Msg320 Before the Pay Bills module loads you will normally be blessed with one or more dialogs. The first dialog is an optional dialog. If you chose to use the 'Auto Backup' option during CEW configuration - then a dialog prompting you to enter the path for the backup will appear.
Msg321 After the path is entered a fully automatic backup utility will run. The next prompt is also is an option. If you are going to print checks CEW will advise you on the form size to set.
Msg322 Finally (after the form size is set) a dialog asking for the 'Group' number for the group of bills you are about to pay will appear. Enter a new group number or use the default group number (1) if that is correct. Enter the group number and click OK.
Msg323 The 'Pay Bills' module is an easy routine to use. It is quite versatile and does a lot of bookkeeping for you. This routine only works properly if you have set up AP accounts in the 'Bills' module.
Msg324 When the module first loads you see a check image and some command buttons. The first AP account found in the 'Bills' module - with the proper group number - will be placed in the check image.
Msg325 If the check is correct as displayed - you may either click the displayed signature or the 'Enter Check' command button to write the check.
Msg326 If any of the check data needs to be changed you may edit any field by clicking on the field and re-entering the information.
Msg327 After you click an appropriate control to write the check several things will happen. First the check is written to the check register file. Next the proper 'Bills' (AP) account is posted and interest is estimated if it is an interest bearing account.
Msg328 If the transaction is for a Savings account then the savings files are posted. The check is then printed to your printer if it is a printer check.
Msg329 Finally the check is cleared and the next AP account is entered into the checks' text boxes waiting for your approval to start again.
Msg330 If you do not want to print a displayed check you may click the 'Skip Check' command button. You may continue to print checks until all the checks in the group are printed. You may quit the routine at any time by clicking the 'stop light' command button for this module.
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Msg340 'Communications Settings' is used to setup CEW to use your modem (if you have one) to dial telephone numbers for you.
Msg341 There are several groups of parameters presented in this window. I cannot really help you very much when you setup CEW to use your modem.
Msg342 You have to know which Comm port your modem uses. There are several ways to find this out - but if you have a modem then you probably know which port it is on.
Msg343 Usually the modem is found on Comm 2. If Comm 2 does not work then try Comm 1 then try the others. The other information in the parameter groups is usually OK as is.
Msg344 If you need to change any parameter - just click on the parameter you want to use. 'Save' the setup when you are finished.
Msg345 This routine is 'attached' to the 'Labeler' module. When it loads - it also loads Labeler if it is not already running. When you close the modem setup window it unloads Labeler too.
Msg346 Select the 'Close' button to see the entire window. 'Play' with this module if you wish - but you should probably try the default settings first to see if the setup is correct before changing and Saving the setup.
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Msg370 The 'Check Search' module allows you to enter search criteria into CEW and then starts the electronic search. The general checking module is used to show the results.
Msg371 The opening view of check search shows you a list box; a text box and two sets of spin buttons. The first option you face is to decide what type of data you are going to search for.
Msg372 If you are going to search for an existing check classification then you simply choose the classification from the display list. If you want to search for a payee or a certain check number or for an on-check memo then you just start typing the data into the text box.
Msg373 If you click on a classification the list box will be replaced with two sets of option buttons. If you start typing in the text box the same option buttons will appear.
Msg374 However you enter the 'Search Data' into the text box doesn't matter. But once it is entered you must choose the search criteria from the option boxes.
Msg375 First you should select the data type you just entered. If you selected a classification from the list the choice is made for you.
Msg376 If you are searching for another data type then click on that data type in the upper option box. Now select the type of records you want to search; 'Current' or 'Archive.'
Msg377 Current records are the active records in your check register. The Archive records are the checks etc. that have been reported as paid by your bank.
Msg378 These archive records are the records that CEW removes from your check register when you reconcile to your monthly bank statement.
Msg379 Now you must set the date parameters for the search. To change the dates you must click on the month or day or year in a date box to highlight it.
Msg380 You must then click the up or down arrows next to the date you are changing to increment the 'date segment' up or down.
Msg381 The default dates are 'Starting Date' 01-01-' of the current year; and the 'Ending Date' is the current date. These defaults allow you to do quick searches for recent records.
Msg382 Of course if the current date is 01-01-19XX you won't find many records since both dates would be the same. As the year progresses the default dates become more useful.
Msg383 If you have changed the dates and want to set the defaults back into the date boxes you may click on the 'Reset Dates' command button.
Msg384 After the search criteria is set you must click the 'Srch' command button to start the search. The search only takes a few seconds to compete. Use the 'Window' list to switch between 'Checking' and 'Search' to follow the forthcoming discussion. Press the 'Next' command button below.
Msg385 When the first years search is completed the checking module loads with the found records displayed if any are found.
Msg386 A couple of new controls are displayed in the checking module. First you will see a summary in the lower right corner for the records that were found.
Msg387 Next you will see two command buttons. These buttons represent the 'Next' and 'Prev' search years and may be used as long as the years are within the search criteria.
Msg388 You may 'Exit' the checking module and enter new data in the search module and search and display again all you want.
Msg389 Any found records may be printed by clicking the 'Print' command bar button.
Msg390 If you created useful check classifications there are many ways to use the search utility. You can see how much money you spent on home maintenance for example.
Msg391 You could see how much you spent on groceries or gasoline over a given period of time. You can search for AP checks or cash expenses.
Msg392 The possibilities are quite endless. The displayed summary totals the found records to make it even easier to study the findings.
Msg393 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg400 In AP Graph the first thing you will notice is that a Pie chart is displayed. The pie chart shows you the relationship of each bill to each other as well as well as to the whole AP budget. This graph represents payments for each account that has a payment. It is a view of the monthly cash outlay for this family budget.
