As Christmas approaches, financial modellers are perhaps looking forward to a break away from balancing balance sheets and eliminating circular references. However I suspect that most would enjoy tackling logic puzzles over the holidays. The skills needed are similar to those used in financial modelling: thinking logically in order to fix a problem in the most effective way.
There are many different types of Japanese logic puzzles available which should give financial modellers plenty of entertainment. Try Sujiko, Futoshiki and especially Kakuro http://www.kakuroconquest.com/. Solving these puzzles definitely holds parallels to coming up with neat solutions to modelling problems.
On my Christmas list is the GCHQ Puzzle Book which is full of fiendish puzzles. Just in case nobody buys it for me, I have made sure that I am giving several copies to various family members. I am never keen on definite forecasts (too much crystal ball gazing potential), but in this instance my prediction is that nobody will get fed if I manage to get my hands on a copy (so I am not expecting one from my husband).
Also on my list is the new book from mathematician Alex Bellos: “Can you solve my problems? A casebook of ingenious, perplexing and totally satisfying puzzles.”
Ultimately financial modelling is all about inspiration, ideas, mental agility and lateral thinking. What better way is there to hone those skills than through puzzles? Surely a financial model is also a casebook of ingenious, perplexing and totally satisfying puzzles.