Is the CFA worth it today? (THE HONEST TRUTH from a CFA Charterholder)

[@CharleneCong]

I’m finally hosting the LIVE Masterclass you’ve all been waiting for! Register here: www.charlenecong.com/webinar You’ll discover: 💼 How I retired in my early 30s 💡 The EXACT steps to build your first investment portfolio 📈 How I turned a $500 investment into a 7-figure stock portfolio (Yes, it’s possible!) This masterclass is BEGINNER-FRIENDLY and limited to keep it personal and interactive-so you get the MOST out of it. 🎯

[@astridduezalbrecht3784]

Just the advice I was looking for, thank you

[@CharleneCong]

Glad to hear it was helpful! 😊 If you ever have more questions or need advice on anything else, don’t hesitate to ask. What’s your next step going to be?

[@arishah2884]

Hey Charlene, Great video! Charterholder here. Thanks for sharing. It's quite a process and it feels like it changed my personality. I was a really outgoing 23 year old man going out every weekend, going for trips to tons of places. As soon as I enrolled, I stopped eating healthy, could not go to the gym or dance often, did not have time to chat with friends or family much. All i did was work in Asset Management - 9/10 hrs and then come back home, take a nap for 1 hr and then study for 3 hrs. Double on the weekends. It felt crazy even when my parents used to say let's go for a drive or friends would say lets meet up for dinner and drinks. Concerts, everything et cetera. Feeling relieved now but somehow its very deeply ingrained in my system, and still recovering. Transitioning into a new person soon.

[@CharleneCong]

Hey! Thanks for your message. It sounds like you've been through a lot on your journey to becoming a charterholder. I understand how the intense study and work schedule can take a toll on your personal life and hobbies. It's great to hear that you're feeling relieved now. Do take it slow and prioritize self-care as you move forward:) If you ever need someone to talk to or support along the way, feel free to reach out. Wishing you all the best as you navigate this transition! Charlene x

[@musicreboost]

Dear Charlene💕you are just awesome! Thank you so much for your experience - you inspired me a lot!! I am your fan forever!

[@CharleneCong]

thank you so much for your kind words my friend! I'm thrilled to hear that my experience has inspired you. Your support means the world to me. What part of my journey resonated with you the most?~

[@musicreboost]

@@CharleneCong it is very cool to know that CFA is possible for professionals with different background I still plan my master in Finance but I would definitely go ahead with CFA first

[@CharleneCong]

That's great to hear! The CFA program is indeed a versatile option that can benefit professionals from various backgrounds. Pursuing your CFA before your master's in Finance sounds like a solid plan, as it can provide a strong foundation and enhance your credentials. Are there any particular topics or areas within finance that you are especially interested in? Best of luck with your studies and future endeavors!

[@cknly]

Great video congrats maam

[@CharleneCong]

Thank you so much! 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Anything specific you liked the most?

[@s.m.hassan3887]

charlene, i m taking Level 3 second time this feb, L3 is quite a beast to be honest. i will take ur advice going forward. from Pakistan

[@GamingZone-kq2fx]

I'm also from Pak. Can I talk to you about CFA ? Plz mention your insta

[@CharleneCong]

Hey there! Level 3 is definitely a tough one, but kudos to you for tackling it again! 💪 You've got this! I'm happy my advice could help. Best of luck with your studies-sending good vibes from here! 🌟 How's the prep going so far?

[@surajmishra4798]

Preparing for CFA Level 1 this video helped me a Lot from India 🇮🇳

[@CharleneCong]

So glad it’s helpful 🤍🤍good luck with the exam!

[@applepeel1662]

Quite interesting that you came from a completely non-finance background, why did you decide on pursuing a career in finance? I’m currently studying a MS in Business Analytics at Boston University and im really interested in working in Fintech so im researching if CFA level 1 would make sense for me

[@CharleneCong]

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, it's been quite a journey moving from a non-finance background to finance. I got hooked on financial markets and their global impact, which led me down this path. For Fintech, the CFA can give you a solid financial foundation, which can be really useful. Your MS in Business Analytics sounds awesome and super relevant to Fintech! How are you liking your program at Boston University, and what part of Fintech excites you the most?

[@bennetjoseph1074]

Hey Charlene, great words of wisdom. Reduction of rent was the best part 😅. Hope your channel reach a million subscribers soon. Just a question- I’m preparing for L1 Nov 24- which prep material did you refer?

[@CharleneCong]

Thanks for your kind words and good luck my friend! I was using the notes from Kaplan back then and I think that’s good enough! And I had a video about 5 tips on passing CFA, hope it’s helpful too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIXWmaKCrLCegcksi=LiKH-kf3Jt17qipw

[@kevinkalappurayil]

I have been working in Physical therapy for years but have always had a passion for investing. I have been looking into the CFA exams. What kind of job did you get post passing all 3 CFA exams and what’s the salary and work life balance situation like for the jobs post completing the CFA? Was it easy to get a job after attaining the CFA? Since we both come from non finance backgrounds I wanted to get your opinion on this. Thank you so much!

