Big trucker, check out yard sales or especially estate sales. Even Craigslist might have some listed. This time of year, people are getting rid of stuff and when people die, they leave all sorts of good stuff including mason jars (estate sales are my favorites, the stuff they leave is stuff they held on to until they died!). They aren't very expensive at WalMart. I understand a tight budget. You might be able to check the everything's a dollar store and see if they have them and if they are cheaper there. I plan on buying cheap black spray paint and painting the outside of my jars so no light can get it. One day I'll be able to afford nice air tight black canisters, but for now I'm making due. Plants look great! I can't wait to get mine harvested, dried and in jars.