cessnasey,
If I'd converted every pound I spent (as a younger chap) on drinking, into pounds saved towards flying, then my aerial experience would have been quite substantial, and my waist line a great deal smaller. I wish I'd had your determination.
If you are self employed then taking time out of work to fly is very expensive. If you are an employee but only have limited annual leave entitlement you could always ask if you could advance some of 'next years leave' and this would allow you to consider an accelerated course. I went down this route and 'borrowed' some A/L - I believe it saved me a pretty packet but it may not be suitable/appropriate to everyone?
PD