Hi @Jimmyg123. There's definitely a learning curve when getting started, so no one is going to think you are an idiot. Actually, if you got some space plotted and got onto a pool you are doing well!
Like @haitch said, there is really no substitute for hard drive space. The cheapest route would be to slap on external USB 3.0 drives as your budget allows. A little here, a little there; it adds up.
Be aware too that mining is all statistical and random. Over time you will generally earn a certain average amount for a rig of a certain size. But it rarely comes steadily. You might get little or nothing for days, then make up for it by finding a block or even two in a short time. I've learned to semi-ignore the round to round stuff and just look at the numbers after one (or two or three) days.