Rationalization. A few is what will do the job
Big $$$ is hyperbolic exaggeration
Perhaps - So to humor you, I shall rephrase it -
"I don't want to spend as much, or MORE, on feeding black-oiled
sunflower seeds to chipmunks all summer as I would spend on tomatoes
if I just drove over to Stella's farm market and BOUGHT tomatoes."
Better?
;-)