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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP

@excelguru.ca
367 followers 71 following 1.1K posts

I teach people how to use Excel (skillwave.training), host an Excel website (excelguru.ca), build software (monkeytools.ca) and enjoy watching football (aka soccer).

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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 30/09/2026
We heard from European friends that they aren't fans of the N American week numbering systems. 📆 #PowerQuery has a “week number” function but no function to get ISO weeks. Well, our Monkey Tools #Excel add-in will inject a GetISOWeek function.✋ Learn how it works here: mkyt.ca/get-iso-week
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
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Get ISO Week Function
This function allows you to pass in two data points: a date and an optional "precise" choice. These return a properly formatted week number based on the ISO 8601 standard.
(Screenshot of Invoke Custom Function dialog in Power Query with fnGetISOWeek in the query field and the options for setting the column name, the given date, and the optional "precise date format" fields.)
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 28/09/2026
In the most recent AKA session, a student asked about a frustrating #DataVisualization problem: a carefully formatted combo #PivotChart looked perfect until new forecast data was added. One refresh later, the formatting was gone. 😠 I reproduced the issue and was upfront that there's no clean fix. 🧵
When Your PivotChart Falls Apart
If a PivotChart keeps breaking on refresh, change the foundation instead of fighting the formatting.
(Image of a plastered wall crumbling away to reveal the bricks underneath)
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 25/09/2026
What a great way to wrap up the week! Today, I'm leading some training for a private client, exploring the awesomeness of #PowerQuery. 😎 If you spend time manually gathering, cleaning, and transforming data, you know how tedious it can be. PQ will change your work forever in #Excel or #PowerBI!
The Classic Excel Answer
5 Step Process:
Import data  -> Make contiguous range -> Sort -> Filter and cull -> Cleanup
Drawbacks:
- Tedious
- Complicated
- Have to re-live it every timeDealing with Data in Modern Excel
Various data types/sources (database, website, files, folders, emails, etc.) -> Rich array of transformation tools in one place  -> Load into worksheet + One-click refresh = Smiley face
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 23/09/2026
When you first open Query Sleuth in our Monkey Tools #Excel Add-in, you’ll notice the queries are colour coded with up to 4 different colours: 🟠🟡🔵🟢 This adds a bit of extra insight around the query load destinations. Learn more at mkyt.ca/querysleuth #PowerQuery #DataAnalytics #BusinessIntelligence
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
(Image of a cyborg monkey with its fist up for a fist bump)
Query Sleuth
Queries are colour coded to add a bit of extra insight. By default:
- Yellow: Query is loaded as a "Connection Only"
- Green: Query is loaded to the data model
- Blue: Query is loaded to an Excel table
- Orange: Query is loaded to both the data model and an Excel table
(Screenshot of the QuerySleuth dialog with a listing of available queries highlighted with the corresponding lading destination colour)
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 22/09/2026
The new edition of our newsletter is out! 📧 Want to get the latest content from our experts, what’s new in #Excel and #PowerBI, info on courses, events, promos, and more? Subscribe today at xlguru.ca/newsletter. Plus, we'll also send you our free 'DIY BI' eBook series! 📚
News from the Data Monkey
Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave
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September 22, 2026
In This Issue:
- From the AKA Sessions
- New video blog on unpivoting data with Power Query
- What's New in Power BI
- Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information
- Upcoming Courses and Conferences
- Monkey Tools Updates
- Available Training Options
Ken is feeling settled into the new place, and he and the rest of the team are enjoying the last bit of sunny weather before we head into typical "Wet Coast" rains that come with the fall and winter. The countdown is on for Bulgaria Excel Days in October, where Ken is looking forward to connecting with friends both new and old in Sofia. There are still a few spots left for his LIVE Self Service BI Boot Camp - more details on the course can be found below in the Upcoming Courses & Events section. With it being just a month away, now's your chance to join him for in-person training!'DIY BI' eBook Series
01 Excel
02 Power Query
03 Power Pivot
04 Power BI
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 22/09/2026
One of our 'Ask Ken Anything' (AKA) participants wanted to know why #Excel kept popping up a confusing "file already in use" error. 😕 After weeks of digging, they actually nailed down exactly how to reproduce it. The culprit turned out to be the preview pane in #FileExplorer. 🧵
The Excel Bug Hiding in Your File Preview Pane
(Image of an orange insect on a green leaf)
Preview a file, cause an error when opening Excel!
