What type of cookware to buy??

I know there are all sorts of questions in regards to this, but I wanted to add my personal cooking styles to aid in answers. My boyfriend and recently graduated college, and are replacing our subpar college home items, including super crappy cookware (think $15@Macy's!). I've done research on types of cookware, and our budget is up to about $150 (which is doable on Amazon, LNT w/coupon, etc.). There are plenty of sets to choose from, but which? ...

--stainless steel sounds attractive, but we are not seasoned chefs (very basic stuff and mostly preparing grocery items). also, cleaning sounds like a pain.
--we like nonstick--we hand wash everything and have silicone utensils. the big thing is though, we are concerned with the nonstick wearing out over time INTO OUR FOOD.
--hard anodized, don't know much about, but i am petite and can barely hold an iron skillet...plus don't really want to worry about what kinds of food can/cannot cook in it...

any suggestions?? i'm on the fence! thanks

Most people say to buy the best that you can afford. LNT does have good brands and the coupon helps make them more affordable. I was told that the brands endorsed by chefs(Emeril ect.) are usually very good quality. I agree that it is hard to know what the coating will do in the long run,but I have a very nice set of stainless by Cuisinart that isn't coated. The pots are fine, but you will need at least good frying pans and saute pans that are coated with something durable and safe.

I would go with the non-stick since you take good care of it. Just start a little savings account for purchase of new cookware. Five dollars a week in the cookie jar will a) keep you from stockpiling cookies and b) give you $500 to buy another set in two years.

Whatever you do stay away from nonstick! It has chemicals which have been proven to be linked to cancer. Stainless steel and cast iron are best.

We have stainless. My wife is a fairly small woman, but she is currently pregnant. She has a very hard time handling the large 12" skillet/frying pan right now. The 14" pan sits in the cabinent unless I use it. Even with a handle on either end, its simply too much for her right now.

Cleaning really isn't that hard, its no more than cleaning our cast iron camping cookware.