Msg401 If you want to view the total debt for this budget you could click the option button near the lower left corner of the window that is labeled 'Balances.' A new graph would appear representing all accounts that have a balance amount. The graph represents each account balance compared to each other as well as to the whole debt.
Msg402 Other options are available too. You may view bar charts if you prefer. Bar charts are less informative since they do not show the relationship of each account to the whole budget. They are provided for your convenience if you prefer them.
Msg403 You may also view pie charts that show the percentage of each account to the 'whole pie' if you wish by selecting the 'Portions' option button. You may also elect to sort the accounts by the classifications assigned to them. You will learn about classifications in the checking module. There are many things that can be done with classifications that deal with financial analysis.
Msg404 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg420 When 'Savings Tracker' starts you will usually see a graph and two list boxes. If the first account in the Savings file has a contribution history then a graph of all past contributions is presented. The list box at the lower left of the window is a list of all Savings module accounts. You may select any account from this list to display in the graph. Data may not be changed in this routine.
Msg421 If you want to see a graph of balance history for the account; you may click the command bar button labeled 'Bal.' You may select 'Cont' to show the contribution record again if you wish. You may select a related module for the Savings records by clicking one of the 'Related Modules' command bar buttons.
Msg422 While the graphs maybe the most interesting part of this module there is more information available. While the contributions and balances may be graphed - all transactions pertaining to an account are placed into the large list box. You may scroll through the list box to view these transactions and view the history of the account.
Msg423 You may see every edit you ever made to the account and the print routine will print the contents of the list box and the displayed graph. To print the account information click the 'Print' command bar button.
Msg424 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg440 When Loan Amortization first loads a graph is presented representing an account from the list of Bills (AP) accounts if any are present. Other information is presented also. A short wide list box shows account data for each payment to the end of amortization for the account. A summary is displayed and several controls are visible too.
Msg441 The first controls to be explained are some of the command bar buttons. Notice that they are not arranged into groups like the main modules. The command bar at the top of this module window only has one row of labels since they are not easily confused as to their function. Below the command bar notice the list box that contains a list of AP accounts as maintained in CEW.
Msg442 EXAMPLE If a graph did not appear when Loan Amortization loaded- and even if it did- enter a value of 10000 into the 'Loan Amount' text box. Enter 15 into the 'Ann Int %' text box. Now enter 350 into the 'Payment' text box. When this data is entered click the 'Show' command bar button and you will see a new graph appear. You may then study or print or copy the graph.
Msg443 Notice the summary information at the right of the graph. Notice also that the wide list box at the bottom of the module has a monthly break down of all payments for the entered (hypothetical) loan.
Msg444 There are three 'Print 'Options' to choose from if you want to print loan information. Select 'Graph' to print the graph or select 'List' to print the payment breakdown at the bottom of the window. 'Summary' prints account information plus the three line summary on the right of the graph. You may select as many of these print options at a time as you like.
Msg445 Let's demonstrate another command bar button. Place your cursor over the command bar button at the left end that is labeled 'Copy' and click the left mouse button. You may see a flicker on the graph and the Windows Clipboard will load with a copy of your graph in it. Close or minimize Clipboard when you are done.
Msg446 This clipboard copy may then be pasted into any other Windows program that accepts bit mapped images. The 'View' command bar button will load the 'Bills (AP)' module and the 'LS' button will load 'Loan Sheet'. If you need a brief reminder of how to use this module click the 'Help' command bar button.
Msg447 To amortize an existing account you may click on any of the existing accounts listed in the 'AP Accounts' list box. All needed information will be placed in the text boxes and the amortization will automatically begin. If the number of payments exceeds 50 then a line graph will replace the bar graph. Click on 'Mortgage Inc.' to demonstrate this.
Msg448 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg460 Net worth is a fun and informative but time consuming routine to run. Some entries are manual and some of the entries are automatic. The automatic entries are your Checking account balance; Savings account balances; Security account balances; total debt from the Bills module; and the total from the Work Sheet discussed later.
Msg461 The white text boxes are the manual entry text boxes while the gray boxes are the automatic text boxes. The goal of this routine is show you what your true net worth is in material items. To enter the information just tab from text box to text box and enter the amounts according to their labels. When all the entries are completed click the 'Save' command button to write the data to the appropriate file.
Msg462 There are several entries on this form that may or may not apply to you. Enter the information (if it applies) to the best of you knowledge. Remember that the more accurate the information the more accurate the bottom line. Be honest with yourself and try to enter actual values if you can get them - or good honest guesses if you have to guess.
Msg463 When the net worth page is completed you should save the data then click on the command button labeled 'WS.' It is located to the left of the 'Value of Home Furnishings' text box. A work sheet will appear with a general breakdown - room by room - of a typical home. There are several text boxes for each room to categorize each rooms' contents. Again try to estimate the real value of the items and enter the information into each text box as it applies to you.
Msg464 To do Net Worth right you should have a pretty good sense of value for the personal items in your home. The idea is to assess your home and its contents and enter the values into the appropriate text boxes. Net Worth then adds all the assets together and subtracts all the liabilities from the assets. The total is entered into the 'Net Worth' text box for you to ponder.
Msg465 How you use this information is entirely up to you. If you are not satisfied with the results - you might try to improve your spending habits or make improvements on your home or property. You might try to save more money or you might pay off a few bills. If you are satisfied with the results you can sit back in contentment and continue to enjoy your present life style.
Msg466 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg480 This window contains several controls. The first to be explained are the command bar buttons. Notice that they are arranged into four groups. i.e. 'Module Mode'; 'Browse Buttons'; 'Related Modules' and 'Action Buttons.' These buttons are across the top of this module window under the two rows of labels.
