AppleWorks to FileMaker I have been using AppleWorks -- and think very highly of it.  However, I also know that I need to move on.  Is FileMaker the most similar piece of software?  Can I transfer files from AppleWorks to FileMaker -- or do I need to start from scratch?
Filemaker is only a database app, and a pretty hefty one at that. So it will only take the place of one of AppleWorks' modules.

Do you use the drawing and writing component too? There are a number of apps that will open these files but it will depend on your needs. A search on MacInTouch.com for appleworks should turn up a whole bunch of helpful information on converting your files and replacement programs. It is not strictly a forum like Stack Exchange but you can ask relevant questions, but they are heavily moderated.