You know I got into this hobby and was like Ill take Fish Only system, then I actually saw a full reef and everything changed from the kind of fish I wanted/was allowed to the lighting I used. My best advice would be to sit and grab a notebook. write down some corals you like, fish you like, etc. Equipment you are thinking about buying, everything you can think of. Post it into a well organized post and let the vets here give you some advice.
Once you have taken in as much as you can, take a day off, then start again, rinse and repeat. Im still researching corals that I have looking over possible additions. Like meowzer said its well worth it once you get a schedule and a system of maintenance up and going. Time you spend in the beginning will save you cash and headaches in the end. Ive read quite a few post of people on the brink of jumping out of the hobby, reasons vary, but one way to set yourself of for success it research and getting the best bang for your buck.
Check several resell sites, search for local reef club sites, etc. Most have people willing to part with excellent equipment at very low prices and some even give things away just because they need the space.
Long post I know, but dig deep for deals and info to save you trouble in the long run, and you will probably want to order more checks because the current stash you have wont last long.
