You can probably upgrade to 7 now and then just buy the upgrades from now on. I don't remember that the upgrades come too often. I think I got the original one in the early 90's and so that is 7 steps in about 20 years, not too bad. Then again 6 might be the one that completely suits you and will do everything you want. I'm thinking there is not a lot more I want to do with the program-I have the 7.