welcome to the forum.
start putting away a couple of bucks for youre new firearm now...
do not buy the first something from the nice gun salesperson who states...'this is what you need!!' it won't be, honest!
do not listen to your friends BS about which firearm is the greatest, best shootingest, carry firearm in the world. put it into the perspective of the fish that got away was this big |<..............................>| or how good looking their last date was!
take an unbiased and professionally taught basic pistol course from your local NRA instructor to get acclimated to firearm safety, handling, shooting, as well as how to maintain your investment.
http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx
just like you wouldn't buy a suit with trying it on, visit your local gun shops that 'rent/loan' firearms to their customers to use on their ranges. take advantage of the experience to find a firearm that fits your hand to the point you would want it to defend your life and those of your loved ones.
the internet is your friend...start cruising for firearm reviews - again some are paid for by the manufacturer so a grain of salt goes a long way.
now should you start looking for what you believe you wish to carry. if you are short of cash, look at used - disregard comments about taking someone else's troubles...i have had to return numerous brand new firearms to the manufacturer for repair because they were defective out of the box.
check Buds as they have some of the best prices around but damn they need to get their processing time under control!!
hey welcome again
ipse