Understand the numbers

A clearer way to think about growth.

Practical explanations, transparent formulas and worked examples. Start with a question, follow the calculation, then explore it in a tool.

How Dollar Purchasing Power Is Calculated

Compare monthly CPI observations and distinguish historical purchasing power from investment growth and exchange rates.

Use Excel FV with consistent rate units, signed deposits and beginning or end payment timing.

Use a TI BA II Plus for a future-value calculation with explicit payment settings, cash-flow signs and a checked example.

Separate deposits from modeled growth and understand what a smooth retirement projection leaves out.

Work through the future value equation, payment timing and rate conversions with checked examples.

Use a TI BA II Plus for a present-value calculation with explicit payment settings, cash-flow signs and a checked example.

Understand compounding and discounting with a reversible example and a practical comparison of calculation tasks.