This volume, aimed at beginners, explains how to use Microsoft Excel for managing finances. Aitken's reasoning for using the program is its simplicity over financial software and that it comes with most computers, and he notes that the book can be used with older versions. He begins with the basics; describes how to set up financial calculations, track net worth, and work with a budget; and explains using the program for checking accounts, credit cards, mortgages and loans for a car, and managing investments. He not only explains using the program, but also defines terms--types of mortgages, for instance. The CD-ROM contains templates that can be used with recent versions of Excel (2000, XP, and 2003) in the book, as well as a searchable electronic version of it. Aitken works in application development and technical writing and has written many books and articles on computer and software topics. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)