I bought my first embroidery machine about 10 years ago because I had always wanted one and I found a great deal. Then computers changed etc. and my machine could no longer talk to my computer. Now I have a brother which is big and heavy but I still enjoy it. When I hit a slump with the quilting I drag out my embroidery unit and create away. I think it is my anti-dementia medicine! It a different way to be creative and you can go as crazy as you want with it. Watch the sales and coupons at JoAnn's for the stabilizer, buy the freebie designs online to start. Join a class, take workshops and just don't buy everything they want to sell you.Be an informed consumer! Learn before you spend. Anyway, what are you saving your money for? So your kids can spend it on what they want? You only go around once! Enjoy yourself! Good luck!