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Help Contents
Contents

Overview

Introduction

Getting Started

Where to Start

Entering Debts

Setting Up a Budget

Setting Up a Debt Payment Plan

Generating Checks

File Operations

Overview

New File Operation

Open File Operation

Close File Operation

Password Operation

Backup File Operation

Import File Operation

Export File Operation

Repair File Operation

Operations

Overview

Accounts

Debts

Debt Charges

Debt Payment Schedule

Check Register

Balance Budget

Balance Checkbook

Payment Schedule

Categories

Generate Checks

Graphs

Overview

Graph Setup

Graphs of Current Debts

Graphs of Debts

Graphs of Debt Charges

Graphs of Current Budget

Graphs of Account by Category

Options

Overview

Desktop Options

Auto Arrange Option

Display Logo Option

Save Desktop on Exit Option

Window Options

Overview

Cascade Windows Option

Tile Windows Option

Arrange Icons Option

Close Window Option

Close All Windows Option

Help Options

Overview

F1 Help

Contents

Search for Help on?

Help on Using Help

Getting Started

About Debt Dr.

MicroVision Software Support Services


Introduction

Origins of Debt Dr.

Who should use Debt Dr.?


Origins of Debt Dr.

Congratulations on your decision to take the first step towards managing your credit!  We are confident that Debt Dr. will help you  successfully  meet your personal financial needs..

Development of this product began because  similar products available  lacked  the tools  needed  to  run a complete personal financial program.  Other programs we looked  at  only  handled  budgets,  check writing , categorizing expenses, and so forth.

Debt Dr. has taken personal finance software a step further.  Debt Dr. programs have a variety of tools  available which gives the user an exact picture of  their financial position.  Also, they can see how much they owe,  how much interest they're paying, how long it will take to pay off a debt, and what happens when they pay more than the required minimum payment..


Who should use Debt Dr.?

Anyone who has credit cards, outstanding debts, and uses Microsoft Windows.  You  do not have to have credit problems to benefit from this program.  If you want to save money and pay off your debts sooner, or you want a better way of keeping track of your debts, income, and expenses, then this program is for you.


Where to Start

Prerequisites and Overview

Before using Debt Dr. you should be familiar with standard Windows operations.  If not, (or for a quick review) please refer to Windows on-line tutorial.

Windows tutorial can be accessed from the Program Manager Window by selecting. Help-Windows Tutorial.

If you have any questions relating to standard Windows Operations select Help-Contents from the Program Manager Window.  For help on using Help, select How to Use Help.

If you have a question  which relates specifically to Debt Dr. select Help from Debt Dr.'s main menu. For help on using Debt Dr. Help, select.  Help on using Help.

The following section will guide you through the required steps needed to begin using Debt Dr. on a daily basis. (Complete Debt Dr. instructions  can be found in subbsequent chapters.)

The steps included in this section are:

•	Entering Debts

•	Entering a Budget

•	Calculating a Payment Schedule

•	Generating Checks

•	Printing Checks


Entering Debts

From Debt Dr.'s main menu select Operations.  To enter a debt, select Debts,. or click  the Debt Icon (pictured at left) on the main toolbar.  The following window should appear.

Figure 1. Manage Debts

Related Topics:

Add a New Debt


Add a New Debt

1.	To enter a new debt, click  Add in the Manage Debts window. The following window will appear:

Figure 2. Debt Form

2.	Enter Description of debt you are entering.  Enter creditor's  name, or name of credit card company.  For example, Citibank Visa, or BofA Master Card.

3.	Enter Card Number. Enter account number or credit card number, (supports up to 20 characters).

4.	Enter Address.  Enter company name and address, (supports up to 4 lines of 40 characters each). Debt Dr. uses this data (including pay to the order of name) when printing checks.. .

5.	Enter Credit Limit.  Enter the credit limit amount approved for this account. If  you don't know the limit, use the current outstanding balance amount. (This amount can be changed at any time.)

6.	Enter Balance Due.  Enter the total outstanding balance owed on this account.  (Do not use current amount due.)

7.	Enter Minimum Due.  Enter the minimum amount due specified  on your monthly statement.  If you don't know the amount, enter 20.00.

8.	Enter Payment.  Enter the amount you are paying this billing cycle. (Minimum payment amount may be used.).

9.	Check Accelerate Payments.  If this box is checked the Payment Schedule Calculation automatically increases the payment amout when extra funds become available.

10.	Enter Day Pymt Due.  Enter the number of the day your payment is due.  (Do not enter the date,  enter a number between 1 and 31.)

11.	Enter Interest Rate.  Enter the interest rate charged on an annual basis for this account.

Note:  When calculating minimum payment don't forget interest. If minimum payment does not account for interest, the message below will appear.

To calculate the minimum payment amount including interest;multiply  interest rate by Balance Due.   Payment amount entered has to be greater than the result.	Figure 3. Calculation Input Error
12.	Click OK.  Re-enter Balance Due, Payment, and Interest Rate.

              13.  If everything is correct,  click the OK button on right of  the Debts           form.  Congratulations, you have successfully entered your first debt.

Repeat steps 1 through 12 to add new debts..


Setting Up a Budget

Concepts in Budgeting

Entering a Budget

Add Sources of Income

Add Expenses

Changing Balance Budget Date Ranges


Concepts in Budgeting

Now thay you've established payment amounts on your debts, you can set up a budget.  If you are like most people, and only make minimum payments it will take a very long time to pay off your debts.  If you want to get out of debt as fast as possible setup a budget.  A budget will show you the best way to apply any money you may have left over.

Debt Dr. has been structured to help you manage your debts and pay them off as quickly as possible. Debt Dr. calculates budget amounts by taking your income and subtracting your debts and expenses for a given period. Debt Dr.'s budget consists  of recurring income, expenses and debts.  The income and expenses you enter when setting up a budget are used to generate entries in your check register by running the Generate Checks operation.  Debt Dr. will automatically generate recurring payments, as well as it handles credit card payments.


Entering a Budget

Select Operations from the main menu of Debt Dr. and then select Budget or click the Budget icon (pictured at left) on the main toolbar.  The following window will appear:

Figure 4. Balance Budget


Add Sources of Income

1.	Click the Add button at the right of the Budget form.  The following window will appear:

Figure 5. Income Form

2.	Enter Description.  Enter the description of the source of Income.  For example if it is your salary enter Salary.

3.	Enter  Income Day.  Enter the day that you expect to receive this income.  For example, if you get paid on the 1st of each month, enter 1.

4.	Enter Repeat Every .  Enter the number of times you  will receive this income for a given period of time.

5.	Enter Time Period.  Enter time period you are referring to in the Repeat Every number.  For instance, if you get paid every month select Month/s.

6.	Enter Date Due.  The date due will automatically default to today's date plus the Repeat Every Time Period.  For example, enter 1/1/94 as the Date Due.  (See Using the Date Spin Buttons for changing default date.)

7.	Enter Income Type. by either selecting the drop down list button, or by entering the first few letters of the Income Type.  If you want to add a new type that is not in the current list, please refer to Adding New Categories.

8.	Now you can enter the Income Amount field.  For instance if you are paid $3,000.25 per month enter 3000.25.

9.	If everything is OK click the OK button at the right of the Income form.  You've just added a new source of income.

To add another income, repeat Steps 1 through 9 above.


Add Expenses

1.	Click or select the Expense Table so the Expense Type, Date Due and Amount headings are highlighted.

2.	Click the Add button at the right of the Budget form.  The following window will appear:

Figure 6. Expense Form

3.	Enter the Pay to the Order of field.  For example, enter PG & E for your utility expense.

4.	Enter the Day Due field.  This is the day of the month the expense occurs.  For instance if your utility bill is due on the 15th of each month enter 15.

5.	Now enter the Expense Amount field.  Enter 91.75, for example, if your utility bill is $91 and 75 cents.

6.	The Expense Address field will automatically default the Pay to the Order of field entered earlier.  Add the additional lines of address at this time. The information entered in this field will print in the address window of your printed check.  For example, enter 123 W. Main Street, New York, NY, 20001 for the Address.

