7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Taking the CFA Exams

1. Studying becomes an addiction.
2. It sometimes can be harder for others.
3. Peers may feel “lesser” when you have the CFA charter.
4. The ethical requirements will haunt you.
5. Look forward to exam day!
6. How often you will need to explain the CFA to people.
7. Women
00:00 - Intro
0:38 - Studying becomes an addiction.
2:49 - It sometimes can be harder for others.
4:26 - Other people may feel “lesser” when you have the CFA charter.
6:00 - The ethical requirements will haunt you.
9:06 - Look forward to exam day!
11:18 - How often you will need to explain the CFA to people.
12:53 - Women
If you have an idea of something you want me to cover in depth, please let me know because I take your requests seriously. Will be back with more CFA Exam tips in a couple of weeks so please submit more questions you would like to hear answered. Love you all!
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** The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional financial advice. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your financial or tax professional**

[@shaivik]

Didn't see the 7th one coming😂😂😂😂 Hilarious!

[@anujanthiru6978]

I love it brother

[@Pakidesivlog]

me neither

[@gustavom8726]

So true. I sit two times for the level I, the first one I was not prepared enough, I passed on the second but this one was computer-based already. However, it seems that the very first time sitting for the exam is in my mind as one of the best moments in my life, I remember waking up early, going the application center, everything was so familiar to me, the coffee smell, the people, the benches and chairs, everything! and all I could think about was: "Yeah man, this is where I am supposed to be today, this is what I really want"

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Exactly! Very well said.

[@karabontwayagae8389]

gotta give it up to you for keeping a straight face while saying the 7th point

[@merc340sr]

I sometimes get this "addiction" when doing math problems. When doing a complex problem and getting the wrong answer, I keep trying until I get the right answer.

[@BloodshotTen]

I have that too!

[@joshuadavid7152]

I love that feeling soo much 🔥

[@renzzo_contreras]

I applied to the University two years ago to study Accounting. I got it, but I've never expected to really focus myself in Finance. I mean, when i took Financial Math course I realize that I really wanted to be part of financial world. I'm very grateful to my professor because he talked to all the class about CFA program and that's why i'm here now. Probably if he had never teached me, i would be lost right now. Most of my classmates don't like Finance, they say Finance is boring or kind of hard (because they couldn't pass Financial Math properly). From my point of view (and my professor as well) in this world an accountant has all the tools to become financer and in fact we have to do it because Finance look at the future, but to look at it we have to look at the past and that's where Accounting is crucial. Thank your for doing these videos man, i really appreciate

[@yannicklaurent9129]

I never realized it until now but I actually do rember taking L1 very fondly for the exact reasons you mentioned

[@gregorybattis9588]

I just signed up for level 1 about a week ago (Nov). Its been 3 years and 4 months since I decided to go back to university with the sole purpose of taking the CFA exams. I got a long road and lots to learn but am excited for it.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yo, best of luck man. Hard work can pay off.

[@gregorybattis9588]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thanks! Back to studying now :D

[@ritahinabukenyaiii838]

How’s it going so far?

[@gregorybattis9588]

@@ritahinabukenyaiii838 Very good I've built a study plan that is working well I am about 35% done with the curriculum for the November exam. Scoring 80%+ on questions

[@anshulchaudhary5073]

@Gregory Battis From where have you bought those practice questions?

[@tariitonyo3360]

Looking forward to the 7th. This level 3 is a beast.

[@kavitabatra4537]

I so relate to the first two points, people feel you are ignoring them but the truth is the so much of study required for this exam and ya study becomes an addiction. The scorecard at the end of practise questions surely a motivating factor and motivates you to study and work harder even more .

[@teemo-kawaii3423]

I'm starting level 1 and studying FRA after Quant and Econ. Thank you for uploading this

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck!

[@joaquinms8891]

I completely understand the "Study Addiction". It really becomes one.

[@MachoMandem]

Man that last one made my day!

[@aadilbassa]

Number 7 was unexpected ! I actually was waiting for the "April Fools" after that haha We need more stories of your wife beating other women for hitting open you ! lol Great vid as always

[@TheCresPOP]

This video is a must see… I told a colleague that is thinking about beginning to study first you watch this yourself, then if you want to continue, you rewatch it with your wife holding hands !

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Haha thank you!

[@DJOttmar]

I just finished the FRM, both parts within a single year. I feel like I have not been doing anything other than studying. So I know the addiction feeling, I am starting to miss it, but enjoying the sheer volume of free time I have now :D

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Enjoy it!!

