Copyright: ® 1992-1994 Audit Planning Services


Index
 MASTER AMORTIZER
for WINDOWSTM

The Multi-faceted Amortizing Program
from Audit Planning Services
Copyright ©1992-1994.  All Rights Reserved.

Help Index

The Index lists Help topics available for  Master Amortizer. Use the scroll bar to see entries not currently visible in the Help window. To learn how to use Help, press  F1 or choose How to Use Help from the Help menu.

Commands

     File

     Edit

     View

     Accessories

     Window

Procedures

     Using command buttons

     Creating an amortization

     Printing an amortization

     Exporting an amortization file

     Saving data for future use

     Affecting appearance

     Solving for Unknowns

     Variable rate loans

     Adjusting Payments

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation


File Menu
This menu item displays the File pulldown menu which contains commands used to work with files and to print Amortization schedules.

     Open

     Save

     Save As

     Print

     Print Setup

     Export

     Exit


Edit Item
Edit Menu
This menu item displays the Edit pulldown menu which contains commands to edit variables and parameters that affect your mortgage.

     Edit Variables

     Parameters


View Menu
This menu item displays the View pulldown menu which contains commands for displaying payment and amortization schedules.

     Payment Table

     Mortgage Table

     Schedule

     PC Status

     Tool Bar

     Status Bar


Accessories Menu
This menu item displays the Accessories pulldown menu which contains commands for using accessories.

     Calculator

     AmortCalc


Window Menu
This menu item displays the Window pulldown menu which contains commands for arranging the View windows on the main window.

     Tile

     Cascade

     Arrange Icons

     Close All


Open Existing Files
Open
This pulldown item allows you to open data files saved previously with the "Save As" item.


Saving Variables
Save
This pulldown item allows you to save changed parameters and data to the current file. This file is either the initialization file or a file created with the "Save As" item.


Initialization File
When Amortizer is first loaded it reads an initialization file (AMORTW.INI) to load all the parameters and data with default data. You can save changes to this data in the initialization file or in separate data files.


Saving Different Versions
Save As
This pulldown item allows you to save parameters and data to a new file. This file can be reopened later to reuse data for specific amortizations.


Printing Reports
Print
This pulldown item allows you to print an Amortization schedule using the currently selected printer.


Printer Setup
Print Setup
This pulldown item allows you to select the Print Setup Dialog to select an active printer, select a font or set the parameters in the device driver.


Exporting Spreadsheet Files
Export
This pulldown item allows you to export an amortization schedule file in a quote and comma delimited format that can be imported to LOTUS®, QUATTRO®, or EXCEL® or in an ascii file for import to a word processor.


Exit Program
Exit
This pulldown item exits the program. You are prompted to save any changed data.


Edit Item
Edit Variables
This pulldown item displays the Edit Dialog that allows you to enter your mortgage amount, interest rate, and the duration of your mortgage. If you want you can also enter a thirty(30) character description and names & addresses that will print on the amortization schedule. The fields are pre-loaded with default data.


Parameters
This pulldown item displays the Parameters Dialog that allows selection and entry of data that affects the way an amortization schedule is created.


Payment Comparisons
Payment Table
This pulldown item displays a window with a table that compares payments on various principal amounts based on your selected principal in increments selected in the window and on your selected interest rate in .25% or .125% increments.


Mortgage Comparisons
Mortgage Table
This pulldown item displays a window with a chart that compares monthly payment and total amount paid for your mortgage for different durations.


Amortization Schedule
Schedule
This pulldown item displays a window with an amortization schedule based on selected parameters and the data entered in the Edit dialog. You can also review the affect of increasing payments, the balance of the loan at the end of any period and make minor payment adjustments.


Machine Info
PC Status
This pulldown item displays a dialog with hardware, memory, and disk information. Certainly not necessary for an amortization, but good information to have.

This information should be valid. However, if you do not have an IBM or compatable clone some of the data could be erroneous.


Tool Bar Display
Tool Bar
This pulldown item allows you to display or hide the Tool Bar at the top of the window.


Status Bar Display
Status Bar
This pulldown item allows you to display or hide the Status Bar at the bottom of the window.


Calculator
This pulldown item starts the WINDOWS Calculator.


