I am one of the cheapest people I know. I hate spending money!!!! Free is the best, and most of my personal software is shareware or borrowed-ware (don't ask). Anyway... my copy of Microsoft Office was a trial version that ended, and so I went comparison-shopping (eeek! Those things are $$$$$$$$). Lo and behold, I found a great deal (comparitively speaking) on Microsoft Office 2007 titles (Professional, and Home and Student versions in particular).

Did you know that there are Academic Editions available? You can't buy them everywhere--- only certain resellers have permission from Microsoft, but you can find out who in your area carries them. Check the Microsoft site HERE for more information. Homeschoolers are indeed eligible-- as long as you can show proof, such as a letter from your school district, or from a recognized homeschooling organization. Your local reseller can let you know exactly what they will accept. This is far from free, but the pricing is a considerable savings (you wind up paying about 1/3 the going price). So, if you are in the market for some new software, this might be just what you need.

While you're checking out the above site, mosey around looking at their educational offerings. You might find a freebie that fits in with something you're already doing.