(Screenshot of an error message popped up on top of an spreadsheet. The error says:
“File in Use
PERSONAL.XLSB is locked for editing by ‘Ken Puls’. Open ‘Read-Only’ or click ‘Notify’ to open read-only and receive notification when the document is no longer in use.”)
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 16/09/2026
We're very proud of our Monkey Tools add-in, and love hearing from happy users! ❤️ Monkey Tools contains a set of tools to help you build better data models more quickly and follow #DataModeling best practices. Learn more about it at monkeytools.ca #PowerQuery #DAX #DataAnalyticsTools #DataAnalysis
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
(Image of a cyborg monkey with its fist up for a fist bump)
What do people think of Monkey Tools?
"Monkey Tools is by far the best Excel Add-in available. Ken Puls has designed miracles for Power Query and Power BI. If you thought those 2 tools were great, just wait until you try them WITH Monkey Tools. You will never go back!"
Sherry Barnes-Fox (headshot of Sherry)
Try it for FREE with our 2-week Pro Trial! Go to: monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 15/09/2026
During an AKA call, an attendee brought a stubborn #PowerPivot problem: how do you show a single “Total Units” column in your #PivotTable, but show forecasts monthly without either duplicating a #DAX measure every single month, or ending up with a wall of blank columns that have to be hidden? 🧵
How do you show forecasts monthly without duplicating a DAX measure every single month, or ending up with extra blank columns to hide?
Ken Puls’ fix involved two synced PivotTables and a dynamic array HSTACK formula!
(Screenshot of a PivotTable with columns labelled End of Month, Sold, Forecast columns for 4 months, and Grand Total. A highlight over the Sold column says, “Show as total” and a highlight over the Forecast columns says, “Show Forecast by Month”)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 10/09/2026
Formatting the same report repeatedly is a time sink, especially when the data changes. 😢 At our Oct 1 meet-up, Jakob Nielsen takes a deep dive into Flow, an #Excel add‑in that automates layout. 😅 RSVP here: www.meetup.com/vancouver-po... (Session will be recorded.) #DataVisualization #ExcelReport
(Power BI User Group logo)
Vancouver Power BI & Modern Excel User Group
Jakob Nielsen
(Headshot of Jakob)
Stunning Reports. Smarter Workflows.
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 09/09/2026
When building #Excel solutions, we really like to indent our #ExcelFormulas. But you have to press Alt+Enter for every line break, and line things up with the spacebar. 😔 Our solution? The Indent Formula Monkey allows users to indent one or more cells instantly. 😁 Learn more at mkyt.ca/indent
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
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Indent Formula Monkey
Indenting your formulas in Excel is unfortunately a manual process, and it can get tricky and time-consuming with complex formulas that are several layers deep.
The Indent Formula Monkey allows you to instantely indent one or more cells. Just select the desired workbook cell(s) and click Control+Shift+I!
(Screenshot of a indented formula in the Excel formula bar)
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 08/09/2026
📰 Our newsletter went out earlier today, so time to check your inbox if you're a subscriber! If you're not, sign up at xlguru.ca/newsletter and get expert content, what's new in #Excel and #PowerBI, info on courses, promotions, and events, and our free 'DIY BI' eBook series. 📕📙📗📘
News from the Data Monkey
Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave
(Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style crouch)
September 8, 2026
In This Issue:
- From the AKA Sessions
- New video blog on using dynamic parameters
- Monkey Tools Updates
- What's New in Excel
- Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information
- Upcoming Courses and Conferences
- Available Training Options
It's "back to school" time here on the West Coast of Canada, and we're all settling into the regular routines again. Ken is looking ahead to leading both in-person and online training for various groups this fall. However, he still has some availability through to the end of year, if you're looking for some private training for your group. Information on how to book a session can be found at the bottom of the newsletter.
