Excel Noob

[sfagan]

I have little to no experience with Excel. I have a lot of time on my hands and would like to get a good handle on it. I literally have the skills to input numbers and maybe a simple addition and multiplication functions. So what would be the best bet to start? I have seen that there are Excel instructional books with respect to finance; but I think they may start a little above my knowledge. What would be the best bet to start? anyone have some experience with my situation? Thanks

 

[supersharpshooter]

You should probably start with financial applications regardless. What’s the point in learning the same concepts but applying them to inventory management, invoicing, or something else you’re never going to use again?
Having said that, Benninga.
http://finance2.wharton.upenn.edu/~benninga/fm3/fm3.html

 

[MT327]

I agree Benninga is a good start. The book does a pretty good job of holding your hand as you work through the models.

 

[dinesh.sundrani]

Even I have 0 experience with Excel. The closest I have been to it is genetating the Asset-Allocation-split for HNW clients (excel downloadable) using a programming language. That and I usually do some quick-and-dirty book-keeping activities, so max I can use the +, - functions.
I know where is no way I can make it to the financial industry without being an Excel-Jockey. I had purchased the WSP but have to still use it after completing L2 in June.
Please could you recommend some good excel for beginners (and relating to finance)?
Benninga is more of a financial modelling book than a book for excel basics and pivot tables.

 

[KrukVT]

I like the Excel Inside Out series by Microsoft Press, even though it is more of a reference than a tutorial. I learned a lot very quickly by just thinking of things I wanted to do in Excel then looking up how to do them in this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Office-Excel-2003-Inside/dp/073561511X/r...

 

[TheAliMan]

EXCEL 2003 BIBLE

 

[Bankin]

I’d consider myself a B+ or A- Excel user. I was at half priced books recently and saw a previous edition of the Financial Modeling book by Benninga without the cd for 10 bucks. I went ahead and picked up the book, but won’t look at it until after Level III. Is the cd vital, or not so much?

 

[Trogdor]

Take Excel course at YMCA or local community college.
The best way to learn in is by doing things in it.