is it time to upgrade to a smart home?

So I've been thinking about diving into the whole smart home thing. You know, those connected devices that seem to be everywhere now. I've got a couple of friends who swear by their smart thermostats and voice-controlled lights. They've been telling me how it makes life so much easier, but I'm still on the fence. I mean, I love tech and all, but is it really worth the investment? What about privacy concerns? Do those devices actually save you money in the long run with energy efficiency or is that just a gimmick? And then there's the whole setup process... I've heard mixed things about how easy or difficult it can be. Anyone here made the leap and want to share their experiences? Would love to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. Also, any recommendations on where to start if I do decide to go for it? 😊