Welcome, Donna, from blustery 24-degree Maryland. Glad you decided to take up this addictive hobby. We will enable you as much as you want. LOL. Sorry about your machine. Hopefully it's a simple fix and permanent!
Like SusieOH, I thought immediately of the Eversewn which has gained popularity in the past year or two . Getting great reviews for the value. If I needed one, I'd certainly put it on the short list. That said, for simple sewing, nothing fancy, portabiltiy, and low cost, check out a Brother in your price range. Or check FB Marketplace for one; often they are new in box for $30-100, depending on how quickly the seller wants to unload it. I bought a cheapo mechanical Brother for $20 to keep at my sister's in KY. And yes, she asked me to make curtains for her log cabin while I was visiting!