Can someone help me pick out my first speakers?

Your best option (in my not so humble opinion) is to buy a pair of Vanatoo speakers.

But, wait... you're not only buying a pair of speakers. You are buying an amp and a preamp with optical... With Bluetooth connectivity, I use my phone to stream music through these small bookshelf speakers that sound like floor standing full range monsters.

 Check them out on the web and Youtube.

Many good choices listed above and more options available if you go used which typically takes returns out of the equation however. Choice depends on your tastes and what you are going to drive them with. Elacs are nice but like a bit of juice. Klipsch are lively, efficient and can rock if that's your flavor. Wharfedale are nice all-arounders that sound nice with many types of music. The smaller Emotiva's are quite impressive, well reviewed and have a nice, airy ribbon type tweeter. Good luck in your audio journey, it's all fun!

Checkout both the Darko Audio and Audiophiliac YouTube channels. They both put together some budget systems from well build reputable brands

I'm going to agree with a few others here and go with Wharfedale for the money.

I was finishing my Home Theater system and looking for a good center channel. I tried 3 and was not happy until I tried the Wharfedale. Great build quality and dollar for dollar worth the money. If you find a pair of open box from Crutchfield you'll be very happy...

I'd check out cheapaudioman's review, surprising amount of choices in-budget!