When I considered getting back into flying I did a lot of reading and research never feeling comfortable about what I wanted to spend my money on in case I didn't stay with it or changed my mind about what I wanted to fly. b17flyer hit it right on the head.
You really need to think ahead of that first plane. You'll be spending close to double what most people say in the beginning. Do you have ALL of the building tools,glue and various other support items you'll need? Most likely not. They aren't free. I've spent over $500 already. I've got good stuff that won't have to be replaced anytime soon. I figure that has saved me money in the long run. The smartest purchase I made was a 7 channel Hitec computer radio. $150 on clearance. After having it I feel it is worth the full list price now. Setup is SO much easier and the radio will work with just about any plane I go to in the future.
The plane? Well after seeing all of the recommendations for the LT-40 I got one. I'm not sorry I did. Very, very nice kit. I also picked up a Right Flyer 40 ARF. It was $69 clearance so it will be the first to get used. The LT-40 is getting a few modifications during the buildup.

As a retread newbie my recommendation for your first plane would be one of them on Real Flight G2. Your first R/C purchase should be G2. Thats exactly what I did. I flew G2 for about three weeks then made the comittment to spend the extra money for the plane etc. The $200 for G2 hurt in the beginning but if I had to do it over again I wouldn't change a thing. If Real Flight was around when I flew in the early 80's I would never have sold out and gone to cars. I would have been a much better pilot.
Because of a left thumb injury I will have very limited use of it when the pins are taken out in a couple more weeks. The joint has been fused making rudder stick use very limited. With G2 I can practice to compensate for this minor handicap. How many planes would I go through in the learning process? I can't even make my first flight in 17 years for a couple more weeks yet I'm waiting with full confidence that I will be a much better pilot than I was way back when.

The smartest thing you did was to come to this forum. You can't hang out in just one thread though. There is just too much good information being passed on by everyone here. Ask questions until you are satisfied with what you want to do. After all it is your money that's being spent.