Use the =TODAY() Function to Identify Past Due Invoices

Here is another response to a viewer request. The letter asks for my help in identifying, counting and totaling the amount of “Past Due” invoices. In the viewer’s letter, she wanted me to use the =NOW() Function. This function returns the current date and time (Hour, Minute, Second) from your computer’s system clock. The =TODAY() Function is similar, but it returns only the current date. Both the =NOW() and =TODAY() Functions are “volatile.” This means that the value that they return will automatically update according to your computer’s system clock. This makes them excellent reference points in formulas that identify “Past Due” invoices.

In addition to using the =IF() Function to identify the invoices that are “Past Due,” I also demonstrate two other functions: =COUNTIF() to total the number of “Past Due” invoices and =SUMIF() to give me the total dollar amount that is “Past Due.” I recreate these formulas, this time, using “named cell ranges” in the formulas.

Finally, I show you a great new Filtering Feature in Excel 2007 – the ability to filter by time period e.g. “Next Week!”

Related Videos

Check out my new DVD, “The 50 Best Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Excel 2007.” It contains over 5 1/2 hours of training for Excel 2007. You can locate the specific tip that you want to learn – and in @ 6 minutes, you will have received all of the information that you need to become more productive in this area.

Use the =COUNTIF() Function to see how many badges have been claimed

A viewer wants to know how many badges have been claimed and how many have not yet been claimed. In Excel, use the =COUNTIF() Function to get the answer(s) to this question.

If you have ever struggled with using “Nested =IF() functions” you will welcome the =COUNTIF() Function – it is so much easier to use because the arguments for the function follow a logical progression.

My viewer also wanted to see the names of the guests who have claimed or who have not yet claimed their badges. To answer this request, I use a Data Filter – very easy to use and change.

Learn Excel quickly. Over 5 1/2 hours of Excel 2007 training on my DVD. Each lesson averages @ 6 minutes.

Shop for the DVDs in “The 50 Best Tips for…” series at my online bookstore.

My Favorite Excel Keyboard Shortcut

I use Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel everyday. However, the one that I count on the most; The one that has saved me from near disaster on multiple occasions is:

Ctrl + Z – The UNDO Command.

Ctrl + Z can Undo my last 16 actions (one at-a-time.) In Excel 2007, you can Undo up to 100 of your last actions!

Watch this short Excel Training Video as I demonstrate how to take advantage of the Ctrl + Z Shortcut.

Here are the steps to follow in this lesson:

  1. Type an entry or apply formatting to a cell or range of cells.
  2. Hold down the “Ctrl” Key while you press the “Z” key. Excel will Undo your last action.
  3. To Restore the Action that you just UNDID, use the “Ctrl + Y+ Keyboard Shortcut.
  4. You can Undo your last 16 actions in Excel 2003. Use the drop-down menu next to the UNDO Command Button on the Standard Toolbar.
  5. Follow a similarĀ  procedure to RESTORE up to your last 16 actions in Excel 2003 with the drop-down menu next to the Restore Command button on the Standard Toolbar.
  6. In Excel 2007, you can UNDO and RESTORE up to your last 100 Actions!

Are you looking for Excel Video Training for a specific topic? Search my Index of Excel Video Topics.

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