7.	Enter the Memo field next.  This is usually the account number of your expense.  For instance, if your PG & E Account number is DKE-8729-876, then enter Account Number DKE-8729-876.

8.	You can now enter the Repeat Every field.  This field is the number of times your expense occurs within a given period of time.  For instance if your PG & E bill is due once every month, then enter 1.

9.	Now enter the Time Period in which the expense recurs.  If the expense occurs every month enter or select Month/s.

10.	Enter the Expense Category by either selecting the drop down list button, or by entering the first few letters of the Expense Category for this Expense.  If you want to add a new category that is not in the current list, please refer to Adding New Categories.

11.	The Date Due field will automatically default to today's date plus the Repeat Every Time Period.  For example, enter 1/1/94 as the Date Due

12.	Check the Print Check box if you want Generate Checks to automatically create a check for this expense.

13.	If everything is OK click the OK button at the right of the Expense form.  That completes the steps in adding a new expense.

To add another expense, repeat Steps 1 through 13 above.


Changing Balance Budget Date Ranges

By selecting the Budget Date Ranges you will be able to see your budget for any given period of time.

1.	Click the Range button at the right of the Balance Budget form.  The following window will appear:

Figure 7. Budget Date Ranges

2.	Enter the From Date field.  For example if you want to see your budget expense, income and debts starting from 9/18/1994, then enter 9/18/94.

3.	Enter the To Date field.  If the ending date for your budget is 10/2/1994 enter 10/2/94.

4.	Click the Use Debt Payment Schedule box if you are using the Debt Payment Schedule to pay your debts.  This option will base the debt portion of your budget on your payment schedule.

5.	Click the OK button when you have completed the above steps.

Now that you have established a budget, you are ready to go to the next step: setting up a debt payment schedule.


Setting Up a Debt Payment Plan

Establishing a plan of attack toward getting out of debt is one of the most important steps you will need to take.  The problem with other plans is that they were too restrictive or rigid.  We had every intention of sticking to our plan, but eventually something would happened that forced us to change our plan.  Because our plan didn't allow for variances or the unexpected, we got frustrated and gave up.

The beauty of setting up a debt payment plan with Debt Dr. is that it allows for changes, the unexpected, and is very flexible.  Depending on your situation you can revise your plan as often as you like.  You will never have to give up again.  So let's get started!

The first thing you will need to do is determine how much you can afford each month to apply toward your debts.  Next, you need to establish a payment plan.

Related Topics:

Determining Debt Payment Budget Amount

Calculating a Payment Schedule

Steps to Calculating a Payment Schedule


Determining Debt Payment Budget Amount

Since you have already established a budget in the above section, you are now ready for the next step.  Ask yourself, How much can I afford to apply toward my debts?  In establishing your budget, only the total current debt payments have been factored in.  If you are going to get out of debt sooner, you will need to pay more than you are currently.  Take the following example:

	Amount	New Amount
1. Total Income	$2,000.00	$2,000.00
2. Total Debt Payments	$300.00	$500.00
3. Total Expenses	$1,500.00	$1,500.00
4. Budget Amount	$200.00	$0.00
Table 1. Debt Payment Budget

In this example the new Debt Payment Budget is determined by adding the Budget Amount to the Total Debt Payments.  For example, $300.00 + $200.00 = $500.00.  This amount will be used when you calculate your payment schedule.


Calculating a Payment Schedule

Select Operations from the main menu of Debt Dr. and then select Payment Schedule.  You can also select the Payment Schedule form by clicking the Payment Schedule icon (pictured at left) on the main toolbar.  The following window will appear:

Figure 8. Payment Schedule


Steps to Calculating a Payment Schedule

1.	Enter the Payment Schedule Starting Date.  This is the date you plan to make your first payment toward your debts.  For example, if you plan to make your next debt payment on 10/1/1994 enter 10/1/94.

2.	Now enter the Payment Schedule Budget Amount.  This is the amount you have determined you can afford to pay toward paying off your debts.  The Default Amount is the total of your current Debt Payments.  Enter the amount you calculated in the previous section of this chapter.  If your Debt Payment Budget Amount is $500.00 enter 500.

3.	Select the Apply Leftover Payments to list box and select one of the following options:

1. Highest Balance	Leftover payments will be applied to the debt with the highest balance first.
2. Lowest Balance	Leftover payments will be applied to the debt with the lowest balance first.
3. Highest Interest	Leftover payments will be applied to the debt with the highest interest first.
4. Highest Payment	Leftover payments will be applied to the debt with the highest payment first.
5. Lowest Payment	Leftover payments will be applied to the debt with the lowest payment first.
6. Minimum Payment	Leftover payments will NOT be applied and the minimum payment will be applied to each debt.
7. Do Not Apply	Leftover payments will NOT be applied and a fixed payment of the current payment will be applied to each debt.
Table 2. Apply Leftover Payments

4.	When the above information has been entered or selected click the OK button.

6.	After Debt Dr. is finished calculating the Payment Schedule you will have the option of printing the schedule to the printer.  Click the Print button to print the Payment Schedule to the printer.  You can also view the current schedule by using the scroll bar at the bottom of the Payment Schedule Grid.

7.	If you have reviewed the current Payment Schedule and are satisfied with the results, then click Cancel to close the form.

To calculate the Payment Schedule again, repeat steps 1 through 7.

Now that you have entered your debts, established a budget, and set up a debt payment plan, you are ready to generate checks.


Generating Checks

The Generate Checks Operation automatically creates checks based on Current Debts, Current Expenses, and Due Dates that fall within a given date range.

Related Topics:

How to Generate Checks

Steps to Generating Checks


How to Generate Checks

Select Operations from the main menu of Debt Dr. and then select Generate Checks.  You can also select the Generate Checks form by clicking the Generate Checks icon (at left) on the main toolbar.  The following window will appear:

Figure 9. Generate Checks


Steps to Generating Checks

1.	Enter the From Date Range.  This is the first due date you want to generate checks from.  For instance, if you have debts or expenses due on 9/17/1994 enter 9/17/94.

2.	Enter the To Date Range.  This is the last due date you want to generate checks up to and including.  For example, if you have debts or expenses due up to 10/1/1994 that you want to pay, enter 10/1/94.

3.	Next enter the Check Date.  This is the date checks will be printed, normally today's date.  If today's date is 10/1/1994 enter 10/1/94.

4.	Now select or deselect the Use Debt Payment Schedule check box.  Check this box if you want to generate a check with a date due and amount based on the Payment Schedule.

5.	Select or deselect the Include Deposits check box.  For example, if you want to create a deposit transaction in the Check Register then check this box.

6.	When the above information is correct, click OK to begin generating checks.

After Debt Dr. Generates Checks it automatically opens the Check Register Form with the entries you just generated.  After checks are generated they are ready to be printed.


File Operations - Overview
Overview

What is Covered in this Chapter

This chapter will cover how to add a new Debt Dr. file, how to open an existing file, closing a file, adding passwords to your file, backing up files, importing and exporting files, repairing files and setting up printer options.

In this section you will learn what you need to know in order to maintain your Debt Dr. files.  The following is an overview of sections covered in this chapter:

New File	Import File Operation
Open File	Export File Operation
Close File	Repair File Operation
Password Protection	Printer Setup Operation
Backup File
Table 3. File Operations


New File Operation

Choose File at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose New File.  Or you can choose the New File icon (pictured at left) on the main toolbar.  The following dialogue box will appear:

Figure 10. Create New File

Related Topics:

How to Add a New File


How to Add a New File

1.	Enter the File Name of the file you want to create.  For instance, if you want to create a new file with your first name and your name is Dan, then you would enter Dan.  It is not necessary to enter the extension .mdb, but it is also OK if you do.

2.	Select the drive and directory where you wish to locate the file.  Refer to Windows Help if you are unsure how to change the drive and directory in any common dialogue box.

3.	When the above information is correct, then click the OK button.

4.	If you have selected an existing file, then you will be asked if you want to replace existing file.  If you are unsure, click NO and repeat steps 1 through 3.  Otherwise click the Yes button to continue.

