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-
-
- EZ-FINANCE
- Copyright(c) 1989, 1990 by Danville Software
-
- NOTICE
-
- EZ-FINANCE is being distributed as SHAREWARE. You may make copies
- for your friends, your computer club, your local bulletin board, etc.
- However, you may not use this program for any commercial or other
- profit making purpose without the express, written consent of the
- author.
-
- Commercial bulletin boards like CompuServe who list programs and
- charge their customers to download them may ignore this prohibition.
- Distributors of SHAREWARE programs may likewise distribute copies of
- this program and charge their customers a fee as long as this
- documentation accompanies the program. SHAREWARE distributors may also
- list EZ-FINANCE in their sales catalog or other sales material. All
- others may contact the author through the Company BBS at (415) 838-
- 7687, through CompuServe (ID 70025,174) or at the address listed
- below.
-
- EZ-FINANCE is not FREEWARE! You may test drive the program for 30
- days. However, if at the end of 30 days you like the program and
- continue to use it then you are required to send a registration fee of
- $29.95 to:
-
- Danville Software
- 137 Gerald Dr.
- Danville, CA 94526
-
- When you register you will be sent the information to order
- special computer checks and envelopes that are compatible with EZ
- FINANCE. In addition you be will advised of future enhancements to EZ-
- FINANCE and you will be entitled to upgrade at a nominal charge.
-
- The author makes no warranty, either expressed or implied, as to
- the merchantability or fitness of this program for any particular
- purpose.
-
- OVERVIEW
-
- EZ-FINANCE is a full featured, easy to use, personal finance
- program designed to automate your routine financial chores such as
- writing checks and keeping financial records.
-
- With EZ-FINANCE you enter your cash transactions on electronic
- forms that resemble the paper forms you now use. The information from
- these forms is automatically entered in an electronic check register.
- You can use your computer to print the checks you enter in the
- register or you can simply use EZ-FINANCE to keep track of your income
- and expenses. EZ-FINANCE uses the information you enter in the
- register to produce many useful financial reports to help you control
- your finances.
-
- EZ-FINANCE can cut your bookkeeping time in half and at the same
- time provide you with all the information you will need to effectively
- manage your financial affairs. EZ-FINANCE produces these financial
- reports:
-
- Register
- Deposit Details
- Check Details (Expense Category by I.D. No.)
- Check Distribution (Check Amounts by Expense Category)
- Payee History (Expenses by Payee)
- Cash Flow (A Summary of Income and Disbursements)
- Tax Information Schedule
- Bank Reconciliations
-
- ON-LINE HELP
-
- EZ-FINANCE has an extensive help system incorporated in the
- program if you get stuck. You can press the F1 key from amost anywhere
- in EZ-FINANCE and get help that is sensitive to the particular part of
- the program you are currently working in.
-
- FREQUENTLY USED KEYS
-
- INS - Used to activate an entry form such as a check or deposit slip
- for single entry transactions.
-
- HOME - Used to activate an entry form such as a check or deposit slip
- for multiple entry transactions.
-
- ENTER - Used to accept data in the current field and go to the next
- field. It is also used to activate the Edit function.
-
- DEL - Used to delete a record.
-
- ESC - This is EZ-FINANCES's "back-out key". Used to return to the
- previous field, form, table, or menu.
-
- F1 Function Key - Help Key. Used to activate context sensitive help
- system.
-
- F2 Function Key - Used to activate lookup tables.
-
- F7 Function Key - Print key.
-
- F9 Function Key - Activate pop-up calculator.
-
- Ctrl + Spacebar - Used to mark checks and deposits.
-
- Arrow Keys - Used to move up and down and left and right on menus.
-
- PgUp - PgDn - Used to scroll a screen at a time.
-
- STARTING THE PROGRAM
-
- Before running the program set your Config.Sys file in your root
- directory to:
-
- Files = 30
-
- Set up a directory on your hard disk called EZF (or any other
- name you wish to use). Copy the EZ-FINANCE files to this directory.
