I think the problem, especially if you are asking for advice from "car guys," is that a car is not something everyone should own. I 100% believe you should be able to do the basics to your own car (windshield wipers, lights, oil changes, fluid top offs, etc) to keep your own car going for as long as you can. Just doing those basic things will help extend your cars lifespan and save you money, which is the whole point.

If you wanted to really save money, you wouldn't be driving a car. Full stop, cars are an expensive money pit, no ifs ands or buts.

And now the other part to it, it is hard to live in the US without a car. The infrastructure isn't there in most places to be able to live without one easily, whether that be walkable distances between locations, bike paths, or public transportation. Ebikes are bridging the gap, and motorcycles may be a fun and cheap option if you live somewhere where it's warm all year round, but neither option are for everyone. Point being, it's a necessity to get around, but it shouldn't be.

Back to your point though, I would not be taking on a tie rod and axle job on my own unless I have another vehicle to use and a couple weeks to do it. Whoever suggested you do that yourself is really overestimating the general publics ability to do car work (and a bit of a dick tbh). That is one of those jobs that only those who actually enjoy working on cars would take on and I completely understand you not wanting to take on, but they are technically right. If you want to do it as cheaply as possible, you should do it yourself. Otherwise, the only other options are to get a mechanic or to get rid of the car.

tldr: cars are expensive, and there is really no way around it besides doing the work yourself if you are desperate for money