When I was instructing I encouraged my instrument students to buy and use Microsoft Flight Simulator. Without exception the students who said they used it progressed faster. I'm not sure if this is because they used the program or because good students listened to my advice, but for about the price of one hour of flight instruction you can practice all day long at home for free.
Flight Simulator is very hard to fly. When you get to the point where you can hand fly an approach you will find the airplane quite easy, so you can concentrate on procedures and talking on the radio.
Good luck.