new electronics hobbyist

The OP is asking for a starting place...

I don't think he cares or needs about that kind of accuracy...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-LCD-Digital-Multimeter-DT830B-not-include-battery-/271176095416?pt=AU_Gadgets&hash=item3f235ad6b8

I'd go for that over an analog, esp when it comes to taking current measurements, accuracy is not a great issue (eg, how far could a voltage measurement be out to the real thing?) if all you're doing is learning.....

Once you understand the basics you have the ability to design a voltage divider and turn an Arduino into a voltage reader.