u/schizotypal_me

Curious about lending & borrowing? Help a finance newbie out

Hey everyone! I’m a cybersecurity graduate diving into the world of smart contracts and blockchain. One of the most exciting and growing areas here is DeFi (Decentralized Finance). Honestly, I don’t know much about finance yet, but I really want to learn more especially about lending and borrowing within finance.

Could you recommend any good resources, preferably videos, that can give me a solid foundation? I want to get a good grasp of the basic concepts first, so I can understand more advanced topics later on.

Feel free to include DeFi or traditional finance resources. Apologies if my message isn’t perfectly clear I’m still getting the hang of this! Thanks in advance for your help!

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u/schizotypal_me — 3 days ago

Understanding the U.S. Debt Brake

Hey everyone! Could someone help me understand what the U.S. debt brake is in relation to GDP? I’ve been trying to find this number but haven’t had any luck. Thanks so much in advance

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u/schizotypal_me — 10 days ago

Is M&A the Ultimate Skill in Investment Banking?

Many folks see M&A as the crown jewel of Investment Banking because it touches on so many core skills valuation, financial modeling, deal making, negotiations, and strategic thinking all in one package. That’s why it’s often viewed as the best training ground, opening doors to private equity, corporate development, and other top-tier finance roles.

But let’s not forget, Investment Banking is much more than just M&A. Teams working in Debt Capital Markets, Equity Capital Markets, and Restructuring also build highly valuable skills. Whether it’s raising capital or understanding complex financing structures, these areas can be just as crucial depending on the market and your career goals.

So, I’d love to hear your thoughts do you think M&A truly holds the most value in Investment Banking, or do other areas deserve more recognition for their importance?

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u/schizotypal_me — 28 days ago

Understanding debt. good vs. bad

When it comes to debt, there's a typical hierarchy many people follow, but it's important to recognize some nuances.

"Good" debt includes things like business loans that help generate income. These are investments that can pay off over time.

Neutral debt depends on how you use it. For example, a mortgage might be considered neutral since it could appreciate in value or produce rental income. Similarly, student loans can be viewed as neutral if the return on your education outweighs the debt I used to think I needed to earn enough during college to cover my student loans, making it worth it.

"Bad" debt usually involves things like credit cards, car loans on depreciating assets, or personal loans for lifestyle expenses. However, if you're able to manage your payments and keep your net worth positive, even these can become less risky.

In the end, understanding how each type of debt fits into your financial picture helps you make smarter decisions and avoid unnecessary pitfalls.

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u/schizotypal_me — 1 month ago

Waiting for my HECS debt credit

Hey fellow Australians! I just wanted to check if anyone else is still waiting to see their HECS debt credit come through. I logged into MyGov, and it still shows as a credit, but I haven't received it back yet. I thought all the credits were supposed to be processed before the end of January. Is it just me, or is anyone else still waiting for theirs?

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u/schizotypal_me — 1 month ago

Struggling to make $5K last in college

Man, I just can't seem to manage my money in college. How the heck am I supposed to survive on $5,000 a month? I have a girlfriend, and we go out on dates, but I honestly have no idea how to split my money properly. By the end of the month, I'm always broke and can't even buy myself anything. It’s so frustrating trying to balance everything!

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u/schizotypal_me — 2 months ago

Medical bills stress

Hey, I need some financial advice. So, I’ve got some medical bills piling up from the past year since I just had a baby. Initially, I thought I only owed around $2,000, and I’ve been slowly paying that off each month. But I just checked my insurance account and found out I owe an additional $2,400 for doctor visits, bloodwork, and other expenses.

I have about $2,400 in my old HSA (from before I switched to my husband's benefits), and my husband has around $1,400 in his HSA. For savings, I’ve got about $6,800 in a high-yield account that I really don’t want to dip into, since it’s for long-term goals and emergencies. I also have another $5,400 set aside for smaller emergencies.

I’m working hard to grow my savings and really don’t want to touch it right now. So, I’m torn should I use the money from my HSA or dip into some of my long-term savings to cover these medical bills? I just don’t want these bills hanging over my head as I’m on a journey to pay off medical and student loans. Any advice?

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u/schizotypal_me — 2 months ago

Hey everyone! I'm a 16-year-old kid from Austria, and my dream is to get into finance. But honestly, I don’t know where to start. I’m too young for a CFA right now, and I’m working in an office 9-5. I’ll finish my degree in three years, then I can focus on studying more seriously.

I've been eager to learn about day trading and investing. I started day trading last November, and while I’m still paper trading, it’s been pretty good so far. I even blew a funded account a few weeks ago, but I see that as a learning experience. I also dabble in crypto I tripled my money early on, reaching almost 10K, but I lost most of it because I got greedy. Still, I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes.

So, I’d love to hear your advice! What should I focus on over the next few years until I finish my degree or turn 18? Thanks so much in advance

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u/schizotypal_me — 2 months ago

Hey, I just got a letter from a debt collector saying they’re representing the US Department of Education regarding a student loan from 2008. The strange thing is, I don’t see this loan on my credit reports at all. Should I try to settle this with them, or is it better to just ignore it?

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u/schizotypal_me — 2 months ago

As a student, I often wonder how others manage their money. Despite being careful, I always seem to run out of cash before the month ends. I work part-time, but by the time I pay rent and buy food, there’s not much left, and I don’t really have a proper budget. Saving feels like a distant dream, and investing? That just seems impossible right now.

How do other students keep their finances in check?

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u/schizotypal_me — 2 months ago