Where do I go from here???

History: Periodically the low coolant light comes on. Coolant level is fine and light eventually goes off. (Not sure if this is related to my main problem.)
After having driven about 250 miles of a 500 mile trip. Car was driving fine. I stopped at rest stop and fueled up and continued on. Check engine light came on. It was solid at first. Within the next 10-15 miles, it began to blink and the car continued to lose speed and was hesitant to acccelerate back to speed. (as if the transmission was slipping) I made it to the rest stop as the car stalled. When I would try to restart the car, it would start but as soon as you put it in gear, it would shut off. I had to wait approximately 3-4 hours in the snow/rain and cold for my parents to come and rescue me. Once they were there, the car would not even start. The car was towed to my parents house. Now for repairs. Don't have a lot of money and don't know if it is even worth looking into. Many things were mentioned to me. ie: cam position sensor, timing belt, coil packs, bent rods or rockers, etc. I am on my own with this and am a female so I am afraid I am going to get taken for a ride. Please help.