CFA Results

I received my Level 1 results this morning online. Unfortunately, I did not pass. The pass rate was 34%.

However, I feel confident that I can pass on my second try in June! I got a print out of how I did based on the topic areas so I know where I need to focus my efforts. Time to register and get back into study mode!

Thanks for all of support via the blog and Twitter! :)

Patiently Waiting...

My CFA Level 1 results are available tomorrow morning at 6am PST!

I should say I've been anticipating them for the past almost 2 months since the exam - but, to be honest, I haven't! The time flew by since I got back into a normal routine, had a bunch of vacations and a lot of much-needed time to myself. I put all that studying and anxiety behind me, and it basically hasn't crossed my mind since.

But now I'm ready to know my result (pass or fail) and go forward from there!

Back!

My life is finally back to normal! Last Saturday, I took my big exam. Now I have to wait a few months until I get the results. I feel okay about it, but am very glad for the experience and I definitely learned a lot!

Now I am getting back into a non-studying routine! It feels so nice to come home, be able to watch as much TV as I want, go out with friends, and go to the gym more often! Luckily, my finances did not get out of hand while I was studying, though I will admit I spent a lot more than usual on quick-to-eat frozen food and ate out more often than usual. But it was worth it when I spent almost all of my non-work time studying! ;)

Updates!

In bullet point form!

• Studying, studying, studying... I've been doing practice exams and problems. My scores aren't quite where they need to be to pass, but I'm not giving up. 3 weeks to go, I'm hitting it hard!
  
• My finances are still doing good. I have almost invested $4,000 into my Roth IRA for 2009! I might even be able to make it to the fully-funded $5K mark. I also treated myself to some much-needed shopping (retail therapy, anyone?!) recently... $280 on 2 new pairs of high heels and 1 pair of rain boots plus $23 on a new sweater. (And I opened a store credit card in the process - but it's where I do 80% of my shopping, no annual fee, rewards and of course I'll pay it off in full each month!)
  
• I have a few Christmas presents done... Mom, Dad and roommates. Still need to buy for friends and brother.
  
• I had a few car expenses this month for tab renewal and new insurance. Thank goodness for my car fund!
  
• The guy I was recently dating for a month pulled the disappearing act on me out of nowhere, just after Halloween. I was really falling for him, so it was (is!) both confusing and depressing. I'm just glad I have my studying and great friends to lean on when my heart is hurting. Sigh. :(
  
• I'm going home for Thanksgiving and Christmas! I can't wait to see my parents and my brother soon for extended periods of time. Both breaks will be much needed, though Thanksgiving will mostly be devoted to studying.

Getting Closer to the CFA Exam

I have 2 months to go until my CFA Level I exam. I am on track to complete my first review of all the material by end of October, especially if I really get myself into gear on the weekends. Then I'll use November and the few days prior to December 5th for review review review until I can't see straight.

I didn't do October goals because I only really have one goal: STUDYING. It is basically going to be my life for the next 2 months, but I'm okay with that. My savings are all automatic, I always spend less than I earn, my E-fund is at a great place... so I feel fantastic in terms of my finances!

Don't worry, I won't be disappearing completely and I'll still blog when I need a studying break because I do love it! :) I'll just be focusing on my exam - but you can always follow me on Twitter.

Happy October!

A Lot of Studying

I have mentioned previously that I signed up for the CFA Level I exam in December 2009. It is directly related to my career path and is a graduate-level, independent study exam, though 3-day seminars and 16-week courses are available. I am lucky enough that my employer covers the registration costs of the each of the three exams as well as additional study materials. A lot of individuals in my industry are looking towards this instead of an MBA, though having both is even better, of course!

I have been trying to put in a lot of study time. 250+ hours of study are recommended, an average of 15 hours per week for 4 months. Luckily I started early and have time on my side and am about to complete a second topic area of study. However, it is an extremely overwhelming amount of information. Most of it will be brand new material, but a lot of it also comes from my Finance degree and Accounting minor background, which certainly does help. And some days I just don't have the brain capacity to study, or I get distracted by doing things with friends.

The studying will be a long, stressful, trying time over the next months until the exam at the beginning of December. I have always been a hard worker and diligent studier, I just know I have to buckle down and learn all the material. In the end, whatever the result, it will be worth it - for I truly enjoying increasing my knowledge.