[@heshanpalliyaguruge6333]

Thank you so much sir. I am currently deciding between pursuing the CPA or CFA as I'm doing a double major in Finance and Accountng. This helped me a lot to understand what to expect for the CFA.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Happy the video could help!

[@conwayGAMES]

this is a really good video, a lot to think about.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thanks Sen Bimmons.

[@TheLadylogik]

I watched the whole thing, and thought the last one was hilarious!

[@NK-vw4ms]

Love the ferrari. More of a red bull guy here tho.

[@dnyaneshwarnagane2001]

Your voice is sooo calming

[@darshangowda9347]

Ah no. You have women swooning over you because you're an extremely handsome chap. The CFA is just an excuse to talk to you.

[@baomao7243]

Word !

[@sylphsh]

I love the the women part of the video! :P I think the reverse would also be true, women who get’s the CFA charter would also look more attractive to men. This could actually be a strong incentive to study CFA and trying to become a CFA charterholder. :)

[@Luke-nh5tu]

these are really good analysis!! you have described my situation in the first and second point

[@mohit3494]

Hahahaha 😂 No.7 was lit 🔥

[@blakemcgill6384]

"I don't leave the house without my CFA pin on"??? And "Women are so into me" And "Really you guys, I don't have an ego" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@TaylorCFP]

LOL @ the last point. Today is a timely day for a post like this. :)

[@lloydn6095]

Haha 7th! Like the confidence brotha! 👊

[@darkskinnedpimp]

Very intelligent editing!

[@harshvardhantonage4871]

Last point was interesting!!

[@mpt2878]

The part when you try to explain your high school friends that you achieved something amazing without sounding like an asshole is always the most difficult part

[@Ari-lu5ve]

Studying for the CPA (not the CFA) right now and this is EXACTLY what im feeling. literally read my mind.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

BEST OF LUCK STUDYING!!!

[@jf13579]

9:23 does anyone else see a little Ben Wyatt smile here, or is it just me? In all seriousness, thank you so much for this video. The CFA is something which I will pursue next round and for which I have resolved myself to undertaking. I am under no illusions as to how difficult and taxing this will be. Watching this video is helping me harden my mind towards achieving my goal, while also giving me a couple of laughs along the way. Subscribed and look forward to more helpful videos in the future!

[@MathTutorVideos]

How many women keep throwing themselves at me at Taco Bell and McDonalds when they see my CFA Pen, lol. Great humor at the end.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Lol

[@sallom432]

RIP for mentioning the last one 🪦

[@abiolahammed9122]

I find the 7th point contradicting your claims that people don’t know the CFAI. The fact that random people at McDonalds can make out your “status” from a pen 🖊 on your suit doesn’t corroborate that there is low public awareness of the charter.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Haha very true...

[@barnabas4608]

For a competitive person, take the exams is like an Academic Gauntlet, after Level 3, you might not ever get to experience that again. DAMNNN HELLL YES. My competitive folk!

[@gatsbyliu1084]

U mean CFA boosts your tinder profile? I am in!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Exactly!

[@themispapavlasopoulos2189]

I am 37 and moved in US 2 years ago. Got my series 7 and 66 and thinking about CFA. Do you think I would have good chances for employment if I get it no matter that a bit older than most new CFA holders?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes! It can be very beneficial at any point in a career.

[@kavitaiyer9971]

hey mate, so in my class people as old as 44 take the exam it even adds to their work so I think its definitely a perk

[@mourgelas4510]

That about women is a nice one. It might motivate some people...

[@samkobby98]

Wow thank you so much for the vid, I’m 21 years old finishing uni next month. Do you think I should try complete my CFA qualification as soon as possible. Will it be better to work part time or full time whilst studying it too?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you want to work in the investing industry, working towards the CFA could be a great idea. And you should be able to work full time while still studying for the CFA.

[@samkobby98]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thank you so much for the advice! God bless

[@slavakolesov1107]

nice video, thanks a lot

[@thewhiteshadow96]

Do you think I will be able to pull as many women with a CFP instead of a CFA? Or is the CFP more like picking up chicks in a BMW whereas the CFA is like picking them up in a lambo?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

The latter.

