INPUT ARTICLE: Article: While it's unlikely you'll want zero decimal places on a financial calculator, you can set it for that by pressing the [0] button. At the other end of the scale, pressing the [8] button will set the device to display 8 decimal places. This is a unique option for the TI BA II Plus that causes it to show a variable number of decimal places. Once you complete the process of changing the number of decimal places, this option will show as few decimal places as are necessary in order to completely display the number, yet no more than 9 decimal places. In other words, say your enter the number 3.5: In the default 2-decimal format, the display will read |3.50|. If set to zero decimal places, it will read |4.|. If set to 3 decimal places, it will read |3.500|. If set to 8 decimal places, it will read |3.50000000|. If set to the "floating decimal" format (by pressing [9]), it will read |3.5|. This is the second button from the left in the top row of the keypad. Pressing it causes the decimal place setting to reset based on the number entry you just made. You'll see one of the following: Zero places: |DEC = 0.| 1 place: |DEC = 1.0| 2 places: |DEC = 2.00| 3 places: |DEC = 3.000| 4 places: |DEC = 4.0000| 5 places: |DEC = 5.00000| 6 places: |DEC = 6.000000| 7 places: |DEC = 7.0000000| 8 places: |DEC = 8.00000000| Floating decimal: |DEC = 9.| Pressing the [2nd] button activates the second function for the [CPT] button, which is "QUIT." After hitting this combination of buttons, the screen will return to whatever appeared on it before you entered the |DEC = | screenbut with changed decimal place settings. The TI BA II Plus will retain the updated decimal place setting until such time as you choose to change it once again. There's only one exceptionif you go through the process of restoring all default settings, as described below: Press the [2nd] button, then the [+/-] button (its second function is "RESET"). Press the [ENTER] button to reset the calculator. This clears the calculator's memory, deletes any worksheet data, and restores all default settings.

SUMMARY: Press a number button from 0-8 to set that number of decimal places. Press number button [9] to set a "floating decimal" format. Push the [ENTER] button after pressing your chosen number button. Confirm that the |DEC = | screen displays your chosen decimal places. Touch the [2nd] button, then the [CPT] button above it to exit the |DEC = | screen. Operate the calculator as normal with the decimal places now customized.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Lip balm often works to fill scratches in game discs. First, remove any excess dirt and grime by rinsing the disc off with running water. Use a lip balm without any colors, flavors, or glitter. Run the lip balm up and down the length of the scratch. Do this several times so that a fair amount of lip balm is applied. Repeat for any additional scratches on the disc. After applying several layers to the scratch, use a soft cloth to buff the balm in small circular motions. Continue buffing until all excess wax has been removed. You should notice that the scratches are much less visible than before. After you've buffed out all of the excess lip balm, you can try using the disc again. Make sure all of the excess balm has been removed before inserting the disc into your console.

SUMMARY: Rinse your disc off with running water. Get a plain lip balm. Apply the lip balm to the scratch using straight strokes. Use a soft cloth the buff away the excess lip balm. Try the disc again.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The higher the temperature in the room where you're painting, the more quickly the paint will dry. You can turn up the heat in your house or use a small space heater. Set up the space heater so it's pointing at the object you spray painted. Running a heater won't necessarily reduce the dry time by a lot, but it should shave off a couple of hours (it normally takes spray paint about 24 hours to dry). If you're painting inside and it's humid outside, make sure the windows where your objects are drying are closed. You should also avoid letting spray-painted objects dry outside if it's humid. Bring them inside to a cool, dry room. You can run a dehumidifier in the room where your paint is drying. If you're doing a lot of painting and need to be outside, plan your day of painting carefully. Plan to paint on a warm, dry day, and begin first thing in the morning. That gives you the most time to take advantage of the weather to dry your paint more quickly.

SUMMARY: Run a heater near the object. Decrease humidity. Paint outside at the beginning of a warm, dry day.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Set aside 3 to 6 months worth of living expenses so you're covered if disaster strikes. This money should be easily accessible, but separate from any of your investment accounts. Keep your emergency fund in a savings account (that way it will earn at least a little interest) separate from your main checking account. Get a debit card specifically for your emergency fund so you can access the money quickly when you need it. Any interest you earn from investing will typically be less than 10 percent. If you have credit cards or personal loans with an interest rate greater than that, you'll eat up all your investment earnings trying to get out of debt. For example, suppose you have $4,000 to invest, but you also have $4,000 in credit card debt at 14 percent interest. Even if you realized a 12 percent return on your investments, you'll only make $480. Since your credit card company charged you $560 in interest during that time, you're still $80 in the hole, despite your smart investment strategies. Not all debt is created equal. You don't necessarily have to pay off your mortgage or your student loans before you start investing. These typically carry lower interest rates and can ultimately save you money if you deduct the interest on your taxes. Your investment goals determine your investment strategy. If you don't know how much money you want to make, and how soon you're going to need it, you can't be sure you've chosen the right strategy. You'll likely have short-, mid-, and long-term goals. Decide how much money you'll need for each, and how long you have to make that money. Defining your goals also helps you choose your investment vehicles. With some investment accounts, such as a 401k, you are penalized if you withdraw funds early. You wouldn't want to use that sort of account for a short-term goal because you wouldn't have easy access to the money. You don't necessarily need a financial planner to invest. However, someone who knows market trends and studies investment strategy can be a good person to have on your team especially if you're just starting out. Even if you decide not to stay with a planner or advisor in the long term, they can still provide you with tools to get you started on the right path. Bring your list of goals and discuss them. A financial planner can provide you with options that will help you meet those goals as efficiently as possible.

SUMMARY:
Build up an emergency fund. Pay off high-interest debt. Write down your investment goals. Consult a financial planner.