Finding the money, in and of itself, isn't necessarily a problem. I just tend to seek out the best value. If I can get pretty much what I want and save a few hundred dollars, it's a win-win for me. I won't say I'm a cheapskate, I appreciate nice things, I just don't like paying full price for them..

The seller is supposed to let me know tonight if the Podium 3 is still available. I've seen a few ~2006 Allez(s?) for sale for $600-700 but they have been 58cm frames. As was mentioned, I haven't had a fit done. The LBS put me on a 56 but it wasn't an official fit or anything. If I can save $200 or more buying a nice used bike, I'll feel a lot better putting that towards a fit. Speaking of which, do I even need a full fit done at $175 or is the basic $75 fit all I really need at this point?