Check with the places where you buy software etc, they may have last years version of Family tree maker on sale cheap. Even the newest version should be less than $40. They are in business to SELL you stuff and get the money from your pocket to theirs. This is Amerca after all! But be a careful consumer and don't go for the silver- gold -platinum "bundle" if you just want the basic package.

I started genealogy research back before PC'c became common, and put off buying the software for years. After I realized how inexpensive it was and how much EASIER and MORE ORGANIZED things became, I regretted waiting so long. There are free programs out there also, and many competitors, but I have been content with Family Tree Maker.

If you are familiar with other software, you can use FTM with little or no difficulty - other than finding the info to put in those blanks!