Simply Money™
for Windows
Quick Start
 

Welcome to Simply Money, an easy-to-use yet powerful tool for recording and monitoring your personal and business finances.  You'll soon find that Simply Money is much more than check-writing software.  Simply Money can help you reach your personal financial goals. Do you want to be better organized for taxes this year?  Are you ready to set up a realistic budget and stick with it?  Do you want to start putting money aside for your kids' college educations?  Simply Money is a complete system that will help you manage your money today and meet the goals you have set for tomorrow.

This Quick Start shows you how to get started using Simply Money.  For more details, use the online Help, which contains comprehensive information about everything in Simply Money.

The Home Window

What You Need

Software
 


Hardware

See your Windows documentation for information about using Windows.  Many Simply Money actions are the   same as Windows actions.

Installing Simply Money

    1.  Insert the Simply Money CD into your CD-ROM drive.

    2.  It should automatically start.  If it does not, follow the instructions on the inside front cover of the jewel case.

    3.  Complete the installation by following the instructions on the screen.

 Getting Started

 Click Start, point to Programs, point to the Simply Money folder, and click Simply Money.

 Menus

 The menus and tool rack let you perform the following tasks:

 File Menu

 New - Create a new finance group.
 Open - Access another finance group.
 Delete - Remove a finance group that is not currently active.
 Change Name - Change the name of a finance group or the comment about it.
 Backup - Make a backup of a finance group.
 Restore - Bring a backed-up finance group into Simply Money.
 Archive - Create a copy of your data as of a certain date.
 Import - Bring in data in MXF, QIF, QDT, or BMF format.
 Export - Save data in MXF, QIF, or PRN format to use with another product.
 Tax Export - Save data in TXF format to use with tax preparation software.
 Print Setup - Access the Windows printer setup feature.
 Exit - End the current Simply Money session.

 Edit Menu

 Cut - Remove a selected word or amount and put it in the Windows clipboard.
 Copy - Put a copy of the selected word or amount into the Windows clipboard.
 Paste - Place the contents of the Windows clipboard at the current cursor location.
 Categories - Modify categories.
 Classifications - Modify classifications.
 Budget - Make a budget.
 Investments Securities - Add or change information about a security (name, symbol, price, and so forth).
 Investments Types - Add to or change the kinds of investments you have (stock, mutual fund, CD, and so forth).
 Investments Goals - Add to or change your investment goals (high risk, growth, income, and so forth).

 Operations Menu

 Pay Expenses - Make payments on an account (same as a single click on an account button).
 Record Income - Add income through an income source (same as a single click on an income button).
 Transfer Funds - Move money from one account to another.
 Action Items - See a list of pending tasks.
 Modem Stock Update - Update stock prices through CompuServe®.
 Make Group - Group income sources, accounts, or payees to automate tasks or see summary reports or   graphs.
 Modify Group - Change the members of a group.

 Tools Menu

 You can use either the Tools menu or the buttons in the tool rack (see "Clicking on Buttons" later in this Help topic) to perform the
 following tasks:

 Produce Reports - Generate a report.
 Draw Graphs - Generate a graph.
 View Register - Make transactions in an account.
 Balance Accounts - Reconcile an account.
 Find - Search for a transaction based on one or more of these factors:  date, account, payee, memo, amount, and method of
    payment.
 Schedule Actions - Set up a recurring transaction such as paying rent each month.  Simply Money reminds you to make the
    transaction and automatically uses the amount and other information from the Scheduler.
 Get Advice - Display a list of financial advice topics tailored to your situation.  To select detailed advice, click the topic and then
    click the Advice button.
 Setup - Add, delete, or modify income sources, accounts, payees, and special types of fund transfers.
 CheckFree Transmit - Send your payment instructions to CheckFree.
 CheckFree Inquiry - Check on the status of CheckFree transactions.  (Payment date must have passed.)
 CheckFree Stop Payment - Stop a payment to CheckFree.  (Must be four business days before payment date.)
 CheckFree E-Mail - Correspond with CheckFree.
 CheckFree Communications - Set up your modem to access CheckFree services.

