landscaping from scratch

We recently moved into a new home that was built in a former corn field. That being said we have a large rectangular back yard that has absolutely nothing in or around it (empty lots). Any suggestions on how we can get the most "bang for our buck" with landscaping? We move every couple of years and don't like spending much. In addition, on side of the back yard has drainage issues. Would it be best to bring in top soil and resod to level things out or would that be the ideal place for a flower bed? Thanks, Brittany