The ruler that I have worn out several times is the 6.5 x 13 Easy Rule by Sharon Hultgren. I love it and use it for almost everything. I have all the others, but this is by far my favorite. I need to find a new source to buy it as Walmart's have quit carrying it. I don't like the yellow ruled rulers as I can't see.
For the mat, buy the best you can and don't expect it to last forever. These also can be used up, but you can turn it and use it a very long time. I have several sizes of mats, but use the one on my cutting table the most. This time it is the blue one. In the past I had a June Tailor Green mat that lasted for several years.
Hope all this information helps make your decision easier. Just get what you want and use it. It will become your favorite.