Excellent explanations about why to prefer FAR 61 rather than 141 training.
There are numerous ways to decrease the cost of FAR 61 training.
xxx
Most little schools or individual CFIs operate from small/uncontrolled airfields.
Engine warm...? Cleared for immediate takeoff. No waiting for traffic.
Learn to fly in the most inexpensive airplane. No need for high cruise speed.
You are looking for
hours, not speed.
xxx
I did my PPL with a J-3C Piper Cub... soloed at 11 hrs.
When came time to get "tricycle" time (C-150), took me 1 hour of dual for check-out.
The opposite is quite different, C-150 first solo at 10-12 hours... yes.
But when comes to let you solo a Cub taildragger, they want 5+ hours dual...!
So do taildragger time initially, for your first solo.
xxx
You need a high performance/complex plane for the CPL.
Do the
minimum hours in these expensive planes.
xxx
For IFR training, you can do part of training in a synthetic trainer.
Less expensive than an airplane.
You can train part of instrument flying IFR in a VFR only C-150.
No need for dual VOR/ILS + ADF equipment for entire training in a... C-172/182 - $$$
You can learn LOC approaches, and B/C approaches in a VFR C-150.
Holding can be learned in a C-150 with 1 VOR only.
xxx
Finally, rent your C-150 or PA-28
dry for cross country practice solo.
Schools compute "wet rates" rental for touch and goes and high consumption.
Cruising at 8,500' or 9,500' altitude will be more economical when you pay for gasoline.
xxx
Happy contrails