Modem and Router question??

I have Preferred Internet. My Modem is a Netgear CMD31T 4x4. I really don't do much on the internet but i do Skype 3 to 4 times a week. Especially the weekends. I had a Netgear Router but it quit working so i went to Best Buy and got a Linksys AC1200+ cause i trusted the clerk in what he was saying. I probably didn't need something so fancy. I would've have bought a router but i like to have wireless for my tablet to play my game on and a quick check online about things. I'm thinking of returning the router and getting a less expensive router or get one that is a combo. I do like Netgear. I never had any problems until my router died which it was about 7 yrs old. So can anyone help me in figuring out what is the best thing to do??