 NOTE:  CheckFree services are available at an additional charge payable to CheckFree.

 System Menu

 Background Patterns - Select background patterns for home, checkbook, check, and register screens.
 Calculator - Display standard Windows calculator.
 Financial Calculators Loan - Determine affordable loan size or payment amount.
 Financial Calculators Refinance - Calculate break-even point after refinancing your mortgage.
 Financial Calculators Interest - Convert nominal interest rate to effective (annual) rate.
 Financial Calculators Dividend - Translate dividends into annual yield.
 Financial Calculators Investment - Calculate amounts to invest.
 Financial Calculators Life Insurance - Determine exactly how much insurance you need to buy.
 Financial Calculators ARM Adjustment - Calculate your adjustable rate mortgage payment.
 Financial CalculatorsCollege - Determine the annual contribution needed to meet college costs.
 Order Supplies - See how to order checks and envelopes.
 Settings General - Control settings for audio, button layout, financial advisor, newcomer hints, confirmation messages, and more.
 Settings Password - Enter and change password for current finance group.
 Settings Reminders - Control reminder messages.
 Settings Check Printing - Specify date format and other check options.
 Settings Reports & Graphs - Specify a default date range and color for reports and graphs.
 Settings Modem - Set up communications information for stock price downloads.
 Settings Advisor - Specify the topics and pop-up messages you receive.
 Settings Register - Specify defaults for Enter key, transfer method, date, check numbers, and automatic recording.
 Settings Checkbook - Specify defaults for Enter key, date, modem, and automatic recording.
 Settings Tab Order - Specify tab order in the current register.

 Using the Tool Rack Buttons

 You can either use the Tools menu or click the following buttons in the tool rack:
Produce 
reports.		 Draw graphs. View register. Balance accounts.
Search to find. Schedule actions. Get advice. Set up your finances.

Click these buttons to perform the following tasks:
 
Explains how to use Simply Money. Lets you move instantly from any register, text or checkbook without returning to the Home page.
Lets you  write a check. Lets you attach a note to transactions in registers.

 
Button Single Click Double click
Income 
Accounts		 Shows the name, type, number of transactions, and balance of every income source or account. Lets you add, modify, or delete an income source or account.
Payees Lets you choose a payee and see information about it. (Same as single clicking on individual payee button.) Lets you add, modify, or       delete a payee.
Individual income 
buttons		 Lets you record income. Lets you modify or delete the button.
Individual account
buttons		 Lets you add to or withdraw from the account. Shows the register for           the account.
Individual payee
buttons 		 Shows information about the payee. (Same as single clicking on Payees button.) Lets you modify or delete the button.
Tool buttons at
bottom of screen		 Does the task assigned to the button (display online Help, write checks, and so on). Same as single click.

Dragging and Dropping

Drag one button over another and release it to perform an action.  For example, to see transactions in your checking account, drag
the Register button to the checking button and release it.  (Or drag the checking button to the Register button.)


If a drag and drop action cannot take place (for example, dragging the Income button to the Register button), a circle with a line
through it appears:

Procedures for Basic Tasks

 Creating a New Finance Group

 1.   From the File menu, select New.
 2.   Type a descriptive name for the finance group.  If you wish, add a comment.  Click OK.
 3.   Select the type of finance group you want by clicking Personal, Business, or Both.

