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The
Interest
Analyzer
A Financial Tool
for
Interest
Amortization
Depreciation
Copyright 1990-93 Insight Software Solutions
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Program Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
About Insight Software Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Contents of Distribution Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Program Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Getting Started With the Interest Analyzer . . . . . . . . . 6
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Running The Interest Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Screen Layout In The Interest Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Common Screen Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Menu Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Data Input Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Data View Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Moving Around In The Interest Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Menu System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Moving Field to Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Editing Within a Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Special Fixed Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Special Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Interest Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Interest Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Interest Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Amortization Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Amortization Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Amortization Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Depreciation Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Depreciation Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Depreciation Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Immediate Annuity Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Immediate Annuity Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Immediate Annuity Function Keys . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Quick Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Financial Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Page 1
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Four Function Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
On-line User Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Color Attribute Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Printer Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Miscellaneous Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Filing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Answers To Common Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Page 2
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Program Overview
The Interest Analyzer
The Interest Analyzer is a financial software program designed
with ease and flexibility in mind. It comes complete with a
variety of financial tools for calculating Annuities (Savings,
Interest Accumulation), Amortization (Loans, Mortgages),
Depreciation, Immediate Annuities and Calculators for solving for
missing values. Each financial tool contains a variety of options
to allow maximum flexibility.
The Interest (Savings) tool allows variable deposit modes,
deposits, withdrawals and interest rates. Professional reports
can be created with varying detail. Special options are available
to illustrate the time value of compounding and the impact of
taxes on savings.
The Amortization (Loan) tool allows variable payments, interest
rates and compounding methods. Professional schedules can be
generated with varying detail. Special options are available to
illustrate the savings incurred with an early payoff of a loan
and to show tax savings with mortgages.
The Depreciation tool allows for a variety of depreciation
methods to be illustrated using different time conventions.
The Immediate Annuity tool allows variable payout modes and
compounding methods. Professional schedules are produced.
The Interest Analyzer produces illustrations and schedules for
each of the financial tools. These can be viewed on the screen or
sent to a printer. The Interest Analyzer is a menu driven program
that also contains an on-line manual and individual help for each
input to allow the user to easily navigate and understand the
program.
Client names can be entered and included in the illustrations.
Each financial tool has the ability to save and retrieve all
information entered. The Interest Analyzer provides several
miscellaneous configuration options for setting the program up to
your individual liking.
Page 3
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
General Information
Disclaimer
Insight Software Solutions makes no warranties or representations
of any kind, expressed or implied, including any implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for any particular
purpose. Insight Software Solutions shall not be liable for any
errors contained herein or for any loss of profit or for
incidental or consequential damages or for any other damages.
About Insight Software Solutions
Insight Software Solutions is located in Bountiful Utah. Please
send any inquiries, questions, suggestions or comments to the
following address:
INSIGHT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS Tel: (801) 295-1890
P.O. BOX 354 Fax: (801) 299-1781
BOUNTIFUL, UT 84011-0354 BBS: (801) 963-8721
CIS: [71672,3464]
In Canada Contact:
US-CAN COMPUTER SERVICES INC. Tel: (403) 243-2393
BOX 34146, 1200 37th St. S.W. Fax: (403) 243-2396
Calgary, Alberta T3C 3W2 Orders Only: 1-800-663-1537
Internet: BARRY.DUFRESNE@T8000.CUC.AB.CA
Contents of Distribution Disk
The Interest Analyzer diskette contains several files which are
needed for optimal performance. Their name and function are
listed below.
INT.EXE This is the main executable program.
INT.CFG This contains program configuration information
such as screen color and printer selections. This
file is automatically created if not found.
INT.PTR This contains printer definitions for a variety of
printers.
INT.DOC This is the User Manual for The Interest Analyzer.
INT.BAT This is a start up batch file for hard disks.
INSTALL.EXE This copies the program to a hard disk.
INTEREST.DAT This contains client information for the Interest
Calculations.
AMORT.DAT This contains client information for the
Amortization Calculations.
DEPREC.DAT This contains client information for the
Depreciation Calculations.
ANNUITY.DAT This contains client information for the Annuity
Calculations.
Page 4
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Program Support
Once registered, you will receive notification of major updates
and new products. Registration includes a 90 day support policy
where free updates will be provided for major problems. If a
problem cannot be resolved, then a refund of money will be made.
Insight Software Solutions offers support through the mail,
phone, fax, BBS and CIS. Please refer to the address and phone
numbers on the previous page. Our official support BBS is the
Rocky Mountain Software BBS (RMS). RMS can be reached 24 hours a
day at (801) 963-8721 where a conference dedicated to us can be
found. Our latest software products and versions, bulletins, news
and message system are located on RMS under conference #4. RMS
accepts modem baud rates of 1200 to 38400.
Insight Software Solutions is a member of
the Association of Shareware Professionals
(ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the
shareware principal works for you. If you
are unable to resolve a shareware related
problem with an ASP member by contacting
the member directly, ASP may be able to
help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you
resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP
member, but does not provide technical
support for members' products. Please write
to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road,
Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe
message via CompuServe Mail to ASP
Ombudsman 70007.3536.
