How to use this book

As you can see from the foregoing contents pages, this book is somewhat wide ranging. It starts from the assumption that you want to try to run the numbers yourself using spreadsheets. However, this is not essential and you can skim or skip the chapters on this topic if you find them heavy going. Much the same applies to the arithmetic of finance. At the end of the day, you can always fake it by using the calculators on this book’s website (www.DefinitiveGuideToBusinessFinance.com). If you are wearing a particular hat today, you may find the following fast track guides useful. The list is not exhaustive. Many other fast tracks will be self-evident from the list of contents.

Where do you want to go today?

I want to focus on using spreadsheets to analyse numbers. The most important chapter for you is number 4 The financial wizard’s toolbox. This is followed closely by 5 Explaining and reporting, 9 Tracking trends and 10 How to forecast anything. You will find useful tricks in 8 Managing money and 23 Making better decisions. You should also check the spreadsheet sections in Chapters 11 to 18 covering financial statements, 21 Appraising projects and 22 Brilliant budgets.

I want to know about forecasting. Chapters 9 Tracking trends, 10 How to forecast anything and 12 Controlling costs are most relevant; you may also find useful material scattered through most other chapters.

I want to understand financial statements. Take a look at Chapter 7 Keeping score, then read Chapters 9 to 17 which cover various aspects of the financials. Parts of Chapters 18 to 20 will also be helpful.

I want to analyse financial statements. Follow the route for understanding financial statements, but pay particular attention to Chapter 18 Figuring financials.

I am responsible for appraising a project. You probably need to follow the routes for forecasting, some of the fast track for analysing financial statements (Chapters 11 to 13 especially), Chapter 23 Making better decisions and, of course, Chapter 21 Appraising projects.

I am responsible for managing a project. Follow the fast track for appraising a project, then read Chapter 22 Brilliant budgets.

My budget is due to be presented/reviewed tomorrow. Go straight to Chapter 22 Brilliant budgets, then read any of the prerequisites listed in that chapter’s survival toolkit as necessary.

I want to manage better. Read Chapter 2 Where managers and numbers meet. Then read the rest of the book. Sorry.

I want to be better at personal investment. Chapter 6 How money grows is a good starting point. Then follow the route for analysing financial statements, paying particular attention to Chapter 19 Financing and investing.