Microsoft Money Plus Sunset Microsoft Money Plus Sunset is the final free release of Microsoft’s long-running personal finance software. Originally launched as a commercial product, it was reissued in 2010 as a free download after official support ended. The “Sunset” edition includes most of the program’s features — budgeting, reporting, and investment tracking — but with all online services permanently disabled. Everyday use

AceMoney Lite AceMoney Lite is the no-cost version of AceMoney, designed for those who only need to follow one account but still want proper budgeting tools. Despite the limitation, it offers categories, reports, and scheduled payments, so everyday tracking doesn’t feel stripped down. It’s a small, dependable program that has been around for years and continues to find its audience among people who prefer desktop software over cloud services. Everyday use

Metalogic Finance Explorer Metalogic Finance Explorer is a freeware tool for Windows that has been around long enough to earn a steady user base. It isn’t overloaded with features, but it manages to cover the basics — accounts, categories, and even investments — in a compact, responsive package. The main appeal lies in its balance: light on resources, yet practical for everyday use. Everyday use

YNAB Classic (old free edition) YNAB Classic (old free edition) is the legacy desktop release of the well-known “You Need A Budget” system. Long before the switch to a subscription model, this version popularized the envelope method on personal computers. Even though it no longer receives updates, it remains valued by users who prefer a one-time install that works fully offline. Everyday use

BudgetExpress Free BudgetExpress Free is a Windows-based budgeting program that focuses on planning and comparing. Instead of being a full finance suite, it works as a monthly planner: users set their income and expected expenses, then check how real numbers align with the plan. The free edition is limited compared to the paid one, but it’s still functional enough for simple household budgeting. Everyday use

Finance Explorer Finance Explorer is a small Windows program that keeps personal money management simple. It doesn’t try to look like a full accounting suite — instead, it focuses on accounts, budgets, and reports that load quickly. The installer is tiny, and once opened, the program feels light and responsive, even on older PCs. Everyday use