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 07/09/2026
A question came up in a recent AKA session about a tool built to automatically pull files from a folder for a client project using #PowerQuery. It worked perfectly on the developer's own machine, but broke the moment it landed on the client's system. 😧 I walked through the likely culprit. 🧵
The One-Letter Typo That Brok a Whole Workflow
(Image of a man sitting at a desk with his head down on his arm in front of his laptop)
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 02/09/2026
The Basic Explicit Measure Monkey provides a simple interface to build basic #DAX measures without writing any code yourself. 😎 It also gives aggregation choices based on your data types, shows the DAX written, and lets you set default measure formats. Learn more: mkyt.ca/bem #Excel #PowerQuery
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
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Basic Explicit Measure Monkey
This Monkey gives you a wizard-like interface to build your DAX measures without code, providing you with aggregations that are valid for your column's data types.
It is targeted at those who are new to DAX and need help with getting the syntax correct.
(Screenshot of the Create Basic Measures in PivotSleauth interface with settings for what to aggregate, the type of aggregation, measure name, default number format, and more)
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 31/08/2026
An AKA partipipant asked something every #DAX writer has quietly wondered about: why a VAR statement always snaps back up next to the first = sign, no matter how many times Alt+Enter gets pressed to give it its own line. 😡 I dug into how DAX's parser tokenizes formulas the real culprit...🧵
Why Won't My VAR Statement Stay on Its Own Line?
Q: How come a VAR statement always snaps back up to the first = sign, no matter how many times Alt+Enter is pressed to give it its own line??
A: DAX's parser strips out any whitespace or comments immediately following the = sign, no exceptions. 
Takeaway: Not every quirk has a workaround, but understanding the why provides assurance that it’s not just you!
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 26/08/2026
🔎QuerySleuth is a must-have for every #PowerQuery user. Developed based on a real business need, we believe this form will add magic to your ability to trace query dependencies and precedents. And it does it all without locking your #Excel UI! Learn more: mkyt.ca/querysleuth #DataModeling
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
(Image of a cyborg monkey with its fist up for a fist bump)
QuerySleuth
TreeView allows you to easily browse your queries. And you can quickly flip between showing precedents (the default view), dependents, or turn the tracing off entirely if needed.
Plus, when looking at the M code of a query, any precedent queries are highlighted right in the code.
(Screenshot of the QuerySleuth listing the available queries and colour-coding them based on where they are loaded to.)
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 25/08/2026
📣Hey subscribers, the latest newsletter should be in your inbox! If you're not subscribed, sign up at xlguru.ca/newsletter and get info on what's new in #Excel and #PowerBI, courses, events, and specials, and the latest expert content. Plus, we'll also send our free 'DIY BI' eBook series! 📚
News from the Data Monkey
Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave
(Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style crouch)
August 25, 2026
In This Issue:
- From the AKA Sessions
- New video blog on sorting and filtering data
- Monkey Tools Updates
- What's New in Power BI
- Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information
- Upcoming Courses and Conferences
- Available Training Options
It's been a hectic month to say the least! Attendees of our last "Ask Ken Anything" session will have noticed that Ken has a new office, and much of the past several weeks have been spent packing, moving, and unpacking - along with teaching, working on client projects, hosting our meet-ups, and all the rest. Hopefully things will slow down as he settles in to the new digs, at least until we start gearing up for Bulgaria Excel Days in October (see details below) and everything else coming down the pipeline this fall.'DIY BI' eBook Series
01 Excel
02 Power Query
03 Power Pivot
04 Power BI
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 25/08/2026
An AKA question came up from a student building a full #DataModel for a client juggling dozens of contracts, each with its own start and end date. 🎯 The goal: one row per contract per month, so the client could finally see how much revenue was contracted versus billed as time and materials. 🧵
Turning Contracts into Monthly Transaction Lines
A student building a data model for a client with dozens of contracts wanted a table with one row per contract per month. Ken Puls showed them the “Get Month Ends” function built into Monkey Tools, which instantly generates every month-end date between any two dates, no manual date looping required!
(Screenshot of the Invoke Custom Function dialog in Power Query invoking fnGetMonthEnds and using the Contract Start and Contract End dates)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 20/08/2026
An Ask Ken Anything attendee brought up a dilemma a lot of us have faced: after merging data from two different systems, some records had missing dates and gaps. Should you correct the raw file directly, or fix it inside the #PowerQuery query every time? 🤔 My answer came down to risk and control...🧵
(Skillwave Training logo)
CSV or Query: Where Should You Fix Bad Data?
