Ask HN: learn about quantitative finance?

[ryot]

Hey,

I was wondering if some people with experience in finance could recommend some (preferably free) resources for a beginner looking to get into finance.

I'm looking to learn about things like options, swaps, futures, interest rate derivatives, currency swaps, etc (basically just listed a bunch of buzz-words I know are related to the field).

I have been trying Wikipedia but it's pretty tough to get into, I really need to start with something "dumbed down" for the layman like me.

Thanks.

[mbowcock]

This may be of interest to you. I think this was recently on HN but don't have the link.

DIY Masters in Financial Engineering - http://blog.hiremebecauseimsmart.com/post/2860511335/design-...

Edit: Here it is - http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2130508

[farout]

try this book: I loved it. Just the right balance of deep stuff with great explanation. Later you can go onto something more esoteric.

Principles of Finance with Excel: Includes CD http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Finance-Excel-Simon-Benning...