1. Yes using Expenses is one right method.

2. You may create a single resource (no need to assign role to it). Name resourc
e like Lumpsum-Resourse. Giv this resource any rate like 100/h. Assign this reso
urce to desired activities, and change Budgeted Units for activities, until you
get Total Budgeted cost = the budget you hav for the project.
3. In Calculations Tab of Project window, there is an option to assign a fixed c
ost to all activities. This has a con that you cannot hav variable cost for diff
erent activities. But its ok in case of yr scenario so can use it. But better is
to go with method 2