Notepad++ - This is the definitive notepad-related software you’ll ever need. Multiple tabs, keeps tracks of lines, lots of features and preferences. One of the most invaluable parts of it, is that you can close it or a update happens or maybe your PC will get knocked offline. You can come back to Notepad++, open it, and everything will be retained.
PowerPoint.
My work won’t pay for fancy graphic editing software, so I’ve learned how to make some impressive graphics and signs using only PowerPoint. It’s surprising good at it!
If cost is the barrier, some FOSS analogs to commercial software packages that you might be interested in. These can all be freely downloaded.
Adobe Illustrator (vector graphics): Inkscape
Adobe Photoshop (image manipulation): GIMP
Corel Painter (natural-media-looking digital painting): Krita
3DS Max (3D modeling): Blender