I dont know why people are like "I cant cook" and then I see their kitchen and theres nothing in it. Im not saying you gotta be all hot shit like me(and by no means am I hot shit but I looove me some Williams Sonoma) but quality cookware isnt always expensive. Target(and even wal mart) have good sturdy pans that can be bought as a set or individually. I have many pots, of various sizes and what not but a big 5qt stockpot heavy bottom(nothing flimsy) and good handles, a 12" skillet, a 6" omlette pan
cast iron skillet(if in your budget.. if not put a buck or 2 aside each week to get one) a 3 quart saucepan.. and some pyrex glass baking dishes
but the flimsy cake pan, the dented scratched used to be non stick skillet that was $3 at K mart.. no good. just make sure you really feel it will withstand the test of time
just invest wisely.. a well equipped kitchen (small or large) is usually worth it.