- The files that come with the program are:
-
- EZF.EXE
- ACCOUNTS.DAT
- ACCOUNTS.K01
- ACCOUNTS.K02
- ACCOUNTS.K03
- BANKS.DAT
- BANKS.K01
- EZF.DOC
- NEWCHECK.HLP
- CATEGORY.DAT
- CATEGORY.K01
- CATEGORY.K02
- CATEGORY.K03
- CATEGORY.K04
- CATEGORY.K05
- CONTROL.DAT
- PAYEE.DAT
- PAYEE.K01
- PAYEE.K02
- REGISTER.DAT
- REGISTER.K01
- REGISTER.K02
- REGISTER.K03
- BEG_BAL.DAT
- BEG_BAL.K01
- README.1ST
-
-
- We recommend that you have 640K of RAM and a color monitor for
- maximum efficiency and enjoyment of the program. You will also need a
- dot matrix printer to prepare computer checks and print reports. If
- you have a disk cache program we strongly recommend that you use it as
- it will speed up the program considerably.
-
- After EZ-FINANCE has been copied to your hard disk simply type
- EZF at the DOS prompt to run the program:
-
- C> EZF
-
- The Main Menu will now appear on your screen:
-
- Enter Reports Maint Utilities Quit
-
- Each of the Main Menu functions will be explained in detail
- later. Here is a quick summary of what each item does:
-
- 1. Enter - This takes you to the Register (the centerpiece of the
- program). This is where you enter your checks, deposits, and
- other cash transactions.
-
- 2. Reports - This is where you print checks and most financial
- reports (The bank reconciliations report is printed using a hot
- key from within the bank reconciliation module).
-
- 3. Maint - This option is used to maintain (add, edit, and
- delete) the Payee List, the Chart of Accounts and the Bank List.
-
- 4. Utilities - This is where you tell EZ-FINANCE which bank
- account you want to use, enter the starting bank balance and
- enter certain default (start-up values) you want to use. This is
- also where you reconcile your bank accounts.
-
- 5. Quit - You select this option to return to the DOS prompt.
-
- HOW TO USE EZ-FINANCE
-
- You begin using EZ-FINANCE at the Main Menu. You can get to the
- Main Menu with the ESC key (the "back-out key").
-
- You scroll across the Main Menu with the left and right arrow
- keys. You select an option from the menu by placing the light bar over
- it and pressing the ENTER key.
-
- When you select an item from the Main Menu bar a drop down menu
- appears on the screen with additional choices. You move up and down
- the sub menu with the up and down arrow keys. You make selections by
- placing the light bar over the item you wish and pressing the ENTER
- key. A brief description of what each menu items does is displayed for
- you at the top of the screen.
-
- SETUP
-
- 1. The first time you start the program a form appears on the
- screen to select the bank account you want to use (A dummy name
- appears on the form until you enter a new default name). Press the F2
- Key to pop-up the Bank Account List. Enter the names (or numbers) of
- all the bank accounts you want to use with the EZ FINANCE program.
- After you are done entering all your accounts delete the dummy bank
- account name and press the ESC key to return to the Main Menu. Select
- Utilities option and highlight "Defaults" on the sub menu. Enter the
- default bank account (the account you want to automatically select
- each time you start up EZ FINANCE).
-
- 2. Setup your starting bank balance. Select Utilities from the
- Main Menu and select Setup. Press the ENTER key. A pop-up window will
- appear for entering your starting cash balance. Enter the amount and
- press the ENTER key. Press the F10 key to accept and exit. If you need
- to change the amount simply re-enter the correct amount and press the
- ENTER key again.
-
- 3. Enter Payee names and addresses. The information on this list
- will be used to create a Pick List that you can use to select payee's
- names and addresses to be automatically entered on your checks. Select
- Maint from the Main Menu. Select Payee List from the sub menu and
- press the ENTER key. To enter payee's names and addresses press the
- INS key to activate the data entry form. Complete the form and press
- the ENTER key. Repeat this procedure for each payee that you want to
- add to your list. Press the ESC Key when done.
