Can someone help me pick out my first speakers?

Check out Music Direct and Audio Advisor.

Do you have an amplifier that you will be using with said speakers?

The Pioneer BS-22 speaker sold for $130 when available. Possibly you can find a used pair.

Wharfedale Diamonds also a good choice. Designed as a quality budget speaker for a nice budget system. Not difficult to drive.

I recommend the PSB Alpha P3 ($300) now available on Audio Advisor. Quite a nicely  engineered speaker for the money!

+1 for Wharfedale Diamonds

At that price point I really don't think you can go wrong with these: 

Open box special. Was $349 now $279 and Music Direct has a generous 30 day no hassle return policy. I had the slightly bigger 12.2 and foolishly let them go.

buy from music direct or crutchdfield

anything with at lesst a 6 1/2 inch woofer will make u happy. 

5 inch woofers are too small for good bass. 

wharfdale, elac, etc

@avanti1960 you're right. I only suggested the 12.0 because it was in budget for the OP.