Welcome sweetpea13,
I started quilting almost 2 yrs ago after I retired. Something I always wanted to do. I became obsessed after my 2nd class.
I strongly suggest you take a beginning class to learn the basics; it makes it so much easier. This board is wonderful, supportative, imformative and very talented. It has become my go to place for info, tips & tricks.
Yes quilting is expensive, but there are cost cutting tricks.
My inspirations are the every day things of life, this board, art, other quilters, quilt shops, a swatch of fabric. Many people choose to have things planned out for them and use kits.
Welcome to a whole new world. You will love it