-
- 4. Chart of Accounts. You can use the Chart of Accounts that
- comes with the program or you can enter your own income and expense
- accounts. Select Maint from the Main Menu. Select Chart from the sub
- menu. To enter an account press the INS key to activate the data entry
- form. Complete the form and press the ENTER key. Repeat this procedure
- for each account. Your income accounts must be numbered from 1 to 199.
- Your expense accounts must be numbered 200 or greater. Account numbers
- are 3 digits long. Press the ESC Key when done.
-
- 4. Enter default values for reports - i.e, bank account name,
- your name, period covered by the report, start and stop dates.
-
- MODE
-
- The Register has two modes - the CHECK mode (used to enter, edit,
- or delete checks) and the DEPOSIT mode (used to enter, edit, or delete
- deposits OR OTHER CASH TRANSACTIONS). The mode is indicated in the
- upper left corner of the Register. You enter the Check or Deposit mode
- by selecting either "Checks" or "Deposits" from the Enter Menu on the
- Main Menu.
-
- HOW TO ENTER TRANSACTIONS
-
- Select ENTER from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key. The drop
- down menu will display:
-
- Checks
- Deposits
-
- Select the transaction mode you want by highlighting the option
- and pressing the ENTER key. This will take you to the Register. The
- EZ-FINANCE register, like your paper check register, is used to keep
- track of all cash transactions affecting your bank account. Checks and
- deposits are displayed in I.D. number order (The I.D. number is a
- sequential number assigned to each entry by EZ-FINANCE). EZ FINANCE
- also keeps a running tally of your checkbook balance which is updated
- after each checkbook entry.
-
- ENTERING CHECKS
-
- Checks are entered in the Register on an electronic check form
- that is activated by pressing the INS key or the HOME key. Press the
- F1 key if you need help while in the Register.
-
- 1. To write a check and record the entry in the register, press
- the INS key or the HOME key (you are returned to the register
- after each check is written when you use the INS key; if you want
- to enter multiple checks without being returned to the register
- each time, then press the HOME key instead of the INS key). The
- message "Record will be Added" will be displayed at the top of
- the check form if you use the INS key. If you use the HOME key
- the message will read "Add Multiple Records".
-
- 2. Enter check I.D. number. This may be any number you want. You
- can use the preprinted number on your checks if you like but we
- do not recommend it because this method will require you to
- renumber checks in the register if any checks are destroyed when
- printing. The Register displays check entries sorted by date and
- then by I.D. number. EZ-FINANCE will not accept duplicate I.D.
- numbers. If you enter a duplicate number EZ-FINANCE will beep and
- display the message "Creates Duplicate" at the top of the check
- form. Press the ENTER key to move the cursor to the next field on
- the check form.
-
- 3. The date is entered on the check form for you automatically if
- the information is available from your computer. If not, press
- the space bar to blank the field then enter the date manually in
- the mmddyy format. Press the ENTER key to move to the next field.
-
-
- 4. After you enter the date, the cursor will move to the payee
- field on the check. Enter the name and address of the payee or
- press the F2 Key to select a payee from the payee list. Select
- the payee you want to enter on the check by highlighting your
- choice and pressing the ENTER key. You must press the F2 Key and
- the Enter Key once for the payee's name, once for the street
- address, and once again for the City, State, and ZIP code. The
- payee's name, address, and ZIP code will be entered on the check
- for you. (Payees are entered on the Payee List by either
- selecting the Maint option from the Main Menu or you can enter a
- payee's name and address at the time you are writing the check by
- pressing the INS key when the Payee List window is displayed on
- your screen. The Payee's name, street, and CSZ can each be up to
- 25 characters.).
-
- 5. After you enter the Payee's name and address EZ-FINANCE will
- place you in the memo field, the last field on the check form.
- You may enter remarks in this field - up to 25 characters. Press
- the ENTER key to record the check in the register.
