When completing the spreadsheet to prepare the statement of cash flows, a decrease in retained earnings due to cash dividends declared would require an entry in the transactions columns involving a a. credit to operating activities-declared cash dividends. b. debit to operating activities-declared cash dividends. C. debit to retained earnings. O d. debit to financing activities-declared cash dividends. Which of the following is the starting point in calculating net cash flow from operating activities using the direct method? a. Net income b. Cash at the beginning of the year C. Cash payments for merchandise d. Cash received from customers