I was poor all through my twenties. The idea of spending $100 on something fun that I might lose in a crash was out of the question.
I worked hard like a maniac and became successful through my thirties and forties. I spent a lot on Family houses, cars, University educations for my kids. I'm 58 now, all but one of the kids has moved out. I've got enough money to last me until I'm too old to do fun stuff.
I've never heard of a guy on his death bed say "Gee I wish I had more money!"
I've owned Full scale airplanes and to me the cost of models is very reasonable. And when you do something stupid in a model .. well it's not a life ending scenario.
The great thing about this hobby is there are so many price points to get into it and have fun. You don't need to be rich.
But what you need to do is HAVE FUN WITH IT. If you don't and you are all worried about crashing you have wasted your money no matter how much you spent
This is boys with toys. It's not meant to be taken seriously.
Don't bring any negativity to the field .. Don't be a Buzz Kill .. We are there to have fun!
Happy Flying,
Steve