(Image of a woman sitting in front of a computer, one hand on the keyboard, the other touching her chin, and her brow slightly furrowed.)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 19/08/2026
Yesterday and today, I've been doing one of my favourite things: leading some in-person training for a private client! Part of it has focused on best practices and performance optimization for #PowerQuery. 💪 But we've also been discussing the safe and successful use of #ArtificialIntelligence. 🤔
What You Need for Success with AI
- Good Prompting Skills: Better question framing leads to better results
- Critical Thinking Skills:
Evaluate AI output for accuracy, feasibility & bias
- Domain Expertise: Essential for validating the AI output and understanding what is NOT said
Skillwave courses are intended to give you that domain expertise!
Caution: It is IMPERATIVE that you review the responses to make sure they are valid/appropriate!
Note: Treat your AI engine as an over-confident new hire who still needs to learn your business!
(c) Skillwave Training"AI allows anyone the ability to generate work product more quickly than ever.  The quality of that output – however – is directly related to the human user’s skill level and command of the underlying technology.
In the age of AI, education is more important, not less."
~ Ken Puls, FCPA, FCMA, Microsoft MVP
(c) Skillwave Training
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 19/08/2026
Unsure what Monkey Tools can actually do for you? I have a FREE Using Monkey Tools course available through our @Skillwave.Training site. I explain all of the different tools and features that will help with your #DataModeling. Enroll today at mkyt.ca/course #ExcelTools #DataAnalyticsTools
Using Monkey Tools
Learn about all of the amazing features of Monkey Tools with our FREE course!
"I found the approach of taking each feature and explaining everything about it very helpful... I feel that I have walked away with a great understanding of all the features and how they can be used."
Kevin Duke (5 stars)
(Image of a cyborg monkey cheering with his eyes closed and fist pumping in the air)
Register today at https://mkyt.ca/course
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 13/08/2026
In an As Ken Anything session, one of my students asked for help with a tricky format. Data was arriving in ISO week codes — a four-digit year paired with a two-digit week number — and needed to become an actual working calendar for reporting. 📆 ISO weeks follow a strict international standard...🧵
Untangling ISO Weeks Into a Real Calendar
Ken Puls built a student a quick custom Power Query function that unpacks any ISO week into real calendar dates. From there, he expanded the calendar to add other key periods for dimensional reporting.
Screenshot of the Power Query editor with a table with 2 columns: Week ID (containing the ISO week codes) and Date (containing Lists). The formula bar contains the following function:
=Table.AddColumn(#”Removed Columns”, “Date”, each fnISOWeekIDToDates ([Week ID]))
Below the table is one of the expanded Lists containing the calendar dates for the corresponding ISO week code.
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 12/08/2026
Something that drives us nuts in #Excel is when you select a cell containing a multi-line formula, you only see the first line. Pressing CTRL+Shift+U expands the formula bar, but you have to manually collapse it again. 😖 To save time and keystrokes, we’ve built the Formula Bar Monkey: mkyt.ca/fxbar
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
(Image of a cyborg monkey with its fist out for a fist bump)
Formula Bar Monkey
When you select a worksheet cell containing a multi-line formula, the formula bar will automatically expand so you can see more than the first line. When you click on a cell that doesn’t need the expanded formula bar, it will automatically collapse. No more pressing Control+Shift+U each time you need it to expand/collapse!
(Screenshot of the Formula Monkeys on the Monke Tools tab in Excel)
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 11/08/2026
If you're a newsletter subscriber, the new edition should be in your inbox! 📬 Not subscribed? Sign up at xlguru.ca/newsletter to get the latest content from our experts, what’s new in #Excel and #PowerBI, info on courses, events, promos, and more! Plus, we'll send you our free 'DIY BI' eBooks. 📚
News from the Data Monkey
Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave
(Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style crouch)
August 11, 2026
In This Issue:
- From the AKA Sessions
- New video blog on reshaping stacked data using Power Query
- Monkey Tools Updates
- What's New in Excel
- Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information
- Upcoming Courses and Conferences
- Available Training Options
The West Coast has been hit by some of that extreme heat other areas have been experiencing this summer. The team here has been trying to stay cool while keeping busy prepping for everything coming up over the next couple of months. Check out the details below in the Upcoming Courses and Events section, including a new Power Query course date confirmed with Chartered Professional Accountants of BC.'DIY BI' eBook Series
01 Excel
02 Power Query
03 Power Pivot
04 Power BI
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 11/08/2026
I'm really excited to be leading an in-person session today for CPABC in Vancouver! It's about how to use #PowerBI for rapidly building and sharing dashboards and reports. 🤔Ever been in a situation like the first image? The beauty of PBI is that it allows the #DataAnalyst to prototype the report.
