I'm 66, started 2 months ago, so far after 16 hrs, went solo on Friday.
last week at 14 hrs I was still landing way left of centreline, drifting, nose wheel first etc, even nearly stalled on climbout, 55 kt, then it all seemed to click.
Stick with it, don't get disheartened this early. As for the budget Iv'e put 4K down but I don't think I'll make that, your 6K looks more possible.
Good luck
Trevor