Stop Excel errors by using these 8 key symbols, like ' to keep leading zeros and ~ to search for literal * or ? characters in data.

Use Power Query's M language to quickly fix names, remove hidden characters, extract numbers, and merge columns.

From simple keyword flags to advanced audits, this universal function outperforms modern tools for everyday Excel tasks.

Peter Gratton, Ph.D., is a New Orleans-based editor and professor with over 20 years of experience in investing, economics, and public policy. Peter began covering markets at Multex (Reuters) and has ...