Page 5
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Getting Started With the Interest Analyzer
System Requirements
The Interest Analyzer is almost hardware independent. It will run
on most PC systems. The minimum requirements are as follows:
IBM type PC, XT, AT or PS/2 (or compatible)
384K Ram
Dos 2.0 or higher
any monochrome, color, or composite monitor
virtually any printer that supports condensed printing
Installation
The Interest Analyzer may be run from either a floppy or hard
disk. There are no special installation procedures to set the
program up. To load the program onto a hard disk, simply copy the
contents of the floppy diskette onto the hard disk. We recommend
that it be placed into its own subdirectory. An installation
program called INSTALL.EXE is provided to assist you in the
installation of the program on a hard drive. From the A> prompt,
simply type in "INSTALL". This will prompt you through the
installation process.
Running The Interest Analyzer
To run The Interest Analyzer, simply type "INT". This can be done
from the floppy disk or from a hard drive if you used the
provided installation procedure.
Page 6
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Screen Layout In The Interest Analyzer
Common Screen Lines
There are several common screen lines found in The Interest
Analyzer. This includes the first, second, twenty third, twenty
fourth, and twenty fifth lines. The first line contains the
current date and time as specified by DOS. It also contains the
copyright notice of INSIGHT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS. The second line
is part of the box surrounding the user work area. It generally
contains a centered title describing the function of the current
screen. The twenty third line is the status line. It shows the
status of the Help, Caps, Scroll Lock, Num Lock, and Insert keys.
The twenty fourth line is the prompt line. It indicates what you
are supposed to do for a given input field. The twenty fifth line
is the Function Keys Status line. It shows what Function Keys
(F1, F2, ...) are available for use and what their particular
functions are.
Menu Screens
Menu Screens appear as a list of numbered items. There is also a
movable highlight bar indicating the current menu selection.
Data Input Screens
Data Input Screens contain fields or areas which can be changed
by you. These fields are generally preceded by a label indicating
what type of value is desired for the field.
Data View Screens
Data View Screens contain scrollable text for your viewing.
Generally, the text can be scrolled up and down and left and
right. Indications of the current location in the text are given
on the left side of the status line.
Page 7
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Moving Around In The Interest Analyzer
Menu System
Menus appear as a list of numbered options. To select the option
desired, you may press the associated number. An alternate method
is to use the arrow keys along with the <Enter> key. One option
is always highlighted and indicates the current option. To change
the current option, you may press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to
move the highlight bar. Once the desired option is highlighted,
pressing the <Enter> key selects it.
Moving Field to Field
Moving from one field to another field can be accomplished by
many different keystrokes. Listed below is a summary of the
keystrokes available and the function they perform.
ENTER KEY: Moves you to the next logical field.
RIGHT ARROW KEY: If the cursor is on the last editing character
of the field, this key moves the cursor to the right of the
current field.
LEFT ARROW KEY: If the cursor is on the first character of the
field, this key moves the cursor to the field to the left of the
current field.
DOWN ARROW KEY: Moves the cursor to the field below the current
field.
UP ARROW KEY: Moves the cursor to the field above the current
field.
PAGE DOWN KEY: Moves the cursor to the last field on the screen.
PAGE UP KEY: Moves the cursor to the first field on the screen.
TAB KEY: Moves the cursor to the next logical field.
TAB LEFT KEY: Moves the cursor to the previous logical field.
<CTRL> RIGHT ARROW KEY: Moves the cursor to the field to the
right of the current field.
<CTRL> LEFT ARROW KEY: Moves the cursor to the field to the left
of the current field.
Page 8
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Editing Within a Field
Editing within a field can be accomplished with many different
keystrokes. Listed below is a summary of the keystrokes available
and the functions they perform.
RIGHT ARROW KEY: Moves the cursor one character to the right.
LEFT ARROW KEY: Moves the cursor one character to the left.
HOME KEY: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the field.
END KEY: Moves the cursor to the last character in the field.
BACKSPACE KEY: Moves the cursor to the left one character and
erases that character and shifts all trailing characters to the
left one space.
INSERT KEY: Toggles between insert mode and typeover mode.
DELETE KEY: Erases the character under the cursor and shifts all
trailing characters to the left one space.
ALPHA/NUMERIC KEY: Outputs the character where the cursor is and
moves the cursor over to the right, one space. If insert mode is
on, then all trailing characters are moved to the right, one
space.
Special Fixed Fields
There are certain fields which have fixed values. When the cursor
is moved to these fields, a window of choices appears. Each
choice has either an associated number or letter next to it.
Pressing the associated number or letter automatically makes the
desired selection and moves the choice into the input field.
Special Function Keys
There are a number of special function keys which perform a
variety of tasks. These keys are as follows.
<ESC> KEY: This key always takes you back one level from where
ever you are. For example: if you enter a screen from a menu,
then the <Esc> key will take you back to that menu.
<F1> KEY: This key is the help key. It toggles off and on
whether help messages should be shown with each input.
Page 9
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
<F2>..<F10> KEYS: These other function keys may or may not be
active and have different functions in different parts of the
program. Brief explanations of what these keys do are displayed
on the screen in the Function Key line. Detailed information is
given under the documentation of each particular screen as to
which Function Keys are active and what their function is.
