@simplesi
I know how you feel to be on a low budget. The cheapest way that I am thinking is to get : USB-to-TTL adapter, an ATmega328 with pre-loaded bootloader , a 16 MHz crystal and wires. Check this site to how to do it : http://www.dalewheat.com/
The company that I shop for Arduino & PICAXE : http://www.robotshop.com/ca/ but they don't have crystal ( Located in Montreal, Quebec and they have store in the US ) and http://www.hvwtech.com/, they carry crystals, ZIP <-- Zero-Insertion-Socket ( located in Calgary , Alberta )
The only part you need to purchase once is the USB-TTL adapter.
I hope this help.