-
- 6. After you complete the memo field the Check Allocation form
- will pop up on the screen. This form is used to tell EZ-FINANCE
- how to distribute the check (i.e. what expense categories). Press
- the INS key to make an entry. You must make an entry on the Check
- Allocation Form for each expense category. You can split a check
- into as many expense categories as you want. You can enter
- negative amounts to offset positive amounts as long as the
- positive amount(s) are entered first and provided the check total
- is positive. If you want to enter a negative amount press the
- grey minus key after you enter the amount. Enter the 3 digit
- account number or press the F2 key to pop-up the scrolling chart
- of accounts. Place the light bar over the account you want to be
- charged and press the ENTER key. The entry now appears on the
- form and the cumulative check total is shown at the bottom of the
- form. Note that EZ-FINANCE keeps track of the cumulative total of
- the check at the bottom of the "Check Allocation" form and
- updates the check total. Enter a T in the tax field if you want
- to keep track of the item for tax purposes. Press the ESC key to
- return to the register and to record the check.
-
- 7. The beginning cash balance, deposit total, check total, and
- ending cash balance is shown at the bottom of the register. These
- totals are updated each time you make an entry in the register.
-
- 8. You can activate a pop-up calculator by pressing the F9 key.
- This calculator works like a typical ten key calculator.
- Instructions are displayed on the screen next to the calculator.
-
- ENTERING DEPOSITS AND OTHER CASH TRANSACTIONS
-
- Deposits and other cash transactions are entered in the register
- on an electronic form that is activated by pressing the INS key or the
- HOME key. Press the F1 key if you need help while in the register.
-
- 1. Select Enter at the Main Menu and press the ENTER key. Select
- Deposits from the pull down menu. This will place you in the
- Register.
-
- 2. To enter a deposit in the register press the INS key or the
- HOME key (You are returned to the register after each deposit is
- written when you use the INS key. If you want to enter multiple
- deposits (or other cash transactions) without being returned to
- the register after each entry then press the HOME key instead).
- The message "Record will be Added" will be displayed at the top
- of the form if you use the INS key. If you use the HOME key, the
- message will read "Add Multiple Records".
-
- 3. Enter I.D. number of the deposit or other cash transaction.
- You may use any series of numbers you want. Deposits are
- displayed in the register by date and then by I.D. number.
-
- 3. The date is entered on the form for you automatically if
- supported by your computer. If not, press the space bar to blank
- the field and enter the date manually in the mmyydd format. Press
- the ENTER key to move the cursor to the next field on the form.
-
- 4. The next field is to record the reference or the name of the
- person or company the deposit was received from. You may type in
- up to 25 characters. Press the ENTER key to move to the next
- field.
-
- 5. Enter the amount of the deposit. EZ-FINANCE will turn on the
- NUM LOCK key so that you can use the ten key pad on your
- computer. Press the ENTER key to move to the next field.
-
- 6. The last field is the account number field. When the cursor
- moves to this field enter the 3 digit account number, or press
- the F2 key to activate the scrolling Chart of Accounts. Highlight
- the account you want to code the deposit to and press the ENTER
- key. At this point you will be returned to the register if you
- used the INS key to activate the form or to a blank form if you
- used the HOME key.
-
- 7. Press the F9 key to activate the pop-up calculator.
-
- HOW TO EDIT TRANSACTIONS
-
- 1. Go to the Main Menu and select the Enter Option. If you want
- to edit a check then select "Checks" from the drop down menu. If you
- want to edit a deposit (or other cash transaction) then select
- "Deposits".
-
- 2. Place the cursor over the entry you want to edit (change) and
- press the ENTER key. This will activate a filled-in electronic check
- or deposit form. Move the cursor to the field you want to change by
- pressing the ENTER key. Make the correction and press the ENTER key to
- record it. Continue pressing the ENTER key until you reach the last
- field or the Check Allocation Form. Press the F10 key and you will
- then be returned to the check memo field. If you press the ENTER key
- from there you will be returned to the register. If you want to edit
- the account number or amount on the Check Distribution Form, follow
- the same procedure.
-
- 3. If you attempt to edit a deposit when in the Check mode (the
- mode is indicated in the upper left corner of the register) EZ-FINANCE
- will beep and send you an error message. Likewise if you attempt to
- edit a check while in the Deposits mode EZ-FINANCE will beep and send
- you an error message. If this happens press the ENTER key (this places
- you in the correct mode automatically) and re-select the entry you
- want to edit and press the ENTER key again.
