WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE STARTING FINANCE CLASSES

When I walked into my first finance class, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect: numbers, spreadsheets, maybe a graph or two. What I did not expect was how different finance feels from any other subject I have taken, and how much it would change the way I think. Finance does not let you slide by with memorization or last minute cramming. It forces you to understand concepts clearly, to problem solve with intention, and to stay calm when a formula looks like it was written in another language. Looking back, I wish someone had told me that feeling lost at the beginning does not mean you are unprepared. It simply means you are learning something new.

FINANCE ISN'T IMPOSSIBLE, IT JUST REQUIRES A DIFFERENT BRAIN MODE

Here's the truth: finance humbles everyone at the start. You are not supposed to instantly know why interest rates behave the way they do or how to discount cash flows correctly.

The learning curve is real, but once you switch into what I call “finance mode,” everything becomes more manageable. You stop trying to memorize steps and start trying to understand the logic behind them. Finance exposes confusion quickly, but the best part is that once a concept finally clicks, it feels like unlocking a new part of your brain. That kind of understanding builds confidence that stays with you.

EXCEL BECOMES A SUPERPOWER, AND PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

No one tells you how essential Excel is until you are already in the middle of a project. At first it feels intimidating, but once you learn the functions and shortcuts, it becomes one of the most powerful tools you have. Excel makes your work faster, clearer, and honestly much more enjoyable. Still, Excel can only support you if you practice.

Finance rewards repetition more than anything else. The more problems you work through, the more natural the concepts become. The first time you build something that works exactly as you intended is an incredibly rewarding feeling.

THE FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE YOU BUILD FEELS DIFFERENT

Finance does more than teach formulas. It teaches patience, discipline, and the ability to remain composed when something seems confusing at first glance. Over time, you begin to analyze decisions differently. Your thinking becomes sharper without you even noticing it happen. You learn that being challenged is not a sign of failure, but a sign of growth.

If I could talk to my past self before my first finance class, I would tell her this: you are not supposed to understand everything right away. You are supposed to improve, one step at a time. And if you stay patient and consistent, you will understand far more than you ever expected.