Figure 11. File Already Exist

5.	You will then be asked if you want to create default categories.  The following message box will appear:

Figure 12. Create Default Categories?

6.	Click the Yes button if you want Debt Dr. to create a set of categories for this new file.  Otherwise Click No and no categories will be created.  Next you will be asked if you want to create a default bank Account.  The following message box will appear:

Figure 13. Create Default Bank Account

7.	Click the Yes button if you want to automatically create a default bank account.  If Not, then click the No button and later you will  need to add your own account.

To create additional files for other members in your household repeat Steps 1 through 7.


Open File Operation

Choose File at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Open File.  Or you can choose the Open File Icon (pictured at left) on the main toolbar.  The following dialogue box will appear:

Figure 14. Open File Dialogue

Related Topics:

How to Open an Existing File


How to Open an Existing File

1.	Enter the File Name of the file you want to open.  For instance if you want to open a file with your first name and your name is Dan, then you would enter Dan.  It is not necessary to enter the extension .mdb, but it is also OK if you do.

2.	Select the drive and directory where the file is located.  Refer to Windows Help if you are unsure how to change the drive and directory in any common dialogue box.

3.	When the above information is correct, then click the OK button.

4.	If the file you are attempting to open is already being used by another application, you will get the following message:

Figure 15. File is already in use

5.	Click OK and open another file or close the file being used by another application.  Attempt to open the file again.

6.	If the file you are attempting to open is not compatible with Debt Dr. the following window will appear:

Figure 16. Unable to Open Debts Table

7.	Click OK and open another file that was originally created by Debt Dr. or attempt to repair the database file. See Repair File Operation.

To open another file repeat steps 1 through 7.


Close File Operation

The Close File Operation closes the current file presently open by Debt Dr.  If you currently do not have a file open, the Close File option will not be available.

Related Topics:

How to Close the Current File


How to Close the Current File

Choose File at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Close File.  Note that after you have closed a file, many of the menu options are no longer available.  When you open another file the menu options related to an open file will reappear.


Password Operation

The Password Operation allows you to attach a password to your existing Debt Dr. File.  This will prevent others from accessing your file.

Related Topics:

How to Password Protect a File


How to Password Protect a File

1.	Choose File for the Debt Dr. main menu and then choose Password.  The following window will appear:

Figure 17. Change Password

2.	Enter the Password to be attached to the current file.

3.	If the password is correct, choose OK.  Otherwise re-enter the password or choose Cancel.

To change the password at a later date, repeat steps 1 through 3.


Backup File Operation

Choose File at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Backup File.  Or you can choose the Backup File Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  The following dialogue box will appear:

Figure 18. Backup File

Related Topics:

How to Backup the Current File


How to Backup the Current File

1.	Enter the File Name of the file you want to backup.  For instance if you want to backup to the file named Backup, then you would enter Backup.  It is not necessary to enter the extension .mdb, but if you do that is OK.

2.	Select the drive and directory where you want the file to be located.  Refer to Windows Help if you are unsure how to change the drive and directory in the common dialogue box.

3.	When the above information is correct, then click the OK button.

4.	If you are backing up to an existing file, you will be ask if you want to replace the existing file.  The following message will appear:

Figure 19. Backup File Already Exist

5.	Click Yes if you want to replace the existing file.  Otherwise click No, and re-enter the filename you want to backup to.

To perform another backup at a later date, repeat steps 1 through 5 above.


Import File Operation

Choose File at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Import.  The following dialogue box will appear:

Figure 20. Import File

Related Topics:

How to Import a File


How to Import a File

1.	Check the boxes, located in the Files to Import Section, corresponding to the Files you want to import.  The following is a table of the available files to import and where they would be commonly located in other applications:

Debt Dr. Files	Import From Other Applications
Debts	Accounts
Debt Transactions	Account Register
Payment Schedule	Not Available
Split Interest	Not Available
Check Register	Account Register
Income	Memorized Transactions
Expenses	Memorized Transactions
Accounts	Accounts
Categories	Categories
Setup	Not Available
Table 4. Available Import Tables

2.	Enter the Import Filename.  This is the name and location of the file you wish to import from.  You can also use the Browse Button to select the file you want to import.  The following is a list of Import File Formats Supported:

Applications	File Extensions
Quicken	QIF
Table 5. Application File Extensions

3.	If you are importing to the Check Register, Income, or Expense Files then you will need to indicate the Account you want to import too.  Use the Drop-down List Button to select from a list of available accounts.

4.	When you have entered the above information, click OK.

To import information from another file repeat steps 1 through 4.


Export File Operation

Choose File at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Export.  The following dialogue box will appear:

Figure 21. Export Files

Related Topics:

How to Export a File


How to Export a File

1.	Check the boxes, located in the Files to Export Section, corresponding to the Files you want to export.  The following is a table of the available files to export and where they would be commonly located in other applications:

Debt Dr. Files	Export to Other Applications
Debts	Accounts
Debt Transactions	Account Register
Payment Schedule	Not Available
Split Interest	Not Available
Check Register	Account Register
Income	Memorized Transactions
Expenses	Memorized Transactions
Accounts	Accounts
Categories	Categories
Setup	Not Available
Table 6. Available Export Tables

2.	Enter the Export Filename.  This is the name and location of the file you wish to export to.  You can also use the Browse Button to select the file you want to export.  The following is a list of Export File Formats Supported:

Applications	File Extensions
Quicken	QIF
Table 7. Export File Extensions

3.	If you are exporting the Check Register, Income, or Expense Files then you will need to indicate the Account you want to export from.  Use the Drop-down List Button to select from a list of available accounts.

4.	When you have entered the above information, click OK.

To export information at a later time or from another file, repeat steps 1 through 4.


Repair File Operation

The Repair File Operation is a utility that allows you to recover a corrupted database file.  Database files can get corrupted in several ways: Power surges, power failures, hardware related problems, turning off a computer prior to closing applications, and software related problems.

Related Topics:

When Should You Repair a File?


When Should You Repair a File?

You should repair a file when you are unable to open the file or you know the database file was corrupted.  If you are unable to open a database file a window similar to the following window will appear:

Figure 22. When you should rapair a file

Click OK and try repairing the database file.  Choose File at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Repair.  The following dialogue box will appear:

Figure 23. Repair File

Related Topics:

How to Repair a File


How to Repair a File

1.	Enter the File Name of the file you want to repair.  For instance if you want to repair a file with your first name and your name is Dan, then you would enter Dan.  It is not necessary to enter the extension .mdb, but it is also OK if you do.

2.	Select the drive and directory where the file is located.  Refer to Windows Help if you are unsure how to change the drive and directory in any common dialogue box.

3.	When the above information is correct, then click the OK button.  The Status text box at the bottom of the screen will indicate that the file is being repaired.

If you want to repair another file or the same file at another time, repeat steps 1 through 3 above.


Operations - Overview
Overview

This chapter will cover what you need to know about managing Accounts, Debts, Debt Charges, Debt Payment Schedule, Check Register, Balance Budget, Balance Checkbook, Payment Schedule, Categories, Generate Checks and Print Check Operations.  Under the Sections for Debts, Balance Budget, Payment Schedule, Generate Checks, and Print Checks, we will only cover new information not found in the Getting Started Chapter.  For additional information about these sections, please review  Where to Start.


Accounts

This section covers what you need to know about managing Checking, Savings, Bond, Mutual Fund, Stock and Other bank accounts in Debt Dr.

Related Topics:

How to Select Account Operation


How to Select Account Operation

Choose Operations at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Accounts.  Or you can choose the Accounts Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 24. Maintain Accounts

Related Topics:

Adding New Accounts

Editing Existing Accounts

Deleting Existing Accounts


Adding New Accounts

1.	Click the Add button at the right of the Accounts form.  The following window will appear:

Figure 25. Account Form

2.	Enter the Account Number for the Account you want to Add.  If you don't have an account number then you can leave this field blank or enter a short description of the account.  For instance if your account number is 101 then enter 101.

3.	Select the Account Type by either entering the first few characters or selecting the drop-down list of account types.  Your choices include Bonds, Checking, Savings, Stocks, Mutual Funds or Other Accounts.  For example select Savings, if you are adding a savings account.

