I am taking undergrad Finance 101. Now we are getting to the point where we are doing basic tvm problems, cash flows, etc. My prof has recommended we buy a financial calculator. What is the best financial calculator to buy for such a class?
Best Financial Calculator to Purchase
Generally speaking - our users suggest BA-II Plus for a financial calculator. It can be used on the CFA. It is good to note that the HP 10bII+ - a commonly recommended calculator by schools cannot be used on the CFA exam and therefore might not be the best investment.
"Frieds"You can go with either the Texas Instruments BA-II or the HP 12-C if you are in need of a traditional financial calculator. When I took the CFA, I had both with me, as one is better than the other for certain things, but from your standpoint, go with the BA-II. It's much easier to use and learn on. Plus, you don't need to learn reverse polish notation.
See below for a picture of the BA-II Plus.
Purchase the BA-II Plus on Amazon.
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You can go with either the Texas Instruments BA-II or the HP 12-C if you are in need of a traditional financial calculator. When I took the CFA, I had both with me, as one is better than the other for certain things, but from your standpoint, go with the BA-II. It's much easier to use and learn on. Plus, you don't need to learn reverse polish notation.
I'd go with the BA-II PLUS... very easy to use, and has the advanced features you may eventually need
all you need to remember is 2nd-FV :)
I've been using the BA-II plus for years. Its good for undergrad and even cfa level finance.
It has a good tvm function that will allow you to solve for PV, FV, IRR coupon, NPV within seconds.
BA-II is the most simplistic calculator to operate. Great for all financial courses.
I have been using the HP 17bII+ (http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/215348-215348-64232-20036…) The TVM and cash flow functions on it are great, but they don't let you use it on the CFA exam so if you're planning to take that get the BA-II
I am more partial to the HP 12-C
http://www.leveragedsellout.com/2008/07/chartered-financial-banalyst/
Use that one. Its a bit more expensive than the normal baII plus but you can do MIRR and other shit on it. Don't buy the 12c unless you were born prior to 1980
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Agreed
I would definitely go with the BAII Plus.
Our school had us using the hp 10BII, good calculator, but then I found out I couldn't use it on the CFA (which is absolutely ridiculous if you ask me). Had to re-learn a lot of the key strokes, etc. Was a little annoying.
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i used the TI on the CFA
but when I took finance, our profs never told us to get financial calculators. we did all tvm questions as a combination of annuities and discrete cash flows. if it came to finding IRR - which is becoming more and more obsolete - you just plug the equation into your graphing calulator (from high school pre-calc!) and find the x-intercept.
personally, i think i was a lot better off for not using a financial calculator. it was a pain having to learn to use on for the CFA, but I think you develop more of a skillset and intution for finance when you have to write out the math
HP10BII
Definitely BAII-plus at the undergraduate lvl. Actually, I plan to switch to BAII-plus professional. Can anybody provide a comment on its neatness compared with is predecessor?
HP 12C Financial Calculator--Useful for analysts? (Originally Posted: 01/20/2010)
I'm in my last semester of college and am taking a class that requires an HP 12C financial calculator. I'd rather not drop 80 bucks on one if I don't have much use for it later, but since I'm headed to a 2-year analyst stint in IBD, I was wondering if it might come in use for work (or even during training?). Any feedback from current or past analysts would be appreciated!
I'd be surprised if your bank didn't give a calculator for free.
IPhone app FTW. That being said it is a pretty useful calc. Might be worth the investment.
a lot of training programs will give you a financial calculator. besides tvm, i don't find them all too helpful.
im an associate so i dont have an analyst's perspective, but i live by my 12c. if youre often on calls away from your desk (and computer) or deal with hard copies often, then its a life saver when you have to give updated outputs on the call
I personally use the BA-II plus. Easier to use, and more efficient.
its a piece of shit calcular thats really ugly, but once you get the hang of it its pretty useful
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Thanks for the feedback MMmonkey. Did your bank give you one or did you buy it yourself?
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its 39.99
Where? I cant find one under about 60 bux.
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Financial calculators in IB? (Originally Posted: 05/30/2011)
I used the search function and it seems like the majority of folks suggest either the HP-12C or the BA II PLUS. All of the topics are pre-2010 though, so I was wondering if anything's changed since.
Those 2 are still popular, as is the hp 17b
Ba ii+ is pretty common. Personally I like the ti-89 more than any financial calculator though.
Just fyi, if you have a graphing calculator from school that should be ok for IBD. Unless you are taking CFA, you don't really need a financial calculator, just something to make quick calculations if you're checking a pitchbook or something. Maybe others are different, but I never had to do NPV or anything on my calculator.
Microsoft Excel
Go for the classic 12c, it's the only way.
Remember this: http://www.leveragedsellout.com/2008/07/chartered-financial-banalyst/
Financial Calculators (Originally Posted: 11/09/2010)
I'm in the market for a financial calculator (TVM is my main criterion). I'm only a sophomore now taking my first finance-specific concentration courses but I'll be using it as I take more advanced courses as well.
I think I'll probably get an HP because right now I have an HP scientific calculator (the HP 35s) and use its Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) mode more often than its algebraic mode. Sadly, it doesn't have very many business functions being a scientific calculator so I'm looking to combine the benefits of RPN with those of a financial calculator.
Anyone have experience with any of the following: HP 30b, HP 12c Platinum, or the HP 17bII+? I'm also open to any other manufacturer that has RPN functionality as well as financial functions, I just know HP makes a quality calculator.
Suggestions?
hp12c platinum, useful for CFA afterwards
I used the TI-83 for all 3 CFA exams. It seemed to be the most common calculator. The TVM functions are pretty solid
Financial Calculator (Originally Posted: 12/10/2014)
Does anyone use a HP-12C in IB or PE? If so what do you use it for? Is it worth learning?
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