Should be able to run without it, many do. I would opt for a better meter, probably won't be the last time you need one so not bad to have anyway. I have a cheap one I use often because the cheap one buzzes for continuity testing and I haven't found anything it can't do that my better ones can.

I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!