$401K Planner for Windows Version 1.0 README ---------------------------------- © Copyright 1994-1995, Timothy J. Turner =========================================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS =========================================================== A. INTRODUCTION B. MINI-USER's GUIDE C. PRICING D. CUSTOMIZING THIS PROGRAM E. HOW TO CONTACT THE AUTHOR F. REVISION HISTORY/FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS G. ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS & SOFTWARE COMPANIES H. ATTENTION WRITERS/PUBLISHERS/GRAPHIC ARTISTS I. ATTENTION ANYONE WANTING TO ADVERTISE ON THE INTERNET J. DISCLAIMERS K. COPYRIGHT/TRADEMARK NOTICES L. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS =========================================================== NOTE: If this file appears improperly formatted, then be sure to select the "Word Wrap" option if using Notepad. Also, you need VBRUN300.DLL to run this program, which is available at most ftp sites and online services (generally many sites prohibit authors from including it in their ZIP files (saves disk space)). =========================================================== A. INTRODUCTION =========================================================== 401(k) plans are growing as the retirement plan of choice by employers and employees. $401K PLANner will help you in your $401K decision making process by calculating the future value of your current $401K account balance, as well as the future value of your future $401K contributions. It is extremely flexible since it allows the user to control the rate of inflation, rate of return (interest rate), number of years until retirement, amount of contributions, etc. By changing the values the user can easily see how $401K decisions made today will affect your retirement future. Every employee with a 401(k) account should have this program. This program can be customized to fit the needs of businesses, financial institutions, and corporations for mass distribution to all employees and 401K plan participants. Please inquire by e-mail for further info (tturner@awa.com). This application is protected by the SoftLock registration system. You must register your copy in order to access the full calculation ability of the program. Feel free to share this program with friends, neighbors, colleagues, and any other users. But you must include this document with the program when you pass copies along to others. This program can be freely distributed on CD-ROMs and other "shareware" collections, provided I'm notified in advance. =========================================================== B. MINI-USER's GUIDE =========================================================== -Once you launch $401K PLANNER, you will see the splash screen briefly, then the main screen will appear. - Help for each field is available from the Help menu. There are also tips on how to effectively use the program. -Next, fill in your current 401(k) balance, interest rate, # of years until retirement, inflation, etc. The calculations will be updated automatically as you edit the values. Also, be sure to check with your personnel or human resources representative about what your company's maximum matching percentage is. $401K PLANNER does not cap the matching funds since it varies by company. It is up to you to know your plan's details and fill in the values accordingly (i.e. how much your company matches your funds and what the maximum matching percentage is). If you are unsure, contact someone in personnel or human resources at your company and they will help you. -Trying changing your values and watch the results. You'll be amazed at how small changes can have a big effect on your retirement funds! - you can view the results as a spreadsheet, a graph of your growing/ shrinking 401(k) balance, or a graph of just your retirement income. Just click on the button for the method you desire, and it will appear automagically on the main screen. A NOTE ON WHAT THIS PROGRAM SHOWS: - Prior to registering $401K Planner the default values show that your 401(k) balance will go into the negative during retirement. What does that mean? Well, before you retire, you are working, contributing to your 401(k) plan, and living off of your salary. When you retire, you will be living off of your 401(k) balance (and perhaps other sources of benefits like social security and any other investments you have), so each year you will begin withdrawing funds from your 401(k) to live on. When your 401(k) balance hits zero, then you've run out of money. The negative values on the spreadsheet show how badly you've run out of money. - Think about this scary fact... The only way for you to guarantee that you will not run out of retirement money before you die is to live solely off the interest in your account. Once you start "dipping into principal", then you run the risk of still being alive and without any money. If you can save enough so that you can just live off the interest in your account, then you can live as long as you want (yeah!) and not have to worry about a declining standard of living (assuming your balance is invested somewhere that can make an annual return (interest) that exceed inflation). - Note the entries for your "Raise" and for "Estimated Inflation". If these two fields are equal, then neither one really affects the real growth of your 401(k) funds... they essentially cancel each other out. This is why most people call their raise a "cost of living" increase. OH NO! I'M GOING TO RUN OUT OF MONEY IN RETIREMENT: - Don't panic. Hopefully you still have time to do something about this. Here's some things that will help increase your balance (in no way am I advocating any of these or suggesting any specific course of investment; I'm just specifically stating the obvious... what you can do to increase your retirement funds and help your funds last) - begin saving earlier - increase your contributions to your 401(k) plan - retire at a later age (this has a dramatic double effect... you continue contributing to your 401(k) plan, and you aren't living off of your 401(k) funds. You'll still be on salary). - invest in the funds that give you a higher rate of return (of course, there may be more risk involved in these investments). REGISTERING WITH SOFTLOCK SERVICES: Click on the REGISTER menu. This will bring up the Registration Form window. Detailed instructions are given on that screen. Write down the Product Number and the SoftLock ID shown in the registration screen. Then call 1-800-SoftLock and give them the information requested including your credit card number (VISA and Mastercard accepted). You will be given a