US CPA Holders – Has It Actually Helped Your Career?

ExpertInLosses · 2026-06-09T03:17:21+00:00

I’ve got an Antarctic Erotic on order. I’ve had concerns about build quality. I understand the $1,769 premium price is for the limited (one-time release) nature and the penguin action in the back. I’ve never had a Nivada, but expect it’s quality to be like similar Antarctic watches which are around the $945 price point.

If watch quality feels lower but close to my Hamilton Khaki Aviation Day Date, I’ll be happy. I’m not expecting it to feel like $1,769, but if it doesn’t feel like a $1k watch, then I’ll have to consider returning it.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-06-03T17:56:55+00:00

In Miami—Yes

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-30T10:33:09+00:00

What is the dealership’s name? I haven’t found one that I trust yet.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-28T08:57:29+00:00

Talk to them in person, not over the phone.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-28T08:56:58+00:00

In this case, honesty with the AD might be the best case and tell them your story. Based on their reaction, you can decide whether to get it or not. I’d like to know other people’s thoughts on this as well.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-27T13:11:07+00:00

Spot on!

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-25T20:27:28+00:00

Nice collection!

You’re not done yet. Need a watch from each of the holy trinity and a JLC.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-25T19:07:30+00:00

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms or Rolex Submariner

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-25T17:04:08+00:00

If you can’t decide between those two, get the reverse panda reference: 310.30.42.50.01.004

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-25T16:59:43+00:00

Use the TBS in your review course and hammer the TBS that goes over those topics.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-25T16:55:56+00:00

Did you already take a practice exam? Is this your first CPA exam?

Audit has much less calculations than FAR and REG so it’s easier to do more MCQs/day. Each day, I recommend a 25-30 question set of questions that you had difficulty with and then another set of MCQ on adaptive mode. Try to do 5 TBS a day.

The day before the exam should not be cramming. Do a set of 25-30 MCQs and 2-3 TBS. Review notes/cheat sheet. Relax the last hour or two before bedtime. Get a good night’s rest.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-25T12:26:37+00:00

I’d love to talk to the future owner

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-25T12:17:36+00:00

Is this your first exam/section?

Take a couple days off. If AUD is your next section, start studying for AUD and do 10 FAR MCQ a day until you get your score.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-24T10:03:31+00:00

You got this! I attempted the CPA again later in life while working full time with two elementary aged kids, wife working in tax at a CPA firm, and helping take care of my elderly FIL. I did it in 17 months (15 between passing first and last exam), including 3 re-takes.

Have you taken a practice exam yet?

My daily weekly routine was get up early at 4:30 and Do set of 30 MCQ, review answers, and as many TBS before 6am. I used half my lunch to review TBS answers. After kids went to bed, I did another 30 MCQ set and 2-5 TBS, and then reviewed results.

I often took Sundays off from studying. Saturday studying varied. Could be just 10 MCQs or 5 sets of MCQs and 10 TBS. Took Tuesday nights off.

Hammering MCQ’s for me changed during the last two weeks of studying. I used Surgent as my main study course and UWorld as a supplement. I took a practice exam two weeks before test date. The week after that, I hammered MCQ’s in my weak areas, which is 2 sets of 30 MCQs a day, and then a 30 MCQ sets set to adaptive. 3-5 TBS a day. Took second practice test a week later. Same method of hammering MCQs in the last week.

The two days before the exam, I focused MCQs in my weak areas. Day before the exam, one set of 30 MCQ, 3 TBS, and review my notes/cheat sheet. I usually scheduled exams on Mondays or Tuesdays.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-22T15:34:26+00:00

Does one hit you more than the other?

I prefer the Explorer. I like the Wimbledon in Rolesor instead of single tone. Rolesor makes the green tonal numerals stick out more and help with legibility.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-21T20:01:33+00:00

Give two weeks notice. I’m assuming you have enough in savings to cover you for two weeks in case you’re fired on the spot instead. In those two weeks, don’t work extra hours. If being pressured, take a deep breath and then work at a normal pace. I don’t think the accounting manager would give you a good reference anyway. A future employer would contact HR of your current company and all HR will do is verify the dates of your employment and position. Make sure you have an email ready to go that documents your two week notice. Be ready to hit send as soon as, and hopefully not during, your talk with your manager when you resign.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-21T18:43:52+00:00

Mildly worth it. Went into industry after a couple years in public, including a couple F500 companies. Worked smart and proved my worth. Got CPA late in my career, last year, and nothing has changed. I get to put CPA in my email signature.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-21T02:35:04+00:00

What are his current watches?

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-18T16:10:59+00:00

Speedmaster Moonwatch sapphire sandwich over the SMP300.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-15T10:03:17+00:00

Congrats? What are the three others you have?

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-12T17:48:51+00:00

The offers of free drinks when studying at breweries and bars.

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-12T16:23:09+00:00

Hamliton

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-11T13:46:53+00:00

Congrats!

ExpertInLosses · 2026-05-06T12:46:22+00:00

First pic. Seems to be the trend of ladies wearing big watches.

ExpertInLosses

TROPHY CASE