bucket seat or convertible car seat?

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!