4.	If you are entering a checking account then enter the Next Check Number.  This is the next available check you have of you pre-printed checks.  Let's say the your next available check number is 1001 then enter 1001.  Otherwise, if you are not adding a new checking account then go to step 5.

5.	Enter the Account Name of your Account.  You can enter anything here, but normally you would enter the name of the bank and the type of account.  For instance, if your adding a Savings Account for Bank of America, then you would enter B of A Savings.

6.	Now enter the Account Balance.  This is the dollar amount of you account balance.  Let's say you have two thousand dollars in your savings account, you would enter 2000.

7.	If everything is all right, then click the OK button at the right of the Account form.

8.	If you want to add several accounts at once, you have this option by selecting the Add button.  The current account just entered will be saved, the form will clear and you will be ready to add another account.

To Add another Account, just repeat Steps 1 though 8 above.


Editing Existing Accounts

1.	Highlight the Account you want to edit in the Accounts window.  You can select an account for editing by either double-clicking the account with your mouse, or moving the highlight bar to the account and pressing enter.  You can also edit the account by selecting the account and then clicking the Edit button found at the right of the Accounts Window.

2.	Once you have selected an account for editing, the Account form will appear.  To change information for the account you have selected, click the field you want to change, and make your changes.

3.	When your changes are correct, click the OK button to save your changes.

4.	If you decide you do not want to save the changes just made, then click the Cancel button found at the right of the Account Form.

To edit another account, repeat Steps 1 though 4 above.


Deleting Existing Accounts

1.	Select the Account you want to delete.

2.	Then click the Delete button at the right of the Accounts Window.  You will be asked if you are sure you want the delete this account by the following dialogue:

Figure 26. Delete Current Account?

3.	If you are sure you want to delete this account, click OK otherwise click Cancel.

To delete another account, repeat the above Steps 1 through 3.


Debts

This section covers what you need to know about maintaining your Debt file.  We  will cover selecting Debts for Editing and Deleting and adding new Debts..

Related Topics:

How to Select Debt Operation


How to Select Debt Operation

Select Operation from the main menu and then select Debts.  The Debts Window will appear.

Please refer to Where to Startof this manual for information on Entering Debts.

Related Topics:

Adding New Debts

Editing Existing Debts

Deleting Existing Debts


Adding New Debts

Click the Add button at the right of the Debts Window.  The clear Debt form will appear.  Enter the appropriate information for the new debt you want to add.

Please refer to Where to Start for more information on adding new debts.


Editing Existing Debts

1.	Highlight the Debt you want to edit in the Debts window.  You can select an Debt for editing by either double-clicking the debt with your mouse, or moving the highlight bar to the debt and pressing enter.  You can also edit the debt by selecting the debt and then clicking the Edit button found at the right of the Debts Window.

2.	Once you have selected an debt for editing, the Debt form will appear.  To change information for the debt you have selected, click the field you want to change, and make your changes.

3.	When your changes are correct, click the OK button to save your changes.

4.	If you decide you do not want to save the changes just made, then click the Cancel button found at the right of the Debt form.


Deleting Existing Debts

1.	Select the Debt you want to delete.

2.	Then click the Delete button at the right of the Debts Window.  You will be asked if you are sure you want the delete this debt by the following dialogue:

Figure 27. Delete Current Debt?

3.	If you are sure you want to delete this debt, click OK otherwise click Cancel.

To delete another debt, repeat the above Steps 1 through 3.


Debt Charges

This section covers what you need to know about maintaining your Debt Charges and Credits.  We  will also cover selecting debt charges operation, selecting an existing debt, adding new debt charges, editing existing debt charges and deleting existing debt charges.

Related Topics:

How to Select Debt Charges Operation


How to Select Debt Charges Operation

Choose Operations at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Debt Charges.  Or you can choose the Debt Charges Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 28. Debt Transactions Window

Related Topics:

Selecting an Existing Debt

Changing Debt Charge Ranges

Adding New Debt Charges

Editing Existing Debt Charges

Deleting Existing Debt Charges


Operations - How to Select Debt Charges Operation - Selecting an Existing Debt
Selecting an Existing Debt

Select the Current Debt field by clicking the field or by choosing the drop-down list button to the right.  You can also enter the first few characters of the debt name to select an existing debt.  One a debt is selected, charges relating to that debt will be displayed.


Changing Debt Charge Ranges

Debt Charges are displayed according to the options at the top of the debt charges window.  You can view charges for one month or the whole year and for a given month or year.

To view debt charges by the month, click the Current Month radio button.  You can also view debt charges by the year by clicking the Current Year radio button.

To look at different months or years, enter the month and year in the Month/Year text box.  Or you can use the spin button to change the month or year by clicking the spin button to the left or to the right.  The left button views the previous month or year, while the right button views the next month or year.


Adding New Debt Charges

1.	Click the Add button at the right of the Debt Charges Window.  The following window will appear:

Figure 29. Debt Transaction Form

2.	Enter the Transaction Date of the day the Charge took place.  If you made a charge on October 10, 1994, then enter 10/30/94.

3.	Enter the Description of the Charge.  For instance if you used your credit card to pay for dinner at your favorite restaurant, then enter My Favorite Restaurant for a description.

4.	Now enter the Reference Number for the charge.  The reference number appears at the left of a charge on your credit card statement.  This field may also be left blank.

5.	Select the Category the charge fall into.  For example, select Food as a category for Dinning out.

6.	Enter the Charges Amount field.  If you paid fifty dollars at the restaurant, then enter 50.

7.	If you are entering a credit to your account, skip the Charges field and enter the credit amount in the Credits field.

8.	If everything is all right, then click the OK button at the right of the Debt Charge form.

9.	If you want to add several Debt Charges at once, you have this option by selecting the Add button.  The current Charge just entered will be saved, the form will clear and you will be ready to add another Charge or Credit.

To Add another Debt Charge, just repeat Steps 1 though 9 above.


Editing Existing Debt Charges

1.	Highlight the Debt Charge or Credit you want to edit in the Debt Charges window.  You can select a Charge or Credit for editing by either double-clicking the Charge with your mouse, or moving the highlight bar to the Charge and pressing enter.  You can also edit the Charge by selecting the charge and then clicking the Edit button found at the right of the Debt Charges Window.

2.	Once you have selected a debt charge for editing, the Debt Charge form will appear.  To change information for the debt charge you have selected, click the field you want to change, and make your changes.

3.	When your changes are correct, click the OK button to save your changes.

4.	If you decide you do not want to save the changes just made, then click the Cancel button found at the right of the Debt Charge form.


Deleting Existing Debt Charges

1.	Select the Debt Charge you want to delete.

2.	Then click the Delete button at the right of the Debt Charges Window.  You will be asked if you are sure you want the delete this debt charge by the following dialogue:

Figure 30. Delete Current Debt Transaction?

3.	If you are sure you want to delete this debt charge, click OK otherwise click Cancel.

To delete another debt charge, repeat the above Steps 1 through 3.


Debt Payment Schedule

The Current Debt Payment Schedule Window allows you to view the payment schedule for any given debt.  The Payment Schedule on the other hand allows you to view the overall debt payment schedule, for all debts.  The Current Debt Payment Schedule is generated when you setup a payment schedule in the Payment Schedule Operation.  For Information on calculating a payment schedule, please refer to Calculating a Payment Schedule.

Related Topics:

How to Select Debt Payment Schedule Operation


How to Select Debt Payment Schedule Operation

Choose Operations at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Debt Pymt Schedule.  Or you can choose the Debt Payment Schedule Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 31. Debt Payment Schedule Window

Related Topics:

Selecting an Existing Debt

Viewing the Debt Payment Schedule


Operations - How to Select Debt Payment Schedule Operation - Selecting an Existing Debt
Selecting an Existing Debt

Select the Current Debt field by clicking the field or by choosing the drop-down list button to the right.  You can also enter the first few characters of the debt name to select an existing debt.  One a debt is selected, charges relating to that debt will be displayed.


