Retirement options for using Inventor

[perry_a_gray]

I am getting close to retirement and want to keep using Inventor for home projects but I can't afford $2000 a year for something that I can't justify the cost of. Is there some sort of non-business subscription that is more affordable to the retired users? I would rather not transition to another CAD system. If I a gainfully employed, I have no issue with a subscription but it is a bit pricey to afford if it does not provide income. 

[Gabriel_Watson]

If your home usage complies with the terms of the Beta, join the Inventor feedback community and test the latest versions out while advancing some of your personal projects:
https://autode.sk/InventorBeta

[gmwi]

When Autodesk limited there programing options it pushed small companies / individuals out. I have a friend that sold his company and could no longer justify renting the software. You might switch over to Fusion 360 or just group your project time wise and rent a month or two. 

[SharkDesign]

The only options I know if is. 

The beta route as mentioned above.

I believe it's free if you have an education license. 

Get yourself an expert elite membership (you get virtually every piece of software for free)

Find a really old version on DVD With a perpetual license somewhere in your company cupboards. 

[perry_a_gray]

Thanks everyone, I will look at these options. I have don't have any knowledge of the 360 software. I need something that can handle Inventor files. If I do use and old version are the patches still out there. I have not had a version yet that will work without a patch or two. 

Perry

[gmwi]

It all depends how far back you go. Ver '19 or up has many features.

[radams]

I stopped updating at inventor 2020 because that's when they were going to force me into a subscription.  My 2020 license is a perpetual license.  Now, retiring, I use it for designing projects for my hobbies (woodworking and RC airplanes).  

I think Autodesk forced a lot of people out with the subscription model, but it ensures them an annual income.