Absolutely Arbit...: 10 things you should stop doing on Facebook: "Now that everyone and their grandfather is on Facebook, you should stop doing the following things on this social network. Only because they..."
I had a right laugh reading this, know too many people that have those behaviours... aside from #2!
Enjoy!
Thursday 30 June 2011
Making a Budget Planner with Excel
Sometimes it's easier to stick to something if you have a visual to go by. This is definitely true with budgeting. Different people find different methods work best for them, personally I found the best way for me was to use Microsoft Excel (I have Excel 2007). I would check out my statements and update my budget accordingly, Excel worked out all the totals by calculating formulas.
Some people find Excel difficult to work with, I did at first! That's why I'm putting up my method to using Excel for a budget into cyberspace. You can download budgets directly from Microsoft Office also, but I found most of these, whilst easy to work with and convenient because it was all done for me already, were made for other people who had different needs to what I did - this meant a lot of deleting things and adding them in. So I thought - screw it. Let's make my own :)
Step 1 - Setting up the "Income" section.
-Clicking a cell will enable you to type in that cell. Use the first column (A) to type in your different "categories" of income - "Wages" for example. Do the same for every source of income (I leave several spaces marked as other, because you never know). Add the word "Total" for the final cell in that column.
-Click the next available cell over (bearing in mind the longest text for previous column) add the "projected" income from each source. This means an informed guess (estimate) of how much will come in from each source. It doesn't have to be exact, but it's better to round down than up. You will use this to create your budget for expenditure that month. In the last cell in the column (next to "Total") type =SUM(x:y). Replace letter x with the top cell number (D4, for example) in that column. Replace letter y with the cell at the bottom (the one above the "Total" row).
-Click the next available cell in the "Total" row. Add the same formula: =SUM(x:y). Replace x with the top cell in the column, and y with the one above the "Total" row. This is where you will add your actual income.
-You don't need to do this part in the income section, but I do.
Click the next available cell in each row individually, and add the following formula: =IMSUB(w,v). There is a reason they are the wrong way round. Replace w with the cell number of the Actual value for that income. Replace v with the cell number of the Projected value for that income. Repeat in every row.
Now you have a neat looking table showing your projected income, your actual income and the difference between both :)
Step 2: Setting up the "Expenditure" section.
-You'll want this part a few cells over from your Income section, for neatness.
Type in your first Expenditure column your different categories. Think "Rent/Mortgage", "Water Rates", "Energy" etc. Be honest and remember to include a "Misc" section and a "Total" section.
-In the next available column, add your Projected Expenditure for the month for every category. Try and be as honest as you can stand. In the "Total" section add the formula: =SUM(x:y), filling in the top cell number and the bottom cell number respectively.
-In the next "Total" cell over, add the same formula, adding the top and bottom cell numbers for that column.
-In the next column over, add to each individual row the formula: =IMSUB(w,v) filling in the cell numbers the same way as step 1.
You should now have your completed Expenditure section.
Step 3: The Summary Section.
-You should be able to know how well you're doing at a quick glance, which is the purpose of this section.
-In the first row, put Profit/Loss. In the cells underneath, add categories for each thing you'd like to save for right away, keeping things realistic. I have four rows: Emergency Fund and Holiday Fund, leaving the other two rows for the only two debts that I have (which decide how much extra they get on top of my payment plan for that month). Usually, it is best to avoid saving until your debts are cleared. My debts are interest free (for now) which is why I'm saving.
-In the cell next to Profit/Loss, type the formula: =IMSUB(v,w). Replace v with the Total Actual Income cell number. Replace w with the Total Actual Expenditure cell number. This will show the difference between what you brought in for the month and what you spent that month.
-For the categories, insert the formula: =x/10. Replace x with the Profit/Loss cell number. this will calculate 10% of the Profit/Loss section for each category. You can adjust the percentage accordingly by changing the number - 4 for 25% or one quarter, for example. I recommend you leave at least half of your profit each month in your bank account rather than transferring it into other accounts. This means you may have to keep the percentages down.
You now have a working budget planner! Remember, budgets only help if you are honest about what you spend. If you're the only person viewing it, then you're the only person judging it - so there's no need to lie. Staying honest will help you see where you are overspending, so you will know where you need to make adjustments.
