Okay I don't know how much help I would be personally, but I can say I think it'd be helpful in general if you posted more specifics.
1) How long have you been eating at maintenance/surplus/whatever you want to call it? How did you get to that caloric level--gradual increases, or did you just go for it?
2) How much are you eating right now? Are you counting calories? If so, what method (e.g., actually weighing food vs. "eyeballing it" or even cup measures)?
3) And like another poster mentioned, do you have any idea what your macros are like? Particularly protein, since that's what your body need to build muscle.
4) How long since you've had a break from training, and how long was the break?
I know you mentioned you're on a tight budget, but I have to agree with the other posters--if you can get Leigh's books I think those would answer the majority of your questions, and give you a fabulous "primer" on how the body works and why yours is reacting the way it is. If you can spring for it now, do. If not, save up--you won't regret it.
