• Got_Bent@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    27
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    5 months ago

    Most of the math I do at work is related to compound interest. Of all the math I believe the general public should understand, the concept of how paying interest to others is a total screw would get my top vote.

    I have a co-worker who took out a car loan last week at, wait for it, FIFTY THREE PERCENT INTEREST! No concept of what that was costing her. She could only see, “I can afford the monthly payment.”

    (1 + r)^n and its friend 1/(1 + r)^n have been the two most important concepts in work and personal life that I’ve ever learned and applied.

      • Got_Bent@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        7
        ·
        5 months ago

        I would agree, but it’s not my life, not my money. You can’t really go around telling people they fucked up every time you see it.

        • zonsopkomst
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          5 months ago

          True. Plus, while dumb, 53% will always beat the interest extracted by two goons and a baseball bat. There’s always a trade-off!