Well I love being able to visualize gains and losses in our monthly budget, goals, and upcoming expenses. I too have tried so many options including apps that link directly into my bank / credit (wasn't crazy about that.... But needed to find a working solution). Finally after years what has worked and still is for us is a self hosted solution called Firefliii https://github.com/firefly-iii/firefly-iii
It takes some discipline to keep up with the flow but now that its part of my daily tasks it takes a few minutes a day before bed to do and it helps me keep an eye on where I'm spending. The one big thing is getting use to no more bi-weekly budgeting. Make it a one month budget and stick to it.
I was a pretty heavy drinker for the past 15 years and I have been employed at a micro brewery for 5 years. So when I chose to stop drinking it wasn't only hard to stop, but my livelihood was selling craft beer that was a constant changing variety which required me to help people choose what they may like.
What I found crucial was finding what gave me a natural high again without the use of substances. Luckily for me that is board sports which I have thrown myself into again with exercise, stretching, and filming so I can improve my technique and aid in the speed of my progression. But being in my mid 30's the idea of riding daily doing an impact sport isn't something I can sustain.
Now 10 weeks in I'm finding it harder than when I first stopped drinking since it is the "social lubricant" of choice with my group. My partner still has their casual "end of the day/cooking dinner" drink or two. Some lessons I have learned about couping with the cravings.
1. The craving for alcohol does go away but I'm finding cravings for sugar now. (Alcohol has lots of sugar and my body wants to replace it).
2. You can't just "replace" the act of drinking because you will just drink an equal amount of whatever you choose. (I saw no coffee or tea, I'm kicking coffee at the same time, and I like to drink Kombucha which I realize I need to be careful because it is fermented so technically has "some alcohol")
3. Don't try to control the actions of those around you it makes it harder not to drink and isolating yourself from the socialization will make it hard to stay sober.
4. Finding something that exercises your mind and or body. You need to engage yourself and begin to "grow" again and figure out who you are. So many years using drugs and alcohol really does skew your personality and you do need to "find yourself" again and find what gets you excited.
5. Try new things or hobbies. Look up groups in your city for new experiences and keep engaging yourself don't just sit around thinking about what you are missing out on by not drinking.
Its hard work and it will continue to be for a while. Eventually the interests that get you excited will far outweigh the want to drink and who you grow into will be stronger than needing to drink.
It takes some discipline to keep up with the flow but now that its part of my daily tasks it takes a few minutes a day before bed to do and it helps me keep an eye on where I'm spending. The one big thing is getting use to no more bi-weekly budgeting. Make it a one month budget and stick to it.
Best of luck to you and your family!