[@i123456987654]

Oh wow, I want to feel that high...I guess I'll have to take the exams one day

[@arjuncv5277]

No.7 was fantastic 😅

[@TristanBeulah]

As SOON as I saw the last subtitle I checked the date this was posted. XD

[@shawnmorrow8350]

Bwahaha, women throwing themselves at you for being a CFA. As a CPA, I need to become a CFA, as no woman is throwing themselves at the pocket protector, 10 key punching, geeky CPA's. LOL

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

LOL

[@J-th5sl]

"I never leave my house without my CFA pin" 😂😂😂

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

LOL

[@erichilarious3066]

Hi! Quick question, I see on the pre requisite for the CFA is you can have either a bachelors or 4 years of work experience. I was wondering if you knew of anyone that was successful as a chartered CFA without a degree and if a degree is needed for jobs or internships in your opinion. I’ve been working for a bank for 2 years and would love to become a fully chartered analyst but don’t want to rack up a bunch of debt if not required. Thank you 🙏

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

You do need a 4 year degree to become a CFA.

[@brethitmanhart275]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 not true AJ. You can have "Professional work experience". 3 years minimum and totalling over 4000 hours.

[@ThePandos11]

@@brethitmanhart275 is correct. You can become a CFA even without a degree if you make up for it with work experience. But I can't tell you how people would see you without one.

[@vicentecorrea5267]

HAHJAJAJAJAHAHAH THE LAST KOKEEE

[@ruijialiu3436]

Morning!!!!

[@maxb5957]

Max was here

[@joshmatthews2031]

Hey AJ, wondering if you used an iPad or tablet to study for any of the CFA levels?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Nah, just my laptop and a notebook.

[@preetijoshi1437]

True I hate my life but still pulling it...

[@charlesukatu7327]

12:54 is the only information you need in this video

[@toietmoi650]

3 and 7 are the most interesting ones for me. I am level 1 and can't wait to have my CFA pin, not because of the women but rather for the power and fame it confers to the charterholer.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Lol

[@Xryujfdjd]

Power and fame? Keep dreaming.

[@annajones9701]

Power fame? Lol. A top MBA or good Masters in finance with programming and Alts is better

[@wolfoffwallstreet9902]

YOU ARE a SOOO correct- I am an indentured servant to CFA ...Lev3 in May Baby- I want to read a grisham novel or my WSJ/FT again!

[@krishnathapa1122]

that last part's joke was bit funny for me. and having to explain about cfa is tiring esp when almost none of them know about it even theoretical in nature. considering doing cfa along with other career options also

[@AgricEcon]

Studying is addictive... after CFA what did you do next? Is there another program that you pursued or plan to pursue?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I agree! I did the CFP, then started focusing on this KZbin channel!

[@moderngod1]

how often do you sit at a desk and stare at spreadsheets in a given week?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Maybe 1 hour per week.

[@moderngod1]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 no way so what’s the rest of your work week look like? Maybe a video on that would be good

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@moderngod1 I have one about this!

[@palesamphatsoe959]

Hi, I just graduated in an investment degree last year and I genuinely don't know what career path to pursue in this industry. I enjoy the stock market and learning about the mechanics and technicalities of how it works, but I enjoy interacting with people. I don't know what career path I can pursue that incorporates some degree of both 😢

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Wealth management.

[@tejaspatel254]

1. Studying becomes an addiction. 2. Its harder on your friends and relatives. 3. Other people feel inferior. 4. Ethical Dilemmas 5. Exam day becomes Fun 6. Explain to others about CFA 7. Women.

[@1984beanz]

Delivery was just right i reckon.

[@Abhishek-gr7rp]

Hey AJ, which youtube channels will you advice to the finance professionals?

[@nickhanks3591]

Woah woah woah, hold up, WTF??? Before she was a school teacher she was a mma fighter? 😂😂😂😂13:00

[@NotstarvinMarvin]

The CFA dont "market" themselves because if you are really willing and eager to learn you find out what it is by yourself like in all area's of life.

[@edgarg6559]

Hi, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you? I’m 31 and going through a career change and am considering the CFA but getting a little discouraged that it might be too late for me.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

27. 31 is definitely not too late! If it makes sense for you, go for it.

[@optimistickhanzada632]

Can social science (Mass Communication) bachelor degree holder give CFA exam?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Sure, but I'm not sure how much it will help with CFA prep.

[@keysbando9491]

Hey, I’m fresh out of high school and plan on going to college to become a finical analyst. Do u have like a plan or advantage I should take, throughout my career

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Get involved in business clubs in college!!

[@Tony-ot5uf]

Hahahahahaha doung it for the 7th reason

[@tomasito4082]

Do you think computer based testing will make it easier? I feel like pass rates could still be low as people tell themselves “ah ill just retake it in a few months if I fail”

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes I do. We will see when results come out.

