This thread is old but such a good one and an impressive amount of help offered.
My two cents include not trying to buy every tool at once, rather collecting as you need and especially when stuff is ON SALE.
Birthday and Christmas is also good time to ask for tools.
This site turned me on to these guys..great stuff on here especially the diamond stitching chisels "http://www.goodsjapan.jp"
As for end punches, I find they are extremely helpful to give neat and tidy professional finish, so would suggest collecting them with time....even looking on e-bay
Have fun!