And now for my 2 cents...
Changing the shocks and struts is not a difficult thing to do. You can get a strut/spring assembly then all your strut components and that tired old spring that supports most of the weight are replaced. Now that all you have to do is set the brake, chock the rear tires, put her on a jack stand, remove the three nuts on the strut tower under the hood and loosen the two retaining bolts on the suspension now pull it out as a unit. Now install the new strut assembly, bolt her down, release the spring retaining strap and you are ready to do the other side.
The rear shocks are easy as well, just one bolt under a cover in the rear cargo area and a bolt that passes through the shock. Again, set the brakes, chock the opposite rear tire and front tires, put her on a jack stand remove the nut at the top and the through bolt under the car, pull the shock out and insert the new shock. With the money you saved doing it yourself, you could aso have replaced those rear springs while you are at it.
I agree that unless you plan to do a lot of performance upgrades and she is primarily a daily driver, there is no need for performance shocks or springs. The ride will usually be harsher, for me that is a no go because I do a lot of long distance driving. Installing truck or HD shocks may also give you a rougher ride.
If you tow or carry heavy loads a lot, you may want to consider load leveler rear shocks, they are usually an air shock that may have a compressor or may have just a place to add air to the shock to raise or to compensate for the additional load. The drawbacks of air shocks are price, more complicated install, and possibly a little rougher ride.
I did the OME lift which provided gas shocks in the rear and front and rear springs with about a 40mm lift. I put Gabriel G56631 Ultra Gas Strut, Front Left and Gabriel G56632 Ultra Gas Strut, Front Right and they ride very well. I also used a strut mounting kit and new strut boots.
For safety you must use a jack stand or automotive lift with positive locks when you work under your vehicles. With the money you save DIY you can buy the jack stands and the hand tools necessary to do the work if you don't already have them or have access to them. If you have to get someone else to do the work, check with your local votech school, they may do the work and not charge or charge very little for the labor. Do not take a 20 year old car to a dealership for maintenance, they usually charge the most for labor. Find a good reputable mom & pop shop, their kids have to go to college too.