Smith and wesson m&p
glock
Springfield XD
FN FNP
Springfield SR9
are all some of the most affordable pistols on the market
Sigs are a little bit more.
h&k usp are as well.
the advice ill get you is to handle them and if possible fire them all. STay away from the 1911. its not a beginners gun.
Some other thigns to look at are do you plan on carrying it daily? if so you may want a subcompact or at least a compact. I cant imagine trying to conceal a full size pistol comfortably.
if you want when you find somethign you like post it up here. there are enough of us that can tell you what we all like and dislike about it. I think this is the only forum where people dont get butt hurt over brand preference. I guess because you have to be reasonably mature to carry a piece.