password which you will then enter into the password field. This will unlock the full program for you to run on your computer. IMPORTANT: WRITE DOWN YOUR PASSWORD AS SOON AS YOU GET IT FROM SOFTLOCK AND KEEP IT IN A SAFE PLACE. In case you lose data on your computer, you may need the password again to unlock your backup copy. - you can also register via the SoftLock Web site at: http:\\www.awa.com\softlock\passwords\ - Your data will be saved automagically. Hopefully we'll have true File Save and Open in the next version. This version also supports printing! -To quit the application, click on the EXIT button. Your password will be saved at this time so you don't have to re-enter it each time. NOTE: Do not run $401K PLANner from a floppy disk. You must run it from a hard drive. Otherwise, you won't be able to purchase a password that unlocks all of the program's functionality. BUG REPORTS and SUGGESTIONS: If you have a bug or problem to report, please send me the version number of $401K Planner that you are using, and details about your PC (i.e. brand, speed, processor, amount of RAM, system software, etc.). And send any other relevant info or feedback to me at tturner@awa.com. =========================================================== C. PRICING =========================================================== When I release this version onto the 'nets, I intend to sell it for $14.95 per copy. To find out the current price just call 1-800-SoftLock and enter the product number: 30034. (I don't intend to change the price anytime soon, but these files linger around the 'nets for years, so if this is a really old version, the price may have changed). For a mere $14.95 you will get: - the most amazing spectacular 401(k) retirement plan calculator around - FREE lifetime upgrades (your password will be good for a long time) - FREE e-mail technical support - added to my e-mail list and will be notified when new versions are available (if you want to get on the list, though, you must e-mail me w/ your name, address, and e-mail address requesting to get on the list.... SoftLock Services does not at this time collect e-mail addresses, only snail mail. So if you don't e-mail me, you won't be notified of new versions.) For volume purchase discounts or site licenses, contact me by e-mail with the following info: Your Name, Company Name, address, etc. Number of Employees at the site A Proposal if you have one We can try to work out a deal for you to purchase SoftLock vouchers in bulk and/or I can create a special customized version to meet your needs. SoftLock vouchers are basically like gift certificates...each one is good for one SoftLock password. =========================================================== C. CUSTOMIZING THIS PROGRAM =========================================================== This program can be customized with your company/business name, logo, and other contact information. Once customized, you can then distribute the program to your employees, customers, and potential customers as a promotional item. You may buy SoftLock vouchers for your customized version which would allow those recipients to call in and get a valid SoftLock password without paying for it. I'm willing to customize this program for free in exchange for volume purchases. Bottomline: send me an e-mail with what you're interested in, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. If you are interested in generating revenue for yourself by selling this program, then contact me. Here's one example: I recompile the source with a unique SoftLock Product # just for you. Now whoever calls in to register copies you've given away, will purchase your "product". In which case, I'll know what revenues you've generated and be able to give you your share. Proposals welcome. Again, send me an e-mail message, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. =========================================================== E. HOW TO CONTACT THE AUTHOR =========================================================== Any questions, comments, suggestions, bug reports, etc. can be sent to: Internet: tturner@awa.com Please send me your ideas. I can't improve this product without feedback from you... the customer. And please send me your e-mail address if you want to be notified of new versions when I upload them online. =========================================================== F. REVISION HISTORY/FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS =========================================================== Version 1.0 (August 1995): This is the first Windows version of $401K Planner. There has been a Mac version available since 1994. =========================================================== G. ATTENTION PROGRAMMERS & SOFTWARE COMPANIES =========================================================== SoftLock is for you if you want a powerful sales and distribution system for your software. With SoftLock, you can distribute your complete program as SoftLocked shareware or as a demo copy, and be assured that users will register their program with you. In order to use the "advanced features of your program (whatever you define those to be), the user must obtain a unique password to "unlock" your program's advanced features on that user's computer (and no one else's computer). With SoftLock, programs and encrypted data need not be copy-protected. They can be distributed over the internet, BBS, Online services, etc, but you still get paid! The beauty of SoftLock is that each computer requires a different password to unlock your program. Thus, if you copy an unlocked version of your program to another computer, it will revert to "demo" mode. With SoftLock you can program a business operation as easily as you program your computer. By incorporating the SoftLockª tools into your program, you enable SoftLock to sell your customers the unique Password they need to unlock your product. SoftLock Services' fully automated order fulfillment/password generation system allows you to receive the user's payment 24 hrs./day, 7 days/week via the 1-800 phone number, internet e-mail, FAX, and secure connections to our web site. Thus, you get a WORLD-WIDE sales and distribution system. SoftLock does all of the credit card processing for you, which frees you to do what you do best... create software. If you're interested in preventing piracy, increasing your revenues, and reducing your distribution costs by using the SoftLock system, please contact me by e-mail for more info (tturner@awa.com). =========================================================== H. ATTENTION WRITERS/PUBLISHERS/GRAPHIC ARTISTS =========================================================== Read