Page 10
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Interest Illustrations
Interest Inputs
There are up to 17 different Interest Inputs depending on the
Interest Illustration chosen. They are as follows:
TITLE: This is a title line printed on the top of the
illustration. This uses a line on the illustration print out only
if something is entered; therefore, you can fit more illustration
on a page if the title is left blank.
PRODUCED FOR: This is for personalizing the printed
illustration. This uses a line on the illustration print out only
if something is entered; therefore, you can fit more illustration
on a page if this is left blank. Please note that if you are
saving and restoring client information (files) that the filer
system distinguishes unique cases by this name; therefore, you
should specify a name if you wish to save different cases.
PRODUCED BY: This is for personalizing the printed illustration.
This uses a line on the illustration print out only if something
is entered; therefore, you can fit more illustration on a page if
this is left blank.
DEPOSIT METHOD: This is the frequency of deposits to be made.
This may be on a weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
COMPOUND METHOD: This is the frequency at which the interest
rate is compounded. This may be on a daily (360 or 365 days),
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
BEGINNING BALANCE: This is a beginning balance or a lump sum
amount that the interest calculation starts out with above and
beyond the first monthly or yearly deposit.
MONTHLY DEPOSIT: This is the amount of money that is to be
deposited every month. Depending on the "deposit method", this
may be "weekly deposit", "bi-weekly deposit", etc. in which case
it is the amount of money to be deposited for the given period.
Deposits are assumed made at the beginning of each period. A
notation to the right of the deposit will say either "flat
deposits", "variable deposits" or "COLA deposits". "Flat
deposits" means that the monthly deposit shown is for every
single period during the term of the illustration. "Variable
deposits" means that it has been specified at some point to use a
different deposit. Variable deposits are made possible through
Page 11
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
the F2 (DEPOSITS) function key. "COLA deposits" means that the
COLA option has been selected and that the deposits are to be
automatically adjusted for a given cost of living percentage.
DURATION IN MONTHS: This is the number of months to compute and
run the illustration. The maximum number of months allowable is
480 or 40 years. If the "deposit mode" has been specified as a
period greater than a month, then the months are automatically
truncated to the nearest specified period. For example, an annual
deposit mode would change an input of 123 to 120.
INTEREST RATE: This is the rate at which to compound the money.
Three decimal places are allowed. A notation to the right of the
interest rate will say either "flat rate" or "variable rate".
"Flat rate" means that the interest rate shown is for every
single period during the term of the illustration. "Variable
rate" means that it has been specified at some point to use a
different rate. Variable interest rates are made possible through
the F3 (INTEREST) function key.
ORIGINATION DATE: This is the date at which the money is first
deposited and the illustration starts. The printed illustration
keeps track of each payment period based upon the origination
date.
ILLUSTRATION DETAIL: This determines whether to print every
month, quarter, half year or year of detail on the illustration.
The illustration detail cannot be a smaller period than that
specified in the deposit mode. For example, you cannot illustrate
monthly values for an illustration which has only annual
deposits. Deposit Methods of weekly, bi-weekly and semi-monthly
are always illustrated on an annual basis.
YEARLY BASIS: The cumulative totals of the illustration can be
displayed on either a calendar or fiscal year basis. A fiscal
year basis displays the totals at exact yearly intervals. For
example, a monthly deposited illustration which starts in March
would show totals each March. If a calendar basis is chosen, then
totals would be shown at the end of each calendar year or the
period closest to the end of the year.
SPECIAL OPTIONS: This consists of five choices which are as
follows: None, Tax Imposed Comparison, Cost of Waiting
Comparison, Tax Imposed Cost of Waiting Comparison, and Cost of
Lower Interest Rates. Selecting "None" will produce a basic
interest accumulation illustration. The "Tax Imposed Comparison"
does a comparison of the Basic Interest Illustration along side
the same illustration with the interest rate adjusted for a given
Page 12
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
tax bracket. It shows your real return on money for non tax-
sheltered savings. It also shows the difference in savings using
non-taxed investments. The "Cost of Waiting Comparison" does a
comparison of the Basic Interest Illustration along side itself
offset by a given number of months. It shows the difference in
savings over the years that you can make by saving now instead of
later. The "Tax Imposed Cost of Waiting Comparison" is the same
as the "Cost of Waiting Comparison" except that its values have
the interest rate adjusted for a given tax bracket. The Basic
interest illustration is not shown here. The "Cost of Lower
Interest Rates" does a comparison of two interest rates on the
same deposits for the same duration and shows them side by side
with the difference in earnings. This allows you to see the
difference in savings that can be made by obtaining higher
interest rates.
ALTERNATE INT. RATE: This is a second interest rate for interest
rate comparisons. This only appears when the special option "Cost
of Lower Interest Rates" is selected.
TAX BRACKET: This is the estimated tax bracket in a percentage
form of the person for whom the illustration is for. This only
appears when the special option "Tax Imposed Comparison" or "Tax
Imposed Cost of Waiting Comparison" is selected.
