Measure up, mark your line(s).
Position your saw so that the blade lines up with your line, then line your guide up with the saw. Square up the block and clamp it down.
Using that scrap wood guide for the circular saw's guard, you will make a perfectly flat and square cut.
I really love my table saw. There are nice things it can do that you just can't get the same repeatable precision out of a circular saw.
I do agree though, the circular will get you by with the vast majority of basic rip and chop cuts.
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