Ok, the way I save money is to buy bonsai starts. I have bought them from various locations; Miniforests by Sky is particularly good.
I have had a lot of luck with miniature roses, but the places I got them from you can't anymore (Sudden Oak Death has made California nurseries off limits to me.)
Paying more than seven bucks for a miniature rose is too much. I don't see the point of buying huge plants to have shipped; the shipping is a bear. It is well worth one's money to learn how to propagate from cuttings, if only because of the shipping savings.
Good bonsai starts grow FAST (a lot faster than you would think). I have also had luck with Edible Landscaping, who will also sell small plants. If you are west of the rockies, Forestfarm is not such a bad deal (I got some stuff from them too, but the shipping East is horrendous.)
It is a good idea to get relatives or friends to put in on a shipment; it's less that way.
Oh, and if you get stuff on Ebay, be sure and check on the shipping. Some of the people are ridiculous; charging for Priority (or Overnight) and sending in a first class package. Often, Feedbackers will tell of this (even a positive feedback can have a little note of expensive shipping. Read the things.)