I think for what you describe, a decision framework might work best. Your decision framework is going to look different from anyone else's, but you might consider things like the value of your time (was making something in the garage really cheaper if your hourly salary is x amount, for instance), think about what's of most value to you (your free time, doing things you enjoy, feeling of accomplishment from figuring out how to fix the broken item, etc), and go from there.

And try to ignore the voice in your head of your parents, the way they interacted with money doesn't need to be how you interact with it.