First year beekeeper gives advice to beekeepers just getting started - Adventures in Beekeeping

I am not an expert. I think I have a unique perspective having completed my first season and looking to start my second year of beekeeping.

So here is my advice to beekeepers that are just getting started.

Learn everything you can. Start Now!
Buy and read Beekeeper for Dummies
Subscribe to a couple magizines
-- Bee Culture
-- American Bee Journal
Register to a local bee school
Checkout Local beekeeping store to see if they have intro classes

Join the local beekeeper community.
Join your local beekeeping association
Join your state beekeeping association

Get a budget together.
You will need to have at least $1000 available
Bees
-- Nuc $185
-- Packages $145
Equipment
-- Hives Starter Hive ~$100 but will need second hive body and supers
Tools
-- Smoker ~$45
-- hive tool ~$10
Bee suit ~$100 - $250
Gloves ~12 - 14
Mite treatment

Order bees
Order Now
Order local
Decide Nuc or package or hive
Don't wait, they sell out quick

Start getting ready! There is lots of prep work to do.
Order hives
Order bee suit
-- Go to a store and try some on
Hive and Frame Assembly
Paint