My favorite rulers have the 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" and 1" markings in different colors....BIG help for these old eyes.
Eleanor Burns books are the best for beginners.
and I agree -- do NOT be afraid to ask the quilters or staff in the LQS for help. Use your best judgement for what you can afford --- some of those things are not all that NECESSARY -- just helpful. Remember, or foremothers used just scissors and needles.