 Opening a Finance Group

 1.   From the File menu, select Open.
 2.   Click a finance group name and click OK.

 Setting up Income Sources, Accounts, and Payees

 1.   Gather all paperwork (pay stubs, checkbook, statements).
 2.   Drag the Income, Accounts, or Payees button down to the Setup button and release the mouse button.
 3.   Click whichever of these buttons is on your screen:  Add Income Source, Add an Account, or Add a Payee.
 4.   Type the name of an income source, account, or payee.
 5.   Select the type of income, account, or payee:
        a.   Click the down arrow near Type.
        b.   Click one of the types listed.
 6.   Add an address, telephone number, contact person, account number, and greeting name:
        a.   Click the Address button.
        b.   Type the information in the spaces provided.
        c.   Click OK.
 7.   If desired, change the icon:
        a.   Click the Icons button.
        b.   Locate the icon you want.
        c.   Click the icon of your choice.
        d.   Click OK.
 8.   If desired, check the box next to the Hidden button.
 9.   If you are adding a tax-free account such as an IRA, 401(k), or annuity, check the box next to Tax-Free Account.
 10. To set up an account or payee for CheckFree electronic payment, click the CheckFree Setup button and fill in the appropriate
       information.
 11. Click OK.
 12. If you are adding an account, fill in the starting amount and date when prompted.  Click OK.

 Preparing Checks for Printing or Electronic Payment

 Use the following procedure to prepare checks for printing or electronic payment.  The checkbook register is updated
 automatically.  If you want to make an electronic payment, see Chapter 8, "Paying Bills Electronically," in the Simply Money User
 Guide to set up a CheckFree account and payees.
 1.   Open the checkbook.
 2.   For CheckFree users only:  The date on your check is at least four business days from today.  (Simply Money automatically
       calculates this date for you.)
 3.   Type any letter on the Pay to the Order of line and choose a payee by either:

          -or-  4.   Enter the amount.  You can type an optional memo.
 5.   If desired, enter a category.  See "Assigning One Category" or "Assigning Several Categories (Making a Distribution)" later in
       this Help topic.
 6.   For CheckFree users only:  Make sure an X appears in both the Use Modem and Transmit boxes.
 7.   Click Record.
 8.   Click Print when you are ready to print checks or transmit payment instructions.  9.   Click Home to return to the main screen.

 Transferring Funds Between Accounts

 1.   Drag the button for one account to the button for the other account and drop it.
 2.   Type an amount.
 3.   If necessary, click the down arrow near Transfer Via and click the method of transfer:  Check, CCard, Cash, ATM, Wire, Direct,
       or Modem.
 4.   Click Transfer.

 Recording Checks in the Register

 1.   Drag the checking account button down to the Register button and drop it.
 2.   Type a letter and choose a payee by either:

          -or-  3.   Enter an amount.
 4.   If desired, enter a category.  See "Assigning One Category" or "Assigning Several Categories (Making a Distribution)" later in
       this Help topic.
 5.   If necessary, change the date (see "Entering Dates" later in this Help topic).
 6.   If printing a check with Simply Money, type "p" in the Via column.
       If recording a check you wrote, type the check number in the Via column.
 7.   Click Record.
 8.   Click Home.

 Paying a Mortgage or Credit Line

 By updating the mortgage or credit line account, you also automatically enter the information in the check register and prepare a
 check for printing.
 1.   Click once on the button for the account.
 2.   Click whichever of these buttons appears:  Pay Mortgage or Pay Off Credit.
 3.   If you amortized your mortgage, change (if necessary) any amount in the Amortized Payment box and click OK.
 4.   Type a letter in the space labeled Account.
 5.   Indicate the account by either:

          -or-  6.   Click Record.
 7.   Click the button next to either of these:  Prepare Check for Printing or Just Record Transaction.
 8.   Click OK.

 Paying a Credit Card Bill

 When you pay on a credit card account, you can balance the account and pay the bill at the same time.
 1.   Click the button for the credit card account.
 1.   Follow the steps for reconciling an account in "Reconciling an Account" later in this Help topic.
 2.   If needed, make corrections in the register.  When the Difference is equal to zero, choose Home.  The Pay Off Credit Card
       Balance box appears.  The current account balance appears in the Amount box.
 3.   If you do not want to make a payment, select Cancel to return to the Home window.
 4.   If needed, change the date (today’s date).
 5.   In the From Account or Income box, type the name of the account the payment comes from.
 6.   If necessary, type the payment in the Amount box.  Simply Money automatically fills in the total amount owed, but you can
       enter a different amount.
 7.   In the Via box, select a method of payment (such as Check).
 8.   Type an optional Memo.
 9.   Choose Record, and choose whether to print a check or just record the transaction.

