This is the best answer on here so far. Face reality, you can or can't afford the hobby.
And also i may add, you could have an 8 1/4 ready to drop in with a sure grip and new brakes for under $500 if you shop around.
Forget the 8.8, it's too much hassle if you can't do your own fabricating.
(I'll leave your wife out of this, you would hate my opinion anyway...........)
JMHO.