Maybe save your coins and make up a scrim to shoot your lights through. In a barn you won't have to worry so much about stray light. You'd lose some light but you can actually have a much bigger relative source to soften the shadows. Umbrellas are good tools, I favor them over boxes with people because the catchlights are rounder. They're a snap to setup too.
A big softbox with a low power light up close is a wonderful tool for soft, evenly lit headshots though... but it has to be close.
Like BG, I favor Photoflex, but some of the cheaper models aren't too good. I have a multi-dome I like a lot, durable and easy too use. I also have a couple of Chimera Strips... then the homemade gatorboard jobs.
Think about buying some white ripstop nylon and some PVC and making a big scrim similar to a Photoflex Litepanel. It's a versatile tool.
Good luck,
Chip
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