The Organizational Divide
Org chart with President at the top
Below the President are:
1. CFO -> Analyst
2. CEO
3. CTO -> IT Pro
CFO says: "Analyst!  I’m feeling the need for a crazy complicated report of questionable value. Build it please!"
Analyst says to CFO: "Err… let me see what I can do, Boss…" but is thinking "Why would you ever even need that?  Do we even have that data?"
Analyst says to IT Pro: "Hey IT?  Could you help me with some data for a crazy report for my boss?"
IT Pro replies: "Not a chance. That’s the most ridiculous request I’ve ever heard.  Write me a formal spec and I’ll get to it in 8 months… if you’re lucky."From Data to Dashboards
The Power BI philosophy
- Let the analyst connect to and clean the data
- Let the analyst design the reports
- Let IT control the security and distribution
(Image of a cloud containing icons representing various data sources, with and arrow pointing from the cloud to a square containing icons for various chart types)
Let the analyst prototype quickly and discover what sticks, without wasting IT’s resources!
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 05/08/2026
With just a click, the Parameter Table & Function feature of our Monkey Tools add-in will insert the Parameter table and fnGetParameter function into your workbook. It even places the #Excel file path formula in the cell! 🙌 Learn more about it here: mkyt.ca/param-tbl #DataAnalytics #PowerQuery
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
(Image of a cyborg monkey with its fist held up for a fist bump)
Parameter Table and Functions
(Screenshot of Power Query showing the inserted Parameter table and fnGetParameter function)
If you're a fan of the fnGetParameter function (as per Chapter 17 of Ken's 'Master Your Data' book), you'll love this Monkey!
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 04/08/2026
During a recent AKA, we ended up in a discussion about a long-standing #PowerPivot quirk where the #PivotTable view displays 1 measure/table until you click away to another table and back again. Another attendee confirmed they'd seen the same behavior for years without realizing it was unusual. 🧵
The Column-Width Trick That Uncovered a Hidden Bug
In an ‘Ask Ken Anything’, we discussed a long-standing Power Pivot quirk where sometimes the PivotTable view displays one measure per table until you click on another table and back again. It turns out it comes down to where people write their measures: the Power Pivot editor or the Excel UI dialog
(Screenshots of two PivotTables, one displaying 1 measure at the bottom of the table, the other displaying 5 measures. A red callout on the second table says, “Where are all of these?”)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 31/07/2026
⏰Today is the last day of our Hot Data Summer promo! Until midnight tonight, save: ☀️ 25% off @skillwave.training courses* at skillwave.training ☀️ 25% off Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime licenses at monkeytools.ca Just apply this coupon code at checkout: HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions.
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
LAST DAY OF SALE!
(Image of a woman sitting in the sand at the beach using a laptop)
Offer ends at midnight on July 31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 29/07/2026
Build your #DataAnalytics and #BusinessIntelligence toolkit this summer. 😎💻 Until July 31, get: 🔅25% off any new course registration* at skillwave.training 🔅25% off a Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime license at monkeytools.ca Apply code at checkout: HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions.
