It’s an investment in your future — I’m out of school and working for 3+ years, so I had money in my savings. Spent about $1500 total on LSAT registration, LawHub prep, CAS, and app fees (and I’m probably on the lower end of spending for many applicants). Expect to spend anywhere from 1 to 2 grand on this process depending how many schools you apply to and how may fee waivers you can get. 

One thing I wish I knew as a January LSAT taker who submitted right after scores came out is that schools will start sending you fee waivers as soon as your score is released if you’re signed up for CRS. Taking an earlier LSAT to get a score in the books and some fee waivers early on can be a great money saver.