Msg481 First I'll demonstrate a 'Module Mode' command bar button. Place your cursor over the command bar button towards the left that is labeled 'Edit' and click the left mouse button. Notice that the caption in the 'View Mode' box towards the lower right corner of the window changes to 'Edit.'
Msg482 To edit a record select a record in the list box. The list box is the box that contains a summary of all the accounts set up in this module. This tutorial box is just above it. Click on any record in the list box and see all the account information pasted into the text boxes below the list box.
Msg483 Now that the account is displayed in the text boxes you may click on any of the text boxes that you wish to edit to correct the information in any or all text boxes. Change the 'Payment' amount for the selected record then click on the 'Action Button' labeled 'Save' towards the right end of the command bar.
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Msg500 The 'Startup' window has two important uses. The first is the short series of messages that may be paged through to see a very brief discussion of CEW program uses. The second important use is the text box in the lower left corner that allows you to enter a registration number into CEW after purchasing a license to use it.
Msg501 The Welcome screen also allows you to get help; run the tutorial or use the manual. You may view the 'About' box or just start the program.
Msg502 When you purchase a license for continued use of CEW you must enter the number that I send to you into the 'Registration Number' text box. When you click the 'Start' command bar button the number will be verified.
Msg503 If the number is entered correctly and proves to be legitimate then you will not see the invalid registration number messages any more. You also have the option to turn off the welcome screen so that CEW loads faster.
Msg504 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg520 Register is a form that CEW fills in for you from your setup information. When you wish to purchase a license to use CEW you should select 'File' then 'Register CEW.' If the form is completely filled out you may select the 'Print Form' command button and CEW will print the form. If there are empty text boxes on the form I urge you to fill them in.
Msg521 I also urge you to include any comments suggestions or questions that you may have. Send the completed form to me with the appropriate amount enclosed in the envelope. As promised I will send you the latest upgrade if you do not have it.
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Msg540 This module is 'Income Entry.' You may enter up to a years worth of income into the displayed grid and have it subtotaled and total for you. You may create many grids - one for each needed year.
Msg541 Use of this module is very easy. The grid is laid out with the twelve months of the year represented down the left ledge of the grid. Across the top of the grid are columns that represent up to eight income entries for each month.
Msg542 To enter an income amount you should find the month that the income was received in the left-most column. Use any cell in that row of cells to enter the income into. You MUST save every entry as it is entered. You may edit any cell and save it.
Msg543 If you find that eight cells are not enough you may use the calculator to add a new amount to an existing amount in a cell. Enter the total into the cell. Notice that the right cell is for a subtotal of all cells on its row. At the bottom right corner of the grid is a total for all row subtotals.
Msg544 You may print a copy of the grid to your printer by clicking the 'Print' command bar button. To view the 'Income and Expense Chart' click the command bar button labeled 'Chart.' This grid is a very helpful overview of your household income and is used in the 'Income and Expense Chart' described next.
Msg545 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its use. If you like - you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg560 The 'Setup Printer Labels' module is useful - but a little limited. I intended to make it a little more powerful but found that the benefit didn't outweigh the method. The resulting function is that you may adjust the placement of the printed address on laser and single double and triple wide labels - but with a limited amount of movement.
Msg561 When the module starts you will see several command buttons above a label facsimile. You should also note a list of instructions at the left of the label that probably make this part of this tutorial redundant. With that in mind I will just discuss the theory of use for this module rather than repeating the instructions here.
Msg562 The idea of this module is to load your labels into your printer; click 'Test' to print one sample label; then if the label does not print to a satisfactory location; adjust the screen label to move the location of the text printed on the label. Move the label image by clicking on the appropriate 'Arrow' command buttons located above the label facsimile.
Msg563 You should re-create the printer output on screen - or to paraphrase - duplicate the actual printer output with the CEW label facsimile. Don't be tempted to move the label in the direction you want to move the printed location to. RE-CREATE the PRINTER OUTPUT on screen. If the label prints left then move the facsimile left.
Msg564 As stated before there is only a limited amount of movement available. It should be adequate in most cases. See the 'User Guide' for more detailed information about formatting printer output for labels.
Msg565 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg580 When Loan Sheet loads you will notice a grid full of numbers if any Bills (AP) accounts have been created. These numbers represent payment amounts to pay off the selected loan as it is maintained in CEW. If you look along the left edge of the grid you will see interest rates represented in increments of one half percent ranging from 7.5% to 14.5%.
Msg581 Across the top of the grid you will see a range of years in one year increments ranging from 4 to 8 years. The 'cells' in the grid represent the payments for the selected loan at each interest rate and each year represented along the left and the top edges of the grid. There are two main uses for this grid or loan sheet.
Msg582 The first use is to see how much money a person would have to pay per month on an existing account to payoff a loan one or more years early. The second use for the grid is to calculate payments for a contemplated loan.
Msg583 Pertinent data may be entered into the text boxes at the right side of the window to manually enter data into the routine. EXAMPLE: To manually enter a loan amount enter the number 10000 into the 'Loan Amount' text box and enter zero (0) into the 'Down Payment' text box if it is not already zero. For now leave the 'Interest' and 'Years' combo boxes as they are.
Msg584 Click the 'Show' command bar button to see the payment grid updated with the payments for the entered $10000 loan with zero down payment within the interest ranging from 7.5% to 14.5% from 4 to 10 years.
Msg585 To manipulate the 'Interest' and 'Years' combo boxes you should click on the 'arrow' next to the combo box you wish to change. Notice that this causes a list to drop down. A set of scroll bars is added to the right edge of the list. You may scroll through the list until you find a suitable value on the list. Click the needed value and see the list disappear with the clicked on value now in the text box portion of the combo box.
