For your completed file, you MUST include FIVE  items that you learned from the assignments readings for Weeks 1 and 2,  such as (1) advanced charts, (2) advanced graphics, (3) advanced  formulas, (4) advanced functions, (5)goal seek, (6) pivot tables (7) all  types of advanced formatting, etc. Be creative and innovative, and  include many items from Excel to visually represent your budget, both as  calculations for income and expenses, and for charts and graphics.

Here are some more items you can include for expenses:

Retirement  savings, 401K investments, parking, getting coffee, expenses for cars,  car maintenance, yearly registrations for vehicles, gym memberships,  clothes, shoes, student loans, interest on items such as mortgage  (principal and interest list separately if possible), credit cards  (principal and interest list separately if possible), TV/television  services such as NetFlix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime; taxes on property you  own; payment to accountant for doing your yearly taxes, babysitters. For  income, expenses you can include the taxes you pay, as there a

WEEK 1: READ & WATCH
Please find below the content and items you need to read and or watch this week. Please note your weekly discussions are tied to each week’s Read & Watch content.

 MAIN FOCUS

This week, we will be focusing our attention on MS Excel. Excel is a spreadsheet program that allows you to store, organize, and analyze information. Spreadsheets are used for entering, calculating, and analyzing data. Excel’s advanced features enable you to perform complex calculations and in-depth analysis. By reading and/or viewing the assigned materials, you will learn how to analyze trends using Sparklines, present data using a Combination Chart, analyze table data using AutoFilters and Advanced Filters and improve  data accuracy by adding, removing or changing Data Validation.

 
READ & WATCH
1. 
Analyzing Trends in Data using Sparklines
 (web page)
Sparklines are miniature charts that can be displayed in a single row or column of data and are displayed next to the data they represent.
2. 
Excel 2013 Sparklines
 (5-page web tutorial) 
Read through all 5 pages and watch the Sprinkles video on the first page.
3. 
Present Your Data in a Combination Chart
 (web page)
You can create a chart that shows data on two y-axes for the purpose of showing different data. This type of chart is called a combination chart.
4. 
Filter by Using Advanced Criteria
 (web page)
Advanced filtering is used in Excel to create a list of unique items, or to extract specific items to a different worksheet. You can also use complex criteria with an Advanced Filter, so it is useful when a simple AutoFilter cannot do what you need.

5. 
Advanced Filtering
 (4-page web tutorial)
Read through pages 2-4.
6. 
Add, Change or Remove a Data Validation
 (web page)
Read “Add Data Validation (1-7).
The data validation feature is used in Excel when you or someone else will be adding changes in the same worksheet.

WEEK 2: READ & WATCH
Please find below the content and items you need to read and or watch this week. Please note your weekly discussions are tied to each week’s Read & Watch content. 

 MAIN FOCUS

This week, you will be introduced to Excel’s Auditing and Analysis tools. By reading and/or viewing the assigned materials, you will learn how to use Goal Seek to find a result by adjusting an input value. You will learn how to switch between different sets of values by using scenarios, calculate multiple results in tables by using a data table, learn how to create a PivotTable to analyze worksheet data, and create a PivotChart.

 
READ & WATCH

1. 

Use Goal Seek to find a result by adjusting an input value

 (web page)
Functions and formulas usually perform mathematical calculations using known values. Sometimes, however, you may know the results (goals), but not necessarily the values needed to arrive a the goals. The goal seek feature finds the unknown value you need in order to accomplish your goal.

2. 

Excel 2013 What-if Analysis – Goal Seek

 (4-page web tutorial)
Read through all 4 pages and watch the 

What-If Analysis video

 on the first page.

3. 

Switch between various sets of values by using scenarios

 (web page)
The scenario manager performs a what-if analysis that lets you change several cells of data

4. 

Calculate multiple results by using a data table

 (web page)

5. 

Creating a PivotTable to analyze worksheet data

 (web page)
Excel offers a unique method for changing the way data can be displayed by using the PivotTable feature.

6. 

Create a Pivot Chart

 (web page)
A PivotChart is a visual representation of the PivotTable data