I should have mentioned that if you have any questions please contact any one of us. We are available via PM if you prefer a private Q&A. Don't be intimidated by the high cost of new equipment either. There is plenty of used equipment out there and a variety of low power kits to get started. I am currently waiting for delivery of some QRP kits from a place called QRPME
http://www.qrpme.com/ While you do need to know Morse Code to use some of these kits, it is still possible to work the world with a watt and wire antenna. One of my favorite radios is the Yaesu FT817-ND which is capable of 5 watts and will do all modes, all bands from 160 meters through 440 MHz and has general coverage for AM/FM and shortwave listening. While I do not recommend used equipment for a new ham (you can find these everyday on eBay), these radios are the most popular rig ever built for hams at just over $600 new.