bucket seat or convertible car seat?

Charity
First of all, car seats are expensive! Especially if you're picking. My question is, have any of you ladies opted to not start with a bucket seat for your infant? I'm thinking of just going straight to the convertible car seat since it's 5-49lbs rather than the 5-32lbs. I know why bucket seats are convenient, but I don't want to pay for it just to turn around and buy another one a year later!