What to buy, what to buy

Here are some small purchases that are good to have:

Race belt - It holds your race number for the run, so you don't have to keep it pinned on you during the swim and/or bike

Yanks or other non-tie shoelaces - these are elastic shoe laces that allow you to put your shoes on without having to tie them. They help save quite a few seconds in transition and help you from stumbling around with your shoelaces after you have finished the bike and keep your shoes from coming untied during the run.

These are just a few. I am sure others will add many more.

Bodyglide for those long runs. And a good pair of sunglasses that won't drive you crazy when you start sweating.

A heart rate monitor is essential IMHO.  I think everyone should at least spend the $30-50 for a basic model.  No need for lots of bells and whistles if you don't have the budget but the training bang for your buck is incredible.  The progress I made in one season of HR training is insane and without the HRm there is no way I could have tracked my training the same way. 

I am so easily influenced. Ordered race number belt and yanks from TriSport yesterday. Already have body glide. Hope they will increase my confidence and performance in upcoming first Tri.

I agree with all the suggestions above, and it sounds like you've already purchased some! I would also recommend a pair of triathlon shorts.... they look like bike shorts but have much less padding for the run. Great $50 purchase that will last you a long time.