As mentioned above, the problem with (especially budget) rain gear is that it doesn't breathe and you get as wet on the inside as you would in the rain without them.
I generally find that if my feet are dry, or at least warm I can manage inclement weather. The best things for that without spending a fortune are plastic bags wrapped around my feet (inside my shoes) and wool socks.
I own two pieces of "bicycle clothing", a Gorewear rain pants and Gorewear jacket. Both crazily expensive (to me), but bought at knockdown prices when I waited for the prices to drop. The pants, especially, are the business!
If you do decide to follow the general advice and skip investing in the rain gear, consider some Merino underlayers.
Decathlon do them, but perhaps sizing will be an issue, otherwise
eBay is your friend.
Very comfortable and they keep you warm, even if wet. (They work well in heat, too!)
A really cheap alternative are Decathlon underlayers for skiing. Last winter I got a set of leggings and a top for €5! Not so great in very wet conditions, though.
Finally, a suggestion for you. Your enthusiasm is clear & infectious! I think it's fairly likely you'll have lots more questions in the coming days and weeks. Perhaps it's an idea to keep all your questions in the one thread (perhaps ask the Mods to rename this one?).
That way when you get answers all the info will be available to posters and the answers will be more specific to your situation. Keep your other thread as your "cycling progress" one (well done! Keep it up!)
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