Msg586 You may select data to use in the Loan Sheet module from all four of the combo boxes by using this method. Experiment with the combo boxes if they are new to you and click the 'Show' command bar button each time to see how the new data changes the payment grid. For a bonus you may click directly on the grid to see an expanded view of your data. Click on it again to shrink it back to its former size.
Msg587 To use an existing AP account for this procedure you may click an account name from the 'AP Accounts' list box. All the needed information is placed into the text boxes for you and the grid will update automatically.
Msg588 If you want to print a copy of the grid to your windows printer you may click the 'Print' command button and print it. You may select the help command button for a brief review of using this module.
Msg589 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg600 The 'Home Contents Work Sheet' module is an auxiliary form that is accessed through the 'Net Worth' module. The work sheet is used to enter the real values of all the contents of your home. This aids the net worth routines to more accurately calculate the value of your material possessions.
Msg601 To use this module all you have to do is tab from text box to text box and enter dollar amounts according the labels for the text boxes and according to the group label of the categories. For example the first category is 'Living Room.' Enter the amounts for 'Furniture'; Stereo/Electronics'; Television/Game Machine' and 'Other Furnishings.'
Msg602 Admittedly these breakdowns are quite vague. I started out with several pages of work sheets and found the more I tried to itemize the list - the less I could standardize any of the lists. I could not possibly know what every body had in their living room and include it on the list.
Msg603 Once I start generalizing the list the only option was to completely generalize it and force everyone to adapt the best way they can. I have therefore used crude room by room categories with general breakdowns for contents that most people should be able to adapt to.
Msg604 When you have entered values into all the applicable text boxes click the 'Save' command button to write the data to your hard disk. Click the 'stop light' command button to return to the 'Net Worth' module.
Msg605 When you return to the net worth module you see that the save total from the 'Work Sheet' is already entered onto the net worth form.
Msg606 'Play' with these modules as you wish or until you become familiar with their capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg620 When Savings Sheet loads you will notice a grid full of numbers if any Savings accounts have been created. These numbers represent monthly savings contribution amounts needed to achieve a goal over a period of time and interest rates. If you look along the left edge of the grid you will see interest rates represented in increments of one half percent ranging from 4.5% to 11.5%.
Msg621 Across the top of the grid you will see a range of years in one year increments ranging from 15 to 19 years. The 'cells' in the grid represent the monthly contributions required to achieve the entered goal at each interest rate and for each year represented. Notice that the 'Years' 'Maximum #' reads 21 but only years 15 through 19 are visible. Click the grid with your mouse and the grid will enlarge to show the rest of the years. If there are more years than can be displayed then scroll bars are added to the grid.
Msg622 If the grid is still enlarged - click it again to shrink it back. There are two main uses for this grid or savings sheet. The first use is to apply existing savings accounts to the grid to readily see the effects of changing the contribution amount and/or interest amount. The second use for the grid is to calculate the contributions needed for a contemplated savings account. Pertinent data may be entered into the text boxes at the right side of the window to manually enter data into the routine for either use.
Msg623 EXAMPLE 1: To see how much money you would need to save each month to save $100000; enter the number 100000 into the 'Savings Goal' amount text box and enter zero ( 0 ) into the 'Starting Balance' text box if it is not already zero. For now leave the 'Interest' and 'Years' combo boxes as they are. Click the 'Show' command bar button to see the contribution grid updated with the monthly savings amounts.
Msg624 To take a random figure from the grid for an example; if one bank would pay 7.5% interest and you wanted to save for 15 years; you have to save about $302.01 to achieve the $100000 goal. The figure is obtained by finding the 7.5% interest amount in the left most COLUMN then looking across the 7.5% interest ROW to the desired number of years column. We wanted to save for 15 years so the figure should be $302.01.
Msg625 If you wanted to look at the 20 year column it is obvious that it isn't visible at this point (unless you clicked on the grid by accident). To see the 20 year figures you can click on the gird scroll bars' right most arrow to scroll the grid left. The scroll bar is at the bottom of the grid. You should see that the 20 year figure is $180.59. You can highlight a row or column by clicking an interest or year heading. Click on the '20 Years' caption to see what I mean. Clicking these headings will change the size of the graph also.
Msg626 EXAMPLE 2: Click on an account from the 'Savings Account' list box. The grid is updated using the clicked on accounts' current balance for the 'Starting Balance' and the 'Savings Goal' remains the same as it was. You can now view the different contribution amounts needed to achieve the $100000 goal for the listed years and interest rates.
Msg627 To manipulate the 'Interest' and 'Years' combo boxes you should click on the 'arrow' next to the combo box you wish to change. Notice that this causes a list to drop down. A set of scroll bars is added to the right edge of the list. You may scroll through the list until you find a suitable value on the list.
Msg628 Click the needed value and see the list disappear with the clicked on value now in the text box portion of the combo box. You may select data to use in the Savings Sheet module from all four of the combo boxes by using this method. Experiment with the combo boxes if they are new to you and click the 'Show' command bar button each time to see how the new data changes the savings amount grid.
Msg629 If you want to print a copy of the grid to your windows printer you may click the 'Print' command button and print it. You may select the 'Help' command button for a brief review of using this module. 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg680 When 'Securities Projection' first loads you will see two graphs representing the first account on the list of Securities accounts. Other information is presented also. A short wide list box shows account data for each projected year until the end of the projection for the account. A summary is displayed and several controls are visible too.
Msg681 The first controls to be explained are some of the command bar buttons. Notice that they are not arranged into groups like the main modules. The command bar at the top of this module only has one row of labels since they are not easily confused as to their function. Notice the list box that contains a list of Security accounts as maintained in CEW.
