Sandy, I agree it's a good idea not to spend a lot on your very first orchid. We just got back from Trader Joe's and they always have a nice selection of orchids in bloom for around $12. Still not usually potted properly though, and you'll find a lot of soggy moss and rotted roots in the pots. But it will bloom nicely for a while, then you can try to save it's life.
But the place to look for bargains are the clearance racks at Lowe's and (as Donald found) Wal-Mart nurseries. Our Home Depot here doesn't sell off their orchids cheap once they're finished blooming, evidently their grower takes them back!
