Being blonde cheaply

[ClockWatchingLady]

I've had to stop getting my hair highlighted because I can't afford it. Can I go blonde myself without it taking forever or looking ridiculous?
My hair's a light brown (mouse?)/dark blonde naturally. It's straight, thick and in a bob.
Is Sun-in (does it even exist any more??) and such-like as bad as they say?

Sorry for stupidly naïve question!

Many thanks for reading.

Sun in is for teenagers (who can afford to mess up what they look like, it's practically what bring a teenager is about)

I think you can home dye without going brassy etc, but it depends on your natural colours. Eg if I lived in the sun I'd be a natural blonde, but living in the city and working inside means I am more brownish, but LOreal mousse dye gives me a good, natural-looking "lift" back to where I could be anyway, IYSWIM

Otherwise, have you thought about going darker rather than lighter?