I think it takes an initial investment to learn what, exactly, will work for you. This includes the different attys, mods, and juice. When you find what works, the investment financial investment will pay off at some point.
I have been vaping just over 30 days, and have bought the following:
1. Several 510 batteries and lots of attys
2. Joye 510 Passthrough
3. Protege
4. Protege Passthrough
5. Black Beauty from altsmoker
6. Spade
7. VP Passthrough
8. eGo
9. Chuck
10. On order -- Juicebox from Carlos
Add lots of juice, lots of batteries and battery chargers and... well, you get the picture.
The real payoff for me is -- after 30+ days off of analogs -- more energy, much improved skin, and no coughing. I know my health has improved tremendously, and I look forward to seeing even more improvement. I've settled on the VP Passthorugh (with car adaptor) and the eGo as the perfect setup for me, so the money should start balancing out in the near future, since I was spending $250/month on analogs before vaping.
Although, I will add that I do intend to order a Joker when it becomes available.