Mary buy the best guitar you can afford- A good second hand(used)is better than the same price new.Pete has some good advice and I have watched him play. None of the advice given so far is bad.If you are
going out to buy a guitar take some one with you who plays who can advise you.Dont buy a cheap instrument as a learner musician can very easily be fooled into thinking that it is THEM and not the instrument that is causing the problem. And the best of luck with your playing.