Here's yet another option Rose.
I was in at River City again today, seeing if I could find a rod better than the Cabela's LSi that I'm now lusting over - and I think I have found one that is at least as GOOD as the LSi, but with slightly fancier finish components - and I don't need to drive to Springfield to get one. It's the Fish Field rod's that Don is importing. I'm probably going to pick up one of those now. The 9' 6 weight 4 piece I cast today was just as light, and had a very similar action to the LSi and to the Echo Carbon rods. My only gripe with the Fish Field (and it's the same as the LSi) is that they have kind of skinny grips. The Fish Field does come with a neat little cut out in the cork for your thumb, and that cut out has a piece of EVA foam inserted to cushion the thumb. It worked nicely. Don said that particular model (I forget the model number) will go for $150, but he's got a cheaper line of the Fish Field rods that sell for a hundred bucks. I think he even has a full on combo that he sells for about $170 - rod reel line... I'm sure Don will get you set up when you get back on firmer financial ground. Been there myself.