Competing on the cheap

Hey guys -- There has been an explosion of competition recently, it seems.  And, while I like this (I think), I feel intimidated.  It seems like there are as many private coaches and workshops, etc as there are competitions...  We don't have enough moola for regular classes (so I do a lot at home), so paying a lot of extra for competition help is out of the question.  I've had a lot of fun sewing and finding thrift store costumes, but I feel like I'm at such a disadvantage doing this all alone...  Anybody else feel this way?  Any tips on making competing affordable?   Thanks so much! Mindy