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EXPENSE LOG AND CHECKLIST Frequently Asked Questions

(click on image to enlarge picture for viewing then on your browsers "back" button to return to this page)

Currently only Microsoft Excel Version available.  If you do not have Microsoft Excel on your computer it will not

work and because it is freeware, it is offered as is and we offer no tech support, so please do not call as ask

 for it.    Microsoft works version available soon!  We will however offer the following support from FAQ's.  If you

would like to add a tip you may email it to travelexpenses@cs.com and we will add it as time allows.

FAQ's:

* Can I adjust the size as it appears on my screen?   Yes!  Just click on View from the menu bar, then zoom and choose your preferred settings.

* How do I make the row headings "Freeze" so that I can scroll down and still see what columns I am entering info in?   Just place your cursar under the row heading in column A (ex. cell A35"), then Select "Window" from the toolbar above, then "FREEZE PANES" from the drop down menu.  You can reverse this to get rid of the scroll lock.

* Can I claim my commuter expenses?   Unless you are at a temporary base (with intention of less than a year - note that putting a position on your card typically means you agree to a TWO year or more intent) you CAN NOT claim commuter expenses any more than your next-door neighbor working at the local bank can claim his expenses.  Living away from your base is your choice.

* What if I don't know what category to put my expense in?  The obvious ones of course, then anything else in the misc. category

* Do I have to put things in "Categories?"  Absolutely not!  You can enter it all in the Misc. Category if you prefer.

* How can I print info?  Everyone has a different kind of printer and we cannot come to everyone's house and teach them how to use them.  We recommend that the page settings be set to print in "Landscape format" at 50% normal size.  We also recommend the page margin settings as shown in the Page Setup Box below.  These are included in the formatting of the file you downloaded, however, if your computer overrode the settings you may have to rest them as shown below in your Page Setup menu (Click on "File", then "Page Setup).  If these do not work and you don't know how to adjust your printer settings PLEASE ask a friend to help you.  This is a freebie folks, and during tax season we are LIVING & BREATHING Pro-Diem, Inc Travel Expense Reports, we do not have time for computer lessons.

* Does the file save itself?  NO!  Once you download it is yours to use and we no longer have anything to do with it.  So, if you want to access the information in the future you had better save it!  ( Click on "File", then "Save"). We recommend saving a backup copy onto a disk or other hard drive (whatever you use) as a backup.  It would be terrible if your computer crashed one day and you didn't save a copy of your data somewhere else. 

* How do I save it?  AGAIN:  Click on "File", then "Save"

* If I don't save my data does Pro-Diem have it?   No!

*What about foreign Currency?   What about the following columns? Not sure I understand what to do.:

Ok here it the lowdown.. You have a receipt from Japan in Yen and don't know what US dollar amount to fill out in the log form.  Step 1.  Click on the tab

-it will take you to a page that looks like the following:

Step 2  Fill in the form (sorry but I have to say it to those of you who  .. well you know who you are...;  Don't try to fill in the "Picture" above) with your information and click the "calculate" button

Step 3.  If you want to (not necessary but recommended) to save the information regarding the exchange rate etc you can place it in the columns

They do not calculate anything but are they to store information for your regarding foreign currency transactions.

Step 4.  Enter US Dollar amount in log form under appropriate category for that expense.

 * Can You teach me just the basics of using my computer so that I can do this?  We would love to teach the world how to use their computers but have to devote our time to calculating travel expenses and answering questions regarding Pro-Diem, Inc.  - If you still need basic computer help ask a teenager to show you a few things or try to take a class on basic computer usage in your community or even online at http://www.compusa.com/training/default.asp  You will be surprised at how much easier your life will be online if you understand what you are doing!

* What can I do if I don't recall the three letter ID?  Just go ahead and type the city name.  If it doesn't fit, Click on "Format" in the toolbar  and then click on "Cells" and choose the "Font" tab.  Change the font size to "8"

* What is category "xxx" ?  It is basically an extra category space for you to add an item of your choosing.  You may edit the "x,x,x" titles as nescessary by typing over them.  Then type over the word "extra" in the category totals cell.  The total will reflect anything that goes into teh "xxx" column.