MONTHS TO WAIT: This specifies the number of months to wait
before doing the comparison. This only appears when the special
option "Cost of Waiting Comparison" or "Tax Imposed Cost of
Waiting Comparison" is selected.
USE AUTOMATIC COLA: This selection forces the deposits to be
incremented each year by a "cost of living adjustment". Selecting
this field, disables the F2 Deposits key. This is helpful for
those savings which are based on a percentage of salary where the
deposit amount increases with an annual salary increase.
COLA PERCENTAGE RATE: This is the percentage amount that the
deposits are to be incremented by each year. This field only
appears when the "Use Automatic COLA" is selected.
Interest Function Keys
F2 KEY (DEPOSITS): This pops up another screen which allows up
to 100 deposit inputs. Each deposit is numbered. New function
keys appear indicating how to change deposits above 100. There
will be enough inputs and function keys to cover the duration
specified for the illustration. By this fashion you may enter in
different deposits for the entire span of the illustration. The
Page 13
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
new F2 key (DUP) will duplicate the previous value and advance
the cursor. This allows easy duplication of deposits without
having to rekey them all in.
F3 KEY (INTEREST): This pops up another screen which allows up
to 120 interest rate inputs. Each interest rate is numbered. New
function keys appear indicating how to change interest rates
above 120. There will be enough inputs and function keys to cover
the duration specified for the illustration. By this fashion you
may enter in different interest rates for the entire span of the
illustration. The new F2 key (DUP) will duplicate the previous
value and advance the cursor. This allows easy duplication of
interest rates without having to rekey them all in.
F4 KEY (VIEW): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and displays the illustration in a window on the screen.
The illustration can be scrolled around the window vertically and
horizontally by use of the arrow, PgUp, PgDn, Home and End keys.
The viewed illustration is identical to what the printed
illustration will look like with the exception that the printed
illustration may use condensed and bold print.
F5 KEY (PRINT): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and sends the results to the printer. Depending on the
width of the illustration, the program chooses whether to print
using condensed print or not. All illustrations are centered, but
can be adjusted by means of the printer configuration section,
and have titles and totals in bold print. Each page is numbered.
F6 KEY (FILER): This brings up the filing system menu. See the
documentation on the filing system.
F9 KEY (QUICK CALC): This simply pops up the quick calculator.
See the documentation about the quick calculator for usage.
Page 14
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
Amortization Illustrations
Amortization Inputs
There are up to 16 different Amortization Inputs depending on the
Amortization Illustration chosen. They are as follows.
TITLE: See "title" under Interest Inputs.
PRODUCED FOR: See "produced for" name under Interest Inputs.
PRODUCED BY: See "produced by" under Interest Inputs.
PAYMENT MODE: This is the frequency of payments to be made. This
may be on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
COMPOUND METHOD: This is the frequency at which the interest
rate is compounded. This may be on a daily (360 or 365 days),
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Generally, a
mortgage is compounded on a monthly basis.
ORIGINAL PRINCIPAL: This is the original principal of the amount
to amortize.
ROUND TO THE CENT: When selected, payments are rounded up to the
nearest cent, Interest and Principal are rounded to the nearest
cent. This produces a schedule where all values are totally in
sync. Since the payments are rounded to the nearest cent, the
last payment will generally be slightly different than the rest.
If not selected, then values are not rounded internally. They
appear on the schedule rounded to the nearest cent, but totals
may be slightly out of sync by a few cents.
NUMBER OF MONTHS: This is the number of months over which to
amortize the original principal. This can be up to 360 months
allowing for a 30 year amortization.
INTEREST RATE: This is the rate at which to amortize. Three
decimal places are allowed. A notation to the right of the
interest rate will indicate either "flat rate" or "variable
rate". "Flat rate" means that the interest rate shown is for
every period during the amortization. "Variable rate" means that
it has been specified at some point to use a different rate.
Variable interest rates are made possible through the F3
(INTEREST) function key.
ORIGINATION DATE: This is the date at which the amortization
starts. The printed illustration keeps track of every month and
Page 15
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
year based upon the origination date.
ILLUSTRATION DETAIL: This determines whether to print every
month, quarter, half year or year of detail on the illustration.
The illustration detail cannot be a smaller period than that
specified in the payment mode. For example, you cannot illustrate
monthly values for an illustration which has only annual
payments.
SEQUENCE COLUMN: This allows you to specify the left column of
the illustration. The options produce the following columns:
"Date Only" "Payment Number Only" "Date & Payment Number"
PMT PMT
DATE NUM NUM DATE
-------- --- --- --------
10/25/94 1 1 10/25/94
11/25/94 2 2 11/25/94
YEARLY BASIS: This allows you to select when the cumulative
totals of the illustration are to be displayed. They can be
displayed on either a calendar or fiscal year basis. A fiscal
year basis displays the totals at exact yearly intervals. For
example, a loan paid monthly which starts in March would show
totals each March. If a calendar basis is chosen, then totals
would be shown at the end of each calendar year or the period
closest to the end of the year. For example, a loan paid
quarterly which starts in April would have payments in April,
July and October. The yearly totals would then be displayed each
October because it is the last period in the calendar year.