 Depositing Your Paycheck

 1.   Drag your paycheck button to an account button and drop it.
 2.   Record gross income and deductions.  (To record extra deductions such as health insurance, click the Distributions button and
       enter negative amounts.)
 3.   If necessary, click the down arrow near Via and click the transfer method:  Check, CCard, Cash, ATM, Wire, Direct, or Modem.
 4.   Click Record.

 Reconciling an Account

 1.   Drag the account button down to the Balance button and drop it.
 2.   Enter the statement balance, any service or late charge, and interest earned or paid; then click OK.
 3.   For transactions included on the statement, click in the column labeled C (cleared).  (To clear consecutive checks, click the
       Clear Range button and enter a range of check numbers.)
 4.   If you need to change or record any transactions, click the Register button.  Click the List button to return to reconciliation.
 5.   Click Home.
 6.   If the account doesn't balance, click the Add or Don't Add button.

 Assigning One Category

 Categories let you track your finances by grouping similar transactions for budgets, reports, and graphs.  Sample categories are
 utilities, dental, and clothing.  You assign categories while recording income, updating accounts, or writing checks.
 1.   Drag an account button down to the Register button and drop it.
 2.   Type a letter on the category line (the line with the small arrowhead).
 3.   If necessary, click the button next to Expense, Asset, Income, or Liability on the browser.
 4.   Indicate the category by either:

          -or-          related.  Click OK.

 Assigning Several Categories (Making a Distribution)

 To distribute the amount to more than one category:
 1.   Drag the checking account button down to the Write or Register button and drop it.
 2.   Enter a payee and the amount of a bill.
 3.   Click the small arrowhead on the category line.
 4.   Type a letter in the Category column.
 5.   If necessary, click the button next to Expense, Asset, Income, or Liability on the browser.
 6.   Indicate the category by either:

          -or-        related.  Click OK.
 7.   Type an amount for that category in the Amount column.
 8.   Repeat steps 4 - 6 for every category.
 9.   If necessary, click the Recalc Total button.
 10. Click Close, click Record, and then click Home.

 Grouping Income Sources, Accounts, or Payees

 Grouping income sources, accounts, or payees lets you summarize information on reports and graphs, and automate tasks such
 as check writing.
 Temporary group:
 1.   Hold down the Shift key and click the buttons you want to group.  (To deselect a button, press Shift and click it again.  To
       deselect all buttons, click on the background.)
 2.   To generate reports or graphs, drag any one of the grouped buttons to the Reports or Graphs button.
       To write checks, drag any one of the grouped buttons to the button for your checking account.
 Permanent group:
 1.   Make a temporary group.
 2.   Drag any one of the grouped buttons to the Setup button.
 3.   Type a group name.
 4.   To add an income source, account, or payee to a group, click it.  Click a highlighted item to omit it from the group.
 5.   If desired, select a new icon or hide the button.  Click OK.

 Generating a Quick Report or Graph

 Drag and drop the income, account, or payee button to the Graphs or Reports button.

 Generating a Report

 1.   Click the Reports button.
 2.   Click the button for the type of report you want.
 3.   Click the name of the report you want and click OK.
 To print the report, pull down the File menu on the report window and choose Print.
 To reuse report data in another application, pull down the File menu on the report window and choose Export.

 Generating a Graph

 1.   Click the Graphs button.
 2.   Click the button for the type of graph you want.
 3.   Click the name of the graph you want and click OK.
 If you want to print the graph, pull down the File menu on the graph window and choose Print.
 If you want to include the graph in another Windows application, copy it to the clipboard by pulling down the File menu on the graph
 window and choosing Copy.

