hello

Hello everyone,
i`ve been wanting to get my ppl for donkeys years now but with family and financial constraints it`s only remained a dream, however, in 2008 i hope to start my training and hope to get my license by the time i`m 50 ( i`m 48 now) .
I was wondering if it would be worth it to start all the ground school subjects on a self study basis or wait until i devote my time and hard earned cash to a reputable flying school? Any thoughts and comments would be much appreciated.
rgds,
roy..