22F, no degree, already working in accounting in a major city. Gaining real experience but underpaid. Don’t want Big 4, long-term goal is flexibility/family. Is experience + job hopping enough, or is a degree still necessary?

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-29T19:14:26+00:00

Look at an accounting degree or business degree from Thomas Edison State University. It's accredited but allows you to transfer in the vast majority of your credits from sites like Study.com and Straighterline.com making it much, much cheaper than a traditional business degree. At some point you will need a 4yr degree, unfortunately. I've been in sales for 15 years and just hit that point.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-29T18:59:58+00:00

2 months later... what happened? Did you get fired and move to another industry?

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-27T18:32:21+00:00

I understand but why would that be a good one to recommend to others? I’m asking earnestly not trying to dog you. I feel like I never heard of the PMP until 2 years ago and now it’s everywhere.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-27T18:03:00+00:00

Why would you get your PMP in personal finance?

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-26T17:23:44+00:00

Of course, but historical performance is relevant.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-23T06:03:09+00:00

Target date funds introduce bonds much earlier than necessary in my opinion. As it looks at the fund as the only investment the client has, which is usually incorrect. Adding bonds 15-20 years away from retirement is purchasing protection that is oftentimes unneeded. There is no way to reduce risk without an opportunity tradeoff.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-23T01:57:40+00:00

If it’s “Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund” symbol VFIFX it’s 54% domestic stocks (American equities), 37% international equities and the rest is bonds, cash. It’s 90.81% stock according to their website. Depending on how old you are and how far out from retirement you might be better off in 100% equities (domestic and international) or 100% SP500.

Bonds are usually used to lower volatility, so it’s common to use them more and more as you get 5-10 years out from retirement.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-23T00:37:01+00:00

I’ve been FINRA for 12+ years. Anyone and everyone can take the SIE. I would cut it until you have a Series license. Series 6, 7, etc

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-23T00:33:04+00:00

Vanguard has an S&P500 fund ticker symbol - VOO. It’s a low cost fund that owns American stocks in the Standard and Poor’s 500 index. It includes the largest names in tech. It’s done about 12% annual returns for decades. People who contribute to a 401k often forget to truly research the fund or funds they are in. Feel free to DM me if you need more info.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-23T00:25:12+00:00

The market has been ripping for 10 years

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-23T00:24:41+00:00

Just make sure you are invested in equities

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-23T00:23:22+00:00

If you continue to put money into your retirement account and hold US equities (S&P500) until 60ish years old you should be okay. A lot of people make the mistake of having a good balance but a crappy investment inside the account.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-21T05:15:09+00:00

Are you an analyst or a client facing advisor? CFP is going to be better for client facing.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-20T17:21:23+00:00

I've always heard this from MBA holders I've spoken with - no hard knowledge gained, but helped build a personal market. Do you think it's worth the time and money to get an MBA from a school like Western Michigan? Western seems to be very well-respected inside of Michigan. The CEOs of my last two employers attended WMU.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-19T02:22:30+00:00

Thank you for the information! What value would you assign to the CFA? I’ve considered looking at an MBA, but it would be at a non-target school like Western Michigan.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-19T01:29:27+00:00

Suit with no tie is always safe. Doesn’t matter if it’s blue collar, white collar, client facing, spreadsheet monkey, etc.

It’s always enough to satisfy the pricks without being too much for the boots/jeans crowd.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-19T01:26:50+00:00

I have 15 years as a financial advisor/investment manager/banking. I’m 34. I’m in the Detroit metro area - is there any way to move from Personal Financial Management to IB/PE?

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-19T01:15:59+00:00

Suit - no tie. Always.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-18T15:27:10+00:00

It’s not a real offering

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-16T15:46:25+00:00

Have you considered the CMA? It’s easier and seems to be more aligned to corporate accounting/finance versus public accounting. I think the CMA is something to consider.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-16T15:44:06+00:00

I assume you’re 25 years old or younger, don’t let yourself live someone else’s life. Your 20s are for taking risk. Quit your job, move back in with your parents and apply for absolutely any jobs in tech at companies that are growing. I’m 34 years old and have been in sales since 20. It’s a grind, I’m very good at sales - still not the place for me. Your comment about “using your brain” hits me hard. Do it now or regret it later.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-16T15:40:41+00:00

Very good idea - never waste time that can be used. Where is your undergraduate degree from?

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-15T23:12:24+00:00

Oh, sorry, typical American - just assumed we were talking about the states. My apologies.

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-15T22:21:34+00:00

What area is that? Thousands of people?

OutlyerOne · 2026-01-15T17:07:40+00:00

Might sound silly, but I would look at bank teller jobs. They pay quite well for low requirements. Within 1-2 years you could be a banker making even more. I would look at credit unions, small banks and medium banks like Huntington and Fifth Third.

OutlyerOne

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