I live in Canada and I think it is just the opposite. Our economy isn't that great at the moment and everything is expensive, especially beer. Good craft beer goes for around $14.00 a six pack, mega s*** for around $11. I brew to save money and the savings are incredible compared to store bought. There is so much beginner equipment out there to get you started, so what's stopping you? Even if you happen to have a job and are busy working, you can make great beer on a simple system which I bought in 1980 and still use in my kitchen occasionally.