A few days ago, retired tech journalist Walt Mossberg shared on Twitter his thoughts on the relative importance of statistical and financial literacy over more advanced subjects like calculus and trigonometry. (The brief thread, which can be read here, is worth a look.)

In high school, I was always more interested in English, and while I enjoyed—as much as a student can enjoy—math classes like algebra, geometry, and even trigonometry, I have to agree that more time spent on real world mathematics probably would have been more helpful. Looking back, I enjoyed solving problems and equations almost like I enjoy solving puzzles today. They were challenges, and fun in their own way.

Getting a better understanding of the math related to something like finances would have saved me from some pretty questionable money decisions after graduating, though.