Welcome aboard!!! I was in your shoes this time last year as a matter of fact. Go out and buy a variety type box for fresh water fishing. You can find them at Bass Pro, Dicks, I think Wal-Mart....It has worms, cheap spinners, buzz baits, lizards, and lots of other stuff. Some of the stuff isn't the best but it will get you started.
You will become comfortable with certain baits, if your tie your knots wrong and cast your spinner and see it flying 50 feet and then sinking ;D it'll be ok because you didn't drop 5-6 bucks on it. I think I paid 15-20 for a nice little started kit. My best success so far has been with plastic worms.
Stay on the forums here, this is where I pretty much learned most of what I know. Great group of people always willing to help, and the knowledge here is amazing. Welcome to the sport!!