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
(Image of a woman sitting on the sand at the beach using a laptop)
Valid July 1-31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 28/07/2026
📩 A new edition of our newsletter was sent earlier today! If you're not subscribed, sign up at xlguru.ca/newsletter to stay up-to-date on expert content, what's new in #Excel and #PowerBI, info on courses, events, specials, and more! Plus, you'll get our free 'DIY BI' eBook series as a bonus gift! 🎁
News from the Data Monkey
Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave
(Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style crouch)
July 28, 2026
In This Issue:
- From the AKA Sessions
- New video blog on how to indent Excel formulas automatically
- Monkey Tools Updates
- What's New in Power BI
- Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information
- Upcoming Courses and Conferences
- Available Training Options
Now that the buzz of the World Cup has worn off (congratulations to Spain!) our team is getting back into the regular routine. Ken is prepping for some courses next month with Chartered Professional Accountants of BC, including a LIVE, in-person one on developing Power BI dashboards in Vancouver. He is also excited that registration is now open for Bulgaria Excel Days in October. Details on all courses and events can be found below. Don't forget - it's the last few days our Hot Data Summer promotion.'DIY BI' eBook Series
(Four diamonds, each containing one of the following book topics)
01 Excel (Microsoft Excel icon)
02 Power Query (Microsoft Power Query icon)
03 Power Pivot (Microsoft Power Pivot icon)
04 Power BI (Microsoft Power BI icon)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 27/07/2026
An AKA participant asked about something I'd teased at the end of a previous session – so I delivered a full live demo. 🛠️ The problem: when you use 5 different computers, you spend a surprising amount of time dismissing the same #PowerQuery popups and re-configuring the same #Excel options. 🧵
Add-In to Sync Office Settings Across All Your Devices
If you work on multiple devices, you know the pain of configuring options and dismissing notices on each machine. Ken Puls wrote a little add-in that syncs settings for Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Access.
(Screenshot of the Office Sync settings Ken has configured for Word)
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 23/07/2026
This summer, expand your #DataAnalytics and #BusinessIntelligence toolkit. Until July 31, save: 🔅25% off @skillwave.training course registrations* at skillwave.training 🔅25% off a Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime license at monkeytools.ca Use code HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
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Valid July 1-31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 22/07/2026
The Monkey Tools ribbon was designed with 1 goal in mind: to make you more efficient when building queries and/or data models. Learn how to personalize the Monkey Tools tab at mkyt.ca/customtab 🐵 Purchase an Annual or Lifetime Pro license by July 31 and save 25% with code: HOTDATA #Excel #DataModel
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
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Customize the Monkey Tools Tab
To add a custom group to our ribbon tab, right click any ribbon tab and choose Customize the Ribbon. This will launch an Excel Options screen, where you will need to:
1. Select the Monkey Tools tab on the right
2. Click New Group
3. Select the group
4. Click Rename...
5. Enter the name
6. Click OK
Then you can add as many commands to the group as you like!
(Screenshot of the Excel Options screen with the above-numbered items highlighted)
monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 21/07/2026
A student came to an AKA call after a meeting with Microsoft where they'd been encouraged to adopt Fabric licensing for a client's #PowerBI rollout. The recommendation left them confused. 🤔 I broke it down with a clear analogy: #MicrosoftFabric is to Power BI what #MicrosoftOffice is to #Excel. 🧵
(Image of a woman in profile who is sitting at a table working on a laptop)
Do you Need Microsoft Fabric or Just Power BI Pro?
(Microsoft Fabric and Power BI icons)
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 19/07/2026
Don't get hot and bothered over your data! 🥵 Until July 31, 2026, save: 🔅25% off any new @skillwave.training course registration* at skillwave.training 🔅25% off Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime licenses at monkeytools.ca Use this code at checkout: HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions #Excel #PowerBI
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
(Image of a man sitting in the sand at the beach using a laptop)
Valid July 1-31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 16/07/2026
Who's ready for for a hot data summer?! 😎💻 Until July 31, 2026, get: 🔅25% off any new @Skillwave.Training course registration* at skillwave.training 🔅25% off a new Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime license at monkeytools.ca Just apply this coupon code at checkout: HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
(Image of a woman sitting on the sand at the beach using a laptop)
Valid July 1-31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 15/07/2026
It's hard to believe I've been in the #MicrosoftMVP program for 21 years! Thank you to @microsoft.com and the #Excel community, it's an honour to be recognized again this year. 💚
Microsoft MVP Profile Page
Ken Puls (Headshot of Ken)
Canada
Excelguru Consulting Inc.