Viewing the Debt Payment Schedule

To view the debt payment schedule, click on the Payments Table starting with Payment Date.  The Payment Table heading will be highlighted once it is selected.  From here you can use the features available in the Payment Table to view the schedule.  Use the scroll bar at the right of the table to view the beginning and end of the list.  Use the scroll bar at the bottom to view more columns to the right and left of the table.

The Debt Payment Schedule can provide helpful information.  You can see the payment dates, payment amounts, principle balance and much more.  It also lets you know exactly when this debt is expected to paid off.  Just go to the end of the list and notice the last payment date.


Check Register

How to Select Check Register Operation

Choose Operations at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Check Register.  Or you can choose the Check Register Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 32. Check Register Window

Related Topics:

Adding New Check Register Entries

Editing Existing Check Register Entries

Deleting Existing Check Register Entries


Adding New Check Register Entries

1.	Click the Add button at the right of the Check Register Window.  The following window will appear:

Figure 33. Check Register Entry Form

2.	Enter the Register Date of the day the entry took place.  If you wrote a check on November 5, 1994, then enter 11/5/94.

3.	Enter the Register Type for the register entry.  For instance if you wrote a check to pay for an expense, then enter the first few character of check or select the drop-down list to the right and select check.  The following is a list of other types of Check Register Entries:

Register Types	Description	Effect on Balance
Adj	Adjustments	Subtracts from Balance
Check	Checks	Subtracts from Balance
Deposit	Deposits	Add to Balance
ATM	Automatic Teller Machine	Subtracts from Balance
AutoCheck	Automatic Payments	Subtracts from Balance
AutoDep	Automatic Deposit	Adds to Balance
Table 8. Register Types and Effect on Account Balance

4.	Now enter the Payee Name for the entry.  You can enter the first few characters of the payee name or click the drop-down list button to the right and select the payee name.  If you are making an entry for a payee name that is not in the list, then enter the new payee name.

5.	Enter the Amount for the Check Register Entry.  If you are making an entry for a payee that is in your memorized list, then the amount will default from the memorized list.  Let's say you making a one hundred dollar payment, enter 100.  If you want to make a positive adjustment to your account, then you need to enter a minus sign before the amount.  For example, if you want to make a one hundred dollar adjustment that increases you balance, you would enter -100.

6.	Now enter the Register Number.  This can be either a number or an alpha-number reference, like J-101-001.  If you are entering a check that is about to be printed, leave the number field blank, as the Print Checks Operation will assign the number.

7.	Enter the Register Category.  This is the group or category of the entry.  Enter the first few characters of the category or click the drop-down list to the right and select the appropriate category.  If the category you want to assign is not in the list, you can add the new category at this time.  For more information on adding new categories, refer to the section on Adding New Categories.

8.	Next enter the Payee Address.  If you are not entering a check, you can leave this field blank.  If you are entering a register entry for a memorized transaction, the address will default from the memorized entry.

9.	Now check or uncheck the Register Cleared box.  The cleared box refers to whether this entry has cleared the bank or not.  This field is used in the Balance Checkbook.

10.	Check or uncheck the Register Print box.  This box determines if you want to print this check or not.  If the Register Type is not a Check, then this field is ignored.

11.	Check or uncheck the Register Memorize box.  If you are entering a Register Entry for the first time and you want to save the entry for later or reoccurring transactions, check this box.  If you check this box, before the entry is saved you will be asked if you want to memorize this entry as a Check, Deposit or Debt.  Make the appropriate response to continue.  You can also save a memorized register entry by replacing an existing memorized entry.  This is useful when you want to save the new amount, address or memo fields for a memorized entry.

12.	Now enter the Register Memo.  For a check, this field will print on you check.  Normally this is used as a reference to an account number.

13.	If everything is all right, then click the OK button at the right of the Register Entry form.

14.	If you want to add several Register Entries at once, you have this option by selecting the Add button.  The current entry just entered will be saved, the form will clear and you will be ready to add another Register Entry.

To Add another Register Entry, repeat Steps 1 though 14 above.


Editing Existing Check Register Entries

1.	Highlight the Register Entry you want to edit in the Check Register window.  You can select an entry for editing by either double-clicking the entry with your mouse, or moving the highlight bar to the entry and pressing enter.  You can also edit the entry by selecting it and then clicking the Edit button found at the right of the Check Register window.

2.	Once you have selected a Register Entry for editing, the Register Entry form will appear.  To change information for the entry you have selected, click the field you want to change, and make your changes.

3.	When your changes are correct, click the OK button to save them.

4.	If you decide you do not want to save the changes just made, then click the Cancel button found at the right of the Register Entry form.


Deleting Existing Check Register Entries

1.	Select the Register Entry you want to delete.

2.	Then click the Delete button at the right of the Check Register window.  You will be asked if you are sure you want the delete this entry by the following dialogue:

Figure 34. Delete Current Register Entry?

3.	If you are sure you want to delete this entry, click OK otherwise click Cancel.

To delete another register entry, repeat the above Steps 1 through 3.


Balance Budget

This section will cover what you need to know about using the Balance Budget Operation.  Because some areas of balancing your budget were already covered in the Getting Started section, not everything will be covered in this section.  For more information about the Balance Budget Operation please refer to Where to Start, Entering a Budget.

Related Topics:

How to Select Balance Budget Operation


How to Select Balance Budget Operation

Select Operation from the main menu and then select Balance Budget.  The Balance Budget Window will appear.

Please refer to the Where to Start, Entering a Budget of this manual for information on selecting the Balance Budget Operation.

Related Topics:

Adding New Sources of Income

Editing Existing Sources of Income

Deleting Existing Sources of Income

Adding New Expenses

Editing Existing Expenses

Deleting Existing Expenses

Understanding How Your Budget is Generated


Adding New Sources of Income

Click the Add button at the right of the Balance Budget Window.  An empty Income form will appear.  Enter the appropriate information for the new source of income you want to add.

Please refer to the Where to Start. Add Sources of Income for more information on adding Income.


Editing Existing Sources of Income

1.	Highlight the Source of Income you want to edit in the Balance Budget window.  You can select a source of income for editing by either double-clicking the income with your mouse, or moving the highlight bar to the Income and pressing enter.  You can also edit the source of income by selecting the income and then clicking the Edit button found at the right of the Balance Budget window.

2.	Once you have selected a source of income for editing, the Income form will appear.  To change information for the income you have selected, click the field you want to change, and make your changes.

3.	When your changes are correct, click the OK button  ohsave your changes.

4.	If you decide you do not want to save the changes just made, then click the Cancel button found at the right of the Income form.


Deleting Existing Sources of Income

1.	Select the source of income you want to delete.

2.	Then click the Delete button at the right of the Balance Budget Window.  You will be asked if you are sure you want the delete this income by the following dialogue:

Figure 35. Delete Current Income?

3.	If you are sure you want to delete this income, click OK otherwise click Cancel.

To delete another source of income, repeat the above Steps 1 through 3.


Adding New Expenses

Click the Add button at the right of the Balance Budget Window.  An empty expense form will appear.  Enter the appropriate information for the new expense you want to add.

Please refer to the Error! Reference source not found., Add Expenses for more information on adding Expenses.


Editing Existing Expenses

1.	Highlight the Expense you want to edit in the Balance Budget window.  You can select an expense for editing by either double-clicking the expense with your mouse, or moving the highlight bar to the expense and pressing enter.  You can also edit the expense by selecting the expense and then clicking the Edit button found at the right of the Balance Budget window.

2.	Once you have selected a expense for editing, the Expense form will appear.  To change information for the expense you have selected, click the field you want to change, and make your changes.

3.	When your changes are correct, click the OK button to save your changes.

4.	If you decide you do not want to save the changes just made, then click the Cancel button found at the right of the Expense form.


Deleting Existing Expenses

1.	Select the Expense you want to delete.

2.	Then click the Delete button at the right of the Balance Budget Window.  You will be asked if you are sure you want the delete this expense by the following dialogue:

Figure 36. Delete Current Expense?

3.	If you are sure you want to delete this expense, click OK otherwise click Cancel.

To delete another expense, repeat the above Steps 1 through 3.


