Best budget equipment for a new swimmer?? waterproof earbuds

Hello all, I just swim for cardio since I have flat feet and can't run much. I've been swimming 30 mins each session for about a year now and noticed some things with some of the equipment. Swimming jammers - start fraying and becomes slightly see through in between the legs (Speedo) and have to buy a new one every 6 months or so. Is this normal for all? Like is this normal wear and tear or should it last longer or shorter. Have any suggestions on jammers that last longer? Goggles - all have the anti-fog advertisement, but every pair i've had starts to become foggy after about a month...so to reduce my cost I've been using the saliva technique, but would love a pair where it will be truly fog free for a longer time. Or is it the way I take care of them? I just throw it in my gym bag after i swim and leave it there. MOST IMPORTANT: WATERPROOF EARPHONES - when I used to run, i was able to watch shows and such but with swimming you really cant...and I came across some mp3 players that were waterproof and bought em. Problem is, the earbuds won't stay in my ear and disrupts my workout. I've tried three different brands and it doesn't work well. Anyone have a student cost effective yet good one they would recommend? I've gone through 2 mp3s and 3 waterproof earphones totaling about $60...now I have to spend more for earphones that are worth it. Thinking maybe i'll just get a new set to last me years. It may be my ear canals that are weird....so maybe some kind of headphones are available as well? I've searched on google but want true user reviews... Thanks all in advance!