[@CharleneCong]

That’s awesome that you’re exploring your passion for investing! After passing all three CFA exams, I ended up with JPMorgan asset management, which was a great fit for me. As for salary and work-life balance, it really varies depending on the company and location. The CFA definitely opens doors, but landing a job can still be competitive-networking and relevant experience help a ton. Given your background in physical therapy, you might have a unique perspective to bring to the finance world! What part of investing are you most drawn to?

[@kevinkalappurayil]

I really love picking stocks. I guess I would love to one day manage my own fund at least that would be the dream lol

[@CharleneCong]

That sounds like an awesome dream! 🚀 There’s something so satisfying about picking the right stocks and seeing your strategy pay off. Although I don’t suggest beginner investors start with stock picking, managing your own fund one day would be the ultimate level-up. What’s been your best stock pick so far?

[@kevinkalappurayil]

@@CharleneCong ESEA. I had 20% of my portfolio in it and it’s up significantly but still very cheap in my own opinion from a value perspective. I’ve had others that have done well but didn’t have much capital in it. Some coal stocks have some pretty good valuations currently and I’ve been starting to take minor positions in them. For the most part I don’t invest in as much growth stocks where at least for me is less predictable I’d rather just buy ETF’s for some of my money so I’d inevitably be invested in the winners. I try to find small to mid market cap companies that have been a while that don’t change very much and where their net incomes on average would reach their current market cap in like 2-4 years max and have little to no debt

[@neoibnid303]

Super interesting that you didn't have any formal finance education, you passed the CFA with all self study?

[@CharleneCong]

Yep, all self-study! 📚 It was definitely a challenge, but with the right resources and a lot of determination, it’s totally doable. Are you thinking about going the self-study route too?

[@neoibnid303]

@CharleneCong thanks for answering! Yes I'm definitely thinking of it, bit scared since it's been a decade since the last time I studied for anything at all. Do you have a video of which extra resources you used please?

[@hamzashah1264]

I think I'm in love 💖

[@CharleneCong]

Thanks for your comment ;)

[@hamzashah1264]

@@CharleneCong how do I get rich while studying in university 😭😭😭. So that 🔥 girls like me :( plz give me ideas 💡

[@hamzashah1264]

@@CharleneCong I have 3 KZbin channels one is at 16k(but not monetized yet). I started a new one yesterday. But I need more ideas other than social media.

[@CharleneCong]

⁠@@hamzashah1264 You don’t chase, instead attack:) you’re still so young! Take time ❤

[@pratik6342]

​@@hamzashah1264 If you doing things just to make girls like you then you are digging yourself a grave. Find out your purpose bro, instead of getting after chicks.

[@lisaliang9004]

Just downloaded the 60 basic financial terms. Thanks for your generosity!

[@CharleneCong]

Hope you enjoy it! How do you find it?

[@lisaliang9004]

@@CharleneCong you pasted it in the description😃

[@shadowfiend6713]

@@lisaliang9004 When she asked how do you find it, i think shes asking your opinion on how you like it (if its good or whatever)

[@McY-fk6re]

I love the rent reduction story 😅😂 unbelievable

[@CharleneCong]

Totally unexpected 😁🤣

[@ArdenBlazier]

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[@dmerchantprince2506]

How do you view CMT designation as a CFA charterholder ma’am?

[@CharleneCong]

Thanks for the question! As a CFA charterholder, I see the CMT designation as a great complement. It adds a technical analysis perspective to the fundamental analysis skills from the CFA. It also depends on your goals and what you want to achieve in your career. Plus, job experience is often more important than any designation. Are you considering pursuing the CMT?

[@dmerchantprince2506]

@@CharleneCong yes Ma’am! Hopefully you can make a video about it too! Keep making great contents Ma’am! We need credible Finfluencers these days… God bless!

[@typicalgamer5560]

@@CharleneCong The CMT designation goes completely against what we are taught in the CFA though?

[@JasferMichael]

姐姐好优秀，我是一名大二的学生，今年暑假8月考CFA一级

[@CharleneCong]

谢谢你的留言！很高兴听到你在大二就已经准备考CFA一级了，这真的很棒！祝你考试顺利，加油！如果你有任何关于考试准备的疑问或需要建议，随时告诉我哦。你对未来的职业规划有什么想法吗？

[@CharleneCong]

My study material for CFA: CFA level 1 Books (2024): amzn.to/3YFVoEm CFA level 1 Books (2025): amzn.to/3SKQlhV Calculator I use for CFA: amzn.to/3WWVxSr

[@kaifshaikh6857]

Unable to find the 60 financial terms guide.

[@CharleneCong]

charlenecong.com/financialterms/ is this working?

[@姜钧-o9t]

先点赞，再观看，养成好习惯😸

[@CharleneCong]

🤓🤓🤓

[@marialaurenta2379]

Hello my friend, i want to build my own hedge fund company. Do you think if i have cfa level 3. Do you think worth it? So far you know, Does investor belive if they put their money with people have cfa level 3?

