When I try to open Home Budget for Dummies, I get a message that says "This application requires using the 4.73 help system or a more recent version". Is there something I can download to fix this? I don't want to use another program.

I think you have not follow the basic rule. first check your system configuration with iTunes application requirement.
If possible update your system. Now you can download a Apple Application Support file and if not helpful then read this tutorial if you have some technical knowledge https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6562#qtmoviewin
and follow Mac Technical Support for more guidance.

install xp

The specs for that program shows the last operating system it was designed for was XP. Let's try the easy fix first. ClickStart, type Compatibility in the search field, and click theEnter key. This will bring up the Program Compatibility troubleshooter. ClickNext and it do a quick check on your machine. It will ask you toSelect the program you're having problems with and click Next. Click Troubleshoot Program, then check the box forThe program worked in earlier viersions of Windows... Click Windows XP (Service Pack 2)and click Next. Click the box for Start the program. It will attempt to open the program as if you were running XP. After the program attempts to open, clickNext. Now it will ask if it worked for you. If so, click Yes, save these settings for this program. If you clicked Yes, every time you open the program now it will open as if it was running in XP. You're done if this worked!
Sometimes that method doesn't work. For those cases, there is a new feature called XP Mode, which will install a virtual machine for you to run your program in. It's not too hard to get configured; it actually installs a legal copy of Windows XP for you to run your program in. Here's a Microsoft article on how to get it set up: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/. XP mode will now work even if you don't have the chip installed for Hardware Assisted Virtualization Technology.

It is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (ME), Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP It does not list a driver for Vista or Windows 7 which makes me believe it is not compatible. here is a link to the web although it is extremely limited http://www.dummies-software.com/features.php?prod=3

before building a pc you need to know your budget bec. parts have different prices, high ends are more expensive, if you buy expensive parts with limited budget, you would end up short in cash

Go to the microsoft website and get their website to check for any critical or normal updates prior to SP3. Then try it again.

This is because you operating system is too new.. This software package was built for the older O.S. windows XP or older. To resolve the problem, you need to spend the 39.99 to get new software or only use it in an older computer that has the required O.S.

Question   My computer meets all the minimum system requirements but when I try to download the LeapFrog Connect Application, I receive the error message "Your computer must meet minimum required System Configuration"   Answer   Please make sure your monitor resolution is set at 1024 X 768 pixels or higher and then try to download the application again.

Oh well. It only cost like six bucks in a bargain bin. I switched to Microsoft Money, which came free with the laptop and is fairly easy to use.