-
- HOW TO DELETE TRANSACTIONS
-
- 1. Go to the Main Menu and select the Enter Option. If you want
- to delete a check then select "Checks" from the drop down menu. If you
- want to delete a deposit (or other cash transaction) then select
- "Deposits".
-
- 2. Place the cursor over the entry you want to delete and press
- the DEL key. The filled-in electronic form will appear with the
- message "Press Enter to Delete". At this point press the ENTER key and
- the item will be deleted from the register.
-
- 3. If you attempt to delete a deposit when in the Check mode EZ-
- FINANCE will beep and send you an error message. Likewise if you
- attempt to delete a check when in the Deposit mode EZ-FINANCE will
- beep and send you an error message. If this happens press the ENTER
- key (this places you in the correct mode automatically) . Re-select
- the entry you want to edit and press the ENTER key again.
-
- CASH BALANCE
-
- EZ-FINANCE keeps a running tally of your cash balance at the
- bottom of the register. The balance is updated after each transaction
- so that you always know how much cash you have in the bank.
-
- HOW TO PRINT
-
- One of the most useful features of EZ-FINANCE is its ability to
- print computer prepared checks and a variety of useful financial
- reports:
-
- 1. Check Register - This is a listing of your beginning bank
- balance, deposits during the period, checks written during the
- period, and the ending cash balance. This report serves the same
- purpose as the paper check register you are now using.
-
- 2. Deposit Details - This report lists the details for each
- deposit recorded in the register by I.D. number.
-
- 3. Check Details - This report lists the details for all checks
- written during the period by I.D. number and displays the expense
- category each check was allocated to.
-
- 4. Check Distribution - This report shows each expense category
- and the details of each check allocated to that category. The
- total for each expense category is also displayed in the report.
-
- 5. Payee History - This report shows checks by payee for the
- period you specify.
-
- 6. Bank Reconciliation - This report shows the items which
- reconcile your register cash balance to your bank cash balance.
-
- 7. Cash Flow - This report summarizes your income and expenses
- for the period you specify.
-
- 8. Tax Information Schedule - This report summarizes by expense
- classification all register entries you annotated with a "T" on
- the Check Allocation form for the period you specify.
-
-
- PRINTING OPTIONS
-
- In EZ-FINANCE you are given the option to print most reports to
- the screen, a DOS file or to your printer.
-
- PRINTING CHECKS
-
- In order to print checks you will need the special check stock
- that is customized for EZ-FINANCE.
-
- 1. If you already have the special check stock, all you have to
- do is line the printer platen up with the top edge of the check
- form and turn your printer on. Your printer should be on LPT1.
-
- 2. Go to the Main Menu and select the Reports option. When the
- sub menu appears select the Print Checks option by placing the
- light bar over it and pressing the ENTER key.
-
- 3. A pop-up window will appear on your computer screen. Enter the
- first and last check numbers that you want to print. Press the F2
- key to activate the check look-up window if you forget the check
- numbers.
-
- 4. EZ-FINANCE enters the computer I.D. number on the check. This
- number is used instead of the preprinted check number because it
- obviates the need to change the computer check number sequence
- whenever you destroy or spoil a check. Use the preprinted number
- to control the physical stock of your checks.
-
- PRINTING REPORTS
-
- You print reports (except for the bank reconciliations) by going
- to the main menu and selecting the Reports option. A sub menu appears
- on the screen listing all the reports that you can print with EZ-
- FINANCE. When you select a report by pressing the ENTER key, a pop-up
- window called PRINT REPORTS will appear on your computer screen.
-
- Enter the main title you want to use with the report (up to 35
- characters), and the period to be covered by the report (up to 35
- characters). EZ FINANCE will center these entries for you
- automatically. Next enter the first and last date of the report in
- mm/dd/yy format using the numeric key pad. EZ-FINANCE turns on the NUM
- LOCK key for you. EZ-FINANCE will include all checks and deposits that
- fall within the two dates that you enter. Next a window will pop-up on
- the screen asking you to indicate whether you want the report sent to
- the screen, a DOS file, or to the printer. If you select Printer then
- a pop up window will appear on your screen asking you how many copies
- you want to print. Make sure your printer is turned on before making a
- selection if you plan to send the report to the printer.
