I have to say that I did it the bad way... $40,000+ in CC debt.. but I do more than just audio (Print/web/audio/video/3d.) so gear and software add up very quickly. I do have a very good job, so it doesn't stress me so much and should be paid off in another year.. I think of it as a student loan! My singer went to Full Fail here in Orlando and for one year it costs $40,000.. and he now works at chilies with no gear/experience to show for it and a 20 year loan at $350/ month... I bought the gear and thanks to great resources such as this board have taught myself...