My advice is to always go with the best components you can afford, even if it means financing some of the bike. Nice riding bike = one you will enjoy riding.

Have you tried a Specialized Dolce or Trek Lexa? They aren't high priced and ride pretty nice. I especially like Specialized. The lowest level Dolce lists for $830, but many (most?) shops will negotiate price and I'd be looking to go up on the component group. Also, the 2014s will be coming out by late summer and many shops will be having sale prices soon on their 2013s.