I know that periodically JoAnn's has Singer machines for $99 to $299, and they sell similar Singer machines at Wal-Mart. You can also go to your local sewing machine center and they could probably offer you a good deal on a used machine, one that someone had traded in on a newer/different machine. Wherever you buy the machine, be sure to try it out to see if it's in your comfort zone. Good luck.