GAH!!! Publisher files are the WORST! The only think I can suggest to clients about MS Pub is to give me a PDF. That way I can at least try and edit the PDF in Illustrator or something.
The groovy thing about InDesign is that you can import Pagemaker files into it and make it an InDesign file. There are some bumps in the kerning and leading, but it's an easy fix.
Senusret, I remember reading that you are a substitute teacher. Go to
www.academicsuperstore.com (I think) and you can order all KINDS of software at a huge discount. All you have to do is fax in proof that you are paid by a district/are a student. I got the entire Adobe CS suite for about $400.