Well you can look at the short term effects, such as they are, or you can look at the long term advantages...a degree, more employment options jobs with higher incomes, more money for toys.....
So while $ may be a bit tight now (and spent on things that you hadn't expected), at the end of it all (think sacrifice for my future now, benefit later) you'll have better prospects and more money to do the 1GGTE conversion.
Have you thought of seeing if the books are available second hand or on ebay or
http://www.textbookexchange.com.au/home.php
or
http://sufface.net/links/online-bookstores...-books-oz.shtml
He who dies with the most toys wins .....
Lesley :D