[@saadansari9645]

Bro you are on a totally different level 😂

[@mr.swanandvidwans1558]

Hi AJ, I have a background in Data Science and haven’t studied Economics / Finance. Am I eligible for CFA? Also, how tough it would be for a candidate like me to prepare?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes! Anyone is eligible. It would be tough to prepare but not impossible.

[@omarmahmoud9179]

Hahaha the 7th was hilarious xd i have my exam coming up soon and i cannot tell ya how scared i am!! I'm scared to the point that I'm thinking of postponing it but i see it fun to study now idk i feel like i became nerd!! Aside from that you see to be a gamer for me i got no clue why xd

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you know you have prepared well, don't postpone just from being worried. You got this!

[@omarmahmoud9179]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks man for being supportive, matter of fact this is the 2nd time i comment on your vids and you answer me. Let's see if the diminishing rule (testing my luck) has its own impact on KZbin too xD

[@stephenreed2742]

How long fo you think materials become outdated if I was to borrow from someone?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

2-3 years.

[@pankajarya6580]

Does cfa give questions form candidate resources ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

yes! on their website

[@harrisonbailey9884]

#7 hahahaha, well done, sir

[@tastyfoodbuzz5395]

Hey, I want to register for CFA level 1 (November 2021) but I'm really scared that'll pass or not and also that's probably a big amount for me... Could you please tell if I start preparing after month of may I would be able to complete all of my syllabus if study on daily basis for 3-4 hours for 5 months ? Is it enough ? Or I must register for (Feb 2022)? Please guide... And one more thing that Your videos helps a lot..

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you did 4 hours every day for 5 months, that would be enough to pass. Best of luck!

[@techknowledgestuff]

I think last day to sign up for Nov 2021 is Aug 25 2021. Try to complete the first 4 books before this date and then sign up. The last 2 books have lesser weightage in the exam.

[@christinekhona7166]

​@techknowledgestuff where do l find the first 4 books before l sign up as well

[@ElevenKings]

Have your career goals changed since becoming a CFA charter holder?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Not really, no. I have a video discussing this.

[@ridhikapoor1610]

Have you done any other course with CFA sir??

[@nasrinsultana8515]

What you prefer for

[@nasrinsultana8515]

What you prefer for CFA level 1 candidate's review? Practice problem from CFA curriculum or practice questions from CFA candidate resources?

[@shehrozusman1087]

One Question: Can a candidate working 9-5 do CFA whilst keeping up his job?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Definitely! That is how myself and most candidates do it.

[@shehrozusman1087]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thank you so much for the quick reply.

[@i123456987654]

Oh wow, people feel less and the ethical dilemmas...good to know

[@dinaseptiani4267]

Having CFA Level 1 is that enough to apply job?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Sometimes, yes.

[@viren456]

I don’t understand what he wanna tell...

[@CorporatePantsula]

😂😂😂 was he joking at point number 7

[@Nicole-ch1qe]

Your wife is so COOL!!!

[@adi5877]

addiction of studying??? lmao it’s the opposite of that for most of us

[@SkillShooter88]

Point 6 contradicts with point 7. If there's barely any awareness of what CFA is within the finance sector, let alone the general public, then how do these "women" even know what they're throwing themselves at? I'm willing to wager it's not the pin. It's probably your suit, rolex, car or just your damn aura of confidence that women can't stay away from lol

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Lol

[@jordanhatch8784]

Number 8: it makes you incredibly handsome

[@icecream6680]

i agree with number 6 😂

[@kushals155]

Wait, 7th one is obviously a joke.....right......?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

We can't be sure.........

[@dakshpreetkaur2248]

I'm 18 AJ..and I'm preparing for CFA and i want your suggestion when should i give exam...but thnks for help ...cheers

[@faltitudebossareas1882]

Man said get the cfa to get laid.

[@amznprime5145]

I sit for CFA because I LOVE MONEY. What's yours? #DollarSa #Pass

[@janedsouza985]

I am not show off kind of a guy, and then wears a CFA pen to Mc Donalds.

[@someonespeci1697]

#cfasuicide is real

[@shikimarunara6972]

Damn.. MMA 😂😂😂😂

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Lol

[@HudsonHandel]

Do it for the chicks.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Haha amen.

[@MachoMandem]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 🤣🤣🤣

[@swarnabhattar9988]

Haha..7th point 😂

[@Shubhamyadav-hd1po]

🤣🤣🤣