On my way toward being a vegan
I have given up all animal fleshes and products for health reasons.
This past year I took two steps toward full veganism. 1. I made myself visit my local farmer's market once per week and always purchased produce that I like to eat. No experimenting with new produce. Farmer's markets can be, but not always are, less expensive than grocery stores. 2. After buying grains like steel cut oats, barley, and quinoa in the super market, I decided to buy them in bulk. I comparison shop to get the best price. Both required thinking about finances differently...after all, I wasn't spending money in my usual comfort zone like the supermarket.
Both of these steps also took adjustments in short- and long-term thinking before they became regular habits. I went through getting used to new tastes and textures. Some things I liked, others I won't try again. Trying a new diet means being willing to experiment several times with new foods and figuring out what appeals to you. Just because I like oats, quinoa and barley doesn't mean that everyone else is required to like it. A new diet also means getting away from tried and true enjoyable foods, which means another adjustment. Mourning the loss of enjoyable but unhealthy foods takes time.
As for the cost, I agree that some vegan things cost more than the typical American diet. One idea to consider, if possible, is to grow a vegetable and fruit garden. If you don't have suitable land where you live, some cities have community gardens, or maybe you have a relative or friend who might lend you space. it would really cut down on the costs of food. (I don't have any space to grow a garden, or a green thumb but wish I had both!)
I've learned from being on this forum that you have to do what works for you, use what information you can from what is posted, and ignore the rest. You know your body better than everyone else, and know what works, what might work, and what doesn't work. There are a handful of people who are very knowledgeable in their own area, and many, many people who give opinions that are disguised as authoritative information.