Is it silly to try to meet/date women when you're broke?

I’ve been alone long enough to have finally grown sick of it. However, I’m realistic: I’m studying for an entrance exam and not working, so I know that now isn’t the time to be looking for a relationship. Or am I wrong?

Being unemployed, I haven’t “made any moves” on any women, even some old flames that have recently come back into my life, partly because my funds are too low to take them out (I’m living off of savings and the goodness of my mother’s heart). I’ve had a few friends tell me “so what?” as if there is some way to impress a woman by bringing her to my room in my mother’s place?

I’m starting to wonder: am I being unreasonable or are my friends the unreasonable ones for pushing me to date when it doesn’t seem feasible? I’ve even had an ex-girlfriend tell me, “I dated you when you were broke and I didn’t care. I’m sure you can find a girl like me.” This just sounds silly to me.

I’m not crazy, am I?