Most tutorials for enhancing images that were rendered in either Poser or Daz Studio use Photoshop.

I use the GIMP, since it's free, and although it's similar to Photoshop in several ways and can even use Photoshop filters, it still makes it extrememly hard to follow photoshop tutorials. Especially since I want to achieve certain effects to make my D/S and/or Poser Renders dazzle the eyes. Needless to say, I'm continuelly finding myself very frustrated.

It would take me 10 months to a year to save up enough to buy the rip off price of Photoshop CS4 Extended, a bit less time in order to buy the rip off price of the non-extended version.

Then I learned of Photoshop Elements, something I can get at the fraction of the price.

So. Onto my question. Can I follow most tutorials online to make my renders pop and achieve the same effects with Photoshop Elements or should I be Mr. Patient and save up for the more expensive rip off priced Photoshops? 

WHat's your advice?