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:1) The historical inflation rate is 2-3% per year in the US.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...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...4) No one can reliably predict the business cycle let alone individual stock performance absent inside information. Stock picking is a losing game.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.So to distill this down to three life lessons:1) Don't plan on renting your whole life because inflation will catch up with you.2) Buy the most inexpensive house you can tolerate.3) Put everything  else in index funds every paycheck, and only check your balance every now and then. Let time be on your side.