AmortCalc
This pulldown item starts the AmortCalc program to solve for unknowns.


Tile Child Windows
Tile
This pulldown item arranges child windows in a tiled fashion across the screen.


Cascade Child Windows
Cascade
This pulldown item arranges child windows so that each caption bar is visible.


Arrange Icons
This pulldown item arranges icons of child windows along the bottom of the main window.


Close All Child Windows
Close All
This pulldown item closes all child windows that are currently active.


Edit Dialog
EDIT VARIABLES DIALOG
This dialog allows the user to enter specific data for creating an amortization. Data elements available include:

Loan Amount
Interest Rate
Simple Interest
Rule-of-78 Interest
Canadian Interest
Number of Years
Months
Description
For Name/address
By Name/address


Loan Amount
Amount of principal borrowed. Amount must be between $1,000.00 and $99,999,999.99.


Interest Rate
The annual percentage rate(APR), expressed as a percent. Value must be between 1.00% and 20.00%.


Number of Years
Duration of loan, expressed in years. Value must be between 1 and 35.


Months
Months in addition to whole years. ex: 42 month loan is 3 years and 6 months. Value must be between 0 and 11.


Description
Optional description of the purpose of the loan. The description can be up to thirty(30) characters in length and will be printed on the amortization if selected in the Dialog.


For Name/Address
Optional set of three lines for entering the name and address of the person the amortization is for. Each line can be up to thirty(30) characters in length and will be printed on the amortization if selected in the Dialog.


By Name/Address
Optional set of three lines for entering the name and address of the person creating the amortization. Each line can be up to thirty(30) characters in length and will be printed on the amortization if selected in the Dialog.


File Open Dialog
OPEN DIALOG
This dialog allows the user to open a previously saved data file by selecting the file and selecting OK. You can change directories by double clicking on the directory entries. You can change drives by selecting the arrow on the drive box and double clicking on the appropriate drive.


File Saveas Dialog
SAVE AS DIALOG
This dialog allows the user to save data and parameters to be used again to rebuild an amortization. The dialog assumes a default file extention(*.amt) and displays existing data files to prevent overwriting. Selecting drives and directories works the same way as in the Open Dialog.


PRINT SETUP DIALOG
This dialog allows the user to select a printer, select a font or run the setup to set paper size, etc. Your default printer is highlighted and will be used if you don't select another. Double clicking on a printer or selecting a printer and clicking on OK will select that printer for use.The layout of the various prints are fairly precise and can be affected by the font you choose. Some trial and error may be necessary. Font selection is not available for Windows 3.0.


EXPORT DIALOG
This dialog allows the user to save an amortization schedule as a quote and comma delimited file for import into a spreadsheet or as an ascii file for import into a word processor. The dialog assumes a default file extention(*.wkt or *txt) and displays existing data files to prevent overwriting.  Selecting drives and directories works the same way as in the Open Dialog.


Parameter Dialog
PARAMETERS DIALOG
This dialog allows the user to select specific parameters that affect the appearance of the amortization.
Selections include:

Start Year
Balloon Payment Month
Annual Payments
Days until 1st Payment
Date of 1st Payment
Print first year only
Start Month
Year End


Start Year
The year that the first payment on the loan is due. If you are creating an amortization for a business, this should be the fiscal year.


Balloon Payment Month
The payment number(month) that a balloon payment that pays off the loan is due.


Annual Payments
The number of payments each year. Most mortgages and installment loans have monthly(12) payments. You are also allowed to select semi-monthly(24), quarterly(4), or annual(1) payments.


Comparison Increment
The dollar amount used in the Payment Table Window to increment the loan principal for comparing payments at different principal amounts.


Days Until 1st Payment
The number of days until the first payment is due on the loan. This is normally 30 days(default) for a mortgage and 30 to 45 days for an installment loan. The number of days will affect the amount of interest paid on the loan. It should represent the time between the date the loan was made and the date the first payment is due. If in doubt, use the default.


Date of 1st Payment
The date the first payment is due on the loan. This date will print on the Amortization Schedule next to the number of payments and is for information purposes only. It will not affect the payment or interest.


Print first year only
Print only the first year of the amortization. This allows you to print only one year of a loan that has a variable rate. You can then create a new  amortization next year for the new rate.


