I was pretty much on the way, on my own when I landed here. One of the great things about this forum are the examples so many have shared. You get a preview of what works and what doesn't and how to maneuver around obstacles. An added benefit that falls under the "saved me money heading" is some things I thought I would need/want, might be accomplished with half the work/expense. I count the inspiration to purge a lifetime of junk as a cost savings in time and money. I had a lot of "I can make this work for just a little time" projects. When all totaled, those projects were holding me back years.
dla