Msg682 Graphs may have appeared when the module loaded. The graphs represent projected end of year value and net yield for the first account in the 'Security Accounts" list box. Projected data is summarized and placed in the 'Projection Summary' box. If no graphs were drawn then either there was not enough data to graph or the list box was empty.
Msg683 The sample Securities account was closed on 02-25-1995. For this reason the graph will be flat and zeroed. To see the charts with valid data you will have to enter data into the text boxes as described next.
Msg684 If graphs did not appear when Securities Projection loaded- and even if they did- enter a value of 10000 into the 'Starting Bal' text box. Enter 7 into the 'Return %' text box. When this data is entered click the 'Show' command bar button and you will see new graphs appear. You may then study; print; or copy the graphs and related information.
Msg685 The graphs tell you the estimated end of year values for the projected account. To project an existing account you should click on an account in the 'Security Accounts' list box. The graphs are automatically updated for the selected account.
Msg686 If you would like a hard copy of the graph you may click the 'Print' command bar button and print the graph to your printer. First you must select the graph type(s) you wish to print from the 'Print Option' check box. Similarly you may select the 'Summary' or the 'List' and print them too.
Msg687 If you want to copy the graph to another program you may click 'Copy' to place a copy of the graph to the Windows clipboard. This clip may then be pasted to the other document. For brief help on using this module click the 'Help' command bar button.
Msg688 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this tutor window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg700 When 'Securities Tracker' starts you will usually see a graph and two list boxes along with the usual command bar. If the first account in the Securities file has a history then a graph of the balance history is presented. The list box at the lower left of the window is a list of all Securities module accounts. You may select any account from this list to display in the graphs.
Msg701 Data may not be changed in this routine. It may only be viewed. If you want to see a graph of the yield history of the account you may click the command bar button labeled 'Yield.' You may select 'Bal'' to show the balance record again if you wish. You may select a related module for the Securities type of records by clicking one of the 'Related Modules' command bar buttons.
Msg702 While the graphs may be the most interesting part of this module there is other information visible. While the yields and balances may be graphed - all transactions pertaining to an account are placed into the large list box. You may scroll through the list box to view these transactions. To see a records' memo - just select it THEN right mouse click in the list box.
Msg703 The list box lets you see every change you ever made to the account. The print routine will print the contents of the list box and the displayed graph. To print the account information click the 'Print' command bar button.
Msg704 'Play' with this module as you wish or until you become familiar with its capabilities. If you like you may click the 'Close' command button to make this help window disappear. When you are done experimenting you may click the 'Exit' command button to return to the tutorial.
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Msg720 - TUTORIAL INTRODUCTION - Warning! For seasoned Windows users this introductory session may be a bit dreary. For those that may be new to money managers as well as those new to computers or even those new to Windows programs in general - this introduction to CEW may be just the ticket to help get you HAPPILY computing. If you feel you are a good Windows jockey select the 'Close' command button at the bottom of this yellow tutorial window to end the introductory phase and continue on with CEW module use and theory. When you run the general tutorial (after this 30 page introduction - or now by selecting 'Close') it is generally a good idea to read the entire displayed tutorial paragraph before doing the interaction suggested in the paragraph.
Msg721 Welcome to the CEW tutorial for those of you still here. This yellow window that you see is the tutorial window that appears in every module that is explored when the tutorial is turned ON. This tutorial runs automatically the first time you start CEW. To start it again after your first CEW session you may select 'Help' from the main menu (discussed later) then select 'Tutorial On' from the sub menu. If you want to run the full tutorial from start to finish select 'Run full tutorial.' Otherwise select the module that you need help in. If you quit in the middle of the Full tutorial you will have the opportunity to save the location in the tutorial that you are currently at. You may resume from there the next time you run the Tutorial.
Msg722 The window that you see - that contains this tutorial window - is the CEW main module. It has a menu across the very top and a command bar across and right under the main menu. These two items are referred to - respectively - as the 'main menu' and the 'main module command bar.' There is only one menu in CEW but almost every module that is subsequently loaded has a command bar across the top of the new module. The main module command bar is optional. All the rest of the command bars are fixed (permanent). If you decide later that you do not want the main module command bar to be visible select 'Options' from the main menu. Then from the drop down list select 'Command Bar' to un-check it.
Msg723 The discussion that follows will try to be as coherent as possible. The discussion will start with the main module command bar and with discussion about most of the support features and ancillary things like backup and setup. This discussion will cover program support features as opposed to general module support routines. It will then progress to the five general modules and discuss the direct support features for each module in turn as they apply to the general module being discussed. While running the introductory portion of this tutorial the main menu and the main module command bar is disabled. You may however click the menus and sub menus to see the menu items being discussed. After the general modules (Bills Checking Savings Securities and Labeler) start loading - all CEW features (including the main menu and main module command bar) will be activated so you may practice what I preach.
Msg724 To start the discussion let's begin with four main module command bar buttons; the pop-up calculator; the backup utility; print preview and the help on help window. First the calculator. Notice near the right end of the main module command bar is an icon that appears to look like a hand held calculator. As with any of the command bar buttons or command buttons found in CEW - you would place the mouse cursor over the 'Calculator' button and press and release the left mouse button to activate the calculator (but don't do it - the command bar is in-active right now). I know that this is very basic Windows stuff but I want to make learning possible for everybody no matter what their level of expertise may be. Seasoned Windows users please bear with me if you decided to stay. There won't be a LOT of hand holding.
