I'm real sorry to hear about your stand. Are you talking about fixed position or climbers?
I'm kinda in that position myself. I know I'm gonna be in a new climber next season so I need to figure out the best time to make the investment in order to stay safe finacially. The sooner the better in order to have some preseason runs with it and definitly don't want to get caught up in the last minute hysteria right before archery season.
In reguards the starting to bowhunt, yes by all means yes- I mean whatever it takes to get started. Get a loan, have yard sales- somethin; just get started. Getting a bow, getting proficient with it, and starting to bowhunt is allot bigger issue than when and which stand to get. I'm really glad to hear that and can't wait to start hearing your stories, reading your questions and watching your progress. Getting in to archery and bowhunting was one of the best dicisions I've ever made. You are going to love it!
Good luck with your decisions.