SPECIAL OPTIONS: This consists of seven choices which are as
follows: None, Recurring Extra Payment, Variable Extra Payment,
Double Principal Payment, Balloon Payment, 13 Monthly Payments
Per Year and Variable Payment. Selecting "None" is for doing
basic amortization illustrations consisting of six basic
elements: Original Principal, Payments, Interest Rate, Interest
Paid, Principal Paid, and Remaining Principal. The "Recurring
Extra Payment" option adds the ability to specify a constant
extra amount payable towards the principal each month. The new
amortization is compared to the Basic Amortization. This allows
you to see how a little more of a payment reduces the length of a
mortgage by a great deal. The "Variable Extra Payment" option
works just like the "Recurring Extra Payment" except that a
different extra amount can be specified for any month or period
of the loan. The "Double Principal Payment" option displays what
doubling the principal payment each month does to the loan. It
cuts the loan period almost in half. The "Balloon Payment" option
Page 16
THE INTEREST ANALYZER
adds the ability to show the loan for a short period of time and
then what one final payment would be to pay off the loan. The "13
Monthly Payments Per Year" option allows you to specify a month
where two normal payments will be made. This typically reduces a
30 year mortgage to 21 years. This closely simulates a bi-weekly
payoff schedule. The "Variable Payment" option adds the
flexibility to specify whatever payments you would like for every
month of the mortgage. This amortization is compared to the Basic
Amortization. You can specify exactly how you plan to pay your
mortgage and see the effect it has.
EXTRA PAYMENT AMOUNT: This field appears only with the special
option of "Recurring Extra Principal" or "Variable Extra
Payment". It is an additional amount of money which is to be
applied to the loan each and every period. This amount of money
pays towards the principal of the loan and accelerates the
amortization and pays it off early.
PAYMENT AMOUNT: This field appears only with the special option
of "Variable Payment". The periodic payment is normally
determined by amortizing the original principal at the given
interest rate for a given duration. The Periodic Payment field;
however, lets you override the periodic payment amount. You can
specify whatever amount you want to pay towards the loan. This
allows total flexibility in the amounts you wish to pay towards
your loan. A notation to the right of the periodic payment will
indicate either "flat payments" or "variable payments". "Flat
payments" means that the periodic payment shown is for every
single period during the term of the illustration. "Variable
Payments" means that it has been specified at some point to use a
different periodic payment. Variable payments are made possible
through the F2 (PAYMENTS) function key.
MONTHS UNTIL BALLOON: This field appears only with the special
option of "Balloon Payment". It allows the number of months to be
specified before the balloon payment is to be made.
USE TAX SAVINGS: This field appears only if the payment mode is
monthly. It is intended to be used for mortgages only. The tax
savings option adds several elements to the Basic Illustration.
Property taxes and insurance amounts are added to give a fuller
picture of your total payment. Tax savings (based on itemized
deductions) are also computed with a given tax bracket. Tax
savings may be used in conjunction with any of the special
options.
TAX BRACKET: This field appears only if the tax savings feature
has been selected. This is the estimated tax bracket in a
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percentage form of the person for whom the amortization is for.
This allows an estimated savings in taxes that a person can
realize from a mortgage based on itemized deductions.
MONTHLY PROPERTY TAX: This field appears only if the tax savings
feature has been selected. This is the amount of property tax
paid per month for a mortgage. This allows a fuller picture of
actual payments of a mortgage and helps estimate the tax savings.
MONTHLY INSURANCE: This field appears only if the tax savings
feature has been selected. This is the cost of insurance which is
required on most mortgages. This allows a fuller picture of
actual payments for a mortgage.
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Amortization Function Keys
F2 KEY (PAYMENTS): This function key is available only if one of
the following special options has been selected: Variable Extra
Payment, Variable Payments. This pops up another screen which
allows up to 100 payment inputs. Each payment is numbered. New
function keys appear indicating how to change payments above 100.
There will be enough inputs and function keys to cover the
duration specified for the illustration. By this fashion you may
enter in different payments for the entire span of the
illustration. The new F2 key (DUP) will duplicate the previous
value and advance the cursor. This allows easy duplication of
payments without having to rekey them all in.
F3 KEY (INTEREST): This pops up another screen which allows up
to 120 interest rate inputs. Each interest rate is numbered. By
this fashion you may enter in different interest rates for each
period of the illustration and produce a stepped rate or variable
rate mortgage illustration. The new F2 key (DUP) will duplicate
the previous value and advance the cursor. This allows easy
duplication of interest rates without having to rekey them all
in.
F4 KEY (VIEW): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and displays the illustration in a window on the screen.
The illustration can be scrolled around the window vertically and
horizontally by use of the arrow, PgUp, PgDn, Home and End keys.
The viewed illustration is identical to what the printed
illustration will look like with the exception that the printed
illustration may use condensed and bold print.
F5 KEY (PRINT): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and sends the results to the printer. Depending on the
width of the illustration, the program chooses whether to print
using condensed print or not. All illustrations are centered, but
can be adjusted by means of the printer configuration section,
and have titles and totals in bold print. Each page is numbered.
