Hey there!
If a more formal program is out of your price range right now, you STILL can start...with something free. Calorie Counting, for example, is a plan that costs NOTHING except your efforts and care. There are a lot of other plans that you can get information on just by checking out a book from the library. There's no reason to wait, if a more formal program can't fit into your budget just now.
Look around! We have an MRC forum, but also forums for other plans, as well as groups by age range, amount to lose, etc. There are also a TON of challenges, groups, and other places to settle in, so look around!
Can't wait to get to know you better!