picaxe to pic

Hi all, This is my first post here. I have some experience with picaxe but I would like to start programming pic chips. I don't know where to start. I don't want to spend a fortune. I would like to possibly build the hardware. If it were you, new to pics, what would you suggest. I have searched the internet. I have found so many options that I am now confused.

The cheap way to go is get a pickit 2 and code in assembly but it is a long learning curve.
And use Nigels Goodwin then move up to the 18f chips

If you're comfortable with Basic then I would recommend a .

Mike.