Hi there, setting up a database is actually quite simple and intuitive. What you need is
mySQL installed on your computer (there are many alternatives out there, but this one is one of the most widely supported/intuitive to set up). If it's your first time it only takes a few hours to set up and get everything you need running. Here's a good Youtube tutorial on
how it works and what you can do with it. No need for a programmer, this will save you the money.

Even a 60 something year old guy like me can do it, so can you.
If you have any technical questions feel free to ask me or my daughter who is working overseas as a Computer Science Professor (and free due to the
Ontario's teacher strike that has been going on lately).
Cheers,
Kev