Understanding How Your Budget is Generated

Income, Expenses and Debts are factored into your budget based on the Date Range criteria.  The date range appears at the top of your Balance Budget window.  Income and Expenses are included in your budget based on the Due Date.  If the Due Date falls in between the Date range you have selected, it will be included in your budget.  Debts are included in the Total Debts calculation bases on the Day Due in your Debt Record.  For more information on selecting the Date Ranges in your budget, refer to Where to Start, Changing Balance Budget Date Ranges.


Balance Checkbook

This section covers what you need to know in order to balance the Check Register with you bank statement.  Some details as to how to enter a check register entry will not be covered in this section.

Related Topics:

How to Select Balance Checkbook Operation


How to Select Balance Checkbook Operation

Choose Operations at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Balance Checkbook.  Or you can choose the Balance Checkbook Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 37. Balance Checkbook Window

Related Topics:

How to Balance Your Checkbook


How to Balance Your Checkbook

1.	Enter the Statement Balance.  This is the current balance on your account usually indicated on your bank statement as the Ending Balance.

2.	Select the Check Register Table and click any entries that have cleared your bank.  Entries have cleared the bank when they appear on your bank statement.

3.	Click the Clear Button to clear the entry you have selected.  Entries that have been cleared will no longer appear in this window.  The Outstanding Deposits and Checks Totals will adjust accordingly.

4.	To add entries that are appear on you statement but do not appear in you check register, select the Add button and enter the new entry.  For more information on adding Check Register entries, please refer to Adding New Check Register Entries.

5.	To make any changes to check register entries, select the entry you want to change and double-click the item or press enter or select the Edit Button.  Make the appropriate changes and click the OK button on the Check Register Entry Form.

6.	Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until you have made the needed changes to balance you Check Register to Balance with you Bank Statement.

7.	Enter the Overdraft amount, if any.  The overdraft amount is the balance of your loan amount associated with your checking account.

8.	The Checkbook Balance Amount should now agree with your Check Register Balance.

To balance your checkbook at another time, repeat steps 1 through 8 above.


Operations - Payment Schedule
Payment Schedule

This section will cover some information you need to about how the payment schedule relates to other operations in Debt Dr.  This section will not cover the steps you need to know in order to setup a payment schedule.  For more information on setting up a payment plan, refer to the section on Setting Up a Debt Payment Plan.

The Payment Schedule affects the operation of several other operations in Debt Dr.  It affects the Debt Payment Schedule, Balance Budget, and Generate Checks.

Related Topics:

The Debt Payment Schedule and The Payment Schedule

Balance Budget and The Payment Schedule

Generate Checks and The Payment Schedule


The Debt Payment Schedule and The Payment Schedule

The Debt Payment Schedule is a list of scheduled payments for any given debt that was last generated by the Payment Schedule.  This is the planned payment schedule.  Actual payments are stored in the Debt Charges and Credits Table.


Balance Budget and The Payment Schedule

The Balance Budget Operation has an option to use the payment schedule when calculating the total debt amount budgeted.  You can activate this option by checking the box Use debt payment schedule in the Date Range form of Balance Budget Operation.  When this option is activated, the Debt Amount budgeted is calculated based on the payment schedule amounts and payment dates instead of the using the Debts payment amount and Day Due fields.


Generate Checks and The Payment Schedule

The Generate Checks Operation also has an option to generate checks for paying debts based on the payment schedule.  To activate this option, check the Use Payment Schedule Box in the Generate Checks Window.  When checks are generated, amounts and dates are calculated bases on the payment schedule.


Categories

This Section covers the steps and information you need for maintaining categories.  It will cover how to select categories, adding new categories, changing and deleting existing categories.

The Check Register, Debt Charges and Credits are associated with categories.  By categorizing account and debt transactions, you can see how much money your spending for any given category.

You have the option of generating a default set of categories when you create a new Debt Dr. file.  For more information on generating default categories, refer to New File Operation.

Related Topics:

How to Select Categories Operation

Adding New Categories

Editing Existing Categories


How to Select Categories Operation

Choose Operations at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Categories.  Or you can choose the Categories Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 38. Categories Window


Adding New Categories

1.	Click the Add button at the right of the Categories Window.  The following window will appear:

Figure 39. Category Form

2.	Enter the Category name.  For instance if you are setting up a new category for Household goods, enter Household.

3.	Select the Category Type.  You can enter the first few characters of the type or you can click the drop-down list to the right for a list of types.  The following is a list of Category Types:

Category Type	Description
Expense	Categorizes Expenses
Income	Categorizes Sources of Income
Table 9. Category Types

4.	Enter the Category Description.  The description can be the same as the category name.  This field is provided to allow you to further describe the category.  For example Household can be further defined by Household goods or purchases or repairs.

5.	If the above information is correct, click OK.  If you want to cancel the changes you made then click the Cancel button.

6.	If you want to add several Categories at once, you have this option by selecting the Add button.  The current entry just entered will be saved, the form will clear and you will be ready to add another Category.

To Add another Category, repeat Steps 1 though 6 above.


Editing Existing Categories

1.	Highlight the Category you want to edit in the Categories window.  You can select an Category for editing by either double-clicking the expense with your mouse, or moving the highlight bar to the Category and pressing enter.  You can also edit the Category by selecting the Category and then clicking the Edit button found at the right of the Categories window.

2.	Once you have selected a Category for editing, the Category form will appear.  To change information for the Category you have selected, click the field you want to change, and make your changes.

3.	When your changes are correct, click the OK button to save your changes.

4.	If you decide you do not want to save the changes just made, then click the Cancel button found at the right of the Category form.

Related Topics:

Deleting Existing Categories


Deleting Existing Categories

1.	Select the Category you want to delete.

2.	Then click the Delete button at the right of the Categories Window.  You will be asked if you are sure you want the delete this Category by the following dialogue:

Figure 40. Delete Current Category

3.	If you are sure you want to delete this Category, click OK otherwise click Cancel.

To delete another Category, repeat the above Steps 1 through 3.


Generate Checks

This section will cover how the generate checks operation works and the options you have to generating checks.  It will not cover the steps you need to take to generate checks.  For information on how to generate checks, refer to Generating Checks.

Related Topics:

How Generate Checks Works

Generate Checks Options


How Generate Checks Works

Checks are generated based on a given date range.  If dates in you Income, Expenses, Debt or Payment Schedule are due for payment, checks will be generated.  To see exactly what checks and their amounts will be generated before you select this option, review your budget in the Balance Budget Window.


Generate Checks Options

You have the option of generating Deposits that are due at the same time you generate checks that are due.  Check the Include Deposits Box in the Generate Checks Window to activate this option.

You also have the option of generating Debt payments based on the Payment Schedule.  This option allows you to generate checks based on dates and amount generated in the payment schedule.  To activate this option Check the Use Payment Schedule Box.


Graphs - Overview
Overview

This Chapter is dedicated to explaining the use of graphs.  It will cover Graph Setup, Displaying graphs, printing graphs and an overview of the available graphs.  It will also review example graphs for Current Debts, Debts, Debt Charges, Budget, and Check Register by Category.  Most graphs available can be viewed both in a pie chart and bar graph format.

The current debt graphs have a special option where they can be displayed automatically when you open the debts window.  As you change the current debt, the active current debt graphs will automatically refresh to show you the graphical representation of the next graph.

