I'd agree with the posts above, especially K7MEM's explanation. Licensing cost is between free and cheap, but like getting your driver's license, the cost of the license itself is nothing compared to the equipment.
I'd encourage you to study for both Technician and General at the same time. The General uses many of the same test questions and both exams are of similar makeup. If you can pass Tech, you're probably good for at least 50% on the General exam. Keep it in perspective and study smart. Higher math has always been my Nemesis and I have always had trouble remembering convoluted formulas. I really sweated studying for my exam for Extra, but eventually realized that I was killing myself over the equations for nothing because if I aced the rest of the exam, I could afford to miss ALL of the formulas. This allowed me to relax and actually study, and eventually I could remember the formulas too.
If you join QRZ.Com as a forum member, you can use their online study program to prepare for testing. It will track your progress and help you decide exactly what subjects require further study. There are other similar systems at other sites as well.
Making your own antennas isn't too bad if you're handy with hand tools. I've built my own VHF/UHF (J-poles, ground planes & dipole) antennas for the house at very low cost. I also built my own HF antenna (fan dipole). The wire itself was only $50, but between the hardware and ropes to get it up into the trees, I probably have a couple hundred bucks into it. There is probably another $200 or so in low loss coax to feed the various antennas.
Equipment for VHF can be quite reasonable and there are many ways to get into it at low cost. I don't care for the very cheap Chinese radios. Many are simply pirated designs from legit manufacturers and most are not well made, and this alone is reason for me to reject them. Spurious emissions are often quite high, reliability quite low. An alternative is to buy a used dual band (146/440) unit for a hundred or two.
HF equipment can be pricey, but good buys can be made on used equipment here too.
There are a lot of equipment reviews over at eHam.com, among other places, so if you consider a certain model it will be easy to search for and find reviews.
Not everything needs to be done at once and you can simply get your license and ease into it. As you attend the license exam and check out local clubs, you'll often get all the help you need, including equipment loans and advice on setting up. Good luck and welcome to the hobby.