Msg725 If the calculator button is selected the calculator will pop up on screen (but not while running the tutorial introduction). Use of the calculator is quite similar to a real one. The only difference is that instead of pressing keys with your fingers - you click on the keys with your mouse. The calculator does basic math and percentages and occasionally pops-up automatically. Even though the calculator is in the main module command bar it also appears in most of the module level command bars as well. This is because the main module command bar is optional. The calculator is just like all of the other modules in CEW in that it has a command button on it that looks like a traffic light. Depending on how good the color rendition is on your monitor - the traffic light should look like a stop light. Clicking on any module 'Stop Light' ends that modules' session. Clicking on the stop light at the right end of the main module command bar (the only stop light visible right now) will end the CEW session.
Msg726 This is the only command bar button currently active so don't click on it unless you want to end this CEW session. An interesting aspect of the calculator is the simulated 'tape' that streams from the top. This tape shows all calculations that have been entered. The tape is printable and scrollable with the controls near it. If you quit the calculator the entries are retained unless the calculator is cleared by clicking on the 'C' command button. The next topic is the button displayed under the 'Options" menu item and is also found in File of the main menu. It looks like a disk drive. When you click on this 'Backup Now' button a utility will run that allows you to back up your CEW data files to the drive of your choice. This is usually a floppy disk. Just enter the drive letter into the dialog box and/or click the 'OK' button to start the backup. The whole process only takes a few minutes. I hope you know the value of current backups in case of system failure.
Msg727 The next of the four support buttons on the main module command bar is the 'Help on Help' button. This is the button with the yellow question mark on it. If you want a brief explanation of how to get help while running CEW you may click this button. A window will appear describing all of the CEW help options. At the left end of the main module command bar is a button called print preview. This command button will show a likeness of any pending printer output before it is printed. Use this button to assure yourself that the page size is correct and that you want to print the report or graph or chart.
Msg728 To continue on with other support functions of CEW I will go through the menu selections from left to right and give some theory on each menu item that contains a CEW program support function. These support functions (again) are program level rather than general module support functions. The first menu selection is 'File.' Click on 'File' now to follow along with the discussion. Found in this sub menu are the 'Calculator' and 'Backup Now' options discussed previously. A previously un-discussed item is 'Register CEW.' It is my hope that after a month or two of using CEW that you will enjoy using it enough to license the program from me. If you want to license the program you should select the Register menu item and print the form. If you don't have a printer yet please send all the information found on the form.
Msg729 Another 'File' menu selection is 'Welcome Screen.' If you want to view the startup screen - click this item. If you need to enter a registration number after licensing CEW you MUST use this window to do it. Another 'File' menu item is 'Printer Setup.' If you want to change the printer defaults for any reason while using CEW you may use Printer Setup. The setup routine uses the standard Windows printer driver utility and CEW merely allows you to interface to it without leaving CEW. To find out more on how to use this utility see your Windows manual or see either of the help files provided with CEW; 'User Guide' or 'CEW Help.' Both are discussed later in the introduction.
Msg730 Another selection of the File menu is Print Manager. CEW assumes that you have and use print manager. The only real use for this item is if you have more than one printer (maybe on a network) connected to your computer. Print Manager allows you to change the default printer should you need to. The last file menu selection is 'Exit.' If you do not use the main module command bar you may select this menu item to quit CEW and return to the Windows program manager you are using. If you do use the main module command bar you may click on the stop light button as described earlier.
Msg731 The next menu item to be discussed is 'Window.' If you click on the Window main menu item you will see a sub menu drop down in the normal fashion. Two items appear that are of interest at this time. The first is the 'Cascade' item. Now that this topic has surfaced we have to explore one small concept of Windows menus. The concept is called 'Checked' and is simply a logic state. In other words the logic for the checked menu item is true or false; YES or NO; on or off; checked or un-checked or any other way that it might be simple to understand. The menu item itself is visually checked or un-checked. A check mark toggles on or off every time you click your mouse on a 'Checked' menu item. Not all menu items are checked menu items. 'Cascade' and all the 'Options' in CEW are checked menu items. What all this accomplishes is that if the sub menu item 'Cascade' has a check mark by it - it is active.
Msg732 Okay so what does all this mean? If the Cascade item is checked then all the modules that you subsequently load will be cascaded down and across the main CEW window. If the cascade item is not checked then the modules you load will stack on top of each other. The importance of this action depends on the resolution of your computer monitor. If you can run at a resolution higher than 640 X 480 (say 800 X 600 or 1024 X 768) then you should turn the cascade feature ON. If you must run at 640 X 480 then you should turn the cascade feature OFF. The problem is that I designed the modules of CEW to run as large as possible with your computer running at a resolution of 640 X 480. I did this to pack as much information into a module window as possible while being able to present it in a way that is easy on the eyes even at low resolution. You can run CEW at 640 X 480 with NO problem as long as 'Cascade' is turned off.
Msg733 If cascading is turned on at 640 X 480 then subsequent modules will load slightly lower and right (as they should) but partially off screen! If you run at a higher resolution cascading assures that all modules not only load with the top and left edges visible- but several modules may be loaded with them all partially visible and the top module completely visible. Cascading assures that a portion of every module is visible and may be clicked on to select it and bring it to the top of a stack of running modules. If you do not turn off cascading at 640 X 480 - as stated earlier - the windows will load partially off screen making it very difficult to use those modules efficiently. You may be thinking that with cascading turned off you could only run one module at a time since they load on top of each other . Well you are right - at least about the modules loading in top of each other.
Msg734 This previous discussion was a lead in to another use of the 'Window' menu. If you load several modules at once - the modules' names are placed on a list. This list is added to the 'Window' sub menu. To select a module that is hidden from view you need only to select 'Window' then select the name of the module you wish to use from the sub menu. There is a lot of discussion here about a small concept on Windows use - but it is fundamental to the use of ANY Windows program. You may be able to use these concepts in other programs. My bet is that you will be able to use them in most Windows programs. Many of the concepts I have and will discuss are useful with most Windows software.
