Have you already got a plane picked out for your engine? For a complete beginner, your best deal may come as a complete, ready-to-fly (RTF) package, which includes a plane, engine, and radio. Something like a Tower Trainer:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=0

Or a Hangar 9 Alpha 40:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HAN4400

Might give you the best bang for your buck. Some may try to steer you to a more expensive radio and engine that you can re-use in the future, but I am more a believer in buying the first plane as economically as possible, and getting the upgraded radio and engine for your next plane.

Good luck