If anybody has a faster way of doing it with Excel, please share it. The good thing is, you only have to do it completely once - just delete the values of what you put in, excluding cells with formulas in.
If anybody would like to share their budgeting method, feel free to do so :)
Some people find Excel difficult to work with, I did at first! That's why I'm putting up my method to using Excel for a budget into cyberspace. You can download budgets directly from Microsoft Office also, but I found most of these, whilst easy to work with and convenient because it was all done for me already, were made for other people who had different needs to what I did - this meant a lot of deleting things and adding them in. So I thought - screw it. Let's make my own :)
Step 1 - Setting up the "Income" section.
-Clicking a cell will enable you to type in that cell. Use the first column (A) to type in your different "categories" of income - "Wages" for example. Do the same for every source of income (I leave several spaces marked as other, because you never know). Add the word "Total" for the final cell in that column.
-Click the next available cell over (bearing in mind the longest text for previous column) add the "projected" income from each source. This means an informed guess (estimate) of how much will come in from each source. It doesn't have to be exact, but it's better to round down than up. You will use this to create your budget for expenditure that month. In the last cell in the column (next to "Total") type =SUM(x:y). Replace letter x with the top cell number (D4, for example) in that column. Replace letter y with the cell at the bottom (the one above the "Total" row).
-Click the next available cell in the "Total" row. Add the same formula: =SUM(x:y). Replace x with the top cell in the column, and y with the one above the "Total" row. This is where you will add your actual income.
-You don't need to do this part in the income section, but I do.
Click the next available cell in each row individually, and add the following formula: =IMSUB(w,v). There is a reason they are the wrong way round. Replace w with the cell number of the Actual value for that income. Replace v with the cell number of the Projected value for that income. Repeat in every row.
Now you have a neat looking table showing your projected income, your actual income and the difference between both :)
Step 2: Setting up the "Expenditure" section.
-You'll want this part a few cells over from your Income section, for neatness.
Type in your first Expenditure column your different categories. Think "Rent/Mortgage", "Water Rates", "Energy" etc. Be honest and remember to include a "Misc" section and a "Total" section.
-In the next available column, add your Projected Expenditure for the month for every category. Try and be as honest as you can stand. In the "Total" section add the formula: =SUM(x:y), filling in the top cell number and the bottom cell number respectively.
-In the next "Total" cell over, add the same formula, adding the top and bottom cell numbers for that column.
-In the next column over, add to each individual row the formula: =IMSUB(w,v) filling in the cell numbers the same way as step 1.
You should now have your completed Expenditure section.
Step 3: The Summary Section.
-You should be able to know how well you're doing at a quick glance, which is the purpose of this section.
-In the first row, put Profit/Loss. In the cells underneath, add categories for each thing you'd like to save for right away, keeping things realistic. I have four rows: Emergency Fund and Holiday Fund, leaving the other two rows for the only two debts that I have (which decide how much extra they get on top of my payment plan for that month). Usually, it is best to avoid saving until your debts are cleared. My debts are interest free (for now) which is why I'm saving.
-In the cell next to Profit/Loss, type the formula: =IMSUB(v,w). Replace v with the Total Actual Income cell number. Replace w with the Total Actual Expenditure cell number. This will show the difference between what you brought in for the month and what you spent that month.
-For the categories, insert the formula: =x/10. Replace x with the Profit/Loss cell number. this will calculate 10% of the Profit/Loss section for each category. You can adjust the percentage accordingly by changing the number - 4 for 25% or one quarter, for example. I recommend you leave at least half of your profit each month in your bank account rather than transferring it into other accounts. This means you may have to keep the percentages down.
You now have a working budget planner! Remember, budgets only help if you are honest about what you spend. If you're the only person viewing it, then you're the only person judging it - so there's no need to lie. Staying honest will help you see where you are overspending, so you will know where you need to make adjustments.
If anybody has a faster way of doing it with Excel, please share it. The good thing is, you only have to do it completely once - just delete the values of what you put in, excluding cells with formulas in.
If anybody would like to share their budgeting method, feel free to do so :)
Monday 27 June 2011
Getting the Summer Holidays Organised.
Your summer holiday activities don't have to be run like clockwork. In fact, no matter how hard you try, you'll never get it that way. Some activities do need to be planned in advance though, particularly the ones involving less fun.
