Every time I hit Insert a column anywhere on the xls sheet I get the following message: "Microsoft can't insert new cells because it would push non-empty cells off the end of the worksheet. This cells might appear empty, but they blank values, some formatting or a formula. Delete enough rows or columns to make room for what you want to insert and then try again". The problem is that I've only used 8 columns, I have not use all the columns available on the xls sheet. I'm trying to insert a column between column A and column B, where A has names and B has dollar values not formulas on either.

Obviously you have accidently moved to last column of worksheet sometime, and pressed some key there (p.e. space).

Select all columns right at your table, and delete them, or Press Ctrl+End, select the last highlighted column, hold down Shift and scroll back until your table, select the first empty column, delete selected columns.