I had been sewing for almost 15 years before I found out you were supposed to change them more often then when they break.
I change them after every project now, except specialty needles that don't get used much. If I project is small, I put them back in the case to be used again.
I also don't use universal as much as I used to. Now I use the needle right for the job.
I buy them when Joann's has half-off notions. I definitely don't pay full price for needles!