iwant2fly
Looks like you are in the States. Best thing for you to do is go down your local airfield and talk to other owners.
Some rules of thumb.
It costs one hell of a lot more than you think it will.
Some people say double the cost of the fuel and you have a rough cost per hour. Seems cheap to me and it's too dependant on how many hours you fly per year.
Some people say it only becomes cost effective to own if you do over 100 hours per year.
There is the old joke, the three 'F's. If it Flys, Floats or F**** it's cheaper to pay for it by the hour.
Don't expect to be able to use a light aircraft for commuting to see friends/family . You will get stuck somewhere when the weather changes, and plenty of people get killed when they think have to get home soon and start taking chances. Even with an instrument rating you can easily kill yourself with 'gethomeitis'.
If you really want to own, consider a leaseback scheme with your local flying school. Most people appear to regret doing this, but you might get lucky. Talk to other people who have done it.
Did I say it costs one hell of a lot more than you think it will?
Basically IMO owning a plane is a lifestyle decision, it's not a good financial move. Most people only make money because planes have appreciated in value very nicely over the past few years and they make a profit on selling. Who knows whether this will continue.
Definitely learn to fly first, then rent for a year. See if you get bored, most people pass then don't get to 100 hours, I've been told.
Good luck.