However, then I'd have to get a wi-fi connection, and I'm not confident on the security of that just yet.
If I connect to wi-fi, then are programs that automatically logged in (e-mail) broadcast unencrypted? I've been assuming unencrypted, which is why I'm not using it. However, if someone is more knowledgeable, I'd love some guidance.
With open Wi-Fi, anyone else using that connection can see everything that anyone else on that connection is sending and receiving. Regular HTTP traffic is unencrypted and is not safe to use on open Wi-Fi, but HTTPS is encrypted and secure. SMTP email is also unencrypted and unsafe, but ESMTP and POP3 have optional TLS/SSL encryption - make sure you enable it if you email provider supports it.
TOR traffic is encrypted, but is viewable by the exit node operator, so you shouldn't use TOR for unencrypted protocols such as HTTP and SMTP, regardless of your Wi-Fi security. TOR hidden services are fully secure.
Note that Bitcoin does not require encryption to be secure - everything transmitted is going to end up in the publicly viewable blockchain anyway, and is protected from tampering by hashing and digital signatures.
Also, when using secure Wi-Fi, check what type of security is being used: WEP can very easily be cracked with standard tools, and should not be relied upon for security. WPA/WPA2 is safe.
