I feel an obligation to tell you that this is potentially a slippery slope you are embarking upon. Some people have been successful at keeping spending and time in balance, but I would be remiss if I didn't also tell you of those who have gone crazy with equipment, antennas, and have turned into hermits in their "shack" hunting contacts (DX) further and further away.
As a technician class operator you can talk to local folks on the local VHF/UHF repeaters, kind of like CB radio. You can also talk around the world using Internet technology known as EchoLink & IRLP. This equipment can be purchase for less than $150 in the form of a new or used HT (Handi-Talkie). You also have permission to talk on the 6 meter and 10 meter HF bands (HF = High Frequency), which have worldwide potential. HF radios can be purchased used for as little as $200, or new can be bought for thousands. I'll tell you that I talked all over Europe, the UK islands, SOuth America and even Hawaii & Australia with a $200 radio and a homemade antenna made from scrap wire like what runs throughout your house. It can be as economical or as expensive of a hobby as YOU want it to be.
The Technician study I used is this one:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Technician-Class-2010-2014-Gordon-West/dp/0945053622"]Technician Class 2010-2014: Gordon West, WB6NOA, Pete Trotter, KB9SMG: 9780945053620: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]
He explains the answers in detail, so you're not just memorizing answers to pass the test.
Good luck! It's very easy.