Sunday, January 31, 2010

My Favorite keboard shortcuts

• Ctrl + F4: Closes currrent Window (you may be asked to save changes)

• With mutliple windows open, hold your CTRL key and click on each, you will noticed that become highlighted or selected, then right click on one of the applications selected and “close group”.

• CTRL+C: Copy

• CTRL+X: Cut

• CTRL+V: Paste

• CTRL+Z: Undo

• CTRL+B: Bold

• CTRL+U: Underline

• CTRL+I: Italic

• Windows Key + M: Minimizes all windows

• Windows Key + Shift + M: Undo Minimize all Windows

• Windows Key + E: Windows Explorer

• Windows Key +F: Opens the Find Window

• Windows Key: Opens the Start Menu

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Operation Able

I have been asked to return to Operation Able in Detroit Michigan to teach QuickBooks to people over the age of 45 (and in most cases 55). This agency is funded by the State of Michigan and provides back to work skills for the older worker. I found them because I went to their website looking for work for myself and noticed that they teach Microsoft Office and other computer skills along with job hunting skills. I emailed the director asking if they were interested in offering a QuickBooks class. She emailed back immediately and hired me in December for our first class.

The students are so much fun and so eager to learn. They come from all walks of life and many different career industries. It is unfortunate that it takes so many months for the agency to get their funding but I guess that's what happens when your state is operating at a deficit and unemployment exceeds 20% (not including the underemployed).

I look forward to going back next week to see my friends at Operation Able. Many of the people who work here are interns or volunteers. The most exciting thing about Operation Able to me is that the environment is healthy, thriving and a great place to learn and network. Check out their website when you have a minute: Operation Able

Friday, January 8, 2010

Vacation Time

I know about a secret vacation destination that all can afford!

A few of my family members are owners of a condo at Shanty Creek Resort in northern Michigan (not far from Traverse City). For only $120.00 per night ($130.00 on weekends) you have a three room unit with kitchen and fireplace (wood burning) that sleeps 10. You have access to skiing (down hill and cross country), snowboarding and sledding in the winter and golf and swimming in the summer. Spa facilities (massage - oh yes) and excellent meals in the lodge.

Within a short drive you are near the Leelanau Peninsula which is full of artsy shops and restaurants, Traverse City Cherry Festival in July, Mackinaw Island and so much more.

If you are interested in this rental (privately owned so don’t call Shanty Creek) email me and I’ll put you in touch with my sister!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Upgrading QuickBooks to Version 2010

Today, I received an email from a QuickBooks user who was having difficulty upgrading from Version 2005 to Version 2010.

Intuit, Inc. requires their customers to upgrade so that the customer keeps up with technology. QuickBooks products must continually stay on the cutting edge and Intuit, Inc. cannot keep old versions active forever (or provide staff to support old versions). Four years is normally the availability for upgrading to a current version of QuickBooks. If you have a version older than four years, you cannot upgrade to the current or newest version. For Version 2010 you must be on version 2007 or later.

Your option in this case is to upgrade to a newer version than you have, but may not be the most current version, then, you can upgrade to the new version (this is known as “leapfrogging”).

I recommend my clients upgrade every year or every two years, to keep up with the current features.

If you have this problem and need to “leapfrog” to get your data to an earlier version please call me, I have many versions available and can help.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Job Hunting

Thank you to Anonymous for requesting blog entries. I am like any other blogger, I run out of ideas and topics that I feel would interest others. Your suggestions will always be appreciated.

Many of you know that business is very slow right now for Success In-Formation LLC. As a result I have been looking for a position with a company that can benefit from my skills. Accounting, Project Management, Software Implementation, Sales, Training and Teaching, to name a few.

The job of looking for a job is grueling. When you have years of experience, it’s even worse I think. Recently I applied on a website (a recruitment agency) and the earliest year you could choose for completion of a college degree was 1980. Isn’t that discrimination?

Recently, I have been receiving emails with job leads. It comes from a friend, of a friend, of a friend. Once per week, an email comes with several leads. I think the only way to get a job right now is if I know someone or get a tip from someone. Let me know how the job market is working out for you.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

You are the author of your companies books!

A nice feeling to me is when I know the financial books are in order. Once all the data is entered to date, all accounts are reconciled and reviewed, I’m confident that the reports are telling the true story of a companies’ wealth.

One reason I like accounting is that everything has to balance. If the bookkeeper/controller is true to her/his work, they will work to make sure everything balances to the penny. You just never know when a $1.00 adjustment is really a combination of errors resulting in a net difference of $1.00.

Once you know that things are caught up and in balance, it’s time to read the reports that tell the story. Learn to read the following reports:
• Balance Sheet
• Profit and Loss aka Income Statement
• Statement of Cash Flow
• Subsidiary reports which may list out items that are shown as totals on the Balance Sheet

Once you understand these reports, you open the book of your company… the General Ledger, this is where the detail is.

And your companies story goes on year after year….

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tofu with Peanut Sauce

In my last entry, I mentioned that I would send you a recipe. Recently, my favorite dish is one I made up but I absolutely love it. I'm trying to stay away from meat. After seeing the movie "Food, Inc" I try only to buy organic meat, but that can be expensive, so I've been eating more tofu and tempeh.

Tofu with Peanut Sauce (spicy)

Saute garlic and sliced onions
Add Tofu (cubed, firm)
Add Shredded carrot (I used my potatoe peeler to shread it)
Peanut sauce (I add liberally, but it might be spicy if you do)

Saute the tofu long enough to get it browned and simmer with the peanut sauce long enough to allow the tofu to absorb the flavor.

I have had this at a restaurant and it includes broccoli and cabbage so you could add any vegetables that you like.

Serve over rice.