He/Him/His
21 years in the program
Headline: I teach people how to use Excel to build business intelligence models & analyses
Award Category: M365
Technology Area: Excel
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 15/07/2026
I love hearing from happy students! 💖 If you want to learn how our army of monkeys can help you build better #Excel models, sign up for the free Using Monkey Tools course at mkyt.ca/course 🐒 Get your free 2-week Monkey Tools Pro trial at monkeytools.ca #DataModeling #DataAnalyticsTools #PowerQuery
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 14/07/2026
Are you a newsletter subscriber? If so, time to check your inbox! 📧 If not, sign up at xlguru.ca/newsletter to get the latest in expert content, what's new in #Excel and #PowerBI, info on our courses, events, and promotions, AND our free 'DIY BI' eBook series! 📖
News from the Data Monkey
Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave
(Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style crouch)
July 14, 2026
In This Issue:
- From the AKA Sessions
- New video blog on automatically resizing Excel's formula bar
- Monkey Tools Updates
- What's New in Excel
- Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information
- Upcoming Courses and Conferences
- Available Training Options
It's been an exciting few weeks as our team follows all of the World Cup action, and we're stoked that Vancouver was one of the host locations! Between watching matches, we managed to add a new module to the free Using Monkey Tools course, which cover the Formulas Monkeys. And just yesterday, we added three new products to our training catalog: Master Your Data: Power Query in a Day, VBA Launch Pad: Novice to Ninja, and an All Access Pass. More details on all are below.'DIY BI' eBook Series
01 Excel (Microsoft Excel Icon)
02 Power Query (Microsoft Power Query Icon)
03 Power Pivot (Microsoft Power Pivot Icon)
04 Power BI (Microsoft Power BI Icon)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 13/07/2026
During an AKA call, I shared a real-world scenario I had just lived through with a client - and it is one that any #Excel consultant working with external file links needs to hear about. 🚨🚨 The setup: a workbook with approximately 8,000 links pointing to files on a shared drive. 🧵
When Excel “Helpfully” Rewrites Your File Links…
(Image of a man sitting at a desk in front of a laptop with his hands covering his face in frustration)
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 09/07/2026
This summer, build your #DataAnalytics and #BusinessIntelligence skills. Until July 31, get: 🔅25% off any new @Skillwave.Training registration* at skillwave.training 🔅25% off any new Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime license at monkeytools.ca Use code at checkout: HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions.
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
(Image of a man and a woman sitting at the beach using a tablet and laptop)
Valid July 1-31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 08/07/2026
Our Monkey Tools #add-in provides a broad set of features specifically for working with #PowerQuery and #DataModeling in Excel and #PowerBI. The tools are divided into 2 categories: 🐵Monkeys - make things happen 🔎Sleuths - figure out what has happened Learn more at mkyt.ca/features
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
(Image of a cyborg monkey with its fist up for a fist bump)
Meet our Monkeys (magic wand icon):
- Query Monkeys
- Measure Monkeys
- DAX Table Monkey
- Connection Monkeys
- Import/Export Monkeys
- Options Monkey
Explore our Sleuths (magnifying glass icon):
- Destination Sleuth
- Query Sleuth
- Time Sleuth
- Pivot Sleuth
- DAX Sleuth
- Model Sleuth
Learn the capabilities of each of our Monkeys and Sleuths by visiting our comprehensive Features page!
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 07/07/2026
This summer, we'll help you build your #DataAnalytics and #BusinessIntelligence skills! Until July 31, 2026, get: ☀️25% off any @Skillwave.Training course* at skillwave.training ☀️25% off any Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime license at monkeytools.ca Use code HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
(Image of a woman sitting on the sand at the beach using a laptop)
Valid July 1-31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 07/07/2026
🧭Takeaway: Don’t feel locked in if your source data isn’t in a good format. Fix it with Power Query! This is the kind of detective work we tackle at the AKAs. My #SelfServiceBI (skw-t.com/ssbi) & Excel Fundamentals (skw-t.com/excelfun) Academies come with access. 💲 Plus, save 25% with code HOTDATA
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 07/07/2026
An AKA attendee had inherited a #PowerBI file with a puzzling #DataModel problem. The budget table used a non-standard date key, so the original dev built a bridge table to link it to the calendar. The result? Budget numbers either showed as grand totals on every row or disappeared entirely. 🧵
Tearing Down a Bridge (Table)
(Image of a steel bridge over a river)
Don’t feel locked in if your source data isn’t in a good format. Fix it with Power Query!