F6 KEY (FILER): This brings up the filing system menu. See the
documentation on the filing system.
F9 KEY (QUICK CALC): This simply pops up the quick calculator.
See the documentation about the quick calculator for usage.
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Depreciation Illustrations
Depreciation Inputs
There are up to 16 different Depreciation Inputs. They are as
follows.
TITLE: See "title" under Interest Inputs.
PRODUCED FOR: See "produced for" under Interest Inputs.
PRODUCED BY: See "produced by" under Interest Inputs.
STRAIGHT LINE METHOD: This allows you to select the straight
line method of depreciation to appear on the illustration.
LIFE PERIODS METHOD: This allows you to select the life periods
method of depreciation to appear on the illustration.
ANNUITY METHOD: This allows you to select the annuity method of
depreciation to appear on the illustration.
SINKING FUND METHOD: This allows you to select the sinking fund
method of depreciation to appear on the illustration.
MACRS METHOD (200%): This allows you to select the MACRS (200%)
method of depreciation to appear on the illustration.
MACRS METHOD (150%): This allows you to select the MACRS (150%)
method of depreciation to appear on the illustration.
ITEM TO DEPR.: This is simply the name of the item to be
depreciated. It appears as a header on the illustration.
ORIGINAL COST: This is the original cost or value of the item to
be depreciated.
RESIDUAL VALUE: This is the value of the depreciated item after
the depreciation period ends.
YEARS OF DEPRECIATION: This is the depreciation period. It is
the number of years over which to depreciate the item.
ANNUITY INTEREST RATE: This is an interest rate which is used
internally for calculating the Annuity and Sinking Fund methods
of depreciation. This field only appears if one these methods is
selected.
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TIME CONVENTION: This is the period during the year which the
depreciation starts. Available conventions are full year, half
year and 1st - 4th midquarters. These time conventions only apply
to the Straight Line, Life Periods and MACRS depreciation
methods. It only appears if one of these methods is selected.
PERCENT ROUNDING: This is the accuracy or rounding of the
percentages used each year for depreciation. It indicates the
number of decimal places to use in the percentages. These
percentages only apply to the Straight Line, Life Periods and
MACRS depreciation methods. It only appears if one of these
methods is selected.
Depreciation Function Keys
F4 KEY (VIEW): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and displays the illustration in a window on the screen.
The illustration can be scrolled around the window vertically and
horizontally by use of the arrow, PgUp, PgDn, Home and End keys.
The viewed illustration is identical to what the printed
illustration will look like with the exception that the printed
illustration may use condensed and bold print.
F5 KEY (PRINT): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and sends the results to the printer. Depending on the
width of the illustration, the program chooses whether to print
using condensed print or not. All illustrations are centered, but
can be adjusted by means of the printer configuration section,
and have titles and totals in bold print. Each page is numbered.
F6 KEY (FILER): This brings up the filing system menu. See the
documentation on the filing system.
F9 KEY (QUICK CALC): This simply pops up the quick calculator.
See the documentation about the quick calculator for usage.
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Immediate Annuity Illustrations
Immediate Annuity Inputs
There are 10 different Immediate Annuity Inputs. They are as
follows.
TITLE: See "title" under Interest Inputs.
PRODUCED FOR: See "produced for" under Interest Inputs.
PRODUCED BY: See "produced by" under Interest Inputs.
BEGINNING BALANCE: This is a beginning balance that the annuity
starts out with.
PAYOUT: This is the desired payout. It will be calculated based
on the other values. Entering a desired payout will adjust the
beginning balance to indicate the amount of money required.
PAYOUT METHOD: This is the frequency at which payouts are made.
This may be on a weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
DURATION IN MONTHS: This is the number of months to compute and
run the illustration. The maximum number of months allowable is
480 or 40 years. If the "payout method" has been specified as a
period greater than a month, then the months are automatically
truncated to the nearest specified period. For example, an annual
payout mode would change an input of 123 to 120.
INTEREST RATE: This is the rate at which to compound the money.
Three decimal places are allowed.
COMPOUND METHOD: This is the frequency at which the interest
rate is compounded. This may be on a daily (360 or 365 days),
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
ORIGINATION DATE: This is the date at which the money is first
deposited and the illustration starts. The printed illustration
keeps track of each payment period based upon the origination
date.
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Immediate Annuity Function Keys
F4 KEY (VIEW): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and displays the illustration in a window on the screen.
The illustration can be scrolled around the window vertically and
horizontally by use of the arrow, PgUp, PgDn, Home and End keys.
The viewed illustration is identical to what the printed
illustration will look like with the exception that the printed
illustration may use condensed and bold print.
F5 KEY (PRINT): This calculates the illustration with the given
values and sends the results to the printer. Depending on the
width of the illustration, the program chooses whether to print
using condensed print or not. All illustrations are centered, but
can be adjusted by means of the printer configuration section,
and have titles and totals in bold print. Each page is numbered.
F6 KEY (FILER): This brings up the filing system menu. See the
documentation on the filing system.
F9 KEY (QUICK CALC): This simply pops up the quick calculator.
