Spreadsheet Setup and File Management

• Creating and saving Excel workbooks correctly (OneDrive/SharePoint vs. local storage)
• Understanding how Excel file handling differs from Google Sheets
• Renaming worksheets and establishing a clear workbook structure

Dynamic Arrays and Modern Excel Functions

• Using SEQUENCE to generate dynamic timelines (years and ages)
• Understanding spilled ranges and the spill operator (#)
• Leveraging dynamic arrays so calculations automatically expand and contract

Logical and Mathematical Modeling

• Applying IF and MOD to control conditional logic (e.g., raise timing)
• Handling first-year exceptions in calculations
• Building formulas that distinguish between baseline and alternative scenarios

Compounding and Iterative Calculations

• Using SCAN and LAMBDA to model year-over-year compounding
• Applying inflation, raises, and investment growth dynamically
• Reusing calculation logic with different starting assumptions

Financial Analysis Concepts in Excel

• Calculating extra income available for investing
• Modeling investment growth using future value logic
• Converting future values to present values using discounting concepts
• Comparing lifetime earnings, ending salary, and investment outcomes

Summarization and Comparative Analysis

• Using SUM and MAX with dynamic ranges to summarize results
• Building comparison sections that highlight differences between scenarios
• Interpreting results at a decision-making level, not just year-by-year detail

Formatting for Clarity and Communication

• Applying Cell Styles to distinguish inputs, calculations, and results
• Understanding Accounting vs. Currency number formats
• Using custom number formats to add meaning without changing values
• Center Across Selection as a safer alternative to merged cells
• Cleaning up layout for readability and professional presentation

Preparing Data for Charts

• Creating and managing dynamic named ranges
• Using HSTACK and VSTACK to build chart-ready data ranges
• Ensuring charts remain dynamic as inputs change

Data Visualization

• Creating dynamic line charts driven by spilled ranges
• Adjusting chart axes and display units for readability
• Linking chart titles to worksheet cells
• Applying chart styles and color themes for clear communication

Protection, Review, and Submission

• Protecting worksheets while preserving editable input cells
• Protecting workbook structure to prevent accidental changes
• Testing “what-if” scenarios safely within a protected model
• Preparing the workbook for submission and avoiding common upload issues