Like you I'm also a beginner, one round so far. I bought a new set at Sports Authority for $200.00, some are even cheaper. That was a driver, two woods, one hybrid, set of irons, putter and bag. Even Wal-Mart has sets. Even bought a net so I could so I could practice with less expense. Good luck.
I think we talked about this a while ago in the forum. But I had said that you should try investing in used clubs to start of with. I had a couple of friends you wanted to golf but once they began they didn't find it as interesting anymore. So they quit and had spent a nice chuck of money on their clubs.