I have lost 40 lbs since Jan 1.
Diet - I went with a low carb diet. It's not a high fat Atkins like diet, it's just cutting out carbs while still eating somewhat healthy, lots of salads an low carb wrap sandwiches.
Exercise - I set a goal of 270 activity minutes per week. A lot of that is hitting the elliptical for 60 minutes a day (725 calories). Also, now that it's finally nice out I golf several times a week, walking 9 holes is 3.6 to 3.9 miles and burns about 950 calories. Now that I've cut some weight I've started running. Example, yesterday I walked 9 holes (968 calories) and then ran two miles in the evening (370 calories).
Alcohol - I still drink as much as I want.
Have lost on average 2 lbs a week doing this and plan to continue until I lose 40 more and then maintain doing the same thing.
OP, if you can't afford the gym (elliptical is a great low impact cardio workout) then you just need to get up and move. Walk, walk, walk, ride a bike. At least 5 out of 7 days a week.
Hal Higdon's Couch to 5k