Personal Budget Planner - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The budget model doesn't work - make sure you have enabled macros in Excel.
Q: How do I change the start month of the budget period?
Q: After I input the amount the data does not appear automatically?
Q: How do I clear the data and start again?
Q: How do I print the information?
Q: When I print the model, the information does not print properly?
Q: How do I save the information or the file?
Q: I can't change the data contained in the cells highlighted in yellow?
Q: I want to change the standard descriptions so it is more relevant for me, how do I do this?
Q: What are the buttons at the top of the screen?
Q: How do I contact someone if I have any questions?
Q: The budget model doesn't work - make sure you have enabled macros in Excel.
A: To ensure the budget planner functions as per design, you need to ensure the macros are properly enabled. Click here and follow the instructions for enabling macros - click to follow direct link to web site.
Q: How do change the start month of the budget period?
A: Navigate to the "Home" page, place the cursor on the box displayed in section ?. When you click on button on the right hand side, a drop down list will appear. Select an alternative month from the drop down list and the model with be updated for a new start month
Q: After I input the amount, the data does not appear automatically?
A: You must ensure the following are properly selected:
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"Start Month" in the Instructions sheet
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"Frequency" in the income or expense sheet
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the "Amount" must be in whole dollar only, no decimal places or cents required.....round to the nearest dollar.
If all these variables are selected the data for the 12 month will appear automatically.
Q: How do I clear the data and start again?
A: There is a button titled "Reset" in the top right hand corner of the Income and Expenses sheets. Place your cursor over this button and click once. The information in the sheet will disappear and you will be ready to start a fresh.
Q: How do I print the information?
A: There is a button titled "Print" in the top right hand corner of the Income and Expenses sheets. Place your cursor over this button and click once. The information will print.
Alternatively, you can select via the Excel menu option: on the menu bar at the top of the sheet, select: File, Print.
Q: When I print the model, the information does not print properly?
A: On the menu bar at the top of the sheet, select: File, Print Preview..... and view the dimensions of the print area.
If you need to adjust the page set up, on the menu bar at the top of the sheet, select: File, Page Setup and choose the dimensions you require.
Q: How do I save the information?
A: It is recommended to save the file as a different name to the original file downloaded e.g. Budget January 2006. This will allow you to maintain a original copy for your reference.
Each time you revise your budget, we recommend you save the file as a different name so you have a copy of all the budgets you have prepared for your records.
If you do not save the file as a different name, all your changes will overwrite the original data.
On the menu bar at the top of the sheet, select: File, Save As..... rename the file and save the document to your desired location.
Q: I can't change the data contained in the cells highlighted in yellow?
A: The 12 Month Budget Model has been created so that you don't have to spend time inputting the data into individual cells. Once you have completed the 3 steps the data appears automatically.
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If you want to change the start month of the income or expense, adjust the start month by selecting an alterative selection from the drop down menu and the data will adjust automatically.
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If you want to change the frequency of the income or expenses, adjust the frequency by selecting an alternative selection from the drop menu and the data will adjust automatically.
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If you to adjust the amount of the income or expense, highlight the amount cell and type in the new amount (remember - the amount must be in whole dollars) and the data will adjust automatically.
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Q: I want to change the standard descriptions so it is more relevant for me, how do I do this?
A: The file has been created so that you can change the description of the individual Income / Expenses. To do this, simply type over the standard description in the cell you wish to change.
Q: What are the buttons at the top of the screen?
A: The buttons at the top of the screen acts as navigational tools. If you click on any of these buttons, you be taken to that page within the model.
Q: How do I contact someone if I have any questions?
A: Simply click here go to the Contact page.