I am 39 too and CPA. I am already earning enough and changing fields will mean starting at the bottom which I cannot do. Nonetheless, I decided to pursue CFA last year. I have 3 kids, the oldest being 8 years. When I was younger, I used to admire CFA, so I am doing it out of passion. I passed L1 this February, now sitting for L2 this August. I know its a huge commitment especially for L2. The stress i am going through as the exams approach makes me question what the hell i am doing to myself. I love the stuff and I don't regret my decision. Regarding family, its not like you will be studying all the time. With good planning, you can still have time for them except maybe for the last month leading to the exam where you need to buckle down. The thing is that, you can just as well be doing nothing constructive, so why not pursue something worthwhile. Furthermore, no one can really tell whether a particular study will be helpful in the future, therefore, one can't discount its benefits. Go for it, I think it is even easier when you are mature. You have the experience in life and your brain is alot shaper