Welcome to Personal Finances Pro user manual

The demo database is loaded automatically when the program is launched for the first time. The database is partially filled – there are several accounts, a tree of categories and expenses for one month. Beginners are recommended to use this database: add transactions, accounts and play with the settings to familiarize themselves with the interface and functionalities.

Personal Finances can work with several databases. A database can be password protected to restrict access for unauthorized users. Users should make a backup copy of the database regularly and save it to an external storage device (CD / DVD disk). The backup copy will help you restore data quickly in case of system errors or computer crash. The database is stored as a single file, which makes it easy to create its backup copy – just select "Save As" in the File menu.

Some handy features

The program offers several time-saving features.

• The Fill form button will help the user enter frequently repeated transactions, without the need to fill in all transaction details into the form again. Just select a preset transaction from the list and edit the values, such as quantity or sum. Other fields are completed automatically.
• Create a copy. Any transaction can be copied and edited (if necessary). Categories can be copied too. When the user attempts to copy a category, the transaction form with the selected category will open.
• AutoFill. With this handy feature, one can get a transaction name filled in automatically. To do so, select the name from the list of names, or key in the first letters and the program will enter an appropriate name automatically.
• Save the date of the last entered transaction. This feature allows the user to easily create several transactions "post factum", without the need to specify the date of every new transaction again and again.
• The program has a built-in calculator. You can access it from the main menu (Tools > Calculator). Also, there is the button to open the calculator in each number or sum entry field. The calculator lets you make basic arithmetic calculations and store one number in memory. Memory is not cleared after closing the calculator, so saved data can be used later in the other function of the program.

Interface overview

When you click on the "Transactions" button this screen will open showing:

1. Accounts list and selected account.
2. Current month. Note, if the last date in your data is early than the current date, no data will show.
3. Income and expenses categories.
4. Individual transactions assigned to selected account.

Here user can manage transactions - add new, edit or delete.

Changing the time period you are working with

1. Shows the current month, in this case January 2011.
2. Clicking on these controls will let you move backwards or forwards in time. The default setting is one month at a time.
3. List of standard date filters.

Choosing a custom period

Personal Finances will let you choose a custom period which can be any two dates either in the past or in the future. To choose a custom period, simply click on control in red ellipse then click Custom in drop-down menu and the calendar controls will appear. When you click OK, Personal Finances will display all transactions for the period that you have selected. The transactions shown will be for the account that you have chosen, or if you chose “Overall balance”, the transactions for all accounts.

Week/Month/Quarter Filters

In addition to the custom date feature described above, Personal Finances provides a set of standard date filters that you can use to select the period that you want to see. Click on control in red ellipse and a menu of choices will appear. Select the one you want and that filter will be applied to your data.