Welcome boyjenius, that's great, we'll help however we can.
When you go out, you can check to see if the restaurant is veg. friendly.
Happy cow is a great place to check:
http://www.happycow.net/
Wherever you live, there should be listings for veg. restaurants if friends and family will go for it, or otherwise for those that are known to be veg friendly.
In terms of fast food and stuff at typical restaurants:
A baked potato is usually safe, if it's a steak house or something. Just ask that they don't cut it open, otherwise they're liable to fill it with pork or something, and ask specifically only for the toppings you actually want (on the side), and for them to please not bring others.
Taco bell is also pretty good. They'll make things with just the beans, tomato, or whatever you like, and that's usually pretty filling. That's pretty much the #1 most popular veganizable fast food restaurant.
http://www.peta2.com/lifestyle/vegan-taco-bell/
If you figure out what you like and how to order at taco bell, you'll never be without a quick filling food option (as long as you're in the region where they operate, of course).
I'm with you on not liking most typical salads. BUT if you're in a pretty upscale place, you can get a more high class salad with better greens like spinach and kale, and have them load it up with nuts and even beans to the point the leaves become more of a garnish.
#2: Definitely not expensive, but you may need to learn a couple tricks.
I need to know the following:
What's your ideal daily food budget?
What region do you live in? (availability of some foods vary by country, and sometimes state)
Is there anything else that you really don't like, or can't stomach that comes to mind? Any allergies?