Bottom Line: Learn how to lock cells for editing to prevent users from making unwanted changes to formulas.
Skill Level: Beginner
Watch the Tutorial
Download the Excel Files
I've included both the BEFORE and AFTER files for you to download here:
Budgets – From Simple to Stupendous
If budgeting has ever been frustrating for you, you're not alone!
Budgets certainly can be challenging. But I want to help you make the most of your budget so that your budget can help you make the most of your money!
Let's take this simple budget template and give it a makeover in this video series.

When we're finished, we will have a more robust budget with dropdowns, locked cells, formulas, and an interactive dashboard with pivot tables and pivot charts.

Not only will our new budget look better, but it will be much more usable and practical.

The example we'll be looking at is a personal budget, but the techniques and tips you learn in this series are applicable to corporate budgets and other types of files as well.
Locking Cells
The first thing that we will look at is how to lock cells.
You can format your worksheet so that only certain cells can be manipulated while other cells are locked, preventing intentional or unintentional changes.

Locking cells is a two-step process that I explain in detail in another post. Please jump over to this link to complete the tutorial: How to Lock Cells for Editing and Protect Formulas
Conclusion
I look forward to showing you further steps in the budget makeover in the weeks to come. Let me know if you have any questions or comments about locking cells and protecting sheets. Just leave a comment below or at the linked tutorial above.
Episode 2: Budget Makeover – Ep. 2 – How to Remove Duplicates in Excel
Episode 3: Budget Makeover – Ep. 3 – Creating Dropdown Lists
Episode 4: Budget Makeover – Ep. 4 – Using Freeze Panes in Excel
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