Another +1 ^ for Elements. That's what I use, and it's great.

PaintShop Pro is the way to go!
 

I've successfully staved off laying down big bucks for PhotoShop by sticking with PaintShop Pro (now from Corel). It performs more than 95% of the functions of the Adobe product for a fraction of the cost.

They've been working hard to make it photographer friendly and provide lots of step-by-step guides to get you going. Keep your eyes peeled because you can pick up the latest version for as little as fifty bucks!

:D:DI'd like to thank you all. I am now rockin Photo Shop Pro X2!!! It is EXACTLY what I was looking for. WOW..WOW..WOW, so excited to get out there and take some new pics. Now I must find a great budget digital cam that packs a punch as I am hoping to really work my way into photography and actually have something worth showing yall one of these days!