Skip to main content

Featured

Personal Loans

  Best Personal Loan Companies with the Lowest Rates in October 2025 Key takeaways  Winner: SoFi. Based on our comprehensive rating system, SoFi is LendingTree’s pick for the best personal loan company as of October 2025.  Why we like it: SoFi offers some of the fastest funding on the market and lets you skip upfront fees (they’re optional).  Runners-up: PenFed Credit Union and Upgrade. Both offer low rates and unique perks that make them strong alternatives and top LendingTree picks. Compare loans from top lenders in minutes What is the best personal loan company right now? As of October 2025, SoFi is the best personal loan company according to our methodology because it offers quick funding, optional fees and competitive rates. Other top personal loan companies include Upgrade (low rates and accessible to people with fair credit) and PenFed Credit Union(low rates and no fees). LendingTree personal loan experts hand-select each of our top lenders and evaluat...

📘 Lesson 1: Introduction to Financial Mathematics


Thumbnail image for a blog post titled “Introduction to Financial Mathematics – Lesson 1,” featuring icons of a calculator, dollar coin, bar chart with upward arrow, and rocket, representing financial growth and simple interest concepts on a teal background.


Infographic summarizing Lesson 1 of financial mathematics, featuring definitions, key concepts like simple and compound interest, time value of money, and a real-life example with icons and brief descriptions.


🧠 What Is Financial Mathematics?

Financial mathematics applies mathematical techniques to solve problems in finance. It helps us understand how money grows, how investments work, and how to make smart financial decisions.

Whether you're managing personal finances, analyzing investments, or working in banking, financial mathematics gives you the tools to:

  • Calculate interest and returns
  • Evaluate risk and reward
  • Optimize financial strategies

💡 Why Learn Financial Mathematics?

Mastering financial math empowers you to:

  • 📈 Understand compound interest and how your savings grow
  • 💳 Compare loan offers and credit card rates
  • 🏦 Evaluate investment opportunities like stocks, bonds, and ETFs
  • 📊 Make data-driven financial decisions

🔢 Key Concepts You’ll Explore

Concept Description
Simple Interest Interest calculated only on the original principal
Compound Interest Interest calculated on both principal and accumulated interest
Time Value of Money The idea that money today is worth more than the same amount in the future
Present & Future Value Tools to evaluate investments and savings over time
Annuities Series of regular payments or receipts over time

📚 Real-Life Example: Simple Interest

Let’s say you invest $1,000 at a simple interest rate of 5% per year for 3 years.

Infographic explaining a real-life example of simple interest: $1,000 invested at 5% per year for 3 years. Includes the formula I = P × r × t, breakdown of variables (P = $1,000, r = 0.05, t = 3), and final calculation showing $150 interest earned after 3 years, with calculator and financial icons.


📝 Practice Task

Try this yourself:
You invest $2,000 at 4% simple interest for 5 years.
- What’s the total interest earned?
- What’s the final amount?

🚀 What’s Next?

In Lesson 2, we’ll explore compound interest—the powerful force behind long-term investing and wealth building.

Comments