I recently just got my paws on Photoshop and Lightroom; though I did have an old busted PS on my laptop (ergh laptops are dreadful for accurately editing photos), I was so excited to get the new programs. They’re well worth the money, in my opinion and my photos have improved heaps alone just from the subtle editing I do with them.
Have you looked at the Adobe Cloud option? Where you ‘rent’ the programs on a monthly basis? At least to play with and wrap your head around them before forking out the full amount? Always an option. 😀