I am fairly a beginner too, and I always multiply the price of FQ by 4 to see how the price compares to yardage..generally, unless there is a FQ sale, yardage will be cheaper.
That being said, I do like and buy some FQs, I don't have a large stash and FQs are an easy way to add a little variety, especially if you like making small quilts, applique or scrappy quilts. I hate to cut into yardage for a 5" square, so I turn to my FQs.