As to where to go to learn tricks:

1) The public library – section 793.8 – will have books on how to perform magic tricks. I would recommend Mark Wilsons Complete Course in Magic, Harlan Tarbell Course in Magic – any volume you can find, Karl Fulves Self-Working magic series, Bill Tarr’s book Now You See It. All of these will include tricks that include cards, coins, dollars, ropes, hankerchiefs and all sorts of objects you don’t have to purchase.

2) A brick and mortar magic store. I’m not anti-internet, but still recommend store front shops for folks just starting out. The internet shop is designed to just take your money. At a magic store they’ll try and find out a little about you, your skills and interests and direct you to the right trick for you. At the shop where I work, we have a few tricks for under $2. We have other tricks that cost a couple hundred. If you need, we can order things that run into the thousands.

3) Magic clubs. The two biggest magic clubs in the US are The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. Both have websites. Both websites have sections to help you find local chapters. Magicians at the local club will help you find more magic that is right for you, to develop your skills and to help you find local resources.

4) DVD and internet. Be careful here. Magic DVDs can be expensive. The stuff on the internet varies in quality. Whatever you do, don’t stop at immitating what you see on DVDs and internet. You have to make it your own.

As to that burning up a $20 bill bit…there are lots of ways to do it. Once you start building your skills as a magician, you’ll be able to figure out what works best for you.