That is very understandable, and it is always a problem for sure. Basically, my recommendation it to use whatever you can afford, even if it means getting an old used meter from your local photography store. (That's what I did when I started out.) If you have a extra DSLR that you can use, and that fits within your budget, then use it while you save up for a more expensive meter.
Personally, I would put the money towards a meter and then rent the lights I need for the shoots I work on. Lighting needs always change, and the project parameters will effect what lights I choose to use. I have yet to use the exact same set of lights on every project. There will be similarities in lights used, but it is never exactly the same. But on every project, I always use my meter, so that is the one constant. But that may not suite your style of working or needs. So you have to figure out what works best for your situation.
Another option you may want to consider, is to watch E-bay. You can get great deals on Ebay on meters. And if you do not use flashes (you are not a photographer) in your work, then you can even pick up a meter made for the Japan market. Often times you can find those meters at half the price of the US version. It is still in English, and everything functions the same. The only difference is that the remote trigger / wireless trigger for flashes is programed to the Japanese standard. So if you try to use it with an American flash it will not trigger it. You can find these meters for sale through Japanese photography stores.
Good luck- I hope that helps a little.
That helps tremendously! Thanks much.