To create it in Excel is tough but it should be easy to do it in a proper software system that already has all the necessary information.

First things first, you need to know what your financial position is. On a spreadsheet itemise all your assets (things you own) and all your debts (clear enough I think). Next you need to create a budget for yourself. How much money do you bring in and how much money do you spend. This will be another blog.

Adrian,
I’m struggling unsuccessfully @ the following problem, (not winning)

This has to do with comparing 3 sets of columns and the variable, differing answers.

The Columns are: S,T,U are being compared to columns X,Y,Z
S is compared to X
T is compared to Y
U is compared to Z

Ideally, if you can figure this out for me please, it would be neat to get the answers, in A same single cell.
If not possible, I quit……

If  S,T,U, are Less than than X,Y,Z,     (answer expressed as “PPP”).
If S>X=”M”, T<Y=”P”, & U<Z=”P”          (answer is expressed as “MPP”)
If  S>X =”M”, T>Y=”M”, & U<Z=”P”        (answer is expressed as “MMP”)

If the S,T,U are GREATER than X,Y,Z,  (answer expressed as “MMM”.
If  S<X=”P”, T<Y=”P”, & U>Z=”M”        (answer is expressed as “PPM”)
If S<X=”P”, T>Y=”M”, & U>Z=”M”        (answer is expressed as “PMM”)
Lastly, if possible, (coz this is number 7, right?) If either OR, X,Y,Z, is greater than S,T,U by greater than 60%, the answer is expressed as= “X”

Is this too much for Excell?
What’s the 2nd best option?
Hope you can help me.

The question is a bit unclear but from what we see you should be using the AND and OR commands. See how to use them on http://www.auditexcel.co.za/AND_OR.html . Hope this helps, otherwise it is better to send a spreadsheet.

This is an initial version so please tell us if you find any problems or have suggestions. At the moment it should handle every situation except if we get down to FIFA drawing lots to see who will progress!!

To get a version visit http://www.auditexcel.co.za/world_cup_spreadsheet.html and download the file.

Our initial predictions suggest the following last 16 line up. Run your scenario and tell us what you think the last 16 will look like

Is it possible to have conditional formatting between sheets/tab within the same workbook?

Yes it can be done but you need to use named ranges to get it right.

If you watch our video clip on Data Validation ( http://www.auditexcel.co.za/DataValidation.html )you will see that Named Ranges are used for certain of the lists. The exact same logic applies with Conditional Formatting. Give the reference cells a name and then within the conditional formatting wizard you refer to the name instead of the cell.

Hope this helps.

I have refined the spreadsheet you done earlier so that each meal calculates the percentage of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.  It also does the same for the totals at the end of the day.  But I notice there are green marks inside some of the bottom cells.  Why?

These are some error checks that have been built into Excel. If you hover over the green mark and click on the drop down that appears it will say something like “Inconsistent Formula”. This means that Excel has identified that the cells in this area have a common structure and this cell is different. It does not mean that it is wrong, it is just a warning.

You can switch this feature on and off in the Options sections.

You can switch it off by going to the options i.e. in 2007 click to windows logo on the top left, choose Excel Options, then Advanced, then Extend Data Range Formats and Formula’s as shown below.

How to switch off automatic format and formula extension