The following is a table of the available graphs and how each graph relates to each table in the Debt Dr. file:

Graph	Tables Used	Criteria Used
Current Debts
Principle Payment vs. Interest Payment	Debts Table	Displays current debt in Debts Window
Total Interest Payment vs. Total Payment	Debts Table	Displays current debt in Debts Window
Payment Schedule	Payment Schedule Table	Displays current debt in Debts Window
Principle Balance Schedule	Debts Table	Displays current debt in Debts Window
Debts
Pie Chart	Debts Table	Displays Debt Payment Amounts
Bar Graph	Debts Table	Displays Debt Payment Amounts
Debt vs. Income	Debts Table Budget Table	Displays Percentage of Debt to Income
Debt/Expense vs. Income	Debts Table Budget Table	Displays Percentage of Debt plus Expenses to Income
Payment Schedule vs. Fixed Payments	Payment Schedule and Debts Table	Displays the current payment schedule compared to a fixed payment plan
Debt Charges
Pie Chart	Debt Charges Table	Categorizes charges by category
Bar Graph	Debt Charges Table	Categorizes charges by category
Monthly Charges by Category	Debt Charges Table	Displays charges by month by category
Current Budget
Expense Pie Chart	Budget Table	Displays monthly payments
Expense Bar Graph	Budget Table	Displays monthly payments
Expenses vs. Income	Budget Table	Displays budget expenses to budget income
Income Pie Chart	Budget Table	Displays budget income
Income Bar Graph	Budget Table	Displays budget income
Accounts by Category
Categories Pie Chart	Check Register	Displays check register by categories
Categories Bar Graph	Check Register	Displays check register by categories
Table 10. Available Graphs


Graph Setup

How to Select Graph Setup

Graphs Setup Options

Printing Graphs


How to Select Graph Setup

Choose Graphs at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Setup.  Or you can choose the Graphs Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 41. Graphs Setup and Selection

Related Topics:

How to Select a Graph


How to Select a Graph

1.	Click the graph you want to display located in the list of available graphs in the Graph Selection Window.

2.	If the graph you have selected uses a date range criteria, the From and To date fields will be activated.  Enter the appropriate date ranges.

3.	When the above information is correct, click OK.  If you want to cancel the graph selection, click Cancel.

To select another graph, repeat the steps above 1 through 3.


Graphs Setup Options

Depending on the type of graph you are selecting, you will have the option of entering a from and to date range.  This date range is used to calculate the totals display in each element on the graph.


Printing Graphs

Each graph has an option to printer to the printer.  If you want to print a graph, click the Print button located at the bottom right-hand corner of the graph window.


Graphs of Current Debts

Current Debt Graphs can only be displayed when the Debts Window is Open.  The Current Debt Graphs consist of Principle Payment vs. Interest Payment, Total Interest Payment vs. Total Payment, Payment Schedule, and Principle Balance Schedule.

Related Topics:

How to Select a Current Debt Graph

Principle Payment vs. Interest Payment

Total Interest Payment vs. Total Payment

Payment Schedule

Principle Balance Schedule


How to Select a Current Debt Graph

1.	Select a Debt by highlighting the debt you want to see for which you want to see an associated graph.

2.	From the main menu choose graphs.

3.	Select Current Debts.

4.	Select the graph you want to display.


Principle Payment vs. Interest Payment

The Interest is the portion of the monthly payment that is  interest.  The Principle amount is the principle portion of the payment.


Total Interest Payment vs. Total Payment

The Total Int is the overall interest you will pay if you make a fixed payment of the payment amount each month.  The Total Prin is the Principle Balance of the Current Debt.


Graphs - Graphs of Current Debts - Payment Schedule
Payment Schedule

The Principle is the Principle portion of a payment of the Debt each month projected if you were to make a fixed payment each month.  The Interest is the Interest portion of the payment.


Principle Balance Schedule

This graphs shows the projected principle balance of the debt if you were to make a fixed payment on the debt each month.


Graphs of Debts

Debt Graphs are graphs of your debt monthly payments.  Some will show you your debt to income ratio and your overall expenditures in relation to your income.  Debt graphs consist of a pie chart, bar graph, debt vs. income, debt and expense vs. income and your payment schedule vs. a fixed payment plan.

Related Topics:

Pie Chart

Bar Graph

Debt vs. Income

Debt/Expense vs. Income

Payment Schedule vs. Fixed Payments


Graphs - Graphs of Debts - Pie Chart
Pie Chart

The above graph shows difference in the monthly payment for Card One and Card Two.  If you several debts you can easily see which debt is costing you the most each month.


Graphs - Graphs of Debts - Bar Graph
Bar Graph

The above graph show you in a bar graph depiction which graph has the highest balance.


Debt vs. Income

This graph shows you how you monthly debt payments stack up to your monthly income.


Debt/Expense vs. Income

The above graph shows you what percentage of your monthly income is absorbed by your debt and expense payments.


Payment Schedule vs. Fixed Payments

This is a graph you can have a lot of fun with.  It shows you how much sooner you can pay off your debts by sticking to a debt payment plan.  This example shows a debt payoff of four and a half years sooner.  If you calculate a schedule based on the do not apply method, this graph will not show you much as the schedule payments will be the same as the fixed payment schedule.  Try saving a payment schedule based on making minimum payments.  You will be amazed at how much longer it will take you to pay-off you debts than just making a fixed payment each month.


Graphs of Debt Charges

Graphs of Debt Charges consist of a pie chart, bar graph and a monthly charge by category bar graph.

Related Topics:

Pie Chart

Bar Graph

Monthly Debt Charges by Category


Graphs - Graphs of Debt Charges - Pie Chart
Pie Chart

The Debt Charges Pie Chart shows you a percentage summary of charges by category between a given date range.  From the results of this graph you can quickly see your largest spending categories.


Graphs - Graphs of Debt Charges - Bar Graph
Bar Graph

The Debt Charges Bar Graph depicts dollars charges in various categories between a given date range.  Unlike the Pie Chart in the previous graph, this graph shows you the Dollar Amount of each category.


Monthly Debt Charges by Category

The Debt Monthly Charges Bar Graph shows you the Dollar Amount of charges for all Credit Cards for each month.  This graph gives you an idea of what month you are charging the most in.


Graphs of Current Budget

Expense Pie Chart

Expense Bar Graph

Expenses vs. Income Pie Chart

Income Pie Chart

Income Bar Graph


Expense Pie Chart

The Expense Pie Chart depicts the percentage of expenses by category for your overall expenses within a given date range.  For instance the above example show that you are paying less for Cable TV than any other expense.


Expense Bar Graph

The Expense Bar Graph shows you the Dollar Amount of expense categories within a given date range.  This graph is not to be confused with actual expenses, it shows you your budgeted expenses.  Actual expenses are found in Graphs of Account by Category.


Expenses vs. Income Pie Chart

The Expenses vs. Income Pie Chart depicts the percentage of Expenses to your total income.  These are budgeted Expenses and Income, as opposed to the actual expenses.  This chart is useful when examining the percentage of expenses to income.  It provides an answer to the question; What percentage of my income is taken up by projected expenses?


Income Pie Chart

The Income Pie Chart shows you the percentage of Income categories within a given date range.  The above chart lets you quickly see what category most of your income comes from.  This is projected Income, not actual income.  For actual income, please refer to Graphs of Account by Category.


Income Bar Graph

The Income Bar Graph depicts budgeted Income category dollar amounts between a given date range.


Graphs of Account by Category

Categories Pie Chart

Categories Bar Graph


Categories Pie Chart

The Category Pie Chart shows you the current account's percentage of actual expense categories within a given date range.  These are actual expenses found in your check register.


Categories Bar Graph

The Categories Bar Graph depicts the actual dollar amounts of expense categories for the current account within a given date range.  This graph is helpful when assessing your actual expenses for a given period of time.


Options - Overview
Overview

This Chapter covers Desktop, Check, Auto Arrange, Display Logo and Save Desktop on Exit Options.  These options allow you to change the functionality of Debt Dr.


Desktop Options

Desktop Options allow you to change automatically load graphs along with your debts window, and it allows you to configure the tool bar.

Related Topics:

How to Select Desktop Options


How to Select Desktop Options

Choose Options at the main menu in Debt Dr. and then choose Desktop.  Or you can choose the Desktop Icon (pictured to the left) on the main toolbar.  Your desktop should display the following window:

Figure 42. Desktop Options

Related Topics:

How to Change Desktop Options


How to Change Desktop Options

1.	If you want to automatically load debt graphs when you open your debts window, you can select which graphs you want to load by checking the appropriate check boxes listed above.  For example if you want the Principle Pmt vs. Interest Pmt graph to load, check the box to the left of "Principle Pmt vs. Interest Pmt."

2.	If you want to change the appearance of the tool bar you can choose to view the tool bar icons only, or tool bar text only, or view both icons and text, or don't view the tool bar at all.  For example if you only want to view the tool bar icons, uncheck the Include Text Option.

