Sewing machine question

I want to get a cheap ($99 or so) beginner sewing machine when we get our tax return. I hand sew alot and love the idea of making clothes, I have tried to make my own stuff but my hands can't handle hand stitching hems and seams, especially since I am plus size and that's alot of stitches. Lol
Any recommendations? Tutorials, books, certain threads, a good but affordable machine to start on etc

Any machine from the box stores will suck and are not worth your money.
Go onto Kijiji or Craigs list and buy a used older one, and then take it to get serviced. A lot of people get rid of 'grandmas' old sewing machine not knowing what it's worth, and they work great.
Singers are the best (IMO )

I was looking today and my mom (who does a lot of sewing on a huge price range of machines) recommended a Brother machine to me from walmart. She bought the same one recently (I think shes compulsive and just buys them, she has a really expensive Baby Lock, she didnt need it lol) she says its a really good machine for the money, but its around 150.00 or so. (HERE) I plan to get it with my tax return, I am new to sewing, too.

I dunno, I got a cheap Singer from walmart for xmas 5 years ago and have had no problems with it.

I have this one: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Singer-Simple-18-Stitch-Sewing-Machine/4698205