Msg735 The last item on the Window menu is 'Clear All.' Clear all is also a main menu command bar item that was saved until now to talk about. If you do load several modules simultaneously (as just discussed) you may unload them individually by clicking on their respective stop lights or you may unload them all at once by either clicking on the 'Clear All' command bar button or by selecting 'Clear All' from the Window menu. The choice is yours as to how you unload modules as well as how you load them (main menu or command bar buttons). All CEW program modules may be accessed from the main menu. The main module command bar isn't even necessary! I have tried to provide the most needed functions of CEW to be accessed through command bars. I have done this merely to try to speed program flow. If you want to use only the main menu I have tried to lay it out as logically as possible.
Msg736 To the left of the 'Clear All' command button is the 'Cascade' button. Use this command bar button to redisplay (organize) all your open forms. Even minimized forms. When 'Clear All' is selected the active form stays on top. The next eleven topics will be covered with a little less detail than those discussed this far. Hopefully if you are a new Windows user you have enough fundamentals now to more easily grasp the theory for the use of the next group of menu items found in the 'Options' menu. All the items in the options menu are 'Checked' items. As discussed before they are active when a check mark is by them and they are in-active when the check mark is missing. Rather than start at the top and work down the Options menu list - I will start with the more complicated two items. After that we will take a short breather and discuss the more obvious CEW options.
Msg737 First to be discussed is not really one item but three items. They are; 'Minimized' 'Maximized' and 'Normal.' These three items work together to let you present CEW on screen the way you prefer. The first item is 'Minimized.' Minimized allows you to reduce the entire CEW program down to an icon that will reside at the bottom of the screen until it is double clicked to restore CEW to use. The second item is 'Maximized.' Selecting this item lets you expand CEW to full screen. In other words CEW will be the only thing you will see on your monitor. During normal use this is how I recommend you display CEW. The third option 'Normal' sets the program size to something less than full screen but far from minimized. The advantage here is that it allows you to drag the borders and size CEW to any dimensions you prefer. To do this just move the cursor over any border until the cursor turns into a 'double headed' arrow. Press the left mouse button and drag the border to the preferred location.
Msg738 The previous technique works in any windows program. Anyone familiar with Windows knows that you may set program size by using the corner boxes provided on most Windows programs. The advantage of using the menu options is that once you select one it will be remembered. CEW will use it the next time you run CEW. ALL options work this way in CEW. All Checked menu items are options and they are remembered - but they may be changed at any time. Again this is basic Windows functionality. This technique works with most Windows programs. In CEW - if you re-size the main module while in 'Normal' mode - the new screen size is saved as the default for normal mode.
Msg739 The next item is 'Auto Load.' Auto load is also selected from the 'Options' menu but auto load itself isn't a checked menu item. The six items found in its sub menu are checked however. To check or un-check an item in auto load you must first select 'Options' then 'Auto Load' then select an item (module) to auto load. I'll talk about the first auto load item last. The other five items are; Bills Checking Savings Securities and Labeler. If any of these five items are checked (active) then they will load their respective modules when you start CEW. All five of these (what I call) general modules will load in the 'View' mode as discussed later in the general tutorial. You may check one two or up to all five of these modules to automatically load every time you start CEW. The other (first) item is 'Auto Load Minimized.' Checking this item will cause the auto loaded modules to load minimized. They would load as icons that will be placed at the bottom of the CEW main module.
Msg740 To run the minimized module you must double-click the icon to restore the module. Of course un-checking 'Auto Load Minimized' will cause the modules to load full size. The minimized option has no effect on ANY modules loaded after CEW starts. The rest of the items found in the options menu are pretty straight forward. The first - 'Command Bar' - allows you to turn the main module command bar on or off. Command bar was discussed previously and further discussion shouldn't be necessary. The next item is 'Color Graphs.' If you have a color printer and you want to print CEW graphs in color - then this item must be checked BEFORE printing. Next 'Backup on Exit' is an option that prompts you to back up CEW data files every time you exit the program. This option is subjective to the way you work and maintain your data. If you do not do regular system backups then maybe you should turn this on. It is a very good idea to back up the CEW data files regularly.
Msg741 Your files contain important information so you should safeguard them! 'Auto Backup' works along the same lines as the 'Backup on Exit.' It prompts you to backup your CEW data files - but only when a major financial event is about to take place. These events include check reconciliation (balancing your checkbook) and paying your bills. Both of these routines are subject to printer errors etc. and safeguards should be taken before proceeding. Turn this feature on to be safe. I have found that some people HATE to be dinged with un-necessary prompts. A prompt like 'Are you sure you really want to exit?' sends some people over the moon! Some people not yet comfortable with a mouse may appreciate a prompt asking that same question when they accidentally click on the 'Exit' command button. The item being discussed is 'Exit Prompt.' Exit Prompt allows YOU to decide how this problem is handled. Check it if you want the prompt; un-check it if you don't.
Msg742 Also along the same lines is the next item 'Delete Warning.' If you want to be checked (no pun intended) when you try to delete a record - check this item - otherwise un-check it. If delete warning is checked then you will be asked if you want to 'Continue Deleting This Record' before CEW proceeds. The last option to discuss is 'No Welcome Screen.' If you have registered CEW and paid the license fee you may check this item to cause CEW to load somewhat faster. The welcome screen contains a mini-tutorial to inform you about the main CEW program features. It also has help buttons and is used to enter your registration number when you license my program.