Start Month
The month that the first payment is due. Must be selected by clicking on the list.


Year End
For a business that has a fiscal year different from the calendar year, this is the last month of the fiscal year. For individuals this is December.


Rule-of-78 Interest
Rule-of-78 interest is the type usually used with installment loans. It is weighted toward charging more interest in the early months of a loan to make up for early pay-offs.


Simple Interest
Simple interest is the type usually used with mortgage loans. It is calculated by multiplying the monthly interest rate times the outstanding balance. This amount is then subtracted from the payment and the rest is applied to the principal.


Canadian Interest
Canadian interest is the type used in Canada. It is calculated by compounding the interest on a semi-annual basis.


About
This pulldown item displays basic info about the program including version number.


Machine Info Window
PC STATUS DIALOG
This dialog displays basic information about your computer. Certainly not necessary for an amortization, but good information to have.

This information should be valid. However, if you do not have an IBM or compatable clone some of the data could be erroneous.


AmortCalc Instructions

AMORTCALC
for WINDOWSTM

A companion program for Master Amortizer
from Audit Planning Services
Copyright © 1993-1994.  All Rights Reserved.

This program is designed to be run from  Master Amortizer. However, you can run it stand-alone for a quick answer to the unknown value of a loan equation.

You must enter three of the variables to solve for the forth. For example: if you want to pay $500 toward a $20,000 loan at 8.25% the program will tell you the duration of the loan.

Click on [image] to calculate. Click on [image] to clear all variables.

Note:
A certain payment amount never pays off a loan amount in exactly the number of months chosen. The last payment is always a little more or less than the other payments. For this reason, calculating a loan amount, interest rate, or duration will never come out exact. You should round the result to the most logical number.
For example: a $50,000 loan at 8.00% for 30 years would require a payment of $366.88. If you enter this same payment at 8.00% for 30 years, the program calculates a loan amount of $49,999.69. This is not an error. In real life the last payment will vary to make up the difference.

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation


Amortization
AMORTIZATION WINDOW
This window displays an amortization schedule based on the parameters chosen and information entered into the Edit Dialog. You can also select the following:

Remaining Balance
Larger Payments
Alter Payment

Click on:
to print the Amortization Schedule on the currently selected printer. You must use this print button to print a schedule with an altered payment.


Remaining Balance
Clicking on this button creates a dialog that allows you to review the balance of the loan at the end of any period.


Larger Payments
Clicking on this button creates a dialog that allows you to view the result of making larger payments over the life of your loan. For example: paying an extra $10.00 per period would reduce both the duration of the loan and the amount of interest paid.


Alter Payment
Clicking on this button creates a dialog that allows you to adjust the payment made each period. The purpose of this is to make minor adjustments to match an existing loan. If you make an adjustment of more than a few cents, your schedule will not be accurate and will not be for the proper duration. If you want to print a schedule with an adjusted payment, you must print from the AMORTIZATION WINDOW.


Payment Table
PAYMENT TABLE WINDOW
This window displays a comparative payment table. Payments are based on different interest rates (along the left side) and at different principal amounts (along the upper center) based on the interest rate and amount currently selected and on the Comparison Increment set in the Window. Use the up/down arrows next to the increment to change its value. You can also increment the interest rate by .125% or .25%. The payments will change as amount, interest rate, or duration changes.

Click on:
to print the Payment Table on the currently selected printer.


Mortgage Table
MORTGAGE TABLE WINDOW
This window displays comparative monthly payments and total amount paid for a loan at different durations. Amounts are based on the data in the Edit Dialog, calculated for progressive durations. Durations start at ten years and progress in five year increments up to thirty-five years. The payments will change as parameters, interest rate, or data changes.

Click on:
to print the Mortgage Table on the currently selected printer.


Copyright
 MASTER AMORTIZER
for WINDOWSTM
The Multi-faceted Amortizing Program
from Audit Planning Services
Copyright ©1992-1994.  All Rights Reserved.