 Customizing a Report or Graph

 Before generating the report or graph:

 After generating the report, while it is on the screen:


 Saving a Report or Graph Format

 To save the format of a customized report or graph for future use:
 1.   Customize a report or graph.  (See the preceding procedure.)
 2.   Choose Memorize from the File menu of the report or graph window.
 3.   Use the format in the future by clicking the Reports or Graphs button and then clicking the button next to Memorized Reports
       or Graphs.  Select the descriptive name of your report or graph from the list of memorized reports or graphs.

 Budgeting

 1.   From the Edit menu, select Budget.
 2.   If necessary, click the button next to Expense or Income.
 3.   Either:

         -or-  4.   If the budget is for several months, click Variable.
 5.   To sort by value, or to show top-level categories only, click Options.

 Importing Data

 You can import these file formats:
     MXF (Simply Money Exchange Format)
     QIF (Quicken® Interchange Format)
     BMF (BillPay  USA Format)
     QDT (Quicken Data File Format)
 1.   From the File menu, choose Import.
 2.   Select a file, then click OK.
 3.   If it is an MXF or QDT file, choose to add data to the current finance group or make a new finance group.  If it is a QIF or BMF
           file, specify the account to receive the data.  Click OK.

 Exporting Data

 You can export these file formats:
       MXF (Simply Money Exchange Format)
       QIF (Quicken Interchange Format)
       PRN (ASCII File Format)
 1.   From the File menu, choose Export.
 2.   Type a file name or select a file by clicking the Browse button.
 3.   If necessary, indicate a date range and file compatibility.
 4.   Specify the items to be exported.
 5.   If you want to specify the income sources, accounts, or payees to be exported, click the Include button.  Select (highlight) or
       deselect items by clicking them.  Click OK.

 Exporting Tax Information

 1.   From the File menu, select Tax Export.
 2.   Type a file name or select a file by clicking the Browse button.
 3.   If necessary, indicate a date range.  Click OK.

 Keeping Your Finances Private

 1.   From the System menu, choose Settings and then choose Password.
 2.   Type a password (an asterisk appears for each letter).  Click OK.
 3.   Type the password again and click OK.
 4.   Write down your password and keep it in a safe place separate from your computer.
 5.   Click OK.

 Moving Buttons

 By default, Simply Money positions your most frequently used buttons at the top of the work area.  To change button positions:
 1.   From the System menu, choose Settings and then choose General.
 2.   To deselect, click the box next to Auto Button Layout.  Click OK.
 3.   Hold down the Shift key and drag a button.  The new location must be currently occupied by another button.  Drop the button
           by releasing the mouse button.  If the desired location is not on the screen, position the button over the up/down arrow on the
           scroll bar until the location comes into view.

 Entering Dates

 To insert today's date, click a date field and press F3.
 To insert another date:
 1.   Click a date field and press F4.  The calendar appears.
 2.   If necessary, change the month by clicking the scroll bar arrows.  Change the year by clicking the scroll bar.
 3.   Click a date, then OK.

 Simply Media Technical Support

 Online at:     www.simplymedia.com, under Tech Support.  Start by printing out the documents titled “Checkwriting” and
                        “Installation” to see if you can find a solution to your problem there.

 Or Email:     support@simplymedia.com.

 How to View and Print the CheckFree Enrollment Form

 1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to the Simply Money folder, and click "CheckFree Enrollment" in the Simply Money   folder.  This will open the CheckFree enrollment form using WordPad, the word processor that comes with Windows 95 and 98.
 2. Select File-->Page Setup from the Menu bar.  Set your left and right margins to 1.0".  Set your top and bottom margins to
     0.5".  Click OK to save the settings.
 3. Select File-->Print from the Menu bar to print the form.

All product names and service names referenced herein are trademarks or servicemarks of their respective companies.
 

© 2001 Simply Media Inc.