Just a word of advice Ben. Money, those who say it isn't everything (David Cameron) generally have cart loads of it. There is old saying, "how do you make a small fortune in aviation? Start with a large one!"
I don't want to put you off, but on occasion I will have the "how much have you spent so far" discussion with she who must be obeyed. I stopped couting a long time ago. We learn to fly for one of two reasons.
We either A love it to bits, do it for the thrill, excitement and acheivment
or B to become an airline pilot.
If you are doing this for the ppl alone to go and fly with your freinds on nice days, or make business trips that little more quicker and exciting then do it for that. The money is insignificant because you are hooked and will fly whatever. Until you look at what you've spent and then a little bell goes off in the back of your head thinking of other things that a large amount of money can buy. (New kitchen at the last heart to heart me and the missus had!) If you can afford it, don't budget and dont really count it. Yes have a rough idea, but don't add up every penny. You may get to a point, say waiting for QXC, and wait months for a good day. You will want to do some flying in that period, maybe a circuit or 10 to keep your hand in, but you may not budget for that. The average time to ppl is about 60 hours, so don't base it on the 45 minimum anyway. Do it for the love of it!
As for becoming an airline pilot, the bills associated with that are there for all to see in the back pages of pilot, flyer and the others every month. That cost is enough to make Alan Sugar sweat, but ambition can drive you through it if that is what you want to do.
Whatever you do in flying, enjoy it. I find thinking of the money does numb the enjoyment a little.
That's my opinion anyway
Now dons tin helmet, crouches down and waits for the incoming.....