How to Use Excel for Flexible Money Management

Create and save a new Excel workbook. Create 8 columns with the following headings: Month, Day, Description, Save, Debit, Credit, Checking Balance, Savings Balance. Bold the headings, and use the freeze panes function to freeze the top row so that you always see it at the top of your spreadsheet (Hint: look under the View tab in Office 2007, or under Window in older versions). Format columns D through H as currency (right click, format cells), and choose to have negative amounts show up in red. Use your vast knowledge of Excel to make the spreadsheet pretty if you like, but avoid the table function of Excel 2007 -- it is a pain!
Type the name of the current month in the first row of the Month Column, and type today's day in first row of the day column. Type your current Checking Balance and Savings Balance in the first row of the appropriate columns.
Now, enter the recurring bills (rent, car payment, insurance, credit card, cell phone, etc.) that are coming up between now and your next paycheck, putting each one on a new row. Type in the date you actually mail the check to pay a bill or the date it is debited from your checking account. Type a generic description of the bill (ex., 'Discover Card'), and type the bill amount into the Debit column.
Enter rows (without date) for Gas, Grocery, and Miscellaneous. You should have actually created a budget at some point, so that you know about how much money you have to spend on these things. If you like, you can split Miscellaneous into additional categories. Round each bill amount UP to the nearest $5 or $10 (ex., $70, not $66).
Type in the date of your next paycheck, describe it (ex., Paycheck) and type the pay amount into the credit column. Round your approximate pay DOWN to the nearest $5 or $10 (ex., $1025 or $1020, not $1028). On the next row, enter the description Savings, and type the amount you plan to save from each paycheck into the Savings column.
Now, enter the recurring bills coming up between this paycheck and the next, followed by the Gas, Grocery, Miscellaneous categories. Then, enter the next paycheck amount, followed by savings. Repeat until you have entered all of the info for the next six months -- you should be able to copy and paste most of this info to save time. Enter any additional income as needed, typing the amount into the credit column. Be sure to type the name of the new month at the appropriate place.
Now that you have the basic framework, you need to enter formulas into the Checking Balance and Savings Balance columns so that it will automatically calculate for you. For this example, I am going to assume that your headings are in row 1, your starting balances are in row 2, and your columns are A-Month, B-Day, C-Description, D-Save, E-Debit, F-Credit, G-Checking Balance, and H-Savings Balance. In cell G3, enter =G2-D2-E2+F2 This will subtract any savings and debit and add any pay to your checking balance.In cell H3, enter =H2+D2 This will add the amount you save to your savings balance.Copy and paste these formulas into all of the cells of columns G and H.
Periodically -- once a week or before/after any unusual purchases -- look up your ACTUAL bank balances and type them into the balance column on the appropriate date. Be sure that all of the items listed before that date HAVE already come out of your account -- if not, you may need to shift a row up or down. If you move any rows, re-copy or retype the formulas in columns G and H to be sure they are correct.
Now, just look over your balances. Will your checking balance go into the red in two months? If so, you need to cut something out! Spend less on entertainment, eat Ramen, or as a last resort, reduce the amount you are paying to your credit card or saving. I find that actually having to cut those payment amounts makes me really re-think sushi lunches!
If you keep going into the red, you need to take a look at your bank statement to see where you are overspending your budget.Try to keep your savings balance above $100 at all times. If you have a good bit more, increase the amount you are paying on your credit card or saving -- don't just let that money sit there burning a hole in your pocket, or you will spend it.
Delete past months, and keep planning at least six months ahead. When you get used to this method, you will be able to realistically plan your spending, quickly see when you are spending too much, and adjust so that you don't go into the red!
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How to Run an Unclaimed Money Finder's Business

Learn about the various types of unclaimed monies and how local laws in your area govern professional money finders. Examples of unclaimed monies include inactive bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks and stock certificates. Individual states often have laws to govern the conduct of money finders. Some states, have passed laws that make it illegal to charge finders' fees once unclaimed property is on a state's list. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators' website contains information about each state's unclaimed property laws.
Specialize in one or more areas of unclaimed monies. Examples of specialization include lost life insurance, state-held monies and federal agency funds. When choosing a specialty, compare your interests with the fields available. Also consider whether data can be readily obtained on the people who have unclaimed funds in a particular area.
Obtain the proper licensing and credentials as required by your national or local laws. Some states, for example, may require a professional money finder to be bonded and/or a licensed private investigator. If the unclaimed monies area that you choose to pursue does not require additional licensing or education, you can begin your business immediately.
Establish your finder’s fee and create the necessary contracts. Some states have laws on allowable fees and contract provisions. Alaska's Unclaimed Property Act, for example, stipulates a contract must be in writing, not exceed six months, specify fees to be charged and state the nature and value of property and the value of the owner's share after the fee is deducted. In addition, property equal to or greater than $500 cannot be subject to a finder's fee greater than 10 percent.Some professional money finders increase their fee rates if a transaction involves a great deal of research. For example, the fee may increase from 1 percent to nearly 5 percent depending upon the nature of the work. State laws must still be followed when increasing fees based upon the work involved.
Find records of unclaimed funds. In the United States, every state has an unclaimed property department and a searchable online database, according to the National Unclaimed Property Network. A free national database is available at Missing Money. The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators' website also provides a listing of states that have searchable databases. Unclaimed monies from insurance policies and United States and Canadian government agencies can also be researched at the National Unclaimed Property Network.
Contact property owners by telephone, email or postal letter.
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How to Make Money in The Holidays (3 Steps)

Instead of spending the money from birthdays, Christmas and other holidays, work bonuses, tax refunds, and other cash windfalls, save it in your college bank account. It will reduce the amount you need to borrow to get through college and lower your interest expenses
You may have unclaimed money waiting for you to stake a claim. It could be unused gift certificates, life insurance left to you, a balance in a forgotten bank account, a refund owed you, or other funds being held for you. Contact the Unclaimed Property Administrator in your state
government or search online at www.uphlc.org (if your state provides information online).
Sign up to critique ads online for www.brandport.com. You'll be paid for
each ad you watch and answer questions about. Depending on how fast you can do it and how many you do, you could earn up to $30 in an hour
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