How to earn your macroeconomics and finance white belt as a software developer
I have been an on again off again student of economics since college. The most important things to know, in my opinion, are:<p>1) The historical inflation rate is 2-3% per year in the US.<p>2) In most times and places in the US real estate appreciates slightly more than the rate of inflation at 3-4% nominally. So real estate grows much more slowly than most expect. A primary residence should be seen as the cost of shelter, not an investment, because...<p>3) US stocks have appreciated at an inflation-adjusted rate of 6-7% per year (8-10% nominal) even accounting for booms and busts. Speaking of...<p>4) No one can reliably predict the business cycle let alone individual stock performance absent inside information. Stock picking is a losing game.<p>5) The best way to invest in stocks for the vast majority of people is to buy the market in an index fund and minimize fees.<p>So to distill this down to three life lessons:<p>1) Don't plan on renting your whole life because inflation will catch up with you.<p>2) Buy the most inexpensive house you can tolerate.<p>3) Put everything  else in index funds every paycheck, and only check your balance every now and then. Let time be on your side.