If you're too organised, your children will more than likely end up stressed out and bored. If you aren't organised enough, you'll lose out on great opportunities and miss previous appointments because you forgot - you're too busy doing something else (or recovering from doing something else).
Step 1 - Clear the Calendar.
Unless you'll be attending an event specifically, clear all those birthdays off the calendar and get as close to a blank canvas as possible. It will be easier to work with.
Step 2 - Add Important Appointments.
I like to use the summer holidays as a great excuse to get my daughter's eye test and dental check-up done. It gives me a lot more flexibility and as both the optician and dentist are in a central location I can plan extra activities in the area around what I'm already doing there. Which helps to sweeten the deal - you go to the dentist and we'll (insert activity here) afterwards.
Step 3 - Fixed Events.
Some things are in town for a few days only - e.g. shows, parades, summer festivals etc. Look up local events on the Internet, your local authority website is a good place to start. If you are able to travel, consider where you are able to travel to, then look up activities in those areas. One fixed event per week is plenty for me, two at the very most. If you decide to go to two or more, why not consider making plans with a friend to go and explore, or take the kids to the park together?
Step 4 - Rainy Day Activities.
If our ever-predictable weather fails you, don't despair! There are plenty of things you can do at home. Why not have an indoor picnic, or a "cinema" evening? The indoor picnic is a personal favourite for my daughter, and so simple too. If you're feeling extra adventurous, then don those wellies and get out there - there isn't an activity much more fun than puddle jumping!
If you're still feeling stuck, then always ask a friend or family member for ideas. If you stay at home with the kids for six weeks doing the same thing day in, day out, you'll be pulling your hair out by the end of it. Try and do a little bit of forward planning, it really does help.
If you're too organised, your children will more than likely end up stressed out and bored. If you aren't organised enough, you'll lose out on great opportunities and miss previous appointments because you forgot - you're too busy doing something else (or recovering from doing something else).
Step 1 - Clear the Calendar.
Unless you'll be attending an event specifically, clear all those birthdays off the calendar and get as close to a blank canvas as possible. It will be easier to work with.
Step 2 - Add Important Appointments.
I like to use the summer holidays as a great excuse to get my daughter's eye test and dental check-up done. It gives me a lot more flexibility and as both the optician and dentist are in a central location I can plan extra activities in the area around what I'm already doing there. Which helps to sweeten the deal - you go to the dentist and we'll (insert activity here) afterwards.
Step 3 - Fixed Events.
Some things are in town for a few days only - e.g. shows, parades, summer festivals etc. Look up local events on the Internet, your local authority website is a good place to start. If you are able to travel, consider where you are able to travel to, then look up activities in those areas. One fixed event per week is plenty for me, two at the very most. If you decide to go to two or more, why not consider making plans with a friend to go and explore, or take the kids to the park together?
Step 4 - Rainy Day Activities.
If our ever-predictable weather fails you, don't despair! There are plenty of things you can do at home. Why not have an indoor picnic, or a "cinema" evening? The indoor picnic is a personal favourite for my daughter, and so simple too. If you're feeling extra adventurous, then don those wellies and get out there - there isn't an activity much more fun than puddle jumping!
If you're still feeling stuck, then always ask a friend or family member for ideas. If you stay at home with the kids for six weeks doing the same thing day in, day out, you'll be pulling your hair out by the end of it. Try and do a little bit of forward planning, it really does help.
Summer's Here!
With summer comes that wonderful period of time when you get to enjoy your child's company constantly for six whole weeks, without having to share him/her with anybody else. Such a blissful time of year, it's only fair to fill it with as many activities and adventures as you can...
Who am I kidding? Let's face it, those six weeks may start out blissful, but unless you have an actual holiday to break up the monotony, then your "time together" may turn out pretty hectic. And you may end up bald from pulling your hair out.
Still disagreeing? After the first week, you've exhausted all your summer savings on trips to your local soft-play, arcade, cinema etc. The rest of the 5 weeks are spent listening to "MUM CAN I HAVE..."
Over. And over. And over. Remember the advert - "MUM CAN WE HAVE A RABBIT MUM CAN WE HAVE A RABBIT MUM CAN WE HAVE A RABBIT..."
