I built a 2m Ground Plane antenna in OCT 08. I can't believe it works. It is for 2M, made out of 2 metal coat hanger, One 19" 12 Guage wire, an S0-239 connecter and a little bit of solder. It is ugly but it works! Total cost is for the SO-239 connector from Radio Shack, about 4 dollars and a bag of screws with nuts for a dollars, total: 5 dollars.
People on the internet make it look easir to build. It was surprising simple!
I took two standard metal coathangers, cut them in half. Half is the right size you need for 2M. I took some electrical clips and crimped them on the ends and bought a bag of screws with nuts at the hardware store, about a dollar, and screwed them on so I can take it apart. I solder the wire to the coax connecter on top. I bent the coat hangers so it would stand up. Hooked a coax to it and the other end to my handheld. Turned on the radio and it was receiving great. Turns out it transmits pretty well also.
I am amazed that I built it, it was cheap, and it works!