Hey Ed,
I've got the LV BU Joiner, BU smoother and medium shoulder plane along with some old Stanley #5 and #4 1/2 plus a low angle block plane.
The BU smoother and 4 1/2 get used the most followed by the block and then the BU joiner. Most of my work is solid wood case goods; desk, cabinets and tables. The BU joiner is wonderful for flattening panels followed by one of the smoothers. The block plane just knocks off sharp corners. The shoulder plane does a lot of different tasks, from fitting tenons to adjusting the depth dadoes cut by the tablesaw. The #5 i use for taking the high spots off rough lumber before it goes through the jointer but it's my least used plane.
If i had just the #5 and a block plane, I'd be looking for a 4 1/2 as my next plane. I really like the extra width it provides because i can camber the blade and still take a wide, fine shaving. I know you said money is tight but if you can afford it, the LV BU smoother will be the most versatile smoother choice because you can alter the cutting angle to suit various woods.
Hey Steve, what spare planes do you have?????
Brian