3.	When you have made the appropriate changes and everything is correct, then click the OK button.  Otherwise, if you do not want to save the changes made then choose Cancel.

To change the desktop options at a later time, repeat the above steps 1 through 3.


Auto Arrange Option

What Does the Auto Arrange Option Do?

Changing the Auto Arrange Option


What Does the Auto Arrange Option Do?

The Auto Arrange Option allows you to change the default size and position of a window when you open it.  The Debts, Debt Payments, Debt Charges, Check Balance, Budget, Categories and Graphs windows are all affected by this option.  With Auto Arrange On, windows are sized and positioned according to the size and position of your desktop.  The larger your desktop, the larger the window will be when you open it.  With Auto Arrange Off, windows are sized and positioned according to the last size and position you used for that particular window.  With the Auto Arrange Off, you are able to arrange your desktop to your preferences.  When you open the same window again, it remembers the size and position you last used.


Changing the Auto Arrange Option

Select Options on the Main Menu, and Check or Uncheck the Auto Arrange Selection in the Drop-down Menu to change the Auto Arrange Option.  A check mark will appear before the option if it is on.  No check mark will appear when the option is off.


Display Logo Option

What Does the Display Logo Option Do?

Changing the Display Logo Option


What Does the Display Logo Option Do?

The Display Logo Option allows you to enable or disable the displaying of the Debt Dr. Logo during normal operation of Debt Dr.  The Debt Dr. Logo appears on your desktop when there are no other windows or forms open and the option is turned on.  If the option is turned off, no logo will appear even when there are no windows or forms open.


Changing the Display Logo Option

Select Options on the Main Menu, and Check or Uncheck the Display Logo Selection in the Drop-down Menu to change the Display Logo Option.  A check mark will appear before the option if it is on.  No check mark will appear when the option is off.


Save Desktop on Exit Option

What Does the Save on Exit Option Do?

Changing the Save on Exit Option


What Does the Save on Exit Option Do?

The Save Desktop on Exit Option allows you to save the current desktop when you exit Debt Dr.  If this option is turned on, when you run Debt Dr. the last desktop you used will automatically re-appear.  For instance, if you have the Debts Window loaded with graphs for debts opened on your desktop and you exit Debt Dr., with this option on, when you run Debt Dr. again, the Debts window and Graphs will also open.  With this option off, when you run Debt Dr. again, your desktop will be empty and no windows or forms will be open.


Changing the Save on Exit Option

Select Options on the Main Menu, and Check or Uncheck the Save On Exit Selection in the Drop-down Menu to change the Save On Exit Option.  A check mark will appear before the option if it is on.  No check mark will appear when the option is off.


Window Options - Overview
Overview

This Chapter covers window options, such as the Cascade Windows, Tile Windows, Arrange Icons, and Close Window Options.


Cascade Windows Option

What Does Cascade Windows Option Do?

The Cascade Windows Options allows you to re-arrange your open windows in a cascading fashion.


Tile Windows Option

What Does Tile Windows Option Do?

The Tile Windows Options allows you to re-arrange your open windows in a tile fashion.


Arrange Icons Option

What Does Arrange Icons Option Do?

The Arrange Icons Options arranges the Open Icons on your Debt Dr. Desktop along the bottom, from left to right.


Close Window Option

The Close Window Option Closes the current window.  You can also close the current window by double-clicking the upper left control box located on the window or form you want to close.

Related Topics:

How to Close a Window Using Close Window Option


How to Close a Window Using Close Window Option

1.	Select the window you want to close by clicking on the window.

2.	Then select Window on the Main Menu, and then select Close Window.


Close All Windows Option

The Close All Windows Option closes all open windows.  This is a good option to use when you want a quick and easy way clear your desktop of all the open windows.

Related Topics:

How to Close Windows Using the Close All Windows Option


How to Close Windows Using the Close All Windows Option

1.	Then select Window on the Main Menu, and then select Close All Windows.


Help Options - Overview
Overview

This Chapter will cover what you need to know to use the Help facilities within Debt Dr.  It will cover F1 Help, Help Contents, Search for Help on subjects, Help on Using Help, Getting Started, About Debt Dr., and MicroVision Software Support Services.


F1 Help

At any point within Debt Dr. you can press the F1 key for specific help on the particular topic you are currently at on the screen.


Contents

The Help Contents Option opens the Debt Dr. Help file to the Page of Contents.  From there you can select the particular subject you want to know more about.

Related Topics:

How to Choose Help Contents


How to Choose Help Contents

1.	Select Help on the Main Menu and then select Contents.


Search for Help on?

The Search for Help on Option opens up the Debt Dr. Help Index Window.  You can type in the subject you want to learn more about in the subject input box.  For more information on using Help, refer to Help on Using Help.

Related Topics:

How to Select Search for Help on?


How to Select Search for Help on?

1.	Select Help on the Main Menu, then select Search for Help.  The Help Index Dialogue box will appear.  From there you can enter a particular subject you want to search for.


Help on Using Help

Help on Using Help covers topics of how to use the Debt Dr. Help System.  If you are unfamiliar with standard help functions, you should review this option.

Related Topics:

How to Choose Help on Using Help


How to Choose Help on Using Help

1.	Select Help on the Main Menu and then select Help on Using Help.


Help Options - Getting Started
Getting Started

The Getting Started Help Option opens the Debt Dr. Help system to the Chapter on Getting Started.  If you are new using Debt Dr., this is a good place to start.

Related Topics:

How to Choose Help on Getting Started


How to Choose Help on Getting Started

1.	Select Help on the Main Menu and then select Getting Started.


About Debt Dr.

The About Debt Dr. Help Option reviews information about Debt Dr.  It shows you who the registered user is and the current serial number.  It also tells you the current version and copyright information.


MicroVision Software Support Services

Help on MicroVision Software Support Services covers several ways you can get technical support.  Included is information on the technical support telephone number and how to get help using America On-line or CompuServe.

For technical support (209) 275-8175 seven days a weeks, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, pacific time.


Glossary of Terms

accelerate payments

current account

debt payment budget

debt payment schedule

desktop

export

import

memorize

minimum due

minimum payment

operations

outstanding

personal finance software

test pattern


accelerate payments

Payments are accelerated when you take the amount  that you would normally pay on a credit card that is paid for and apply it to cards that still have a balance due.


current account

The current account is determined by the account you have selected in your accounts window.  Much of Debt Dr.'s other operations are based on the current account you have selected.


debt payment budget

The Debt Payment Budget is determined by calculating a regular budget and taking whatever is leftover and applying it toward paying off your debts.


debt payment schedule

The Debt Payment Schedule is determined by running the Payment Schedule Operation and calculating a payment schedule.  This is only a projection and not the actual payments applied toward your debts.


desktop

Your desktop is the area contained within the Debt Dr. application.  When you open a window, for instance, you can not move that window outside the applications desktop.  Therefore any open windows, whether minimized or not, remain on the desktop.


export

Is a term used to describe the function of writing information from an application in a format that the same or different programs can translate.


import

Is a term used to describe the function of  reading in an external file from the same or different application.


memorize

When you enter or change a check register entry, you have the option of saving your changes to other files within Debt Dr.  You can save the change as a Debt, Income or an Expense.


minimum due

Minimum Payments are calculated by taking the balance and dividing it by 48.  When this amount gets below a pre-determined amount, your bank will require that you pay a minimum amount.  That amount is the minimum due.


minimum payment

Is calculated by most Credit Card Companies by taking the New Balance and dividing it by 48.  If the result is less than the minimum due, the minimum due is used as the minimum payment.


operations

Consist of functions you will normally perform on a daily basis.  Like managing your debts, debt transactions, budgets, balancing your checkbook and categories.


outstanding

You have outstanding deposits or checks when these transactions have not yet cleared your bank.


personal finance software

Is a program that provides the user with tools to manage their personal finances.  Most programs come with tools that help you  manage accounts, check registers, and budgets.  They also provide you with graphs, check printing and reports.


test pattern

A Test Pattern is a way to align the checks you have in your printer to the checks that will be printed before you actually print any checks.  It will print a voided check with zero dollar amounts.