Yes, you get the point - I'll stop now. We could all do with a few days out to posh but child-friendly places, but the money just isn't always there! Unless you're rich, in which case - lucky you! Not only that, but here in Blighty, the weather isn't often here either!
So, to make sure I don't spend the last few weeks before summer a nervous wreck, I've decided to research as many "cheap options" as I can. I was surprised at how much of it was just down to common sense. Now I'm chilled, I'll just watch the rest of you suffer for six weeks... :)
Just kidding. Look forward to some posts on cheap activities and if you have any ideas, by all means - share them.
Who am I kidding? Let's face it, those six weeks may start out blissful, but unless you have an actual holiday to break up the monotony, then your "time together" may turn out pretty hectic. And you may end up bald from pulling your hair out.
Still disagreeing? After the first week, you've exhausted all your summer savings on trips to your local soft-play, arcade, cinema etc. The rest of the 5 weeks are spent listening to "MUM CAN I HAVE..."
Over. And over. And over. Remember the advert - "MUM CAN WE HAVE A RABBIT MUM CAN WE HAVE A RABBIT MUM CAN WE HAVE A RABBIT..."
Yes, you get the point - I'll stop now. We could all do with a few days out to posh but child-friendly places, but the money just isn't always there! Unless you're rich, in which case - lucky you! Not only that, but here in Blighty, the weather isn't often here either!
So, to make sure I don't spend the last few weeks before summer a nervous wreck, I've decided to research as many "cheap options" as I can. I was surprised at how much of it was just down to common sense. Now I'm chilled, I'll just watch the rest of you suffer for six weeks... :)
Just kidding. Look forward to some posts on cheap activities and if you have any ideas, by all means - share them.
Saturday 25 June 2011
Sorry ASDA Man (and bank account)!
So there I was, same as every Saturday afternoon, doing my food shop online because I'm a lazy cow and won't slug round a supermarket three times a week because I'm unable to carry an entire week's worth of shopping up the four flights of stairs to my flat at the same time. Longest sentence ever? Quite possibly.
So, baby's in bed, my daughter is quite happily playing in her room and I'm doing the shopping. Almost ready to finish, then I realise that I need a few more other things. This happens several times. I book my slot, and happily check out without seeing how much my bill has come to.
I swear my heart stopped. £105! For me, a 5 year old and an 8 month old! How the hell did I manage that? Usually I spend about £50, can go up to £80 at a huge stretch! I can't even remember what was on my list, I bet I forgot things too!
So, yeah... sorry to the ASDA man, who has to carry it all up the stairs tomorrow, and sorry bank account... I really did a number on you today!
So, baby's in bed, my daughter is quite happily playing in her room and I'm doing the shopping. Almost ready to finish, then I realise that I need a few more other things. This happens several times. I book my slot, and happily check out without seeing how much my bill has come to.
I swear my heart stopped. £105! For me, a 5 year old and an 8 month old! How the hell did I manage that? Usually I spend about £50, can go up to £80 at a huge stretch! I can't even remember what was on my list, I bet I forgot things too!
So, yeah... sorry to the ASDA man, who has to carry it all up the stairs tomorrow, and sorry bank account... I really did a number on you today!
Wednesday 22 June 2011
Welcome to the Third Trimester!
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| Photo by Stuart Miles |
Over the past few days, there have been:
- A sudden decrease in energy
- Piles
- Swelling of the fingers
- Overly tired feet
- Extreme backache
- Lack of sanity
Tuesday 21 June 2011
"Big Brother" Nursery?
'Big Brother' creeps into nursery as school installs cameras so parents can watch children on their mobile phones
Critics warn constant surveillance is a 'step too far'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2006054/Big-Brother-creeps-nursery-School-installs-cameras-parents-watch-children-class.html#ixzz1PwKxhn1t
Sunday 19 June 2011
Listen To Her!
I do often wonder what goes into the teacher's mind when my 5-year-old actually says something that makes sense. It's not very often this happens. She usually lives in a "fantasy world" where she'll imitate games and things she's seen on TV over and over. So as far as I'm concerned, it's all the more important to take her seriously when she says something that relates to the real world. But when it comes to her teacher, this just doesn't seem to be the case.
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