See the documentation about the quick calculator for usage.
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Quick Calculator
The Quick Calculator can be selected as option five from the main
menu or by the F9 (QCALC) Key from one of the input screens. The
Quick Calculator option is used to calculate a variety of
financial calculations and for simple math functions. Selecting
the Quick Calculator pops up a window which contains its own
menu. You can select a financial value to solve for or a four
function calculator.
Financial Calculator
The financial calculator consists of two parts. One is for
calculating present values and future values and the other is for
calculating loans. The first consists of five solve for values
and the second consists of four solve for values. By selecting
one of these values to solve for, inputs appear which you must
enter to solve for the selected value. These values and inputs
are listed below.
Present/Future Values
PRESENT VALUE: This lets you solve for a lump sum amount (or
present value) given the future value, interest rate, number of
months, and any period deposits.
DEPOSITS: This lets you solve for a periodic deposit given the
future value, interest rate, number of periods, and a lump sum
amount (present value).
DURATION: This lets you solve for the number of periods it takes
to reach a future value given the future value, interest rate,
periodic deposit, and a lump sum deposit.
INTEREST RATE: This allows you to solve for an interest rate
based on the present value, the number of periods, the number of
deposits and the future value.
FUTURE VALUE: This allows you to solve for a future value given
a lump sum amount (present value), a periodic deposit, an
interest rate, and the number of periods.
Loans
PRINCIPAL: This allows you to solve for the principal amount of
a loan given the periodic payment, duration and interest rate.
PAYMENT: This allows you to solve for the periodic payment of a
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THE INTEREST ANALYZER
loan given the principal amount, duration and interest rate.
DURATION: This allows you to solve for the duration of a loan
given the principal amount, periodic payment and interest rate.
INTEREST RATE: This allows you to solve for the interest rate of
a loan given the principal amount, periodic payment and duration.
Four Function Calculator
The four function calculator simply allows you to type in numbers
and add, subtract, multiply, and divide them. It displays the
result. The result can then be used as one of the next numbers in
a calculation.
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On-line User Manual
The Interest Analyzer provides the capability to review this
manual on-line. Option number six from the main menu allows this.
Once option six is selected, the user manual is loaded into
memory and displayed on the screen. You can scroll through it at
will by use of the arrow keys and PgUp and PgDn keys. The manual
can be printed by your printer by simply pressing the F2 Key. The
file "INT.DOC" contains the user manual. It is in standard ascii
format and can be read in by virtually any editor or word
processor. It can be printed by simply using the Dos Print
command.
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Configuration
The configuration section allows you to configure the program to
work with the printer of your choice, to work with the colors of
your choice and to set up miscellaneous functions and data used
in the program. Option number seven from the main menu brings up
this menu.
Color Attribute Selection
Selecting the color attribute option brings up a screen with a
list of all the different areas where different colors are used
and a displayed list of color to choose from. These are listed
below with a brief description of what areas are effected by the
specified color attribute names. Listed below the attribute names
is a list of active Function Keys which can help in setting up
your colors.
SCREEN ATTRIBUTE: This is the color that the screen uses
everywhere except for the following special areas. This is the
most common color.
FIELD ATTRIBUTE: This is the color that input fields appear in
while they are not being edited. This distinguishes them from
normal text on the screen.
EDIT ATTRIBUTE: This is the color of an input field while it is
being edited. This helps identify where you are at on the screen.
FKEY ATTRIBUTE: This is the color that the FKey line appears as
at the bottom of the screen.
ERROR ATTRIBUTE: This is the color that error messages pop up
in.
MENU NORMAL ATTRIBUTE: This is the color that pop up scrollable
selection windows appear in.
MENU HIGHLIGHT ATTRIBUTE: This is the color that the highlighted
selection of menus and pop up scrollable selections appear in.
STATUS ATTRIBUTE: This is the color that the screen title
appears in. It is also the color of the Caps Lock, Num Lock,
Insert, Scroll, and Help status appear in.
F2 KEY (SHOW COLOR): This displays the current color specified
in the field where the cursor is located. The color is displayed
in a little window in the bottom right corner.
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F3 KEY (OTHER COLORS): There are 256 colors available, but only
128 of them are displayed on the screen at one time. The F3 Key
toggles between displaying the different sets of 128 colors.
F4 KEY (DEFAULT MONO): This automatically sets all the fields to
the default colors selected by Insight Software Solutions for a
monochrome monitor.
F5 KEY (DEFAULT COLOR): This automatically sets all the fields
to the default colors selected by Insight Software Solutions for
a color monitor.
Printer Selection
The printer selection brings up a menu which has several options.
The options are to Select A Printer, Delete A Printer, Add A
Printer, Modify A Printer, and to Alter Line Spacing and Margins.
Below the menu items is a list of the current printer
specifications.
Selecting a printer brings up a list of printers. Simply use the
arrow keys to highlight your printer type and press the <Enter>
key. If your printer is not listed, you may try several of the
printers listed to see if your printer is compatible with one of
those listed. If it is not then you may enter your own printer
definition for your exact printer.
Deleting a printer definition should not be used very often.
