I think the first thing you need to settle on is which software you will make the most use of, and then buy your instructional materials accordingly. I have LR 2.4 and PSCS4 with ACR 5.3 all sitting on two computers because ACR comes bundled with PSCS4 and I need the latter for things LR can't do and I need to do. But I prefer LR to ACR because it has the same processing engines, plus additional features I use and a great layout making useability very convenient. You should download the free trial of LR, use it for a while and decide whether you think it's a piece of software you shouldn't live without. If so, then you can't go wrong buying Michael and Jeff's LR2 tutorial, because it really helps you make the program sing. Yes, one spends more money on more programs and more instruction, but the outcomes make it all worthwhile if it doesn't break your budget and bring opprobrium from your spouse.