He's talking about a budget of $250... not $2500. A "good" blues amp is tube driven... you're not going to find a decent tube amp for less than 500 USD in a package that allows you to play live in any setting. I would expect to pay around 1000 USD for a good one.

I'll correct my earlier post... I meant to say CAN rather than CAN'T in my sentence saying "You can't (CAN) get a high end Squire for that much ($250). You might even be able to get a Mexican Fender on EBay for that much"

Indeed.. you can get the best Squire has to offer for around 250 USD.

As far as amps are concerned. It's the last in the tone chain.

Pickups>Effects>Amp

I would work your way down that chain. Start with a guitar that gives you the tone you want... Then get effects that compliment and accent the tone you want... THEN get an amp that brings out all the color and characteristics of the tone you want. That's my advice anyhow...