New to the CFA, which books?

C

chrisuoft

New member
Joined
Jun 13, 2006
Messages
0
Reaction score
0
Hi, just to introduce myself, I graduated from U of T with a BCOM in May. I only took one finance course, 4 half credit accounting courses, and 5 economics courses. Would you suggest that I get the 2006 curriculum for level 1, or one of these study guides? Or both? If a study guide is sufficient, which one would you suggest? I hope to take the December 06 exam, but I just started my job at TD securities and adjusting to real-world hours has been difficult. If I start studying in mid-July, with 15-20 hours dedicated study, this only gives me 18 weeks to prepare. Is this doable?

Thanks for any advice you may have for this noob.
 
Yes, Shad can sell it to you.

1) CFAI curriculum is extended version (more explanatory) than a study guide. I used Schweser and liked it. If your employer is paying for everything, get both, CFAI curriculum and study guides (schweser/stella study notes). If you would like to learn everything in detail (as you are new to finance) CFAI curriculum would be an asset.

2) Yes, 15-20 hours are good. Again, its quality of studying. CFAI recommends 250 hours total.
 
schweser. study at least 200 hours, and start about 3-4 monthsd before exam (start too early and you will forget stuff)
 
Gecco Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> schweser. study at least 200 hours, and start
> about 3-4 monthsd before exam (start too early and
> you will forget stuff)

Yes you forget stuff...but you also remember stuff. As long as you don't go nuts...there's no harm in studying very early. If you are to sit in December...you can start now.
 
I used Stalla and found it adequate for the most part. However, I thought it was somewhat lacking on the derivatives sessions. Next time I'll use the CFA books only.
 
you will find out that 250 hours is just not enough...
 
I understand that every person is different. But if you are going to give your opinion, could you perhaps provide a justification? Myzegna, why shouldn't I use the CFA books? Bambi, if 250 hours is not enough then why not/ how much do you recomend? Thanks for all your suggestions so far.

Chris
 
I disagree with CFAI books.

You should use it if your new to finance and would like a better justification of the LOS.
 
Depends how your schedule is during the last 4 weeks leading to the exam. I would suggest Schweser or Stalla + Ethics book and take it from there .. I passed L1 with no CFAI study material and that was by a good margin ..
 
I'm assuming the Schweser and Stalla study guides are more condensed than the CFAI curriculum? The curriculum is almost 4000 pages according to the CFAI website; I worry that I won't be able to cover all the material as well as understand it fully. Thanks for all the replies so far!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top