Simply use the arrow keys to select the printer definition to be
deleted and press the <Enter> Key. You will be prompted to verify
that you really want to delete the printer definition.
Adding a printer definition can be difficult if you are not
familiar with printer control sequences. Selecting this option
brings up a printer input screen. It asks for a printer name
along with many different printer control sequences. The printer
control sequences need to be entered in hexadecimal notation. If
you are incapable of performing this task, Insight Software
Solutions is willing to set up your printer definition for free
if you are a registered user and you send Insight Software
Solutions a copy of the control codes out of your printer manual.
Modifying a printer definition brings up the same screen as
Adding a printer definition. You may then change any of the
fields desired. If the printer name is changed, the changed
definition will not be overwritten, but will appear as a new
printer definition. This allows you to create a similar printer
definition without rekeying all the control sequences back in.
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The altering line spacing and margins allows you to specify seven
different items. These items are: the top margin, left margin,
line spacing, page pausing, IBM graphics characters, Printer Port
and printer error bypass. The illustration is automatically
centered on the page left to right starting at line one. If you
desire a top margin it can be specified. (Note: Laser printers
should not normally specify a top margin.) If a larger left
margin is desired (for punched holes, etc) then a larger left
margin can be specified. The line spacing can be sent to either 6
lines per inch or 8 lines per page if more information per page
is desired. "Pause After Each Page" allows you to insert new
pieces of paper if your printer does not have continuous form
paper. Selecting the IBM graphics characters, tells the program
to build the illustration using graphic characters for dashes and
double dashes. Using the graphic characters produces a solid
line. These characters are used under headings, etc. Some
printers do not support these characters. If you select this
option and you get strange results on your printout, then you
will need to turn this option off. You may select to have your
printed output go to either LPT1, LPT2 or LPT3; this is helpful
if you have more than one printer connected to your computer. You
may select to have the program bypass all printer error checking.
There are rare cases where the printer error checking can cause
an error message to display even though there really is not an
error. Certain hardware like an automatic printer switching box
or some software spoolers may cause this. You may turn the error
checking off by selecting "Y" here to avoid this rare problem.
CAUTION: If your system works with the error checking on, then DO
NOT turn it off. If there is a real printer problem, the computer
could get hung and require a reboot.
Miscellaneous Selection
The Miscellaneous Configuration section allows you to adjust the
program and the illustration more to your liking. There are eight
inputs. The first three are for permanent illustration header
lines. Typically these lines would be set to your company name
and address, but can be set to anything. These lines appear at
the top of every illustration before anything else. These lines
do not need to be retyped each time the program is run. They are
saved and retrieved each time it is used. By selecting the "Turn
Sound Off" selection, most sound effects will not occur. If you
do not wish to see the startup logo each time you run The
Interest Analyzer, then you may select "Bypass Logo at Start". By
selecting "Erase Numeric Fields", this will cause the program to
clear a numeric field of its current value when you type a digit
as the first thing you do when editing the field. "Erase Alpha
Fields" is identical to the "Erase Numeric Field", but applies to
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fields that allow normal text in them. The "Report Date Format"
allows you to choose one of several date formats. The format
selected is used in the reports and illustrations.
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Filing System
The Interest Analyzer provides the capability to save and
retrieve Interest, Amortization, Depreciation and Annuity client
information that you have been working on. To invoke this option,
press the F6 FILER Key from within one of the input screens--this
will bring up a menu. The menu allows you to load saved client
information or save out the existing client information you are
working on. Multiple clients are distinguished by the type of
illustration (interest, amortization, depreciation or annuity)
and the name specified as the client. When saving client
information, if a client by the chosen name already exists, you
will be prompted to either not save or to overwrite the existing
client information. Retrieving client information is simple. A
list of all saved client names will appear. You can scroll
through the client names and by pressing the <Enter> Key, load in
the highlighted client. Saved client information can be marked
for deletion by pressing the F2 (MARK A CASE) Key. This simply
puts a little box to the left of the client name. You can mark as
many as desired for deletion. No client information is deleted
until the F3 (DELETE MARKED CASES) key is pressed. Pressing the
F3 (DELETE MARKED CASES) Key still gives you one more chance to
back out before deletion begins.
Answers To Common Problems
Problem: The reports do not print out correctly on my printer.
Solution: Make sure that the correct printer driver has been
selected. To select a printer driver, you enter the
configuration menu. Select "Printer Selection", then select
"Select A New Printer Default". Choose the appropriate printer.
If your printer is not listed, then it is more than likely
compatible with another printer listed. Almost all printers fall
under one of the following printers: Epson, IBM Graphics Printer
or HP LaserJet II.
Problem: Every time I try to print, the program tells me that my
printer is either off-line or out of paper.
Solution: The program attempts to make sure the printer is okay.
Some networks, spoolers and hardware fool the program into
thinking that the printer is not okay. There is an option in the
program to bypass this printer error checking. You must turn it
on. To turn it on, do the following: Enter the configuration
menu, Select "Printer Selection", then select "Alter Line
Spacing, Margins & Misc". This brings up an entry screen.
Change the "Bypass Printer Check" to a "Y".
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