I have a Nikon d-40 i would like to purchase an inexpensive telephoto lense --- got any suggestions?

The best (and most common) cheap telephoto from Nikon is the 55-200mm VR, which comes in at a whopping $185 dollars (with price cuts, MSRP of ~$320), and maybe less if you can find a good deal. Not only is it a tiny premium over most 3rd party lenses, it's also very, very good optically. If you can't muster up that money, go to a third party (be warned: some do not autofocus with the motorless D40), or try to get a good refurbished or used Nikon for a similar price.