I'm a huge fan of YNAB. It's a morning routine to log in (really, the tab is always up) and reconcile accounts. The zero-based budgeting method, while not requiring YNAB, is beautifully represented in the software. I'm sure I could use some free software to accomplish the basic tasks but having an associated app my spouse can review for quick decision making is very valuable.

It's made budgeting a tool to accomplish savings, wealth growth, and expense smoothing rather than simply a survival strategy. When you have to deliberately shift funds out of one category to cover another, you really consider the relative priorities.

Another unexpected side effect is that it made me "excited" to spend money when I had saved up for it. Before it would be a back and forth, "should I buy this? I've wanted it, but I could use the money for something else..."

With YNAB, it's been "hell yeah, I saved up for this and now I get to buy it."