Developers are among the highest-paid professionals in the world, yet financial literacy rarely features in our education. After reading over 50 books on finance, investing, and economics, here are the ideas that stuck.
Compounding Is the Only Magic
Albert Einstein allegedly called compound interest the eighth wonder of the world. Whether he said it or not, the math is irrefutable. Small, consistent contributions to appreciating assets over long time horizons produce outcomes that feel almost impossible — until you run the numbers.
Index Funds Beat Almost Everyone
The evidence is overwhelming: most actively managed funds underperform their benchmark index over a 10-year horizon, after fees. For most people, low-cost index funds are not just adequate — they're optimal. The hard part is doing nothing when markets fall.
Your Income Is Your Biggest Asset
Early in your career, optimising your earning power has a higher return than optimising your investment strategy. A 20% salary increase invested wisely will outperform even the best portfolio on a small principal. Invest in skills, networks, and opportunities first.