Msg742 Included with every copy of CEW are (when printed out) over four hundred pages of on-line documentation. The documents are found in many formats. One is the on-line help that is only an F1 key away - but may not be viewed as a complete document. This type of help will be discussed later. The on-line help feature is provided since people are different and some people prefer the Windows style of on-line help. I like it a lot! But I also like tutorials for starting out learning new software. A second type of help is 'Clue Card' help. You may place your cursor over any control in CEW and press the RIGHT mouse button. Try it now on a command bar button. A short help message will appear for as long as you hold down the mouse button. Both of these help functions are electronic. For that reason I have provided a manual that you may also view on-screen - or print out on your printer to read in your easy chair with a cup of hot chocolate.
Msg744 Another item in the help menu I want to talk about now is called 'Help on Help.' If you select 'Help' from the main menu then select 'Help on Help' you will be able to view a summary of how to get help while running CEW. So in reality you have four types of help; F1 key help; Tutorial help; Clue Card Help and the User Guide manual. All may be used electronically. The User Guide (as just stated) may also be printed out and bound. One warning about User Guide. It is about 90 pages long. You may not want to print a document that large. User Guide is a Windows Write document for the ultimate in Windows compatibility (at the price of convenience for me).
Msg745 There are two last items to discuss before a general discussion of money management at the end of this introduction. The first is the sample files provided and installed in the setup routine when you installed CEW to your hard disk.
Msg746 If at any time you need to explore or try out un-familiar routines in CEW - and you have created real records of your finances - select 'Use Sample Files' form the 'Help' menu. You may then hack around without fear of damaging your records or goofing up your setup. When you are done exploring you should un-check the 'Use Sample Files' option to go right back to your real records and preferred setup. The last 'Help' menu item to be discussed is 'Tutorial On.' This session you are in right now is the tutorial - or rather the introduction to the tutorial. There are three ways to use the tutorial however. The first is what I call 'Stump Removal.' It is found under 'Help' of the main menu. If you find yourself stumped in any module (almost) just select stump removal and a mini version of the tutorial will start for the current module.
Msg747 The full tutorial which includes the last 30 - 60 minutes you just endured may only be ran from the tutorial menu window. You must click 'Help' then click 'Tutorial On' then select 'Run Full Tutorial' to see these last few thousand words and some thirty screens of information. The other way to run the tutorial is to start the tutorial module as just described - but select a general module command button from the left edge of the window (not including the run full tutorial button). When you do this each module that loads will have a tutorial window attached that may be closed at any time. Every time you open or re-open a module the tutorial window will appear. This occurs until you un-check the 'Help' menu item 'Tutorial On.'
Msg748 When you started CEW for the first time you probably had to go through a general setup procedure. The procedure consisted of about ten dialog boxes asking for YES or NO answers to simple questions. Some questions had recommendations. If you decide later that you want to change these answers you may change all of them through the checked options found in the 'Options' menu and the 'Window' menu. It may be easier to select 'Startup Defaults' from 'Setup' of the 'Options' menu if you want to make several changes. The setup menu (and the other as yet un-discussed menu items) has many other topics to be discussed. These topics will be discussed later in the general tutorial that is about to begin. I want to first make a few general statements about CEW use and general financial record keeping and strategy.
Msg749 Almost all of us have monthly bills. Those of us that aren't rich enough to hire a bookkeeper have to maintain those bills ourselves. Most of us have savings accounts; IRA's; and maybe 401K's and the like. Most of us have a checking account that we have to balance each month so we know how much money we actually have in the bank. All of us have friends and relatives that we send occasion cards to or write letters to. In another vein; Can you find a check you wrote two years ago to a charity because you just got audited by Uncle Sam? Can you even find the check number so you can get a copy from the bank? By the way where are your checking records stored? Where are your savings account statements? What? You don't keep them? Then how do know how much interest you earned last year?
Msg750 Okay an easy question? How much interest did you pay on your auto loan last month? No idea huh? There are hundreds of questions like these that can be answered by CEW. But the single most important reason to use a money manager is the simple fact that you can PUT ALL YOUR IMPORTANT FINANCIAL DATA INTO ONE PLACE in order to study or manipulate those records to achieve financial awareness. Can you estimate how much of your income goes to essentials like bills and savings? If you can't then you don't know how much of your spending is - to put it nicely - NOT frugal. If a person knows he or she is spending $300 dollars a month on movies and video games and golf ($300 may not sound like much - only $75.00 a week but) invest just HALF of that for ten years at 9% and see what kind of spending power is there. Would you believe almost thirty thousand dollars? Keep it up for another ten years and you will have $100000 cash money!
Msg751 These are hints at just some of the analysis doo-dads in CEW. I could talk about automating your bill paying or automated reconciliation or some of the print routines in CEW that make life so much easier. I WILL talk about all of those things later. But for now I just want you to try CEW - and let it try to help you take hold of your finances if you are in the dark about your financial future. If you are financially strong minded - use CEW to help make your decisions easier. Either way CEW will cut down time spent looking for records - for any reason - and surely make creating a budget a simple process. And I haven't even talked about any of the neat stuff yet. I have only mentioned in passing a FEW of its highlights! The first lesson will be on setup and start with the 'User Data' setup module. Note: all menus and command bars will be active from this point on. ENJOY!!!
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Msg760 This concludes the CEW tutorial. I hope that is was educational AND enjoyable. I want to remind you of the other ways to get help while using CEW. First there is the F1 key on-line help for almost any control found in CEW. Second there is Clue Card help obtained by right clicking on almost any control. There are two ways to run the tutorial as explained earlier. You may use the sample files to experiment with new or unfamiliar CEW modules. Last there is the manual 'User Guide' that may be used for reference or general knowledge building. I wish you great success with CEW and I genuinely mean it when I say that I am here to serve you and wish to hear from anybody with comments suggestions or problems regarding this software.
