old guy needs help

[waterhouse]

Hi there!

I'd like to know which program (Stalla, Schweser, CFAI, Analyst Notes etc) is the most appropriate for a guy with a not very strong backround in finance, economis, accounting etc. I mean, which one offer the most detailed explanations and examples for a better understanding. I finished the school long time ago, and...you understand!

Thanks for help.

 

[CFAZod]

The more resources you use, the better. This is of course speaking independently of time. CFAI (as you note), are the suggested readings. The texts will offer the most detail, as any text will over consolidated notes. Stalla and Schweser are superior to Analystnotes, and all others etc. These two are considered to be the best. I recommend reading the suggested topics from the texts, and supplementing these readings, and their included problem sets, with either of the two excellent notes, question banks, etc. providers that are offered. All in all, MASTER the Learning Outcome Statements (LOSs) provided by CFAI. In my estimation there is no such thing as tackling too many sample questions.

 

[Bill]

Buy the study materials for Schweser and actually spend the time to go through them in detail with special attention to the end of session problems and make notes (not that you will reuse them, but it helps to memorize and understand the content). While going through the chapters, make a copy of the questions (photocopy it and run about 3-5 copies). After you finish each book, go back and re-do the study questions from your photocopies (you can take these with you anywhere which is easier than lugging the books) from each of the previous books. Once completed with all books, go back and do all the questions an additional 2-3 times and maybe buy one of the CFAI online tests. This should take you about 150-200 hours in total and you will pass. I have used this for LI and LII and have passed with flying colors on first attempt and will use the same strategy for LIII. If you use this, you will not see anything new on the actual test and you will be very well prepared. Don't waste you time reading the actual books - they take way too much time - spend you time on questions for both speed and the fact that the actual test is more or less the same format and level of difficulty. Despite what everyone says - LI and LII are not that difficult. Best of Luck!