[@CharleneCong]

Hey there! Starting your own hedge fund? That’s awesome! 💼 Having a CFA Level 3 under your belt is definitely a big plus-it shows you’ve got serious finance chops. Investors do respect those letters, but remember, it's not just about the credentials. They also want to see experience, a solid strategy, and confidence that you'll make their money grow. So, what’s your plan?

[@BartonBaird-l2m]

Gonzalez Jose Lewis Jennifer Hernandez Eric

[@RekhaBhandari-d8q]

Is only CFA worth it?

[@CharleneCong]

It can open many doors in terms of career opportunities and advancement. However, whether it's worth it depends on your career goals and interests. For some, additional qualifications like an MBA or other professional certifications might also be beneficial. What are your career aspirations, and what specific areas of finance are you interested in? Also, you can find CPA MBA CFA comparison in this playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWikq4OplLNliKc

[@rosechesterton761]

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[@amrelshereef]

من خلال تجربتك... ايهما افضل؟؟ الحصول علي دراسات عليا في الاقتصاد او الحصول علي CFA؟؟ ... اتمني لكي التوفيق في حياتك المهنيه... تحياتي وتقديري لكي سيدتي....

[@CharleneCong]

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 As for your question, it really depends on your career goals. If you're more interested in financial analysis, investment management, or working in the financial markets, the CFA is a strong choice and opens a lot of doors in those areas. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards a broader field like economic policy, research, or academia, a master's in economics might be the better path. Are you leaning toward a specific career direction?

[@amrelshereef]

@@CharleneCong شكراااا لكي جزيلا سيدتي الفاضله علي ردكم الكريم... تحياتي وتقديري

[@MrLiridonf]

At what point in your life did you decide to go for the CFA and do you think age should be considered when choosing to do the CFA?

[@CharleneCong]

Great questions! I decided to go for the CFA when I realized I wanted to deepen my knowledge and boost my career in finance in my 20s. Honestly, I don't think age should be a big factor-it's more about where you are in your career and your goals. What stage are you at in your CFA journey?

[@MrLiridonf]

@@CharleneCong Thank you for your response. I had bought some used books just to see if I like the material and read them all and enjoyed it but haven’t taken any exam yet. I’m in my 30s though and have been a financial analyst and auditor in different roles within the banking industry. I have been investing in the markets and for the past 3 years I’m up 26% so my goal is to keep doing that and maybe switch to an equity analyst with the current bank I work for if I get the opportunity given my age. Further down the road maybe start my own fund. The only thing is by the time I’m done with the CFA I’ll probably be in my 40s 😂.

[@CharleneCong]

Sounds like you've got a solid plan and some impressive experience under your belt! 🎉 It’s great that you’ve already been seeing success in the markets-26% over three years is no small feat! Switching to an equity analyst role sounds like a natural next step, and starting your own fund down the road? That’s ambitious and exciting! As for finishing the CFA in your 40s, better late than never, right? 😉

[@MrLiridonf]

@@CharleneCong Thank you for.

[@PullmanMagee-t6u]

Brown Sandra Harris Robert Davis Deborah

[@Sujaljaina]

hello i am 20 definitely interested in finance a lot but i am still in college and this course is very expensive so will it be worth it for me if i do this course now?

[@CharleneCong]

Hello! If you're passionate about finance, investing in a quality course can be beneficial. However, it's important to consider your financial situation and other commitments. You might also explore scholarships, online resources to gain experience without the high cost. CFA also offers scholarships. What specific area of finance are you most interested in?

[@CharleneCong]

Thank you for watching! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here. I'll do my best to respond to as many as possible. Also, don't forget to download your free resources: 💡 Free Guide: Master finance lingo with my "60 Essential Finance Terms Explained" guide!charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ 💸 Budgeting Template: Down easy-to-use budgeting template that I personally use: charlenecong.com/learn-with-charlene/ Charlene x

[@Jojo18898]

You made friends studying for the CFA? 😂 haha now I know that’s cap.

[@CharleneCong]

Haha, I know, right? Making friends while studying for the CFA sounds like a legend! 😆 Did you ever have a study group, or did you go solo?

[@Jojo18898]

@@CharleneCong Solo. Just brute forced it. :P

[@SokinaAktar-g8v]

Robinson Daniel Robinson Ronald Perez Larry

[@SenehaIslam-o8p]

Smith Thomas Martin Steven Harris Frank

[@cchan824]

Not worth it anymore

[@CharleneCong]

I understand where you're coming from:) The value of the CFA can depend on individual career goals and industry demands. What do you think are the most valuable qualifications or experiences in the finance field today?

[@honeythiefgameplays8609]

@@CharleneCong I stil think the most valuable experiences in the finance field today would be FP&A to help stakeholders take informed decisions, giving them every reasonable options for different outcomes. but if you want to be your own boss I think just getting level 1 of CFA and pursuing CMA/ MBA would be best as these two are more aligned for the business instead of finance focusing, in my opinion. As for me I have a Bachelor in accounting and auditing and currently doing CFI's FMVA Certification then going to specialize in FP&A. Still yet to decide (when my financial situation stabilize) if I would go for CFA or CMA tho.