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 01/07/2026
Who's ready for a hot data summer?! 😎💻 From now until July 31, 2026, get: 🔅25% off any new @skillwave.training course registration* at skillwave.training 🔅25% off a new Monkey Tools Annual or Lifetime license purchase at monkeytools.ca Use this code at checkout: HOTDATA *Excludes AKA subscriptions
Hot Data Summer
Use code HOTDATA and get 25% off:
- All courses at Skillwave.Training
- Annual or Lifetime Pro Licenses at MonkeyTools.ca
(Image of a man and a woman sitting at the beach using a tablet and laptop)
Valid July 1-31, 2026
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 30/06/2026
Tired of manually expanding and collapsing #Excel’s formula bar when working with multi-line formulas? 😔 Monkey Tools' Resize Function Bar feature automatically expands the Excel formula bar when a formula contains multiple lines, and collapses it when no longer needed. 😁 youtu.be/3i9wUgM4Occ
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 29/06/2026
A question came up in an AKA session that a lot of finance professionals will relate to: how do you stop manually copying and pasting weekly cash flow forecasts into a history table every single time you run one? 💲📉 I live-demonstrated a clever #PowerQuery solution using a self-referencing table.🧵
Building a Self-Updating Cash Flow Forecast with Power Query
Instead of manually copying and pasting weekly cash flow forecasts into a history table, Ken Puls used a self-referencing table paired with the Date.Add.Weeks function.Now, the historical record automatically grows with each refresh!
(Screenshot of a worksheet showing the cascading forecast)
(Skillwave Training logo)
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 25/06/2026
We added a new module to my FREE "Using Monkey Tools" course at @skillwave.training on the Formula Monkeys. 🐵Learn about all of the tools and functions that Monkey Tools has to help you build better #Excel models. Register today: mkyt.ca/course #DataModeling #PowerQuery #ExcelFormulasAndFunctions
Using Monkey Tools
Learn about all of the amazing features of Monkey Tools with our FREE course!
NEW CONTENT ADDED
The Formula Monkeys module covers:
- Formula Bar Monkey - dynamic expansion of the function bar for multi-row formulas
- Indent Formula Monkey - quickly indent your formulas, making them easier to read
- Letify Monkey - easily convert Excel formulas to use the LET() function
(Image of a cyborg monkey jumping up in the air cheering with one fist raised)
Register today at https://mkyt.ca/course
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 24/06/2026
I'm very proud of our Monkey Tools #Excel add-in, and love hearing from users! 🐵 Monkey Tools contains a set of tools to help you build better data models more quickly and follow #DataModeling best practices. ✔️Get your 2-week Pro Trial at monkeytools.ca ✔️Sign up for the free course at mkyt.ca/course
Monkey Tools
Build better data models, faster
Developed by Excelguru
(Image of a cyborg monkey with its fist up for a fist bump)
What do people think of Monkey Tools?
"This is one of the best Excel Add-ins I’ve ever used... and now there is a free course to teach us how to use it at its best. Totally recommend both!" Cristian Angyal (headshot of Cristian)
Try it for FREE with our 2-week Pro Trial! Go to: monkeytools.ca
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Ken Puls, FCPA, MS MVP @excelguru.ca · 23/06/2026
The new edition of our newsletter is out! 📧 Want to get the latest content from our experts, what’s new in #Excel and #PowerBI, info on courses, events, promos, and more? Subscribe today at xlguru.ca/newsletter. Plus, we'll also send you our free 'DIY BI' eBook series! 📚
News from the Data Monkey
Brought to you by Excelguru and Skillwave
(Image of a cyborg monkey in a superhero style crouch)
June 23, 2026
In This Issue:
•	New video on using Group By in Power Query to reduce data load
•	Monkey Tools Updates
•	From the AKA Sessions
•	What's New in Power BI
•	Latest Meet-up Recording and Next Event Information
•	Upcoming Courses and Conferences
•	Available Training Options
We're now officially into summer here on the West Coast of Canada, and our team has been juggling work between watching the World Cup! Ken has also led some training last week for both Chartered Professional Accountants of BC and for a private client. On a sad note, you may have seen the announcement that the Excelguru Help Forums will be officially closed on Friday, June 26, 2026. 
With AI taking a more prevalent role in answering user questions, the traffic to our forums has seen a sharp decrease over the past couple of years. We do not see this trend changing anytime in the near future. As such, continuing to run the forums is just no longer feasible, so we have made the difficult decision to close them down at the end of June.'DIY BI' eBook Series
01: Excel
02: Power Query
03: Power Pivot
04: Power BI
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