the previous section on SoftLocking software because all of that can apply to you as well. You can earn money by electronically publishing your books, newsletters, or whatever "information" you have to sell, using the SoftLock toolkits. Basically, you can use SoftLock to distribute your info electronically via online services etc. Only those users who pay for your product can actually view the full text of your product. If interested in making money by publishing your books, poems, newsletters, recipes, info or whatever using the SoftLockª system, please contact me by e-mail for more info (tturner@awa.com). =========================================================== I. ATTENTION ANYONE WANTING TO ADVERTISE ON THE INTERNET =========================================================== Do you want to advertise your goods or services on the internet? Downtown Anywhere is currently one of the premiere Web sites on the glorious WWW. At the time I wrote this, Downtown Anywhere was receiving over 1900 hits per hour round the clock. DA has been featured in PC WEEK and PC TODAY. It's been on Ventana Media's short list of best internet sites. So if you want a lot of exposure at reasonable prices, contact me and I'll fill you in... Downtown Anywhere is a virtual city on the Web with a thriving economy and social culture. If you'd like to visit or to do business on the internet through Downtown Anywhere, please contact me via e-mail, and I'll fill you in. Downtown Anywhere's WWW internet address is: http://www.awa.com/ =========================================================== J. DISCLAIMERS =========================================================== By using this program or trying it out, you agree to the following: 1. GRANT OF LICENSE: This license agreement permits you to keep and store this program for your use. It also allows you to pass along copies to friends and colleagues, etc. who may be interested in using the software. You may not attempt to remove the SoftLock or circumvent it by any means other than actual registration with SoftLock Services. 2. COPYRIGHT. This SOFTWARE is owned by Timothy J. Turner and is protected under U.S. copyright laws. By remitting your registration fee to SoftLock Services, you are granted a license to use this program on one computer only. You may not run this program over a network or use other means to allow multiple users simultaneous access. You may copy the program to "share" with 3rd parties as long as you distribute this document along with the program. You may not attempt to remove the SoftLock or circumvent it by any means other than actual registration with SoftLock Services. 3. WARRANTIES: LIMITED WARRANTY: This SOFTWARE is not warranted to perform to any specification or any other express warranty. This software is meant only as a guide and is not meant to be taken as advice as to any investment approach or method. It should be used for estimation purposes only. Caculations are not warranted to be exact. Any implied warranties on the software are limited to 90 days from the time you remit your registration fee. In no case will an unregistered copy be warranted. Some states do not allow limitations on duration of an implied warranty, so the above limitation may not apply to you. CUSTOMER REMEDIES: The owner's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be, at my option, return of the registration fee or replacement of the software. The LIMITED WARRANTY is void if failure of the software or hardware has resulted from accident, abuse, neglect or misapplication. NO OTHER WARRANTIES: The owner disclaims all other warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantibility and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to the software and the accompanying written materials. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have others, which vary from state to state. NO LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES: In no event shall the owner of the software's copyright be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, investment losses, inaccuracy in calculating/performing, or other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this software, even if the owner has been advised of such damages. Because some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you. In any case, by using the software you agree to limit all damages to no more than the price you paid for the SOFTWARE. =========================================================== K. COPYRIGHT/TRADEMARK NOTICES =========================================================== $401K PLANner is a Trademark of Timothy J. Turner. $401K PLANner and this file is ©1994-1995 Timothy J. Turner. SoftLock is a Trademark of SoftLock Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Downtown Anywhere is a Trademark of Anywhere Associates. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. =========================================================== L. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS =========================================================== To my good friend Dave Monty, who at my urging, learned Visual Basic and created the Windows version of $401K Planner. His insight into 401(k) planning helped create a windows version that's arguably more user friendly than the original Mac version. To my family...Thanks for your unending patience as Daddy worked diligently on the 'puter. During the course of this and other projects, my son frequently told me "Daddy don't get on the 'puter." And in all of my love for him, I obliged his requests (at least until he went to bed). As for my sweet baby daughter, she frequently crawled over to try to chew on my feet or swat at my legs as I worked on the 'puter. That was her way of saying "Daddy get off the 'puter". And my wife was far more straight-forward in the matter and frequently told me to "Get off the 'puter" or that she was going to "break that darn 'puter". I haven't yet broken the news to her that the money I make from this program will go towards a much needed family vacation AND a newer better faster 'puter for Daddy (so we can have two 'puters ) 8-) To Jon Schull...Thanks for SoftLock and Downtown Anywhere -- hopefully my means to the glorious goal of self-employment (or the next best thing - a job as a virtual employee working for a virtual corporation - an "Anywhere Associate"?). To Ed Hazen... for constantly answering my questions about VB and SoftLock, and for doing a decent job beta testing the Windows version. =========================================================== THE END $401K PLANner for Windows Version 1.0 README -------------------------------- © Copyright 1994-95, Timothy J. Turner