-
- The Bank Reconciliation is printed from inside the Bank
- Reconciliation utility.
-
- MAINTENANCE
-
- This is the section of the program where you maintain the Chart
- of Accounts and the Payee List.
-
- CHART OF ACCOUNTS
-
- A Chart of Accounts is included with the program. You may use the
- chart "as is", or you can modify it to suit your own needs. You can
- also create your own chart. You may have up to 199 income accounts.
- These accounts must be assigned account numbers between 1 and 199. You
- may have up to 800 expense accounts and these accounts must be
- numbered 200 or greater.
-
- To add an account to the chart press the INS key and a data entry
- form will pop-up on the screen. A message "Record will be Added" will
- appear at the top of the form. Enter a name and account number and
- press the ENTER key. Repeat this procedure until all accounts are
- entered. You can edit an account by placing the cursor over the
- account you want to change and pressing the ENTER key. A filled-in
- data entry form will pop-up on the screen. A message "Record will be
- Changed" will appear at the top of the form. Make your changes and
- press the ENTER key to update the chart. If you want to delete an
- account, place the cursor over the account you want to delete and
- press the DEL key. A message "Press Enter to Delete" will appear at
- the top of the form. Press the ENTER key to confirm and the account
- will be deleted from the chart.
-
- PAYEE LIST
-
- We strongly recommend that you pre-enter a list of payees into
- the Payee List. This will obviate the need to type in the payee name
- and address when you are writing the check.
-
- To add, edit, or delete payee names and addresses follow the same
- procedures as outlined above for the Chart of Accounts.
-
- BANK LIST
-
- You should enter a list of all bank accounts you want to use with
- the EZ FINANCE program here.
-
- To add, edit, or delete a bank name follow the same procedures as
- outlined above for the Chart of Accounts.
-
- UTILITIES
-
- EZ-FINANCE comes with two utilities:
-
- 1. Setup - This is where you enter your starting bank balance.
- EZ-FINANCE needs this information so that it can calculate your
- current bank balance. Select Setup from the Utilities menu and
- press the ENTER key. A pop-up data entry form will appear on the
- screen. Enter your starting balance and press the ENTER key to
- record it. Press the F10 key when done to exit the form.
-
- 2. Reconcile - This is a bank reconciliation utility. To use this
- utility first go to the register and mark (using the Ctrl key +
- Spacebar) the deposits and checks clearing the bank.
-
- A. Enter the "As of" date for the reconciliation. This is
- usually the last day of the month.
-
- B. EZ-FINANCE will prepare outstanding deposit and check
- lists for you based on your markings in the register. You
- can view the deposit in transit list by pressing the F2 key
- and the outstanding check list by pressing the F4 key.
-
- C. After these steps are completed see if the adjusted bank
- balance figure is the same as the adjusted book balance
- figure. If they are the same then the reconciliation is
- completed and you may print the reconciliation by pressing
- the F7 key.
-
- D. If the two figures are not in agreement, enter the
- necessary adjustments to the bank and book figures in the
- space provided on the reconciliation form. This will require
- that you scan the bank statement to ascertain adjustments
- made by the bank that have not been recorded in the check
- register. Likewise, you will need to scan the register to
- ascertain adjustments made in the check register that were
- not recorded by the bank.
-
- Remember that the purpose of the bank reconciliation is to make
- sure that your personal records agree with the bank. Any adjustments
- to the book balance must be recorded in the register when you are done
- in order to correct the check register balance.
-
- 4. Set up default values for bank name, report name and
- period and the start and end date for report purposes.
-
- QUIT
-
- You may return to the DOS prompt by going to the Main Menu and
- selecting the Quit option and pressing the ENTER key.
-
- SUPPORT
-
- You may contact the author on CompuServe (ID 70025,174) or call
- the EZ-FINANCE BBS at (415) 838-7687 for program support. The latest
- version of the program is available on this BBS.