Buying myself a barbell, plates, bench and rack cost me the equivalent of about 2-3 years gym fees but I've got all the lifting equipment I need for life.
No sons here, but I can't put a price on not having to train in the tiny 'free weights' corner of a commercial fitness centre surrounded by bros.
Here's my home gym. Forgive the vague blurryness of the photo, took it right after my deadlifts.