I might be backtracking, but again I agree with Orinskye! I am a 20 year old college student working as an Accountant and Graphics Designer. Two jobs and I still have money problems but that did not, in any way, stop be from getting Fred! You really cannot predict what will happen to these little guys so staying away from pet ownership because "they might" get sick will just deprive you of the joy of owning one of these little rascals!
And boy oh boy Geanalyn, that really doesn't sound comforting. The pet store must have done something wrong! Shame.