Msg: 4209 *Conference*

04-14-93 23:26:12

From: RICHARD HANSON

To : TIM DOUGHERTY

Subj: REPLY TO MSG #4205 (SPREADSHEETING)

Excellent!  That's the spirit.  Use the spreadsheet program to track and
compare.  And, like I said in the last message, it doesn't matter what the
application is, as long as you try a wide variety of applications.  You don't
have to keep using the spreadsheet program now that you've set something up.
It's the set up and initial use and adjustments to fit the situation that
counts; not its continuous use.
 
Here's an idea to go along with your shopping-sheet.  Set up a performa where
in you track food and other purchases thus far this year.  Now, extend your
calculations through to December and see what the bottom line is.  Lastly, play
with ideas that you think you may institute to alter the bottom line in Dec,
i.e., using more coupons, setting budgets, looking for sales and special
products, etc.  Employ some of your ideas this month and record the results.
Then, again, extend these adjusted results through Dec.  You may find that you
can "really" start controlling household expenses just because you can not only
see what the numbers mean, but that you can play with ideas, employ those
ideas, and instantly see the results.
 
On that same note: Get the whole family involved.  Have one of your kids keep
track of the numbers.  Gather around and look at the numbers and their meaning
to all of you.  Then, suggest and employ changes.  The process will help in
many, many ways.
 
Spread-them-sheets... -Rick-