# Blog

- [NPV vs IRR: Which Investment Metric Should You Trust?](https://finamodel.com/blog/npv-vs-irr) — Master the classic PE/IB interview question. Learn why NPV and IRR can rank projects differently, when each metric fails, and how MIRR fixes both. (2026-05-06, 9 min)
- [How to Build a DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) Model in Excel](https://finamodel.com/blog/dcf-model-excel-tutorial) — Master the fundamentals of building a discounted cash flow (DCF) model in Excel. Learn to forecast free cash flows, calculate WACC, determine terminal value, and arrive at an enterprise and equity valuation. (2026-05-04, 14 min)
- [LBO Model Tutorial: Building a Leveraged Buyout Model in Excel](https://finamodel.com/blog/lbo-model-tutorial) — Learn how to build a leveraged buyout (LBO) model in Excel from scratch. A complete guide covering transaction structure, debt schedules, exit scenarios, and returns calculation (IRR, MOIC) with worked examples. (2026-05-03, 15 min)
- [How to Calculate WACC: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://finamodel.com/blog/how-to-calculate-wacc) — Learn to calculate the Weighted Average Cost of Capital, the discount rate used in DCF valuations and investment decisions. Includes worked examples and common pitfalls. (2026-05-02, 11 min)
- [Common Financial Modelling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)](https://finamodel.com/blog/common-financial-modelling-mistakes) — Learn the 15 most common financial modelling errors that trip up professionals, and the exact fixes to implement in Excel today—from broken balance sheet checks to hardcoded formulas. (2026-05-01, 10 min)
- [How to Build a SaaS Financial Model: ARR, Cohorts, and Unit Economics](https://finamodel.com/blog/saas-financial-model-guide) — Master SaaS unit economics, cohort analysis, and ARR builds. Learn revenue recognition, CAC payback, LTV, and the metrics investors use to value SaaS companies. (2026-04-30, 13 min)
- [Sensitivity Analysis in Excel: Data Tables, Scenarios, and Goal Seek](https://finamodel.com/blog/sensitivity-analysis-excel) — Master sensitivity analysis techniques in Excel: one-variable data tables, two-variable data tables, scenario toggles, Goal Seek, and tornado charts. Includes worked examples and best practices for financial modeling. (2026-04-29, 9 min)
- [How to Build a Startup Financial Model from Scratch](https://finamodel.com/blog/startup-financial-model-guide) — A comprehensive guide to building a startup financial model for fundraising, covering revenue forecasting, headcount planning, burn rate, and runway calculations. (2026-04-28, 12 min)
- [DCF vs LBO vs 3-Statement: Which Financial Model Should You Use?](https://finamodel.com/blog/dcf-vs-lbo-vs-3-statement) — Compare DCF, LBO, and 3-statement financial models side-by-side. Learn the purpose, mechanics, and real-world use cases for each model to choose the right one for your analysis. (2026-04-27, 10 min)
- [Excel Financial Modeling Best Practices: Structure, Formatting, and Conventions](https://finamodel.com/blog/excel-financial-modeling-best-practices) — Master the structure, color conventions, formula standards, and naming conventions that separate investment-bank-grade models from amateur spreadsheets. Learn FAST, error checks, and audit trail best practices. (2026-04-25, 11 min)
- [How to Build a 3-Statement Financial Model (Step-by-Step)](https://finamodel.com/blog/3-statement-financial-model) — Learn the mechanics of linking the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement into a dynamic financial model. (2026-03-29, 12 min)