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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Report Generation


   General Information




Q. Why my reports are coming out in portrait can I change them to landscape?
A. Yes, go to File then choose Print setup, then page 3. We suggest that once you change a setting you click the Save As button to give this layout a specific name. This will allow you to reselect Default Configuration if you want to return to the system default. If you choose to change it to landscape you will need to also go to page 2 and change the number of characters per line depending on how many years you want or can fit on a page. This is dependent on size and type of font you use. Larger fonts mean fewer years across. Use 80 characters per line for 5 years, and 12 additional characters for each additional year, for example use 92 for 6 years 104 for 7 years 106 for 8 years, etc.

Q. How do I change the font size or page margins?
A. Yes, but be careful. Express has specified a font and size that formats correctly for portrait layout of 5 years. Changing font sizes or types may result in over flowing lines of data of large areas of unprinted pages. To make changes go to File then choose Print setup, then page 1. We suggest that once you change a setting you click the Save As button to give this layout a specific name. This will allow you to return to the Default Configuration if you do not like what you have done. Default font is Arial and the sizes are as follow should you need to reset them; Standard is 10, Report Title is 14 Bold and Underlined, Company/Client 12 Bold, Heading is 10 Bold, and Footnote is 8. The default margins on page 2 are .5 inches top and bottom, .9 inches left and .6 inches right.

Q. How do I get the client’s age to print in the reports?
A. Go to Options then Report Options then Page Setup then choose Yes for Print Ages in Header Columns.

Q. How do I get a footnote on my reports?
A. First create your footnote as a txt file. You can do this by opening Word Pad and writing the footnote. The footnote should not be longer than 240 characters for a portrait layout. Then go to Options then Report Options then Page Setup then enter the file name in the footnote field.

Q. How do I save my incomes statements, cash flow reports, etc as an Excel File?
A. Go to Report and choose Save Report. You can save it to whatever location you choose. Then open up MS Excel and open the file. It should appear as it does in Express.

Q. Why does the Financial Independence report say my client is not in sound financial position, even though my balance sheet shows a positive net worth at the end of the planning horizon?
A. This report reflects the client's liquid Net Worth. Express will not sell your home or business to meet shortfalls, thus if you have assets, but no liquid ones, we consider this to be an unsound financial position.

Q. Why does the Financial Independence report state an average rate of return that does not appear to equal anything I have entered?
A. This rate of return reflects the growth of your client's liquid net worth through the planning horizon; this includes contributions and distributions to meet shortfalls or taxes. If your client is a saver, this will result in a growth higher than the entered rate of return for you assets, if they are a consumer it will result in a lower rate of return.

Q. How do I change what type of will or what year the estate report project?
A. Go to Options, Report Options, and Estate Structure and choose your will and year of death.

Q. Can I change the colors of the report?
A. Yes, go to Options, Report Options, Report formatting, and change your colors. After changing it is important that you click the Accept Colors button before clicking OK.

Q. Can I edit the file that generates the text report?
A. Yes, but we strongly recommend that you backup this file first. You should also have a modest understanding of MS Word and its functionality. You can find the word file for the text report in the c drive programs file/express folder. The file name is Text.doc

Q. Is there a report to show what values I have entered?
A. Yes there is a report that will show the values for assets, expenses and incomes, and there growth rates, go to reports then choose the last folder Data Input.

Q. Why in the cash flow statement report there are few items all relates to Mortgage payment?
A. In the cash flow statement report there could be 1, 2 or 3 lines that relate to the client mortgage:
i. The fully tax deductible mortgage interest.
ii. The Not Deductible expense for interest on mortgages over $1,000,000.
iii. The principle portion listed under Liability Liquidation.