Is there any secret to making this software a little more affordable? Can you buy it at Joannes with a coupon? Is there a certain website that sells it for less?

I bought my copy from diy-moms.com -- the listed price is $149, but once you put it in your cart, it's $129.95. They have to do it that way, because the EQ company won't allow vendors to list the price at less than $149, I believe.

that's a savings...I would like to get it...maybe when we get our taxes back

Someone posted she purchased it from jhittlesewing for $114 and free shipping. I think she said she had to call to get that pricing (and also got a $5 free grab bag). If I can find the thread her post was in, I will add it here.

Sorry, haven't been able to locate the thread where I saw this.

I bought mine off ebay for 89.00. Brand new.

JoAnn's will not let you use coupons for certain items... I am not sure that they even carry EQ. EQ5 would be a less expensive option, it has almost as many bells and whistles as EQ6.
I think they still have another program that is even less expensive, it is more basic, but you can go to Electric Quilt Company's website and check it out I want to say it is called Quilt Wizard? :D:D:D