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation


Creating an Amortization

To create an amortization:

1  Select Variables from the Edit menu
    to open the Edit Dialog.

2  Enter the amount of the loan, the interest rate, the
    type of interest, and the number of years.

3  Select Parameters from the Edit menu
    to open the Parameters Dialog.

4  Select the year the loan begins, the month of any
    balloon payment, the number of payments per year,
    the number of days till the first payment, the
    date of the first payment, the month that the
    loan begins, and the month that ends your fiscal
    year.

5  Select Schedule from the View menu.

6  You can minimize the Amortization Window, change
    your data and create a new amortization to
    compare with the first.

7  You can also review the affect of increasing
    your payment or the remaining balance at the
    end of any period.

Related Topics

Printing an amortization


Printing an Amortization

To print an amortization:

1  Perform steps 1 through 6 of the procedure titled:
   Creating an amortization.

2  In the Edit Variables Dialog, make sure you have
    checked print description and print By/For if you
    want this information printed.

3  Select Print Setup from the File menu
    if you want to select a printer, a printer font,
    or run the printer setup.

4  Select Print from the File menu.

Related Topics

Affecting appearance


Exporting an Amortization File

To export an amortization file:

1  Perform steps 1 through 6 of the procedure titled:
   Creating an amortization.

2  Select Export from the File menu.

3  Select export to a spreadsheet or to text.

4  Enter a name for the file in the Export Dialog
    and click OK. The dialog displays existing export files
    to prevent overwriting and allows selection of other
    directories.


Saving data
Saving Data For Future Use

To save data for future use:

1  Select Save from the File menu,
    if you have made any changes to the data.

2  A save dialog gives you the option of saving the
    changes to the initialization file or selecting
    NO to open the Save As Dialog .

3  Enter a name for the file in the Save As Dialog
    and click OK. The dialog displays existing data files
    to prevent overwriting and allows selection of other
    directories.

4  If you know you want to save the changes to a new
    file, select Save As to begin with.


Affecting Appearance

To change the appearance of an amortization:

1  Select Variables from the Edit menu
    to open the Edit Dialog.

2  Enter a description for the loan and the Name and
    address for a "Prepared by" and "Prepared for"
    message.

3  Check the Print Description and the Print
    Byboxes to have them printed on the amortization.

Related Topics

Printing an amortization


Solving Unknowns

To solve for unknown variables in a loan
calculation:

1  Select AmortCalc to run the AmortCalc program.

2  You must enter any three of the variables for the loan
    and the program will calculate the forth.

3  Select Help in the AmortCalc program for a
    discussion of calculations.


Variable Rate Loans

To handle a variable rate loan:

1  Perform steps 1 through 6 of the procedure titled:
   Creating an amortization .

2  Select Print first year only from the
   Parameters Dialog .

3  Select Print from the File menu.

4  In subsequent years enter the remaining balance of
   the prior year and the remaining duration of the
   loan and print one year again.

Related Topics

Printing an amortization


Adjusting Payments

To adjust a payment to match an existing loan:

1  Perform steps 1 through 6 of the procedure titled:
   Creating an amortization .

2  Select Schedule from the View menu.

3  Click on the Alter Payment button in the window.

4  After adjusting the payment in the edit box, click on
   OK.

5  Large adjustments produce an incorrect result.
   You should only use this to make minor adjustments.
   To print a schedule with an adjusted payment you
   must print from the AMORTIZATION WINDOW.

Related Topics

Creating an amortization


Command Buttons

The command buttons execute the
following commands:

Executes the Open command of the File Menu.

Executes the Save As command of the File Menu.

Executes the Print Setup command of the File Menu.

Executes the Export command of the File Menu.

Executes the Edit Variables command of the Edit Menu.

Executes the Parameters command of the Edit Menu.

Executes the Payment Table command of the View Menu.

Executes the Mortgage Table command of the View Menu.

Executes the Schedule command of the View Menu.

Executes the PC Status command of the View Menu.

Executes the WINDOWSTM Calculator.

Executes the AmortCalc Program.

Executes the Help Index .


Amortizer Terminology

Annual Payments
Balloon Payment Month
By Name/address
Canadian Interest
Comparison Increment
Date of 1st Payment
Days until 1st Payment
Description
For Name/address
Initialization File
Interest Rate
Loan Amount
Months
Mortgage Table
Number of Years
Payment Table
Rule-of-78
Schedule
Simple Interest
Start Month
Start Year
Year End