Hi Carrie,
I'm sorry to hear your cockatiel is unwell and I hope you can somehow manage to get him to an avian vet ASAP. As Lyn suggested it would be a good idea to start putting a little aside each month towards an emergency fund.
What is your birds environment like? Have you been using scented candles, spraying perfume near him, cleaning products etc.?, is there a chance that mold may be growing or dampness? Is his cage in the kitchen and what sort of pots and pans are you using? (non-stick pans release a chemical that is highly dangerous to birds) All these things can be harmful to our bird's tiny lungs and very often we are unaware of it.
For now try putting a few drops of unfiltered apple cider vinegar in his drinking water (not too much or he wont drink it) and as Deborah suggested steam up the room to help him breath better.
I really hope you can take him to a vet and get a clear diagnosis and correct treatment.