You are correct. The programs just stop working after your subscription ends.
So, unless you plan on upgrading every time a new version is released like most of us do, or would like to, it might be better to buy what you want instead of leasing it. Kind of like leasing a car. You sop paying and they take it away. If you drive a car for 10 years and 200000 miles, buy one. If you drive it for three years and 36000 miles, then leasing makes sense.
If you want all of the programs but can't justify the cost, pay by the month and never worry again. If you hate thinking about the cost of upgrading, just pay by the month. I do.