"I probably would buy a shaper before a planer, but you can get by with a router. I have a shaper which is is a lot better than a router table but more expensive as well."
A lot of people mention a planer in the top 3, but I sure don't get it unless you have a lumber mill and make your own lumber.
Also, shaper would be one of the last large tools I'd buy since you can get by with a router and a table saw with a molding cutter. I will say I'm a little intrigued by all the effort and money put into buying huge expensive routers and lift mechanisms just to stick them in fancy tables pretending they are shapers. Might as well buy a shaper and be done with it.